Holland America Line welcomed the line`s newest addition to the fleet today when Carnival Corporation and…
Holland America Line welcomed the line`s newest addition to the fleet today when Carnival Corporation and Holland America Line officials formally accepted delivery of the Vista-class ship ms Oosterdam in a handover ceremony in Venice, Italy. The 1,848-passenger Oosterdam is the second Vista-class ship for Holland America, joining sister ship ms Zuiderdam which debuted in December 2002.
The delivery of the Oosterdam is another important milestone in Holland America`s history as the undisputed premium cruise leader, said A. Kirk Lanterman, chairman and CEO, Holland America Line. As a Vista-class ship, she represents the fullest expression of our brand, and I know our guests will be tremendously satisfied sailing aboard her.
The Oosterdam will sail to Southampton, England on July 17, arriving on July 24th for two days of introductory events. She then sails for Rotterdam, arriving on July 27th in time for a three-day celebration in Holland America`s founding city.
The Oosterdam will be bow to bow with the 1,316-passenger ms Rotterdam, which will join the Oosterdam on July 28 for a ceremony with the Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, who will be godmother to the Oosterdam.
Holland America Line employees and dignitaries from Holland and throughout Europe, along with hundreds of travel agents and past guests, will commemorate the company`s 130th anniversary and attend the Oosterdam dedication during events from July 28-30th. Introductory festivities follow at Hamburg and Harwich before her sold-out maiden voyage.
The Oosterdam`s maiden voyage will depart London (Harwich) on August 3, 2003, beginning a series of four Baltic cruises between London and Copenhagen with departures through September 8. The 12-day itinerary includes Oslo, Norway; Arhus, Denmark; Warnemunde, Germany; Visby, Sweden; Estonia; St. Petersburg; Helsinki; and Stockholm. On September 20, the Oosterdam offers a 12-day European Capitals cruise from London to Rome, followed by four Western Mediterranean sailings between Rome-Lisbon or Venice-Lisbon on October 2, 14, 26 and November 7. The remarkable European Capitals cruise highlights the history-steeped cities of Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Lisbon, Seville and Monte Carlo. The Oosterdam concludes its Europe cruise season with a 14-day transatlantic sailing Nov. 19 from Lisbon to Ft. Lauderdale.
ms Oosterdam latest in series of exclusive Vista-class premium vessels
With the delivery of its first 1,848-passenger Vista-class ship in December 2002, Holland America Line immediately expanded its premium appeal to a broader range of guests. While many additions to the ships are newly evident – exterior elevators, two promenade decks, multi-tiered show lounge, varied dining options – the Vista class ships look and feel like others in Holland America`s fleet, delivering the traditional on-board HAL-marks that made the company the undisputed leader in premium cruising.
Like its sister, ms Zuiderdam, the new ms Oosterdam boasts a spacious design for public areas and staterooms with a high passenger space ratio of 46. And 85 percent of its staterooms have ocean views, with 67 percent of all staterooms sporting verandahs, including the new value-priced stateroom category – Deluxe Verandah Outside – the best verandah value at sea. Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests also enjoy the use of a private concierge lounge.
The Oosterdam serves up varied dining options, from elegant meals in the formal dining room to Pacific Northwest-styled steak and seafood in the dramatic alternative restaurant. Guests also enjoy full complimentary room service and casual breakfast, lunch and dinner served from multi-stations in the popular Lido Restaurant, Terrace Grill, and Pizza Bar. And at the new Windstar Cafe one can relax in Holland America`s own coffee house with espresso drinks, smoothies, and baked goods throughout the day.
Polishing off the Oosterdam`s appeal is TheGreenhouse Spa and Salon, a renowned full-treatment spa, exercise facility and hair and nail salon; the multi-level Vista Show Lounge; and a second cabaret-style theater for late-night entertainment and daytime first-run movies. Two interior promenade decks, an exterior covered promenade deck, Lido pool with a retractable dome, the Club HAL children and teens areas, and the signature Explorer`s Lounge and Crow`s Nest observation lounge are also featured.
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