Holland America Line's ms Statendam Completes Signature of Excellence Upgrades

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Apr 14, 2010, 02:42 ET

SEATTLE, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's ms Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 11 for a 14-day southern Caribbean voyage, fresh from a stem-to-stern, multi-million dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas. The 1,260-guest ship received a host of new facilities and features including new stateroom furnishings and bathroom upgrades; Canaletto, a complimentary Italian eatery; the sophisticated Showroom at Sea; and the stylish lounge called Mix, which combines three distinct bars into one area. The refurbishment enhances Holland America Line's premium vacation experience for guests as part of the company's $525 million Signature of Excellence fleet-wide program.

"With Statendam completed, we now have four ships sailing with these exciting enhancements," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our on-going commitment through Signature of Excellence means that our guests enjoy the finest amenities and the latest in programming, technology, activities and trends that premium cruisers seek today."

Statendam is the fourth ship in a series of five to receive extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades; the ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Ryndam refits are now complete. Maasdam is scheduled to receive upgrades in April 2011.

Public Areas Feature Latest Innovations During the Dry Dock

Canaletto, a complimentary, casual Italian restaurant, was added to ms Statendam and comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido is transformed with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance with dishes such as putanesca and penne alla vodka. Although there is no charge to dine in the alternative venue, reservations are suggested. To create a more open, engaging environment for guests during evenings, Statendam underwent the reconfiguration of the existing Casino and Piano bars into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales, serving their namesakes. The high-energy Casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and several new shows. An upscale luxury jewelry shop called Merabella was added mid-ship to the completely renovated main shopping area with its Signature jewelry and watch boutiques. Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.

Staterooms Receive New Look and New Spa Category Added

Completing the enhancements, Statendam's staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry. Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa (on Verandah Deck) became "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of enhanced amenities. Each offers exclusive items such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room service menus and treatments, and more.

Explorations Team Expands the Exclusive Activities

Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. Ever responsive to guests' needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming aboard Statendam and all ships with the Explorations Team — staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of programs to educate and entertain guests. The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. Leading Explore Wellbeing, the LifeStylist will offer new entertainment, fitness and sport activities. On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Signature of Excellence tops $525 Million

The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative is an on-going and comprehensive program that touches every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and the investment now exceeds $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities offer guests more luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, more enriching activities and exceptional levels of service.

For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at 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 320 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 on July 4, 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 Cafe 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.

SOURCE Holland America Line