Beth and I are back from our sales meeting on our brand new ship the ms Eurodam. This ship was delivered to Holland America Line in early July in Europe and we greeted her for her first arrival to the states. This was my first glimpse of the ship and have to say how pleased I was with all the new features that this ship has to offer. The company held an important press conference onboard detailing Holland America Lines future plans to do further significant enhancements to our S class ships and the Rotterdam at $40 million per ship. Then we were thrilled to hear the announcement that Holland America Line will be returning to Bermuda in Aug 2010. This is first time since the 70’s and we will have a significant advantage in the Bermuda market by the location our ship will be docking right in downtown Hamilton! So lots of news to share so hence the recap….
Eurodam
Many things impressed me with the Eurodam. One was the cabanas. What a relaxing way to spend a sea day. Great amenities including IPOD preloaded with music, Evian Mister, Chilled bottled water set up, frozen grapes and choc covered strawberries in the afternoons, ice cream and condiments in the afternoons and more. It really looks like a relaxing and refreshing experience. There are Lido cabanas, Retreat cabanas and Retreat Family cabanas that all vary in price depending on if you are paying per day or for the whole cruise, sea day vs port day and Lido vs Retreat. Cabanas can be pre booked via Ship Services for the length of cruise, booked onboard for the day. If space permits, the entire Retreat area can be rented for a day. How cool would that be? If you would like more information about the cabanas I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
Another highlight I loved was the Silk Den. This is a bar across from our new Asian specialty restaurant Tamarind. The bar has an Asian flair as well and the décor is purple and greens with sheer curtains separating seating areas. They have signature drinks that are unique to this bar. The bar overlooks the Lido pool area. It is a fantastic place that is really nice and quiet and a great place to visit.
We were fortunate to have to opportunity to have lunch in the Tamarind Restaurant. What a great menu. The food was very high quality and the menu is quite extensive. At dinner you have a choice of a traditional RisjTtafel (rice table) for $20, or a standard menu at $15. Lunch is complimentary. Check out Eurodamnews.com for a full menu.
Bermuda~Bermuda~Bermuda
We are so pleased to hear the announcement of our return to Bermuda. Local government officials were there in their Bermuda shorts to share the good news. Holland America Line will be the only major cruise line to go to both Hamilton and St George and we will be overnighting in both ports. St George founded in 1609 is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the second oldest settlement in North America next to Jamestown. The ms Veendam will be docking at Hamiltons front door which as we have been told is a navigational feat that ships larger than the Veendam could not perform. They will be closing down the streets of Hamilton for pedestrian traffic and it will allow for a wonderful Bermuda experience. I’ve attached a map here so you could see the lay of the land and see why the larger ships have to dock at Kings’ Wharf out at the end of the island by the Royal Naval Dock Yard.
Signature of Excellence continues…. our commitment to excellence now exceeds $525 Million
Announcing, Signature of Excellence II. Over an 18 month period 5 ships will have some new enhancements done beginning April 2009. $40 million per ship-an additional $200 million is being spent to keep our fleet current and relevant to our current and future customers. Here is a breakdown of the plans.
S Class ships capacities will increase from 1266 to 1350 guests
Rotterdam capacity will increase from 1380 to 1404 guests
Veendam ~ April 2009
Rotterdam ~ Nov 2009
Ryndam ~ Jan 2010
Statendam ~ March 2010
Maasdam ~ Late 2010
New Cabin Décor for Veendam, Statendam, Ryndam, Maasdam, and Rotterdam
New Lanai Stateroom New Ocean View Stateroom New Suite
The aft pool areas will be converted to a shallow lounging pool with chairs in the pool. Your bar steward will even wade out in the pool to take your drink order and deliver it to you
Slice~ the extended hours pizza bar.
Lanai Staterooms~ on the lower promenade deck 46 staterooms will be converted to have a sliding glass door that opens out to the walking deck.
32 More verandah staterooms in the aft area of the ship
Spa staterooms in varying categories
More Wheelchair Accessible staterooms
Merabella shops added
Mix~a new champagne, martini and spirits/ales bar is being added. With piano & guitar music-where the current Piano Bar is located
New Pinnacle Grill Menu will be added
New cabin décor similar to that of the Eurodam décor
The Showroom @ Sea~the shows will be transformed into a glamorous night club-sort of an intimate supper club feel but no supper J Tables will be added to the show lounge as well as a dance floor.
Sky Room~ mid- ship topside will be a multi generational high tech game room with 6-10 plasma screens, gaming consoles for group play.
Explorations Team~
- Party Planner-hosts classes on Mixology, napkin folding, how to plan the perfect party and more
- Techspert-classes powered by Windows-learn to blog or what to do with your digital photos etc
- Book Club Leader-for 12 days or more-guests will learn in advance book selections to read related to the destination they are traveling and will have the opportunity to discuss onboard.