Holland America Line - A Signature of Excellence

Holland America Line - A Signature of Excellence

They attract millions of passengers each year, both past and new passengers of Holland America Line, and here is why....

Their spacious, mid-sized ships accommodate far fewer guests than most cruise lines. On board Holland America ships you feel a sense of elegance and history...gleaming brass, precious art and antiques, sweeping staircases... all combined with state of the are modern amenities.

Guests relax in Large, comfortable staterooms, most with ocean views and many with private balconies; Dine in restaurants that sparkle with chandeliers, crystal and conversation - including the intimate "Pinnacle Grill" and the Informal Italian Canaletto.

All guests boarding a cruise ships expect the very best. Holland America Line delivers MORE, with a "Signature of Excellence" that enhances every aspect of the experience.

• Fleet of mid-sized ships accommodating 835 - 2,106 guests
• Elegant Public spaces adorned with fine art and fresh floral arrangements
• Fewer guests - more personal space
• Spacious Staterooms, many with private balcony
• Nearly one crew member for every two guests
• Fine dining with casual to formal options
• Culinary Arts centre, presented by Food & Wine magazine
• Greenhouse Spa and Salon
• Enrichment at sea and explorations ashore
• Full days ashore and overnight stays in some ports

Holland America Line - Five Pillars

Pillar One: Gracious Service

At the heart of Holland America Line experience is a team of dedicated staff that is adept in anticipating guests' desires. Their Indonesian and Filipino staff members are friendly yet courteous, attentive yet non-intrusive. 

• Personal concierge for Pinnacle and Neptune Suite guests
• More than 140 years of polished performance
• Enjoy your stateroom as soon as you board with Stateroom Direct Service
• Never in the way, Never out of reach

Pillar Two: Sophisticated Dining

With a choice of elegant restaurants, cafes and eateries - from casual bite poolside, a complimentary iced-tea on deck to a formal five-course affair served with true panache, guests will enjoy the delicious dining as they want.

• "As you wish" dining with flexible times and seating
• "Culinary Council" of acclaimed chefs providing innovative signature recipes and menu design
• Elegant main Dining Room for breakfast, lunch and brilliant five-course dinners.
• Intimate "Pinnacle Grill" including "An evening at Le Cirque"
• Relaxed Dining in Lido Restaurant 
• Classic Italian at Canaletto
• Pan-Asian Tamarind on board ms Eurodam and Ms Nieuw Amsterdam
• 24 Hour in room dining

Pillar Three: Spacious Staterooms

Holland America Line promote their staterooms as being 25% larger than most premium ships - even standard staterooms measure 197 square feet against an industry average of 147, and most ocean view accommodation offers both bathtub and shower, plus touches like hair dryers, fresh fruit and plush bathrobes for guest use on board.

• Elemis Aromapure's "Time to Spa" miniatures in each stateroom.
• Complimentary fresh fruit assortment and stainless steel ice buckets
• Flat panel Televisions with DVD Players
• Lighted magnifying mirrors and salon quality hair dryers
• Large, extra fluffy Egyptian cotton towels and plush bathrobes
• Luxurious Euro-top beds and premium linens
• Ocean View staterooms feature bathtub and shower
• Spacious staterooms, elegantly appointed and many with private balcony

Pillar Four: Inspired Activities 

The completion of their £350 million "Signature of Excellence" programme means that Holland America Line can now offer guests, what they claim to be one of the most enriching and exciting environments at sea - whatever their age or interests.

• Digital Workshop powered by windows
• Culinary Arts Centre, presented by Food & Wine magazine
• Award Winning Greenhouse Spa & Salon
• Explorations Cafe powered by the New York Times
• Club HAL for children and 'tweens; The Loft and The Oasis for teens
• Self guided I-Pod art tours of the precious paintings that adorn public areas
• Award Winning Shore excursions
• On Location programme, offering regionally inspired cuisine, events and entertainment

Pillar Five: Worldwide Destinations

Holland America Line cruise to all five continents across the globe. Wherever you want to go, chances are you can see it with Holland America Line - Here are some of their destination highlights:

• Mediterranean & Baltic
• Alaska & Canada
• Caribbean & Panama Canal
• Asia & Pacific
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America & Antarctica
• And beyond: Bermuda, Hawaii & Mexico
• Voyages: Sail to Asia and Africa direct from the UK.

I wont say too much about the destinations as I will be detailing more on destinations on a blog I will write soon - Keep checking for this!!