Holland America unveiled its brand new cruise ship, the Eurodam, sailing out of Manhattan on a 3-day inaugural run, “a cruise to nowhere.” With helpful and ever smiling staff, the voyage gave me a pleasurable time, being a part of the festivities and experiencing the newness of the vessel.  Cruising enjoyment is key to anyone sailing aboard new magnificent cruise ships. This one was no exception in continuing Holland America’s tradition these many years.  Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, christened the ship with pomp and circumstance a few months previous to this cruise in a ceremony at dockside in Wilhelminckade, the Rotterdam cruise terminal. The “champagne broken against the ships bow” officially named the ship at that point. The Queen is considered Godmother of the ship, according to President and CEO Stein Kruse of Holland America. One can find her bronze figure and portraits throughout the ship.

Twenty-four hour room service is always available, but I did miss the coffee maker in the stateroom. A plus was the DVD player with the TV in the room; one could borrow DVDs from the ship in their extensive collection.  Corridors aboard ship appear never to be congested. One doesn’t have to tackle crowds in getting from one place to the next, and even finding a seat for “showtime” at the theatre is never a problem. Gift shops are spacious, laid out beautifully, with ample room to search for that particular piece of clothing, jewelry, or souvenir. There are two basic decks for all you may want, with the buffet and pools on a third.  At the midship pool was a new concept in cruising: cabanas. These enclosed draped areas for privacy included deckchairs, robes, water, fresh fruit, champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries. If further pampering is your style, these cabanas may be rented for a fee.  A bit chilling in the last days of August were the pools. The water was not heated as the temperatures outside barely reached 80 degrees. Hot tubs were the order of the day.

The Lido Pool

A nice compact casino with even penny and two cent slot machines is there to entice you to flirt with “lady luck.”
 Rather tasteful elevator doors, some transparent with etched glass on the elevators at the side of the ship gives a panoramic view of the ocean as one ascends or descends.
 For your enjoyment and adding those extra pounds to your frame was a late evening chocolate extravaganza at poolside. Difficultly, I abstained, eating the beautiful creations with my eyes only.
 A negative on other cruises became a positive on this one. There weren’t the constant ongoing announcements of activities on the public address system which you cannot help hearing as they filter into your stateroom or wherever you may be on the ship. A real plus without this nuisance.
 A positive sailing experience is provided by the Eurodam with its understated elegance. One savors the memories of this ship after debarkation. Pity, it’s back to the real world of “life goes on.”
 

The Atrium

What Holland America Line holds for the future: 1. A $200 million investment was committed to enhance and upgrade five of the line’s ships beginning in April 2009. I am told that this commitment now exceeds $525 million. Toward its cruising future, the line is certainly looking ahead in a positive manner. 2. The 1350-guest Veendam will return to roundtrip cruise sailing New York to Bermuda beginning in 2010. 3. The pool area planned for the future will have a new interpretation. Deck chairs will lie in 8-16 inches of water. An interesting concept! 4. Doors that open right onto the outside promenade deck will be the way of the new Lanai staterooms in the line’s future planning.