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 Innovative Lanai Staterooms Prove a Big Hit on
ms Veendam
SEATTLE, June 29
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, d.s, 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.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America
Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick
link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.
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. |