The 15 Jewels of Holland America Line, Glitz and Glamour, Old-World Charm, and Classic Service That Never Goes Out of Style
For Immediate Release
The 15 Jewels of Holland America Line, Glitz and Glamour, Old-World Charm, and Classic Service That Never Goes Out of Style
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ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 26,) Few cruise lines can boast the vessel depth and quality that characterizes the Holland America Line (HAL) fleet, according to the cruise experts at Cruises-N-More. Holland America Line features unique signature amenities on each of their 15 ships, and here is what you will experience – ship by ship –on these memorable vessels.
1. Amsterdam – A Regal Experience: This elegant, mid-sized ship features a three-story atrium graced by a stunning astrolabe. While on board, guests will enjoy America’s Test Kitchen cooking shows and hands-on workshops, or thrill to the vessel’s exclusive BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities. Another option: decompress and rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Along with newer amenities, Amsterdam has a regal presence about her. The decor in many of the public spaces is certainly not understated – an ornate clock in the three-level atrium is as much a towering piece of art as it is a way to get the current time around the world. It’s one of the first features you’ll glimpse on the ship, and as you pass by it during your trip, it’s a reminder of the stately atmosphere to be found throughout this memorable vessel. This presence carries through in tradition; the ship maintains the time-honored custom of serving mugs of warm Dutch pea soup on deck to bundled-up, glacier-gazing travelers.
2. Eurodam – Memories of the Dutch Masters: Holland America Line’s first Signature-class ship, Eurodam has recently received many exciting updates. Guests on this graceful ship will enjoy the full Music Walk experience, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen, BBC Earth Experiences and a Digital Workshop Powered by Windows.
Despite these modern amenities, much of Eurodam’s decor is a nod to the line’s Dutch heritage and the traditions of sailing from bygone days. The artwork throughout the ship is filled with the masterpieces of Rembrandt and other Dutch artists. The 360-degree Promenade Deck offers traditional teak chaise lounges and plaid blankets that are reminders of the romance of sailing from eras gone by.
3. Koningsdam – Luxury Personified: The first of Holland America Line’s Pinnacle-class ships, Koningsdam combines 21st- century elegance and nautical tradition. Inspired by music, her design features fluid lines, light-filled spaces and innovative, new dining and entertainment venues—from the dazzling, two-story World Stage to the Music Walk, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard.
One of the first impresions guests will note upon boarding this vessel is the sense of opulence. The ship feels luxurious, with thick carpets, leather chairs and expensive artwork adorning the walls. Koningsdam targets an “upper premium” clientele: discerning, wealthy and willing to pay for quality offerings such as a first-growth bottle of wine. Adding to the features of other HAL vessels, the Koningsdam also features a French-style brasserie; a double-deck, glass-roofed Lido Deck, where evening movies are screened; and huge theater with a giant surround screen. These are but a few of the features to be discovered on the Koningsdam ultra-luxury experience.
4. Maasdam – The Old Meets the New: Maasdam pays homage to the past, while embracing modern amenities. Guests can hone their skills with onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops from America’s Test Kitchen, or explore our world with the BBC Earth Experiences. Maasdam’s spa is second to none, featuring a refreshing spa treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
During its last refurbishment, the Maasdam was part of HAL’s $560 million Signature of Excellence initiative that focused on modernizing its oldest ships. Along with new carpets, upholstery and soft goods, Maasdam gained three major features: a dinner-only Italian restaurant, two new kinds of cabins, and the Mix Lounge, a three-in-one bar central with each venue offering a specific type of drink and each flowing into the others. These additions — especially the alternative restaurant and bar area — bolstered Maasdam’s “hip factor” without detracting from the ship’s traditional charm.
5. Nieuw Amsterdam – A Forte on Entertainment: Music-lovers, take note: there is something for almost everyone on this vessel. Nieuw Amsterdam’s Music Walk creates a hit list of rich musical venues all within a short walk of each other, located on Deck 2. Whether it’s the symphonic orchestral beauty of the Lincoln Center Stage or the soulful hit tunes of B.B. King’s Blues, all travelers are guaranteed to find something their ears will enjoy.
Yet another Nieuw Amsterdam feature appreciated by guests is the HAL Navigator, an internet-based application enabling passengers to view daily scheduled events at a glance, or to book dinner reservations and shore excursions – and better still, without any Internet access charges.
6. Nieuw Statendam – A Focus on Fine Art: HAL’s newest vessel launched in December 2018. It is the second of HAL’s state-of-the-art, Pinnacle-class ships, featuring a design inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments. Guests will savor her innovative specialty restaurants—from Sel de Mer to the Grand Dutch Cafe. Special amenities include the ability to participate in America’s Test Kitchen’s cooking classes and hands-on workshops, and to view the BBC Earth Experiences presentations on the vessel’s spectacular two-story World Stage.
But aside from the legendary Holland America Line cuisine, perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Nieuw Statendam is its focus on art. Nieuw Statendam takes a passion of the arts to new levels with a collection that will impress guests with a one-of-a-kind experience with over 150 of the world’s top artists, creating one of the largest collections at sea.
7. Noordam – Balancing Classic with Contemporary: Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam features museum-quality art—from 19th oils to contemporary photographs of music greats Dizzy Gillespie and B.B. King. Guests onboard can enjoy cooking shows and hands-on workshops in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen. Explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Or, opt for relaxation and take yoga or Pilates in the Noordam’s world class Fitness Center.
When considering some of HAL’s sister vessels, Noordam’s décor is glitzy by comparison. A three-story atrium features a curved green glass stairway adorned with an enormous Waterford Crystal compass. Gold-hued tiles mirror surrounding walls. In the elevator lobbies, oversize urns sprout artificial foliage and busts of the Dutch royal family. As in other HAL vessels, impressive and eclectic artwork provides lovely memorable visual effects throughout the ship. In summary, the saying “something old, something new” perfectly captures the essence of this memorable ship.
8. Oosterdam – A Focus on Service: Holland America Line’s first Vista-class cruise ship, Oosterdam recently emerged from dry dock with exciting updates—including completely refreshed suites and new lounge, dining and entertainment venues, such as Music Walk with Lincoln Center Stage, and B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests can also hone culinary skills with America’s Test Kitchen and thrill to BBC Earth Experiences.
However, the high point on this ship is service – consistent and prompt. Whether the request is for turndown service, dietary restrictions in the dining room or coordination of shipboard activities, staff will always address you as if you are a member of the family.
9. Prinsendam – Goodbye to an Era: Having occupied a special place in the hearts of Holland America Line guests for nearly 17 years of service, the intimate Prinsendam – the smallest vessel in the HAL fleet- is leaving the fleet on July 1, 2019. With a capacity of just 835 guests, Prinsendam is intimate, comfortably spacious and small enough to explore destinations larger ships can’t reach. All her itineraries will continue as planned through July 1, 2019, so there is still time to celebrate the amenities of this beloved ship.
This is the ship to choose if distant destinations, lengthier itineraries and superb value for money are key factors in selecting a cruise. Don’t miss one of her upcoming farewell sailings and experience all of Prinsendam’s many pleasures for a final time.
10. Rotterdam – The Lineage Continues: With her multi-million-dollar art and antique collection, wide teak decks and classic lines, Rotterdam evokes nautical tradition while delivering state-of-the-art amenities. While on board, enjoy a cooking show or hands-on workshop from America’s Test Kitchen. Or, explore the world’s wonders with BBC Earth Experiences presentations and activities.
Regardless of your choice of activities, be aware that the Rotterdam is 6th in the line of distinguished classic predecessors (all with the same name) and in part a throwback to earlier cruising days. However, this vessel is still replete with modern amenities (e.g. the Explorations Cafe — a library, Internet cafe and coffee bar combined into one shipboard destination) and so succeeds in bridging that fine line between the classical and the contemporary.
11. Veendam – Marrying the Classic with the Contemporary: Grandly proportioned and recently enhanced, Veendam combines 21st-century amenities and elegant spaces graced by a multi-million-dollar art and antiques collection. While on board, learn video-editing tips at a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. You can also hone your culinary skills at an America’s Test Kitchen cooking show or hands-on workshop.
Other features attest to the successful marriage between the ship’s older and newer offerings. Veendam’s traditional excellence has been an intimate atmosphere and multitude of shipboard retreats, where passengers can wander off to enjoy a book or quiet reflection. The ship’s $2 million art collection retains the overall sense of elegance with marble busts, armor and paintings of old Holland America ships on display. However, in a nod to the contemporary, the nightlife has been enhanced in countless ways, allowing guests to enjoy evenings in the piano bar, casino, or similar venues.
12. Volendam – Continuing Enhancement: Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, you can explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences, or enjoy a cooking show or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen. Another option: relax with a spa treatment at Volendam’s world class Greenhouse Salon & Spa.
At heart, Volendam is a classical, old-world cruise ship. The ship’s service is exceptional, a trademark of Holland America. Yet, the vessel features ongoing enhancements that include cooking and tech classes, as well as some of the best lecturers at sea. Retaining the best of the old while incorporating the new, the Volendam is a favorite among seasoned HAL travelers.
13. Westerdam – When Excitement Meets Relaxation: Recently updated with new bar, entertainment and dining venues, plus completely reimagined suites, Westerdam is a fascinating destination in her own right. On board, enjoy live entertainment with Music Walk, including Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Learn culinary skills at a cooking show or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen. Techies will find computer and camera classes in the Digital Workshop, as well as destination lectures from the Explorations Central (EXC) experts. Nifty touch tables in the Explorations Central lounge have a variety of information about many of the ports of call on every itinerary.
This being said, the vessel remains perfect for relaxation, whether in the Crow’s Nest section of Explorations Central, or the King’s Room library. Whether your forte is excitement or relaxation – or both – you will not be disappointed with HAL’s Westerdam.
14. Zaandam – Maintaining a Tradition of Excellence: Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is the epitome of elegance and comfort. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While onboard, enjoy cooking shows and hands-on workshops with America’s Test Kitchen, or rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Passengers who have traveled on HAL’s Rotterdam-class ships will sense a familiarity when embarking on the Zaandam. The deck plan is similar to the Rotterdam and Amsterdam, thankfully retaining the sense of traditional opulence to be found on each, including Dutch antiques from the HAL’s extensive collection, a sculpted atrium centerpiece in the atrium, and – on the Zaandam – a working organ with mechanical figures. Passengers familiar with the Amsterdam or Rotterdam will surely find themselves right at home on this elegant vessel.
15. Zuiderdam – A Successful Transition to the Modern: For a vessel with a traditional heritage and a reputation for catering to an older demographic, the Zuiderdam received a refreshing lineup of contemporary HAL features in its 2017 refurbishment. The first of HAL’s Vista-class ships, Zuiderdam boasts classic nautical lines and finishes, modern amenities and a spectacular art and antique collection. While on board, explore the world’s wonders through BBC Earth Experiences. Hone your culinary skills at a cooking show or hands-on workshop with America’s Test Kitchen. Or, relax with a rejuvenating treatment at the blissful Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Fortunately, the legendary service and consistency for which the ship’s staff is renowned has been retained on the vessels current iterations. Guests will be well-pleased to find the classic service of old is preserved despite the advent of new services, features and amenities that further enhance the experience offered by this memorable ship.
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