Holland America Line's Signature of Excellence
Holland America Line's Signature of Excellence is a $225-million initiative that provides unparalleled product and service enhancements
to our award-winning fleet of five-star ships. Signature of Excellence builds on our renowned Tradition of Excellence by significantly
raising the standard in premium cruising. Signature of Excellence enhancements encompass virtually every area of our ships and range
from new state-of-the-art facilities and public areas to new services and amenities. This initiative began in late 2003 and is scheduled to be
complete by the end of 2006.
Defining the future of cruising, the ms Westerdam is the third of our grand Vista-class ships. Westerdam dazzles guests with more of everything they desire on a cruise ship: more staterooms with verandahs for private dining, sunning and relaxing; more dining choices from fancy dress-up dinners to casual pool-side dining; more ways to be pampered in The Greenhouse Spa and Salon, the largest and most luxurious spa in our fleet. This spectacular cruise ship delights guests with an unforgettable onboard experience.
| Ship's Registry | The Netherlands |
| Passenger capacity | 1,848 |
| Crew members | 800 |
| Gross tonnage | 85,000 grt. |
| Length | 951 feet |
| Beam | 105.8 feet |
| Maximum speed | 24 knots |
HIGHLIGHTS OF MS WESTERDAM
(you can view a deckplan by clicking here)
ERASMUS LIBRARY
Some of your best friends may be found in the Erasmus Library-Hemingway, Kipling, Thoreau. Settle into a plush chair to revel in two of life's finest luxuries: a great book, and time to read it.
VISTA LOUNGE
Smart and sophisticated, the Vista Lounge whispers excitement long before the curtain rises. Watch a dazzling off-Broadway show and, in a blaze of light and color, you are instantly transported into another world.
VISTA DINING ROOM
Amid Rosenthal China place settings and starched linen, dine in the exotic Rotterdam Dining Room where the chef's imagination is given free rein. That's how temptations like spicy gazpacho, portabello mushroom pot pie, cherry-glazed duck breast and chocolate profiteroles make it from the kitchen to your table.
THERMAL SUITE
Paradigm shift: One minute the worries of the world are on your shoulders; the next minute you're basking amid the cool mosaic tile and warm, relaxing steam of the thermal suite; and the minute after that, total relaxation -- there's your paradigm shift!
SPORTS BAR
Celebrate the highlights of your favorite sport at the casual and colorful Sports Bar. The Superbowl and selected other special sporting events are played right here, live via satellite.
PINNACLE GRILL
Guests who dine at the intimate, reservations-only Pinnacle Grill enjoy a dining experience themed to reflect the Pacific Northwest. Candlelight and fine décor create a romantic ambiance that sets the stage for fresh Northwest dishes and select wines.
PIANO BAR
The sleek and futuristic Piano Bar is a study of form and function, texture and taste. Soak it all in as a talented musican nimbly tickles the ivories.
OCEAN BAR
Warm wood tones and maritime motifs bring seasoned seafarers to the Ocean Bar. Rub shoulders with other "old salts" as you swap tales of journeys past.
NORTHERN LIGHTS NIGHTCLUB
Dance til the wee hours at the Northern Lights Nightclub -- complete with zany DJ, psychedelic era-inspired colors and smooth metallic surfaces.
LIDA POOL
Warm days with light, salty breezes are made for lounging poolside with an icy beverage in one hand and an epic novel in the other. Does this count as doing something or doing nothing? You'll soon know...
GYM ROOM
Work out on the high seas in a state-of-the-art gym complete with machines, free weights, cardio equipment and a personal training consultant. Afterwards, re-hydrate yourself at the juice bar. On offer are carrot, apple, pineapple or vegetable blends -- good-for-you nectar of the gods!
EXPLORERS LOUNGE
Club chairs in rose and taupe brocade, mood lighting and picture windows -- these are essential ingredients for the understated elegance of the Explorer's Lounge. This meeting place for friends old and new offers intimate seating for small gatherings.
CROW'S NEST
The lively Crow's Nest offers a world-class view of the course ahead. A piano serenade, a lively conversation, a cocktail before dinner, a nightcap afterwards -- with these sweeping ocean vistas, you'll never forget you're at sea.
CASINO
Zingy and thrilling, the Casino offers slots, blackjack, roulette and poker for your evening's entertainment. New to the lively pulse of casino action? Start with a workshop to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs, and the friendly staff will show you to the games when you're ready.
ATRIUM
In 1609, the sailing vessel de Halve Maen(Half Moon) set sail from Amsterdam to New York. Henry Hudson was at the helm, and the ship belonged to the Dutch East India Company. In honor of the rich seafaring tradition that remains at the heart and soul of Holland America Line today, a Waterford Crystal sculpture of the Halve Maen adorns the ms Westerdam's colorful, welcoming atrium.
EXPANDED YOUTH FACILITIES:
Club HAL® Youth Program
- Club HAL minimum age lowered from 5 to 3
- A colorful, expanded playroom for kids 3 to 7 with art tables, big-screen TV and games
- Separate area for ages 8 to 12 featuring arcade games, air hockey, foosball, karaoke, Internet access, Sony PlayStations and DDR (Dance Dance Revolution)
- Expanded board game offering through partnership with Cranium
- Family Game Time, Family Olympics and Family Karaoke
- Club HAL After Hours so parents can enjoy an evening alone
New Areas Designed Exclusively for Ages 13 to 17:
The Loft
- A lounge area designed to resemble a New York artist's loft
- Modern environment with music, music videos and comfortable chairs
- Internet access stations, video games and karaoke
- Big-screen TV
- Special, secluded passageway upstairs to The Oasis
The Oasis
- Sun deck for teens only with comfortable and cool lounge chairs
- Nine-foot-high waterfall and cave for cooling off
- Snack machines filled with teen favorites
- State-of-the-art sound system and laser light show for dancing
- Other special activities including "Luau at The Oasis," "Teen Superstar" DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) contests, "Campin' under the Stars" and Wacky Olympics
