Aboard Holland America’s newest ship, the Eurodam, cruise line executives made two major announcements:  the cruise line will offer New York/Bermuda cruises in 2010 and five ship will undergo major renovations and receive enhancements. 

BERMUDA CRUISES

Beginning in 2010, HAL’s Veendam will sail on ten Bermuda cruises from New York.  Starting in late August, the 1,350-passenger ship will call on both Hamilton and St. Georges, the island’s cultural and shopping hubs, instead of King’s Wharf, where larger vessels must dock.

Holland America’s return to Bermuda will increase the number of cruisers to the island because of the convenience of docking in the islands’ most popular ports.  Previously, passengers had to disembark in the Dockyards, a significant distance from Hamilton and St. Georges.  In addition, passengers using the Dockyard port facility had to travel by ferries to reach the two towns. 

Holland America said the cruise line will increase the number of Bermuda cruises to 20 in 2011.  Reservations may be obtained from local travel agents.  Additional information may be obtained by visiting Holland America’s web site.

FIVE HAL SHIPS TO UNDERGO $200 MILLION UPGRADES

Holland America Line has announced that five ships will get $200 million in enhancements starting in 2009 and ending in late 2010.   The Statendam, Ryndam, Maasdam, Veendam and Rotterdam will undergo extensive dry docks to create new pool and entertainment facilities, new decor and additional staterooms.

The Retreat will be added to the aft portion of the ship becoming a resort-style pool area with shallow area where passengers may lounge in chairs while being served cocktails in or out of the water.  The area will boast a new pool bar and “Slice”, a pizzeria, plus a canopy and wind screen. 

Stateroom Enhancements
All staterooms will receive new décor, carpeting and soft goods. Each ship also will have an additional 44 to 46 staterooms, 32 with verandas and the remaining will be inside staterooms. On the four S-class ships, twelve staterooms near the spa (on Deck 9) also will have verandas added, and along with three inside staterooms, become ‘spa staterooms’ featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities. On the Rotterdam, 23 staterooms on Veranda deck will become spa staterooms. On the five ships, forty-six new lanai staterooms will be created by replacing existing windows of 42 staterooms (on Lower Promenade Deck 6) with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade, and adding four additional staterooms.

Martini & Champagne Lounge
New to the ships will be a lounge called Mix with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. The main show lounge will become “Showroom at Sea” and decorated like a nightclub.

Enrichment Programs
A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team consists of a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a “techspert.” On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.