HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
INSPECTION – ms ZAANDAM
APRIL 18, 2008
Holland America Line is one of AMT’s (AtVantage Marketing & Travel Services) “featured” cruise lines. On April 18, 2008 I had the opportunity to tour the Zaandam from the beautiful port of San Diego. Many thanks to David Stockert, Director, Sales Training and Lori Eger, Business Development Manager with Holland America Line for their kind invitation to join them on the site.
The ms Zaandam was built in 2000. Her sister ship is the ms Volendam, which was built in 1999. The ship is an “R” class ship with Holland America. (See my blog dated 5/2/08 for a complete listing of all ship classes with Holland America.) All Holland America ships carry a particular theme. The Zaandam’s is music. The décor throughout offers surprising art and sculpture that will bring to mind some of the world’s best loved music. Look for Bill Clinton’s saxophone under glass and you can’t miss the spectacular band organ sculpture that is the focal point of the ship’s three story atrium.
The ship has ten decks offering endless activities and amenities. Everyone will enjoy the Rotterdam dining room which offers seating in a lovely two story configuration and is the ship’s main dining facility. For a different dining experience, you can make reservations at the Pinnacle Grilll.
Enjoy the sun and fresh air on the Lido Deck and pool. There’s Explorations Café where you can order a cappuccino and check e-mail. Many will opt for the a spa experience, at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Sip a cocktail in the Crow’s Nest which offers panoramic views off the front of the ship. The fitness center is roomy and sports new and shiny Cybex machines. You won’t have to wait for a treadmill here! Once you work off last night’s dinner it will be time to learn new cooking techniques in the Culinary Arts Center.
Cabins were clean and spacious. I recommend you opt to a Verandah Suite (284 sq. ft.) or a spacious Deluxe or Penthouse Verandah Suite on the Navigation Deck. (563 or 1,126 sq. ft., respectively). If you choose one of these last two options, you also are entitled to access to the Neptune Lounge which offers 24 hour library, coffee, tea and snacks and Concierge Service.
Facts:
Year Built: 2000
Ship Class: R
Year Refurbished: 2007
Tonnage: 61,396
Pax: 1,432
Crew: 607
Guest/Crew Ratio: 2.36
Overall Impression:
The Zaandam is a lovely, warm and elegant ship. Touches of vibrant color and the musical theme give it a lively international ambiance. You will find nice floral arrangements and excellent design and placement of public areas which give the ship great flow and accessibility. There are many options for cabin upgrades. All areas of the ship are clean and updated.
May 10, 2008 at 2:51 am |
[...] Atvantage Weblog wrote an interesting post today on Holland America Line – Zaandam InspectionHere’s a quick excerpt If you choose one of these last two options, you also are entitled to access to the Neptune Lounge which offers 24 hour library, coffee, tea and snacks and C oncierge Service…. [...]