Cruise Travel....

SHIP OF THE MONTH:
MS VEENDAM
A Classic Gets a Most Excellent Signature Look

Holland America Line’s MS Veendam first set sail in early-1996 to rave reviews. Part of the beloved Statendam-class of mid-sized ships, the Veendam quickly developed a loyal following as she plied the seas around the world. But now a fresh look is drawing veteran and first-time passengers to the cruise liner anew, thanks to Holland America’s Signature of Excellence enhancement program.

The Veendam was the first of five older HAL ships to go through the major fleet-wide enhancement program, and her refurbishment was completed early last year. Initially announced in November 2003, the industry-leading SOE initiative has evolved into an ongoing and comprehensive review of every aspect of the Holland America experience and exceeds a price tag of $525-million. The Rotterdam, Ryndam, and Statendam have since received similar makeovers, with the Maasdam scheduled for its upgrades in two phases in 2011 and 2013.

Having enjoyed the Veendam both before and after her 2009 34-day drydock makeover, we can honestly say that it seems like a new ship almost everywhere--but with classic touches only an older ship can contain. “Veendam looks spectacular,” says Richard D. Meadows, the line’s executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The enhancements are going to impress our guests and engage them in exciting, new ways. This continued investment reaffirms our commitment to our fleet of mid-sized ships and our ongoing leadership in the premium category by continually raising the bar in terms of products and services.” We agree. The bar has certainly been raised on practically every level--and deck.

Here’s an overview of the new possibilities we found:

*SOE upgrades for the Veendam began with new fixtures and soft goods in all staterooms and bathrooms. Two new categories of staterooms--Lanai and Spa--were also added, along with several new staterooms on the aft portion of the ship.

*New public space highlights include the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea, and the new Mix--a mix of three specialty lounges midship.

*The high-energy casino was redesigned to highlight trendy table and slot games.

*Canaletto, HAL’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant that was introduced aboard ms Eurodam in summer 2008, was also added to the Veendam.

Though small by today’s standards, the atrium on decks six, seven, and eight continues to be a gathering place, with a multi-deck glass sculpture as the colorful focal point. Just off the atrium on deck seven, we love gathering at the Wine Bar for a taste of wine or a more formal wine tasting. Nearby, the Wajang Theater & Culinary Arts Center (“presented by Food & Wine Magazine”) continues to be a favorite place for these two foodies to enjoy a myriad of tasty cooking demonstrations and classes and more (including feature films accompanied by great-smelling and -tasting popcorn). The Art Gallery and Photo Gallery are also nearby, as is the main entrance to the Showroom at Sea.

Deck eight includes many HAL favorites. Explorations Café (“powered by The New York Times”) remains a top spot for computers, internet access (though there‘s wi-fi ship-wide), newspapers, books, games, and caffeine-laden beverages, pastries, and much more. There’s also the cozy Explorer’s Lounge, the Pinnacle Grill (see below), lots of shopping, the new Mix trio of bars, always-popular Ocean Bar, and the balcony of the Showroom at Sea.

Decks seven and eight also include the main Rotterdam Dining Room. Highlights for us here have to include: As You Wish dining, with set and flexible dining times and table sizes; freshly baked breads; tasty Greenhouse Spa cuisine; simply prepared Daily Alternatives menu items; an impressive wine list (we like the value-packed multi-bottle packages); Rosenthal china, starched lines, silver service, and fresh flowers; and live quartet music to accompany the early part of dinner service at each seating.

Of course, any mention of dining with Holland America has to include Pinnacle Grill, which remains one of our favorite specialty dining restaurants afloat. The intimate reservations-only (extra charge) Pinnacle Grill features Sterling Silver beef, creative seafood, and select wines (many rated “excellent” by Wine Spectator magazine). The food is enhanced by place settings with Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware, and Frette® linens.

Lido deck (11) includes: the new Retreat area ; the casual three-meal Lido restaurant (with the new Canaletto evening dining choice) and Lido Bar; the Lido Pool (including two hot tubs and a cantilevered ceiling for inclimate weather); and the Greenhouse Spa & Salon (lots of peaceful treatment rooms and options) and adjacent gym (all the modern equipment for fitness fanatics). Sports deck (12) includes two courts (for racquet sports, basketball, and the like), Club HAL and The Loft for teens, tweens, and tots, and the Crow’s Nest (still a classic Holland America ship gathering spot when underway). Last but not least, The Oasis, a teens-only sun deck, awaits up on Sky deck (14).

Among the most dramatic alterations we found was the addition of 38 new innovative Lanai staterooms that allow guests direct access to the walk-around Lower Promenade Deck (6). Each stateroom has two doors (one to the promenade; one to an interior hallway) and classic deck chairs. Décor in the Lanai staterooms reflects elements of nature, with subtle earth-tones.

The soothing Spa staterooms (15 total) were created from existing cabins. 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. Here again, décor reflects natural elements 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. We also noted unique Spa cabin amenities like flavored waters, complimentary yoga mats and pedometers, a Bose docking station, and upgraded bathrobes, slippers, and Elemis products. Additional Spa Stateroom perks include a guided spa tour, priority treatment booking upon boarding, and discounts on spa-treatment packages.

Furthermore, 32 new verandah staterooms were built on the aft portion of each ship and verandahs were also installed on 12 staterooms on deck nine forward. As a result of the additional cabins, the Veendam’s passenger capacity increased from 1,258 to 1,350.

All staterooms and their bathrooms were enhanced with new carpet and resurfaced desks and vanities among many visible changes. New decorative wall sconces, draperies, and accent pillows add a touch of modern elegance to the new décor. Standard outside and inside cabins were redecorated in rich earth hues complemented by sienna and gold accents. New soft goods include a rich, olive-colored sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature.

Suites have a new contemporary color scheme with a traditional twist. A rich, dark carpet and chocolate-colored leather sofa contrast with light golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colors of reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs, and the bed runner. Sheer cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves. In short, the refurbished staterooms have a vibrant longevity for veteran and new Veendam fans alike.

Another highly visible and engaging alteration occurred on the aft portion of the ship, with a new resort-style pool area on the Lido deck called The Retreat. With a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs and dip their fingers and toes in the water, the new pool invites guests to relax while cruising and enjoy a new pool bar, upscale pizzeria called Slice, the colorful Bar at The Retreat, and a giant LED screen for evening movies.

A new canopy and wind screens provide additional (and needed) covered seating for the Lido Restaurant. In the Lido restaurant, Canaletto comes to life for dinner when a section is transformed each evening into a specialty restaurant with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance. Waiter service delivers dishes ranging from seafood soup to tasty lasagna or penne alla vodka (with gelato and more for dessert). Although reservations are encouraged for this casual, complimentary dining venue, walk-ups are generally accepted with little or no wait time. Canaletto is open for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

We love the new area called Mix. Here the old casino and piano bars were reconfigured into a lively multi-themed area with three separate bars--Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales--serving their namesake beverages. The bubbly flows at Champagne, with 20 different champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world (look for the cool ice-filled counter top and lots of fun specials, including caviar). Martini serves up 19 Grey Goose martinis in individual shakers and lots more (like a martini flight that includes HAL’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip). Over at Spirits & Ales, there’s a wide selection of premium whiskies, beers on tap, and more. Mix is a must-do area of the ship’s re-do.

The main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea, with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and a new slate of Holland America shows. We particularly like the cabaret-style seating right up front below the stage--as well as the fun puzzle-piece-like drink menus. The Hollywood-ish atmosphere now includes a larger parquet dance floor, moveable tables, and white-linen tablecloths and café lamps.

“The new musical offerings and entertainment initiatives are designed to be even more compelling and relevant to today’s premium cruiser,” says Meadows. Three new musical groups include: The HALCats, The Neptunes, and Adaggio. The HALCats is an eight-piece party band playing ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s music throughout the ship. The Neptunes, a three-piece combo, showcases tunes from the “great American songbook,” while Adaggio is a string quartet comprising a viola, cello, and two violins (we especially enjoy them in the Explorer’s Lounge). The Neptunes often play in the ever-popular Ocean Bar (a favorite gathering place for us) which was also refurbished.

Added near these lounges was the stand-alone salon-like Merabella, a luxury jewelry shop first introduced on the Amsterdam in 2006. Its branded designer jewelry collections are selected by Merabella for their beauty and timely elegance--think LeVian, Christopher Designs, Chimento, Tara and Sons, Genesis, and more.

To complement the new entertainment venues, entertainment and enrichment programming onboard embraces a new, contemporary look across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff--each specializing in a particular area--to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing, and working with digital photos, blogs, and movies (including the new “Digital Workshop Powered by Windows®”). Each team consists of a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a “techspert.” On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.

Obviously we love the new “Signature” Veendam look. From the new cabins to the other additions and enhancements throughout the ship, this classic cruise liner is now most excellent on every deck.

MS VEENDAM FACTS & FIGURES

Company: Holland America Line
Built: 1996, Fincantieri, Marghera, Italy
Renovated: May 2009, Freeport, Bahamas
Country of Registry: The Netherlands.
Gross Registered Tonnage: 57,092 gross tons.
Length: 720 feet. Beam: 101 feet.
Draft: 24 ft. 6 in. Speed: 21 knots (maximum).
Propulsion: Five Marine diesel-electric motors with 2 bow thrusters (2 unites, 2340 bhp) and 2 x 16,300 HP Var Pitch propellers
Passenger Capacity: 1,350 (double occupancy).
Passenger Space Ratio: 42.3
Normal Crew Size: 580
Nationality of Crew: Dutch Captain, Dutch and British officers and engineers, International staff and crew
Cabins: 675 staterooms on five decks, of which 537 are oceanview (34% have verandahs), including one Penthouse Verandah Suite (1,159 square feet excluding verandah), 28 Deluxe Verandah Suites (556 sq. ft. excluding verandah), 164 Verandah Suites (292 sq. ft. excluding verandah), 38 Lanai Cabins (197 sq. ft.), 306 Standard Outside staterooms (197 sq. ft.), and 138 Standard Inside staterooms (182 sq. ft.). Eight staterooms are specially designed wheelchair-accessible accommodations (2 Lanai Cabins, 6 Oceanview Cabins) and nine modified accessible staterooms (1 Deluxe Verandah Suites, 2 Verandah Suites, 5 Standard Oceanview staterooms, and 1 Standard Inside stateroom). There are 26 sets of connecting staterooms (52 staterooms in total), 191 staterooms with three berths and 87 staterooms with quad berths for families. All staterooms feature sofas, queen-size or two twin Sealy Premium Euro-Top beds dressed with finely woven cotton linens, 100% Egyptian cotton towels, deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes, premium massage showerheads, lighted magnifying make-up mirrors, salon-quality hair dryers, fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from elemis Aromapure, individually controlled air conditioning, telephone with voicemail and computerized wake-up service, multi-channel music system, flat screen TV, DVD player with access to a well-stocked DVD library, complimentary fresh fruit basket on request, stainless steel ice bucket and serving tray, and ice service, shoeshine and nightly turndown service. All Suite categories also offer: private verandahs, whirlpool bath & shower, fully-stocked refrigerated mini-bar, a variety of firm, medium and soft pillows, personalized stationary, one-touch telephone concierge service, fresh flowers, and a complimentary DVD library. Spa staterooms also offer: yoga mats, iPod docking station, countertop water feature, artisan and flavored waters, pedometers, and discounts on varied spa treatments from the nearby Greenhouse Spa and Salon.
Public Rooms: Rotterdam Dining Room (formal dining room, 742, including two private dining rooms, the Queens‘ Room and the King‘s Room), Pinnacle Grill (specialty dining room, 140), Lido Restaurant (buffet, 355 including Canaletto specialty restaurant) Terrace Grill (pool area grill), Wajang Theater/Culinary Arts Center (249), The Showroom at Sea (600), Crow’s Nest Lounge (observation lounge and bar, 300), Explorer’s Lounge (100), Exploration’s Café (coffee bar 40, library 23, plus 9 internet stations), Mix (Martini bar, Champagne bar, Spirits and Ales bar, 70), Ocean Bar (150), Digital Workshop (computer classroom, 16 seated, 30 standing), The Retreat (resort-style pool, Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Hudson Room (card room/meeting room, 40), Club HAL (youth facility center), The Loft/Oasis (teen’s only facility and sundeck).
Facilities/Features: 10 passenger decks, 8 passenger elevators, fully air-conditioned, stabilizers, bow thrusters, three-deck-high atrium, fully-quipped spa & health club (including a heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath, saunas, massage and therapy rooms providing facials, massage using varied techniques, ionithermie detox, aromatherapy, and various exotic therapies and treatments, cardiovascular machines, weight machines, free weights, aerobics floor, exercise classes), Club HAL (kids room, ‘tweens room, arcade, DVD and Playstation game room), The Loft teen’s room, The Oasis teen’s sundeck, casino (roulette, craps, stud poker table, three card poker table, Black Jack tables and slot machines), art gallery, beauty salon, duty free shops, library (books, CDs, DVDs,), 2 private group meeting rooms, 2 swimming pools, 3 outdoor whirlpools, 24-hour medical center, 360-degree walking promenade, jogging track, tennis court, basketball court, laundry and dry cleaning services, fee-based guest laundries, 24-hour email and internet room, photo gallery and shop, shore excursion desk, 24-hour room service. Showrooms and all dining venues are nonsmoking, although smoking is allowed in staterooms and designated areas of some public rooms.
Money Matters: The Veendam offers ‘Cashless Cruising” where the room-key/ID-card is used to purchase all onboard services (casino charges for chips and tokens up to $500.00 per person per day, bar charges plus a 15 percent gratuity, shore excursions, spa, sundries, etc.) Passenger credit-card information is provided in advance for express checkout (or can be paid by traveler’s checks or cash) and an itemized statement is delivered to the stateroom on the final night. An $11.00 per-person/per-day gratuity is automatically added to the bill to cover room steward and dining room personnel.
Itineraries/Fares: This year, from May through September, the ms Veendam will embark on week-long Bermuda cruises that call on St. George’s (overnight) and Hamilton (two overnights). Per-person rates generally run between $799 for an interior cabin to $2749.00 for a Deluxe Verandah Suite. For the remainder of the year, the ms Veendam will be plying the waters around South America on varying 12- to 35-day itineraries. Per person rates range from $999 to $3,199 for an interior cabin to $4,599 to $11,199 for a Deluxe Verandah Suite, depending upon the length of voyage.
For More Information: Contact your travel agent or Holland America Line (Cruise Travel Magazine), 300 Elliott Ave., West, Seattle, WA 98119, call (877) SAIL HAL (877-724-5425), or log on to www.hollandamerica.com.