Westerdam Sets New Standard For Elegance & Luxury!
Ray Goldenberg
I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
Holland America's Newest Vista-Class Ship, the ms Westerdam, Sets New
Standard For Elegance and Luxury in Premium Cruise Category
The Westerdam Provides Guests With a First Look at Some of the New
Enhancements Part of the Cruise Line's Signature of Excellence
Initiative
SEATTLE, April 21
Holland America Line announced today that its newest Vista-class ship,
the ms Westerdam, will set a new standard in the premium cruise
category and deliver a cruise experience in the grand tradition of
classic ocean voyaging when it embarks on its inaugural cruise on
April 25, 2004. Guests on the Westerdam will notice the many bold
improvements the cruise line is making as part of the Signature of
Excellence initiative focusing on five areas that are central to
Holland America Line guests' experience: spacious, elegant ships and
accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive
service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling
worldwide itineraries.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040421/SFW049 )
"Starting with the inaugural cruise, the Westerdam will provide more
ways than ever to find luxury and elegance at sea," said David A.
Giersdorf, executive vice president, marketing and sales for Holland
America Line. "Designed to showcase Signature of Excellence
enhancements, the Westerdam is a jewel in our five-star fleet that
demonstrates our commitment to delivering a superior premium cruise
experience for our guests."
Holland America ships combine traditional nautical elements into an
unmistakable elegance that is unmatched in the industry. Details like
the expansive teak promenade decks and multi-million dollar
collections of fine art and antiques help to evoke the romance of the
Golden Age of ocean travel.
More Luxury and Comfort in Every Stateroom
Nearly 85 percent of the staterooms feature breathtaking ocean views
and two-thirds have large, private verandahs. All staterooms will be
outfitted with luxurious appointments such as premium plush Euro-top
mattresses and triple-sheeted beds with high-quality white cotton bed
linens. In the bathroom, guests will enjoy 100 percent Egyptian cotton
towels and deluxe bathrobes. Other amenities will include premium
massage showerheads, magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting and
salon-quality hair dryers.
In addition, all Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suite guests will enjoy
comfortable duvets on the beds; fully-stocked mini-bars; VCRs or DVD
players and access to a well-stocked video/DVD library; and
personalized stationery.
The Westerdam will also feature the industry-leading Neptune Lounge, a
private retreat for Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suite guests where
they can take advantage of the personalized services from the Neptune
Lounge's concierge.
Extraordinary Dining with a Stunning Ocean View
Guests traveling aboard the Westerdam can choose to dine at the
popular reservations-only Pinnacle Grill, one of the most notable
additions to the Holland America dining experience. The alternative
restaurant features Sterling Silver hand-selected cuts of premium beef
and fresh seafood, complete with Bulgari china, Riedel stemware and
Frette linens.
Those who dine in the main dining room will enjoy new one-on-one
service which will allow one steward to stay with their assigned
tables while an assistant steward delivers each course from the
kitchen. This one-on-one service concept ensures quicker delivery time
for the delectable cuisine and provides even fresher meals. In
addition, guests will be able to choose from four dinner seating times
in the main dining room, allowing them greater flexibility to dine
early or later in the evening and still have the opportunity to take
advantage of Holland America's celebrated evening entertainment.
For guests who are interested in a more casual dining experience, the
Westerdam will feature enhanced Lido dining with a relaxed, sit-down
dinner option, new made-to-order dinner entrees and table-side waiter
service at dinner.
The Ultimate in Pampering and Relaxation at Sea
Guests on the Westerdam will be able to relax and rejuvenate at the
world- renowned Greenhouse Spa and Salon. They can choose from a
variety of traditional treatments or Signature Treatments designed
especially for Holland America Line including: aroma stone therapy
using heated volcanic basalt stones with warm, spicy oils; therapeutic
water treatments; exotic coconut rub and milk ritual wraps; and
exfoliating lime and ginger salt glows. The Greenhouse Spa and Salon
also features a large, well-appointed fitness facility with the very
latest exercise equipment.
Another way guests can ensure they start the journey off on a relaxing
note is to take advantage of the recently announced Early Embarkation
program which allows guests to take their time and board the ship as
early as 11:30 a.m.
More Choices for Interesting Activities and Programs
A groundbreaking Culinary Arts Program will debut on the Westerdam
next spring, providing interactive gourmet experiences such as guest
chef presentations, demonstration events and small cooking classes
that take place in the ships' specially designed Culinary Arts
Theaters.
A Passage to Exotic Global Destinations
The Westerdam's maiden voyage is a 12-day cruise departing from Venice
and winding its way through the Mediterranean. The ship will spend the
summer exploring the ports and destinations of the Mediterranean,
Baltic Sea and North Cape before setting off for winter in the
Caribbean in mid-November.
Holland America Line offers something for everyone with the
Westerdam's compelling shore excursions including even more "Medallion
Shore Excursions." These one-of-a-kind, exclusive experiences include
a trip through the beautiful French countryside with wine and cheese
tasting in Old Nice or a visit to the ruined city of ancient Ephesus
to view the breathtaking frescoes adorning the "Terrace Houses" which
are accessible only with special permission.
About Signature of Excellence
As the premium cruise leader, Holland America Line is investing $225
million in the Signature of Excellence initiative to provide
unparalleled product and service enhancements to its fleet of
five-star ships. Signature of Excellence will build on Holland America
Line's renowned tradition of excellence by significantly raising the
standard in premium cruising. The comprehensive enhancements will
focus on five areas central to the Holland America guest experience:
spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star
dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs
and activities; and compelling worldwide itineraries. Enhancements
have been started and are expected to be completed by the end of 2006.
About Holland America Line (a division of Carnival Corporation and plc
(NYSE: CCL; CUK)
In 2004, Holland America Line's fleet of 13, five-star, premium ships
will offer nearly 500 sailings from 15 North American home ports,
including new departures from Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston,
Mass. Recent additions to the fleet include the 1,848-passenger Vista
ships, ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam. In April 2004, the third Vista
sister, ms Westerdam joins the fleet. The fleet will visit all seven
continents in 2004, while increasing the number of cruises to popular
destinations like Alaska (139 cruises scheduled), the Caribbean (191),
Europe (58) and Canada/New England (26).
Holland America Line excels in service, amenities and special
programs. Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have
one of the highest staff members to guest ratio. Spacious staterooms
average 25 percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on
other lines' ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining
choices include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the
Pacific Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary
24-hour room service.
The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award
from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers
the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash
back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
For more information, consult a professional travel agent.
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel
& Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America 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, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a
passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value,
the member 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. Conde Nast
Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top
premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers'
Choice Awards.
Jean O'Boyle
"Ray Goldenberg" <r...@lighthousetravel.com> wrote in message
news:0j3d80p4otsog228e...@4ax.com...
> Holland America's Newest Vista-Class Ship, the ms Westerdam, Sets New
> Standard For Elegance and Luxury in Premium Cruise Category
WOW! is all I can say as I look forward to boarding this ship on May 7th! We
have a deluxe verandah balcony at the rear of the ship and the excitement is
really building after reading this!
.
> Nearly 85 percent of the staterooms feature breathtaking ocean views
> and two-thirds have large, private verandahs. All staterooms will be
> outfitted with luxurious appointments such as premium plush Euro-top
> mattresses and triple-sheeted beds with high-quality white cotton bed
> linens. In the bathroom, guests will enjoy 100 percent Egyptian cotton
> towels and deluxe bathrobes. Other amenities will include premium
> massage showerheads, magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting and
> salon-quality hair dryers.
Finally, salon quality hairdryers so we can leave ours at home!
> The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award
> from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers
> the only trip cancellation program in the industry that offers cash
> back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
That is something new and great news~ wonder how they will handle the empty
stateroom situation if that happens very often.
> The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel
> & Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America 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, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. The
> World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise
> vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Conde Nast
> Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top
> premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers'
> Choice Awards.
With such glowing reports, I am really looking forward to this ship in the
Mediterranean!
Thanks for the report, Ray.
Now if Raoul or Bart will provide some more photos of the Westerdam, that
would be perfect! ;-)
--Jean
Howie
I wish you a wonderful trip Jean, and I know that you will have a great
time. But as an experienced cruiser, I'm sure you realize that the press
release below is a typical public relations (read advertising) ploy. In
point of fact, its 1.5 year old sister ship (the Zuiderdam) was the low
price leader in the Caribbean all winter long. I sailed in a deluxe
veranda suite for under $1200 on Jan 17; and they offered me (and
everyone else on the ship) a second 7-day sailing in a balcony stateroom
for $399 on Jan 24.
Howie
Jean O'Boyle
"Howie" <Tryth...@Ifyouhaveabrain.net> wrote in message
news:bMKdncYlWPQ...@comcast.com...
> Jean,
>
> I wish you a wonderful trip Jean, and I know that you will have a great
> time. But as an experienced cruiser, I'm sure you realize that the press
> release below is a typical public relations
I do realize that, Howie, however; it does sound like there may be a couple
of *firsts* on her that her sister ships do not have.
I have been eagerly waiting for photos and any news about her before she
attempts her maiden voyage. The photos of the Oosterdam on rtc. further
aroused my curiosity! Although this will be cruise #23 for us, it will be
our first with HAL.
> I sailed in a deluxe veranda suite for under $1200 on Jan 17; and they
offered me (and
> everyone else on the ship) a second 7-day sailing in a balcony stateroom
> for $399 on Jan 24.
I forget~did you take them up on that offer? I think that was around the
time you took the Carnival Legend, wasn't it?
Thanks for the kind wishes, I'm really looking forward to it!
When's your next cruise?
--Jean
Howie
Jean O'Boyle wrote:
> "Howie" <Tryth...@Ifyouhaveabrain.net> wrote in message
> news:bMKdncYlWPQ...@comcast.com...
>
>>Jean,
>>
>>I wish you a wonderful trip Jean, and I know that you will have a great
>>time. But as an experienced cruiser, I'm sure you realize that the press
>>release below is a typical public relations
>
>
> I do realize that, Howie, however; it does sound like there may be a couple
> of *firsts* on her that her sister ships do not have.
> I have been eagerly waiting for photos and any news about her before she
> attempts her maiden voyage. The photos of the Oosterdam on rtc. further
> aroused my curiosity! Although this will be cruise #23 for us, it will be
> our first with HAL.
Even though the Z-dam was not my favorite ship, I did think the ship was
beautiful, Jean. And our suite was really wonderful. If it's your
first trip with HAL, then you do have much to be excited about (besides
being in the wonderful Med at such a perfect time of the year). It's
always fun to try a new line; especially for someone like you, who has
cruised so much.
Howie