Want to see the ship’s godmother, Oprah Winfrey, welcome Holland America Line’s newest addition to the fleet, live ?

Holland America Line is inviting us to view the dedication ceremony of Nieuw Statendam live on February 2, 2019, at 2 p.m. Eastern time  at HollandAmerica.com/dedication or on the brand’s Facebook page. Here’s the news:

The ceremony is being held aboard Nieuw Statendam from the World Stage theater at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Winfrey — philanthropist, film star, TV icon, founder and editorial director of O, The Oprah Magazine — will officially dedicate the ship in a time-honored maritime tradition believed to bring good luck and protection to a new vessel and all who sail on board. Other speakers include Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford.

“Interest in the dedication ceremony for Nieuw Statendam from fans and friends around the world has been unprecedented, and through live streaming everyone is invited to be a part of this special event,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We are deeply honored that Oprah Winfrey will serve as godmother of Nieuw Statendam, and now anyone who wants to watch her dedicate our new ship can be there with us and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

Following an overnight in Fort Lauderdale after the dedication, Nieuw Statendam will depart Feb. 3 on a seven-day Caribbean cruise.

Win a Cruise for Two with the Come Sail O-Way Sweepstakes
To celebrate the debut of Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line recently launched a Come Sail O-Way sweepstakes in partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine. One lucky winner and a guest will bask in the sun of the Caribbean or Mexico on a seven-day cruise in a verandah stateroom. Winners can choose from among the many Holland America Line ships in those regions, including Nieuw Statendam.

To enter the Come Sail O-Way sweepstakes, participants must visit SailOWaySweeps.com and fill out an entry form. Once that form is complete, the entry is automatically submitted. The sweepstakes runs through Feb. 17, 2019, and is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Québec) who are 21 years of age or older as of the date of entry.

About Nieuw Statendam 
Nieuw Statendam was delivered by Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Nov. 30, 2018, and currently is sailing throughout the Caribbean. Come summer and fall, the ship will explore Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The new 2,666-guest ship has an ambiance that balances fresh, contemporary styling in perfect harmony with the line’s renowned classic elegance. At the helm of the design and interiors are internationally acclaimed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and Bjørn Storbraaten, one of the world’s leading architects working in the cruise industry.

Nieuw Statendam offers an abundance of unforgettable dining options. Award-winning cuisine is served in the stunning Dining Room; and an array of specialty restaurants feature exclusive experiences such as steak and seafood at Pinnacle Grill, authentic Italian cuisine in Canaletto, the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia at Tamarind and Nami Sushi, and a contemporary twist on French seafood classics in Rudi’s Sel de Mer.

The innovative Music Walk on Nieuw Statendam showcases a variety of live musical experiences and genres unlike any other at sea, including Rolling Stone Rock Room, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King’s Blues Club. Guests can explore at America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows, learn at the Microsoft Studio, design at Wonder Photo Shop and create custom wines at BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle, while BBC Earth Experiences thrill at the spectacular two-story World Stage.

For more information, contact a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.