Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Holland America Line's ms Maasdam Receives Signature of Excellence
Enhancements
SEATTLE, April 26
Holland America Line's ms Maasdam emerged from drydock in Freeport,
Bahamas today, becoming the last ship in the fleet to receive major
enhancements in the company's $225 million Signature of Excellence
initiative. Physical ship upgrades included the addition of the
Exploration Cafe -- powered by the New York Times, Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, refurbished Crow's Nest
observation lounge, and an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon. This
fall, Signature of Excellence will be completed when the ms Oosterdam
receives its Culinary Arts Center.
"It's exciting to see all the major Signature of Excellence
enhancements completed across the fleet," said Richard D. Meadows,
CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales, for Holland America
Line. "These additions and upgrades have been well received by all.
Guest satisfaction with the ships and service has never been higher.
"We also are looking forward to adding more service enhancements and
amenities to continue our Signature of Excellence positioning," added
Meadows.
The Maasdam is Holland America Line's 12th ship to receive the
Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ms Ryndam, ms Prinsendam, ms
Zaandam, ms Rotterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Statendam, ms Amsterdam, ms
Volendam, ms Zuiderdam, and ms Veendam have been transformed by
Signature of Excellence enhancements. The ms Noordam was delivered
with Signature of Excellence enhancements in place when it entered
service in February 2006. The Oosterdam, which already features
Signature of Excellence soft good and service enhancements, will go
into drydock to receive its Culinary Arts Center in September 2006.
The Maasdam also has all new cabin amenities such as plush Euro-top
Mariner's Dream Beds, flat screen TVs, DVD players and deluxe
waffle/terry cloth robes. Other items featured in staterooms are
magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads,
professional hair dryers, and complimentary fruit basket.
Highlights of the recently added upgrades are:
-- The Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine,
where
more than 60 celebrated chefs and culinary experts per year
will
provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in the
new
state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen. Guests in the
audience can
get an up-close view of the cooking action on large, plasma
screens,
while other guests also may watch these events from the
comfort of
their staterooms.
-- The new Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times
offers
guests an opportunity to sip coffee, browse through one of
the most
extensive libraries at sea, enjoy a wide selection of music
at one
of several listening stations or surf the Internet. They
also can
work The New York Times' crossword puzzles and access
"TimesTalks"
events and the NYTimes.com website.
-- Younger cruisers now enjoy supervised, age-specific
activities in a
more comprehensive Youth Program and expanded Club HALŪ
designed
for kids ages 3 to 12. The younger ones can enjoy creative
activities at art tables, watch big-screen television and
play on a
fun slide. Older kids, ages 8 to 12, have an area featuring
arcade
games, air hockey, foosball, Karaoke, Internet access and
Sony
Playstations. The previously enlarged Youth Center has been
upgraded
to include Signature of Excellence amenities that provide a
full
youth program for toddlers, tweens and teens.
-- Dining choices include the Pinnacle Grill restaurant,
featuring
Pacific Northwest fare and fine wines, and four dining times
in the
main dining room.
-- The expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon features more
treatment rooms,
a thermal suite and hydro-pool, as well as a new spacious
fitness
facility. In addition, the salon features an accessible
treatment
room so all guests may enjoy the facility.
With the introduction of the 1,918-passenger ms Noordam in early 2006,
Holland America Line's fleet grew to 13 ships, offering nearly 500
cruises from more than 25 home ports. The award-winning premium cruise
line excels at providing gracious and attentive service. Holland
America Line's $225 million, fleetwide Signature of Excellence
enhancements feature new programs and amenities including product and
service enhancements in stateroom accommodations, dining, service,
enrichment programs and activities, and worldwide itineraries.
Signature of Excellence enhancements have been completed on 12 ships,
with the final ship receiving enhancements by the fall of 2006. For
more information, consult a travel agent.
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, Costa Cruises and Windstar 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.
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712097. Maasdam Receives Signature of Excellence!
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