the retreat

On Saturday May 15th 2010, I was priviledged to view the ms Rotterdam, Holland America’s flagship in Vancouver Harbor. The latest Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line have managed to rejuvenate a vessel which saw its maiden voyage in 1997. I sailed the Mediterranean on her that year and still retain fond memories. The enhancements certainly live up to expectations.  The most dramatic alterations are the 39 new innovative lanai staterooms, all in soothing earth tone decor. These staterooms allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck outfitted with two reserved deck chairs for each room. Additionally 32 verandah staterooms have been built on the aft portion of the ship.

“By refurbishing and enhancing staterooms, we’re able to meet the latest trends sought by our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “The latest Signature of Excellence installment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant.”

 Thirty-two new Spa Staterooms were created from existing Verandah deck staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature’s own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.

On the outside ”The Retreat” has been added at the stern of the ship on Lido deck. It offers an area of relaxation for sun worshippers in an aquatic evironment with a big screen TV for entertainment. I can imagine this to be an excellent area to relax on a warm tropical evening. The Oasis, also in the stern on Sky deck, is a great addition for the younger set to relax with their own kind.

The Ship capacities at 58,885 tons, has changed somewhat to 1,404 guests in 658 staterooms. The tonnage in today’s cruise environment, tending to ever larger ships of 150,000 tons and more , classifies the ms Rotterdam  as a small luxury vessel in contrast to 1997 where I classified her as a mid sized ship.

For photos of my visit to the ms Rotterdam in Vancouver please follow the link.

Cruisers on all Holland America Line ships bound for Alaska in 2008 will see and hear about their surroundings from an expert – an Alaskan Travel Guide. New this year are Alaska Native Travel Guides on Glacier Bay-bound ships.

Through a partnership with Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native guides will be on board the majority of Alaska cruises on ships cruising in Glacier Bay-114 sailings in 2008.

“We are very pleased at how this program has evolved,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. “Our guests visiting Glacier Bay will enjoy having an Alaska Native guide on board the full cruise to provide another perspective on the land they’re visiting.”

Alaska Native Travel Guides will bring their knowledge and personal experience of local culture, history, art and flora and fauna to guests on Alaskan cruises. They will give six to seven presentations over the course of the weeklong cruise. Topics include wildlife, gold rush dreams, volcanoes and glaciers, Alaska‘s early explorers and native people. They will provide narration throughout the trip, sell artwork by  Alaska Natives, be on hand to answer questions and interact with guests one-on-one.

In addition to the Alaska Travel Guides, a Tlingit cultural interpreter from Hoonah will board ships at Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and explain the origins of the Huna people. They will give presentations on native life and culture in the region and be available for discussions with guests.

National Park Rangers are also an important part of the Alaska interpretive program and will continue to board all ships in Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier for narration and presentations.

The leader in Alaska tourism for 60 years, Holland America Line  has eight premium cruise ships and twenty-nine cruise tours offering an incredible variety of vacation options in Alaska  in 2008.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line ‘s fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 14th ship, ms Eurodam, will launch in July 2008. For more information, contact a travel agent at 1-877-325-7522.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling more than $425 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine – a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes – Explorations Café powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds.

World’s Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line  is a member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World’s Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

Guests luxuriate in spa-like setting

Seattle, May 7, 2008 – Guests on Holland America Line’s new ms Eurodam who want to enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of their own private haven will delight in the cabanas on the Observation and Lido decks of the company’s first Signature-class ship.

The airy, tented cabanas are located on Observation Deck in an area called the Retreat and around the mid-ship pool on Lido Deck. Furnished with modern woven chaises, ottomans and upholstered settees, all cabanas come stocked with bathrobes and plush towels, handheld fans, an Evian spray mister and iPods? preloaded with great music. Chilled waters are available and guests can look forward to iced fruit skewers in mid-morning and frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries and a glass of champagne in the afternoon.

The Retreat
The 14 cabanas in the Retreat offer guests a spa-like private area where they can relax and recharge surrounded by healthy refreshments and luxurious leisure amenities. Fresh fruit, salads, wraps and juices are available at the Retreat, with light breakfast options offered as well.

Lido Cabanas
Eight cabanas around the Lido pool offer a private respite in a lively area of the ship. Lunch at the Lido cabanas will be served upon request from a menu of poolside favorites from the Terrace Grill or Lido Restaurant.

Discounted select services from the Greenhouse Spa and Salon are available on port days to guests who book the cabanas. The cabanas may be rented for the day or for an entire cruise. The Retreat cabanas are $45 on port days and $75 on sea days, while the Lido cabanas are $30 and $50 respectively.

The 2,104-guest ms Eurodam debuts this summer with European inaugural festivities, including a July 1 naming ceremony in Rotterdam with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region. The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries the remainder of 2008.