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Dutch vessel makes maiden call

Published:Monday | January 21, 2019 | 11:05 PM
Norma Rhoden-Walters, custos of St Ann, poses beside Michaelangelo’s ‘David’ taking a selfie. The statue is one of the interesting pieces of art that are featured aboard the Nieuw Statendam cruise vessel, which made its maiden voyage to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in January 2019.
Norma Rhoden-Walters, custos of St Ann, poses beside Michaelangelo’s ‘David’ taking a selfie. The statue is one of the interesting pieces of art that are featured aboard the Nieuw Statendam cruise vessel, which made its maiden voyage to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in January 2019.

The pinnacle classMS Nieuw Statendam borrows its name from the former city of New Amsterdam (now known as New York City). The 2,106-passenger member of the Holland America fleet is well known for its extensive art collection. Aboard the vessel is a mixture of wonder and whimsy typified by a version of the iconic Michelangelo statue ‘David’ holding a mobile phone. The vessel also features an ‘architecture of music’ theme throughout including art and listening spaces dedicated to music of varying genres.

The vessel, which made its maiden call to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was greeted by the Chairman and CEO of shipping agents Lannaman and Morris Shipping Harriat Maragh and team from the agency as well as the Custos of St Ann, Hon Norma Walters; Cruise Liaison officer Sharon Williams; Vana Taylor, board member of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce; and Port Manager of Ocho Rios with the Port Authority of Jamaica Hugh Clarke, among other shipping and tourism industry representatives.