SEATTLE, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence innovation has received rave reviews by guests on ms Veendam. Similar in size to the premium line's spacious outside-view staterooms, the new, unique lanai accommodations were recently added to the ship and feature large sliding glass doors with direct access to the Lower Promenade wrap-around teak walking deck. Lanai staterooms will be added to ms Rotterdam this year and three other ships by 2013.
"We are very pleased with the lanai staterooms and the enthusiastic response from our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "They have a nice layout and direct deck access and enhanced views are a major benefit.
"On the Statendam-class ships we have fewer verandah options than on our Vista or Signature ships," added Meadows. "So lanai staterooms offer a great value with outside deck access."
The addition of 38 lanai staterooms on Veendam are a key feature in the latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line. Thirty-two new verandah staterooms also were built on the aft portion of the ship, along with eight new inside staterooms. All staterooms aboard Veendam received new decor, modern wall sconces, carpeting, drapes, pillows and bed runners and resurfaced desks and vanities. Bathrooms saw an "extreme" makeover with new vanities and cabinetry.
Each lanai stateroom also features reserved deck chairs outside sliding glass doors that have a one-way mirrored coating to ensure privacy.
A final stateroom enhancement was the creation of 15 spa staterooms -- 12 outside converted to verandah in drydock and three other inside -- featuring a variety of exclusive spa amenities. The rooms offer their own ambiance with a decor reflecting natural elements and soft earth-tones. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments and a spa room service menu are offered only in these staterooms.
Completion in Two Phases on Five Ships
Except for Veendam, completed at the end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, stateroom enhancements will be completed in two phases. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom upgrades. The second series of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add lanai staterooms and new accommodations on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.
Veendam's capacity increased to 1,350 as a result of the stateroom additions. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404. Capacity on Statendam, Maasdam and Ryndam will increase to 1,350 during future drydocks.
This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Additional highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line's popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced on ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.
For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include 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 15th ship is scheduled to join the fleet in July 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 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 Cafe 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.
CONTACT: Sally Andrews PHONE: 800-637-5029 FAX: 206-262-5934 EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
Holland America Line
CONTACT: Sally Andrews of Holland America Line, 1-800-637-5029, fax,
+1-206-262-5934, pr@hollandamerica.com
Web Site: http://www.hollandamerica.com/
