Holland America Line has decided to extend its pause of global cruise operations and cancel all Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England cruises for the rest of the year.

Holland America Line has celebrated the keel laying of its new 2,668-passenger ‘Ryndam’ at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. A 505-ton block, measuring 14 by 34 meters, was lowered by crane into the yard’s building dock, marking the official beginning of construction.

Under the agreement, Carnival Corporation will develop a new cruise port destination primarily for Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama, and construction of a new addition, including a pier, on the Bahamian island of Little San Salvador, home to Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay port.

The newbuild, due for delivery in May 2021, will be the 17th ship constructed for Holland America Line by Fincantieri, which most recently delivered Nieuw Statendam.

Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, the second Pinnacle Class ship in the fleet, returned to Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy earlier after successfully completing two sets of sea trials off the coast.

Holland America Line has revealed Oprah Winfrey will serve as godmother of its new Nieuw Statendam vessel. In support of the appointment O, the Oprah Magazine, has announced a three-day Girls’ Getaway cruise on the ship, starting on January 30th next year.