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As part of our ongoing Signature of Excellence program, we continue to add enhancements and new features to our fleet of ships, including dramatic new public areas and stateroom upgrades, as well as expanding our enrichment program. Five ships, the ms Maasdam, ms Statendam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam now have new venues, staterooms, décor and more.

Under the latest series of enhancements, we are introducing new soft goods, new carpeting, completely renovated bathrooms, new Spa staterooms and, on Veendam and Rotterdam, the innovative Lanai stateroom. Lanai staterooms feature doors that open directly onto the walk-around lower promenade, while Spa staterooms located near the Greenhouse Spa offer exclusive amenities such as an organic cotton bathrobe and slippers, yoga mat, water fountain, special room service menus and treatments, and more. Additionally, on all ships, staterooms feature the Mariner Dream Bed with premium plush Euro-top mattress and high-quality cotton bed linens, flat-screen TVs and bathroom enhancements ranging from deluxe bathrobes to lighted, magnifying make-up mirrors. All suites include comfortable bed duvets, fully-stocked mini-bars, DVD players with access to an extensive DVD library, personalized stationery and use of the exclusive concierge-staffed Neptune Lounge.

Public area highlights include:

  • Mix, a new bar concept with three specialty lounges serving their namesakes: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales.
  • Showroom at Sea, a glamorous nightclub with performances featuring Broadway entertainers.
  • A new resort pool feature called The Retreat, complete with an upscale pizzeria and a giant LED screen for evening movies.
  • Canaletto, a complimentary Italian restaurant comes to life for dinner with gourmet Italian selections.

The exceptional onboard cruise experience delivered by Holland America Line and the Signature of Excellence enhancements appeal to discerning cruisers who prefer mid-sized ships, personalized service, five-star dining, and sophisticated ambiance throughout both public areas and staterooms. To date, Holland America Line has invested more than $566 million into Signature of Excellence.

STATEROOMS

Holland America Line Cruises: Every Stateroom, a Gracious Retreat

Relax into a world of comfort and easy elegance aboard the luxurious cruise ships of Holland America Line. Luxurious living is found in every detail, from the soft caress of a personal bathrobe to fine chocolates on your pillow at night. Staterooms filled with all manner of sophisticated amenities beckon you to retreat for hours.

SIGNATURE TOUCHES IN EVERY STATEROOM

  • Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, many with private verandahs
  • Luxurious Mariner's Dream™ beds and premium linens
  • Daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate
  • Large, extra-fluffy Egyptian cotton towels
  • Lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers
  • Luxurious terry cloth bathrobes
  • Elemis Aromapure "Time to Spa" bath amenities
  • Televisions with DVD players
  • Generous storage
  • Complimentary fresh fruit
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
  • Nightly turndown service
  • Complimentary shoeshine service
  • Complimentary ice service
Spa Suites & Staterooms

Opt for the serenity of a new Spa Suite or Stateroom, featuring modern spa amenities such as yoga mats, an iPod® docking station, and a countertop water feature in-room. Also conveniently located near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, where you may easily book spa treatments and salon services.

Spa Suites and Staterooms are available on select ships.

Lanai Staterooms, our latest innovation

On select ships undergoing Signature of Excellence enhancements, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam, staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new Lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. There will be 38 lanai staterooms aboard Veendam, Maasdam and Statendam and 39 on Rotterdam. Décor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of nature with soothing earth-tones, and have the generous personal space that characterize all our staterooms.

Here are further details of the Lanai staterooms:

Now available on ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Maasdam.

Sliding glass doors lead onto the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck, with readily available teak deck chairs just outside your door.

2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

Category CA    197 sq. ft.

Refer to Deck Plans for specific information

Stateroom amenities include:

  • Direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck
  • Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens
  • Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage
  • 100% Egyptian cotton towels
  • Premium massage showerheads
  • 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers
  • Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure
  • Complimentary fresh fruit on request
  • Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages
  • Flat-panel TV and DVD player
  • Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service

DINING

Enjoy exquisite dining across a range of venues on Holland America Line cruises

Throughout your cruise vacation, you will enjoy delicious and innovative menus across a broad range of dining venues. From a casual bite poolside to a formal five-course affair in our classic main Dining Room, the crew of Holland America Line will orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience. Led by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, our exceptional culinary staff creates signature Holland America Line dishes using only the freshest produce and the highest quality meats and seafood available. Our knowledgeable wine stewards are adept at pairing the perfect wine with every dish. Whether you desire the relaxed atmosphere of the Lido, the elegance of the Pinnacle Grill or dinner for two on your private verandah, the choice is always yours.

As You Wish® dining on all cruises

From a festive five-course affair to a quick, casual dinner for two, our As You Wish® dining lets you choose the venues and style that suit you.

The elegant main Dining Room

  • Luxurious Dining Room, graced with fine art and antiques
  • Sophisticated Rosenthal china and crisp white table linens
  • Five-course menus with offerings from classic preparations regionally inspired cuisine to vegetarian options
  • Your choice of traditional pre-set seating and dining times or a flexible open schedule

The Pinnacle Grill experience

  • Intimate dining featuring Sterling Silver Beef® and fresh seafood
  • Luxurious appointments including Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens
  • Extensive wine list featuring many selections rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator
  • Featuring "An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill"

Other delightful ways to dine

  • Fresh, cooked-to-order specialties in the Lido Restaurant for breakfast and lunch
  • Made-to-order dinner entrees and tableside waiter service in the Lido Restaurant for dinner
  • Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
  • The Terrace Grill on deck
  • Late-night snack; Chocolate Dessert Extravaganza
  • Explorations Café featuring pastries and espresso drinks
  • Daily Afternoon Tea service, elevated to Royal Dutch High Tea once per cruise

A master staff and crew

  • Enhanced menu design under the direction of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
  • Executive chefs inducted into the prestigious Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international food and wine society

Signature touches

  • Ice cream bar featuring complimentary treats
  • Hot hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.

Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, diabetic or gluten-free meals, are easily accommodated with advance requests. Kosher meals and a Health Conscious Dining option are also available

 

Each New Day, a Wealth of Cruise Activity and Indulgences

Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many — or as few — as you please. It's an opportunity to try something new that surprises you, every day. Dabble, discover, daydream — do everything, or do nothing at all.

Whether you want to workout in the Fitness Center, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or listen to music and check your email in the Explorations Café, there's a perfect onboard activity for everyone.

In every cruise port, make your cruise vacation even more memorable with our extensive Shore Excursions program of activities. See, explore, discover: arts and cultural activities, athletic expeditions, city tours, shopping and more on our cruises.

Youth Programs

On Holland America ships, we provide a wide variety of exciting youth- and teen- friendly activities and facilities for guests ages 3 to 17. With supervised fun for our younger guests, the entire family can have the cruise vacation of their dreams.

Safe and Managed Supervision

You can feel at ease knowing that your child's onboard experience is safe and well-managed. All Club HAL® activities are supervised by permanent, full-time staff, and are designed to be kid friendly and age appropriate. Youth Staff hold degrees in education, childhood development, recreation, leisure studies or related fields.

Programs Available

  • Club HAL® — Kids*: Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as story telling, fabric painting, indoor games, arts and crafts, drawing contests, ice-cream sundae parties, puzzles, bingo, pirate treasure hunts or a farewell pizza party. Children in the Kid's age group must be toilet trained. Children in pull-ups or diapers are not allowed in the youth facilities, due to mandates from US Public Health. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made.
  • Club HAL® — Tweens*: Tweens, ages 8-12 might learn golf putting, have disco parties and theme parties, participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program on Alaska cruises, compete in on-deck sports events, compete in scavenger hunts or simply play Ping-Pong with a friend.
  • The Loft and The Oasis*: Teens, ages 13-17 will especially enjoy the teen disco, karaoke sessions, video games, teen sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. (The Oasis is not available on all Vista-class ships)

 

*On the ms Prinsendam, youth activities are offered for ages 5-17. All other ships offer youth activities for ages 3-17.

Daily Programs

Times vary based on age group, number of children on board and staffing:

  • Sea Day — Morning, Afternoon and Evening Activities
  • Port Day — Morning, Afternoon and Evening Activities


Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program

HAL Kids Culinary Workshops now offer children a unique and fun learning experience. Kids will learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, new ingredients and how to follow recipe instructions. Aside from the fun involved, cooking encourages kids to think about numbers and measuring, cleanliness, safety and time management. All the workshops are hands-on where questions are encouraged and having fun is a must!

HAL Kids Culinary Workshops are geared toward two age groups; ages three to seven and ages eight and up. Teenagers 15 and up may participate in the adult classes.

  • The menus range from simple to teen gourmet
  • Classes are usually limited to fifteen students unless otherwise noted
  • All classes are hands-on
  • Each student receives copies of the recipes prepared in class
  • All classes are complimentary and last approximately one hour


Additional Family Services

Holland America Line is dedicated to making your family's cruise vacation memorable and happy for each member of your family. We serve a wide variety of kid-pleasing food, including special sandwiches, tacos, hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza. Baby food, high chairs and booster seats may be requested in advance of boarding. On sea days, babysitting services are available through the Front Office for a small surcharge for children 3 years of age or older. This service is provided by staff on a volunteer basis, and may not always be available. Babysitting service is not offered while the ship is in port, although Club Hal does offer activities for children aged 3-12 between 8:00am and 4:00pm on port days. Special kid-friendly birthday parties can also be arranged with advance notice.

Extended Hours

Club HAL’s port day activities as well as After Hours is available for children ages 3-12 who meet Club HAL’s eligibility requirements. (Children must be pre-registered for the program in the way of a completed parental consent form, they must be potty trained, out of pull ups and 100% independent in the restroom as the youth staff are not permitted to assist.) Club HAL® After Hours is available on all ships (except the ms Prinsendam) from 10:00pm - 12:00am for children 3 years of age or older. The fee is US$5.00 per child, per hour. Parents must pick up their children on time or a late fee is charged. For babysitting outside of the hours offered in Club HAL, guests may check at the Front Office to schedule this service provided by staff on a voluntary/limited basis only.

Port Day Activities

Activities will be offered when in port from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. A lunch service is available for those attending port day activities between the hours of 11:00am – 1:00pm.

After Hours 10:00 pm– 12:00 am

After Hours group kid sitting is offered every evening from 10:00 pm to 12:00 am. Children must be 3 years of age and potty trained. Charge is $5.00 hour per child. Late charges apply to children who are picked up after 12:00 am. Limited private babysitting is available for all ages through the front office. Youth staff are not able to provide this service.

Special Needs

HAL Youth Programs recognize that some children may have special needs. Special needs children are invited to attend activities based on their chronological age. HAL Youth Programs have many staff trained to work with special needs children. Guests should make HAL aware of this when booking their reservation.

Important Notes

A limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available at no charge. These must be reserved in advance at the time of booking. An international children's menu is offered at dinner and includes a variety of appetizers, salads and soups, and standard items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and chicken, plus chef's specials like beef tacos, grilled cheese, fish and chips or spaghetti.

 

Recreation and Fitness

  • Fully equipped Fitness Center
  • Classes in low-impact aerobics, yoga and Pilates
  • Basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, walk-a-mile
  • Golf putting greens on the ms Prinsendam
  • Golf shore excursions in selected ports

 

 

Fitness Center and Onboard Recreations

Holland America Line makes it easy for you to stay fit and trim while on your journey with fully equipped fitness centers and sports courts. Fitness centers aboard each ship include exercise and weight training equipment, and sports courts may include tennis, volleyball or basketball. Our broad, generously proportioned teak decks are perfect for walkers and joggers, and when you are finished exercising, cool off in one of our pools. To maintain or achieve optimum health, work with one of our qualified personal trainers or take one of our fitness classes lead by knowledgeable instructors. Fitness classes may include:

  • Pathway to Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that offers a pathway to enlightenment through specific postures and breathing techniques. We offer a variety of Yoga styles in classes for students of all levels.
  • Mat Pilates: Developed in the 1920s by the legendary personal trainer Joseph Pilates, the Pilates method is an exercise system that combines posture and controlled moves. Our class is mat based and appropriate for students of
    all levels.
  • Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training: A great combination of Chi-releasing moves including boxercise, kickboxing and aerobic conditioning. We place emphasis on technique and help push you to your cardiovascular limit.
  • Aquarobics: This program features a low-impact water workout. You will effortlessly strengthen tone and energize mind and body.
  • Pilates Reformer: The Pilates method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. The Pilates method is not just exercise; it is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by trained fitness directors.