HAL in $200m ship upgrading
Five Holland America Line ships are to be upgraded over the next 18 months in a $200 million investment.
Mid-size ships Statendam, Ryndam, Maasdam, Veendam and Rotterdam will undergo extensive work in dry dock to create new venues, cabins and decor.
The enhancements will add more balcony cabins, introduce a new category of cabin, expand the aft Lido Deck’s pool feature with an area called The Retreat, create a showroom at sea and upgrade cabins, bathrooms and fixtures.
Each ship will have an additional 44 to 46 cabins, 32 with balconies, and the remainder inside.
On the four S-class ships, 12 cabins near the spa will have balconies added. Along with three inside cabins, these will become ‘spa staterooms’ featuring a variety of enhanced spa amenities.
On the Rotterdam, 23 cabins will become spa staterooms.
On the five ships, lanai cabins will be created by replacing existing windows of 42 cabins with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade, and adding four additional cabins.
The work will begin when Veendam enters dry dock in spring 2009, with the last ship is due for completion in late 2010.
HAL has already made enhancements to the ships as part of its Signature of Excellence programme, with an Explorations Cafe, Culinary Arts Centre and expanded Club HAL youth facilities.
Sales, marketing and guest services executive vice president Richard Meadows said: “This significant and continued investment reaffirms our commitment to our fleet of mid-sized ships and our ongoing leadership in the premium category by continually raising the bar in terms of products and services.
“In an era where cruise lines are building ships to carry more than 5,000 passengers, Holland America Line remains focused on mid-sized vessels.
“These enhancements will blend the latest innovations for premium travel into our ships, creating a deluxe experience that is unparalleled.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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