“A floating palace” is how they described the most luxurious ships of one hundred years ago. Now, it is even more applicable to the modern cruise liners. During a special summer Northwest Sailaway Celebration, we had the privilege of getting an up close look at Holland America Lines beautiful ship, the Eurodam!
Holland America Line is a Seattle-based cruise line and one of our favorite things about the company is they love to support local businesses. During our celebration we were treated to several treats that referenced the Pacific Northwest, including beers from Alaskan Brewing Company, wines from Chateau St. Michelle, cheese from Beecher’s, even down to the ship’s piano tuner being from Seattle. It offers a degree of authenticity most wouldn’t expect from a big cruise company.
About Holland America Line, Eurodam
Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. For anybody who’s only seen a cruise ship from afar, the first real treat is getting an up close look from beneath the massive ship. The Eurodam covers 936 feet in length and 102 feet in width and can house around 2,100 passengers. It is Holland’s first Signature-class ship and has many unique offerings for travelers. Recently, the Eurodam was first Holland ship to undergo enhancements to its suites as part of a $300 million brand enhancement initiative. There also was a few new additions to the entertainment areas including the Lincoln Center Stage and Gallery Bar.
Inside the Eurodam
Cabins
All cabins and staterooms come with beds of extreme comfort and have five varieties of which to choose from. Prefer a simple room with no windows? They have it. Want a view of the water? Done. Want to go further and get a balcony to see the ocean from? Absolutely. All types have plenty of room and coziness, and staying in any of these would be a dream.
Dining
There are many fine dining halls with only the best of food, drinks and wine ready for your consideration on the menu. Each restaurant offers different varieties, but they include several delicious starters, and mouth-watering entrees and desserts.
Even when it isn’t meal time, there’s always a place to grab food. The food deck provides a plethora of options in full restaurants, all served complementary in a buffet style. In the mood for soup? Seafood? Italian? Even ice cream? You’re covered.
Amenities
After you eat, there’s no shortage of places to explore or things to do. Climb the stairs or take the ornate elevator to any of the ship’s thirteen decks! On the top deck are several pools and hot tubs, perfect places to recline in the sun, get some heat on sore muscles, or refresh yourself in the heat of the outdoors. There’s even a full spa next to it, where you can treat yourself to a hot steam bath or full massage.
If you’re in the mood for some music, there’s the BB King Blues Club, bringing the authentic sounds of Memphis right to your eyes and ears. Even if you’re not a blues fan, there’s plenty of other live music options around, with a plethora of stages around the ship. The Lincoln Center Stage showcases an ensemble of world-class musicians performing multiple chamber music programs nightly. Don’t miss out on the Billboard Onboard, which features piano players banging out greatest hits in a jovial setting. Between the nightly sets and songs, guests can sing and play along with trivia questions presented on screens throughout the room. Trust me, if you’re not enamored with one performance, there’s bound to be another you’ll like.
Anytime you need to wet your whistle, there’s no shortage of bars to fulfill your desire. There’s at least one on every deck, so you never need to go far for a drink. Along with the beautiful decor of the interior, there’s multiple displays of museum quality art hanging on walls or filling elegant showcases. The new addition Gallery Bar is a sophisticated venue, serving an exclusive cocktail menu by celebrity mixologist Dale DeGroff. We met here when we first began our celebration and it’s adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still-life and abstract pieces. The décor was designed to engage guests and facilitate conversations in a relaxing environment. There is also numerous game tables like chess and checkers. And if any of that isn’t enough to entice the gamer in you, a full Casino sits right next to door, where you can gamble to your heart’s content.
Where they sail
Holland America Line specializes with routes that follow the west coast of America, but they also go to the Caribbean. Typical routes start in the American west, like Seattle, Vancouver, or San Diego, and loop around the destinations of choice, like Hawaii, western Mexico, or Alaska. There’s even routes in the Caribbean that begin and end in Ft Lauderdale Florida, or begin in San Diego and end in Ft Lauderdale. Any destination resembling paradise in North America, you got it.
Whether you’re big or small, young or old, this ship has it all. You’ll almost forget you’re on a ship heading to an exciting new location since you’ll be so enamored with the ship itself. This is the company to take a cruise with, you won’t regret it.
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