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Pictures of the naming ceremony for the new MS Westerdam from Holland America. The Ceremony took place on April 25th, 2004 in Venice, Italy. April 25 is a Venetian Holiday known as Festa del Boccolo, or "Saint Mark's Day". Dutch film and television Actress Renie Soutendijk, the ship's Godmother, cut the ribbon to send the champagne bottle shattering against the hull of the newly named ship.
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The ceremony begins with the arrival of characters in traditional Venetion costumes
more costumes
The Lion, traditional symbol of Venice, leads the procession
Roses were given to all ladies in attendance in keeping with the Festa del Boccolo tradition
The ceremony is about to begin...
Closeup of Costumes
Juggler
acrobat
Godmother Renie Soutendijk and Holland America President Stein Kruse read the dedication
The "Holland America" banner falls away to to reveal the name of the ship
Renie Soutendijk prepares to cut the ribbon that will launch the bottle of champagne
but first a ROSE ascends a rope as a gift to the new ship in the tradition of Festa del Boccolo
the champagne bottle, now loose, begins its fall to the ship
