Holland America Line has announced a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of three 50,000-ton ships for delivery in the fall of 1992, 1993 and 1994. The contract is said to be worth between $650 and $700 million.

Each ship will carry 1,250 passengers and will be the most luxurious ever constructed for HAL, according to Micky Arison, President of Carnival Cruise Lines, parent company to HAL.

According to Kirk Lanterman, President of HAL, the new ships are designed for voyages longer than the industry norm of seven to 10 days and for worldwide itineraries.

Carnival also confirmed that it expects delivery of the Fantasy in March of 1990 and the Ecstasy in winter/spring of 1991. Negotiations for a third ship, the Sensation, are underway with a number of yards.