SEATTLE, Sept. 25 WA-HollandAmerica-New
SEATTLE, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Holland America Line ships will
soon undergo individual month-long dry docks at a total cost of approximately
$200 million. The most dramatic alterations during the latest Signature of
Excellence enhancements will result in an additional 32 verandah staterooms
added to the aft portion of each ship. In addition, 46 new innovative lanai
staterooms will allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck and on
four ships verandahs will be installed on 12 staterooms on Deck 9 forward.
On the five ships, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms
Rotterdam, forty-six staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new
lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the
walk-around promenade. Decor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of
nature with soothing earth-tones.
Fifteen new Spa Staterooms will be created from existing staterooms,
except on the Rotterdam where 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will be
transformed into spa staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their
proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities,
offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity.
Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and
light, fresh accent colors echoing nature's own. Soothing patterns adorn the
bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the
elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural,
ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature.
Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.
"By adding or enhancing staterooms with verandahs and lanais, we're able
to better meet the guests' demand for balcony accommodations," said Richard D.
Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs,
Holland America Line. "The latest Signature of Excellence installment
enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout
and decor of the rooms while remaining elegant."
Ship capacities will change as a result of the additional staterooms. All
five ships also will add a varying number of inside staterooms. Guest
capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404 and capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam
Veendam will be 1,350.
As part of this next phase of Signature of Excellence, all staterooms and
their bathrooms will be enhanced. All staterooms will receive new soft goods
including carpet, and desks and vanities will be resurfaced. Decorative wall
sconces, drapery and accent pillows will add a touch of modern elegance to the
new decor.
Outside and inside staterooms will be redecorated in rich earth hues
complimented by accents of sienna and gold. New soft goods include a rich,
olive-colored sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold
chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature.
Suites will have a contemporary color scheme with a traditional twist. A
rich, dark carpet and chocolate-colored leather sofa contrast with light
golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colors of
reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs and the bed runner. Sheer
cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves.
This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings
the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam,
Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods
begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the
Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to
create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept
called Mix that features separate areas-Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales.
Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of
Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.
For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional
travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit
http://www.hollandamerica.com.
- http://www.hollandamerica.com -
About Holland America Line (a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL and CUK))
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314
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, ms Nieuw Amsterdam,
is scheduled to join the fleet in 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 Café 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.
CONTACT: Rose Abello
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-281-3535
FAX: 206-262-5934
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.
SOURCE Holland America
