By
Rebecca Gibson |
Eurodam became the first Holland America Line (HAL) ship to undergo extensive enhancements to its suites as part of a US$300 million brand enhancement initiative during her 14-day drydock in December 2015.
As part of the upgrades, which are planned for the line’s Signature-, Vista- and R-class ships, each of Eurodam’s suites received new furniture, carpet, wall coverings and soft furnishings in the main living areas. Meanwhile, the bathrooms were refreshed with contemporary mirrors with integrated LED lighting, designer glass tiles in the updated vanity area, new floor tiles and a nightlight. Technical enhancements included new USB outlets in bed headboards, bedside LED reading lights, upgraded electrical outlets and a lighted closet rod. Neptune and Pinnacle suites also received a Bose Bluetooth speaker.
Eurodam, which was refitted in the Bahamas and re-entered service on 20 December 2015, was also fitted with a new interactive TV system throughout the ship. This comprises large LED flat-screen TVs installed with complimentary movies on demand and shipboard information, such as restaurant overviews, spa services and guest billing.
Other notable new additions include the line’s first Gallery Bar, which serves an exclusive cocktail menu by award-winning mixologist Dale DeGroff. The venue, which replaced Northern Lights, will be introduced on Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam by May 2018 as the ships enter their respective drydocks.
In addition, Slice has been replaced by New York Pizza and the traditional Lido buffet has been transformed into the new Lido Market with different themed stations and a tableside drinks service.
“To keep the onboard experience fresh, we’re always working to create new and innovative concepts to delight our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, HAL’s president. “Gallery Bar is a completely new venue for us, and several other enhancements are just starting to make their way onto the fleet, so it’s exciting that our guests are finally able to experience them all together for the first time on Eurodam.”
Guests can also enjoy more entertainment options with the addition of Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, which complement the existing B.B. King’s Blues Club. Lincoln Center Stage, which was developed in partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, showcases an ensemble performing chamber music each night and afternoon recitals on sea days.
Meanwhile, Billboard Onboard features live musicians – including two pianists, a guitarist and a DJ – who perform shows centred around the facts of the music industry as chronicled by Billboard. Between the nightly sets and songs, guests can sing and play along with trivia questions presented on screens throughout the room.