 | First Glimpse
Eurodam, an evolutionary new ship that is Holland America's largest ever, debuted in summer 2008. Though the vessel does just squeak by Vista-class ships like Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Noordam and Westerdam, it's not the biggest by much (Eurodam measures 86,000 tons, while the others clock in at 85,000 tons). What's worthy of note, however, is that if the differences in size between those four and this newest vessel are miniscule, what's a fairly significant change is that Eurodam carries some 256 additional passengers in roughly the same space. Will this affect life onboard? Will it hamper service? Will public spaces feel more crowded? Stay tuned for our review of Eurodam's inaugural sailing. Beyond the size and passenger capacity issues, there are some modest innovations onboard: Alternative Restaurants. Moving well beyond its existing ships, which sport just the (admittedly, delightful) Northwest-inspired Pinnacle Grill, Eurodam will feature the 144-seat Tamarind, a Pan-Asian eatery that's open for lunch and dinner (the former is a fee-free option and the latter levies a $15 cover charge; reservations required). As well, a portion of the Lido buffet will be transformed each night into Caneletto, offering casual Italian with a no-surcharge, Technically speaking.no-reservation policies. The line's new "As You Wish Dining" scenario, which offers passengers dining in the Rotterdam main venue the choice of fixed time, fixed seating and flexible arrangements, is available here. More Than a Library. HAL's already fabulous Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times, has a fresh look and location. It's now housed on the starboard side of the top-of-the-ship Crow's Nest and features Internet-accessible computers, a coffee bar and, of course, books, DVD's, and magazines. Stateroom Innovations. On the accommodations side, Eurodam introduces, at least for Holland America, some new stateroom concepts. Ten cabins will feature ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Also new is a handful of "spa" cabins, whose chief benefit is access, via a corkscrew stairway, to the spa (otherwise, they're only superficially different from regular cabins, depending on category). Beyond that, the vessel will be outfitted by now-standard Holland America features, such as Euro-Top Mariner's Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat-panel TV's, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets. Eighty-six percent of cabins are outsides; of those, 67 percent come with balconies. Technically Speaking. Eurodam will feature navigation and safety systems including dynamic positioning abilities to hold the ship in a precise position. The vessel will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology. Returning Favorites. Beyond containing Holland America's newest innovations, Eurodam will feature some pretty nifty ideas from the line's recent past, such as the Culinary Arts Center with an onboard show kitchen, an expanded Greenhouse Spa & Salon with thermal pool, a sprawling fitness facility, and a large kids' facility. Eurodam is the 80th ship in the venerable HAL fleet -- the line's first ship, Rotterdam, launched 134 years ago. Eurodam was built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard, outside of Venice. The ship is sailing its inaugural season in Europe followed by cruises in Canada and New England in the fall and the Caribbean in the winter. Holland America has an option to purchase a Eurodam sibling for delivery in 2010, though it has not yet placed that order. --by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief --Image appears courtesy of Floris de Kort. | |
