‘It is unfortunate that Holland America Line is withdrawing the ‘Veendam’ from Bermuda in 2013. Apparently, the New York to Bermuda schedule was not meeting their revenue projections, and they have decided to deploy the ship to another location”, said Minister Burgess. The ‘Veendam’ is scheduled to make 19 calls to Bermuda in 2012.

The ‘Veendam’ entered service in 1996, and is one of the few remaining small cruise ships capable of docking in Hamilton. At recent Town Hall meetings on the Channel Study is was emphasized that there are less than 30 cruise ships currently capable of docking in St. George’s and Hamilton, with 1/3 of them set for retirement in the next few years. The Study also concluded that there will come a time when the older and smaller ships will no longer be able to compete head-to-head with the newer and larger cruise ships being built today. Also emphasized was that none of the new cruise ships being built will be capable of docking in St. George’s and Hamilton, and that infrastructure improvements would be required if the decision is made to dock the larger ships at both ports.

Minister Burgess added: ‘We continue to pursue the availability of small cruise ships for St. George’s and Hamilton, but the reality is those ships that are available are mostly Luxury and Premium cruise brands doing world-wide itineraries or are no longer competitive in the North American market’.

Next year’s sailings on the MS Veendam run from May 1 until October 9. The ship will spend one day in St George and two nights in Hamilton.

Cruise fares begin at $699 per person plus taxes, double occupancy.

Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown said, “We had hoped the ‘Veendam’ would be able to navigate Town Cut and dock in St. George’s in 2010, however simulations have shown this will not be possible. This situation illustrates the challenge we have in regards to St. George’s.” The Premier went on to say, “Although the ‘Veendam’ will not physically dock in St. George’s in 2010, the tendering arrangement will still provide their guests with a St. George’s experience during their stay in Bermuda. It is often the case that cruise passengers who tender rather than dock stay longer in the destination, including having lunch and participate in activities. This also shows our commitment to keeping a cruise ship presence in St. George’s.”

The Ministry will implement a ferry service on Tuesdays from Murray’s Anchorage. The ‘Veendam’ will continue to Hamilton on Wednesdays as currently scheduled, and will depart Bermuda on Fridays. The ‘Veendam’ is scheduled to make 24 cruises to Bermuda in 2010 and will contribute an estimated $7 million to Bermuda’s economy. The ferrying from Murray’s Anchorage will be weather permitting.

In 2008, a computer simulation of the ‘Veendam’ was conducted and Holland America Line commenced with marketing and selling the twin-port Bermuda cruises. Although Holland America was confident the ‘Veendam’ could safely navigate Town Cut Channel, it was decided to conduct additional simulations of the ship. Two other simulations were conducted in July and November 2009 and it was concluded that it would be unsafe for the ‘Veendam’ to navigate Town Cut in 2010.

The Ministry is discussing specific plans with Holland America Line to ensure their cruise passengers participate in shore excursions and other activities.

The main focus of the new pool experience is a shallow area with forty-four lounge chairs where guests can relax and dip their fingers and toes in the water. Built-in benches create another place for guests to relax and dangle their legs in the refreshing water.

“The Retreat is a totally new approach for us to this area of the ship,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “We’re creating an area where guests can relax outside in a sophisticated environment, and we’re adding other fun and convenient features such as a whirlpool, a band and DJ stand and even a pizzeria.”

The Retreat’s pool is divided into three main sections separated by low, curving walls running the length of the pool. The middle section is 16 inches deep so guests can sit on built-in benches in the water. The two side sections feature lounge chairs in eight inches of water—perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Water falls and spouts enhance the décor. At the aft end of the pool is a hot tub for soothing relaxation.

Slice, an upscale pizzeria, has been incorporated into the area, serving signature pizzas, whole pies and slices to order. Tables and comfortable, padded chairs under a sunscreen provide an inviting place to dine al fresco. And, in order to provide live music, a stage was added near the pool. For added entertainment, an LED screen and sound system is integrated into the ship’s superstructure, providing movies and video to The Retreat.

Except for Veendam, completed at end of April 2009, and Rotterdam, to be completed in December 2009, The Retreat enhancements will be completed during the second series of drydocks planned for Signature of Excellence. First, in a series of drydocks in 2010 and 2011, Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam will receive stateroom enhancements, the Mix and Showroom at Sea. The second phase of drydocks in 2012 and 2013 will add The Retreat and new staterooms on the aft portion of the ships, as well as forward verandah and spa staterooms.

This next phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line’s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. Upgrades begin with new fixtures and soft goods in staterooms and bathrooms. A new category of stateroom, the Lanai stateroom with direct access to Lower Promenade deck, will be added along with several new staterooms on the aft portion of each ship. Highlights are the resort pool feature called The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea and the new Mix, three specialty lounges midship. Completing projects will be the addition of Canaletto, Holland America Line’s popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant, introduced with ms Eurodam in summer 2008. Overall, Holland America Line has committed US$525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

The Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub, will feature state of the art technology and a different show and themed environment nightly. Comprised of cast members with credits such as Les Miserables and Rent on Broadway, National Tours of Mamma Mia and performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic, the shows include “Street Singin’,” “Encore,” “Live from the Stardust Lounge,” and “Bob Mackie’s Broadway.”

The Showroom at Sea is a completely redesigned main stage that features a seamless transition between the room and the stage, with all new seating and an enlarged dance floor enabling guests to combine cocktails, dancing and a show. A new sound system, enhanced lighting, and state of the art video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and décor leap off the stage and into the seats. Each evening features unique drink menus and table settings.

The room showcases non-stop variety as a different combination of the repertory company and musicians perform each night. From four vocalists singing pop/rock on the street corner, to two classical vocalists backed by a lavish 14-piece orchestra, to an evening at a fictitious Vegas nightclub hosted by the resident comedian, each night reveals an exciting new production.

Canaletto, which debuted on the ms Eurodam in 2008, comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido restaurant is transformed each evening into the Italian restaurant. Although reservations will be encouraged for this casual dining venue, walk-ups will be accepted. Canaletto will be open for dinner from 5:30pm to 9:30 pm. There is no extra charge.

Featuring cuisine from many regions in Italy, Canaletto’s menu begins with an antipasti plate with a fresh selection of meats and vegetables chosen nightly by the chef. Soup choices include a traditional Italian minestrone and zuppa di pesci, assorted seafood in a tomato broth. Salad Canaletto combines seasonal greens with olives, tomatoes and cucumber.

Four pasta dishes are available each evening: spaghetti with meatballs, penne alla vodka, linguine frutti di marre and baked meat lasagna pomodoro. Four more entrées fall under Carne, Pesce o Pollo—meat, fish or chicken. Choices include veal Milanese, chicken marsala scaloppini, osso bucco and cod putanesca.

To end the meal on a sweet note, four desserts have been chosen. Italy’s most famous desert, tiramisú, is served as a trio of flavors—espresso, lemon, and Amaretto. There is also limoncello crème, mille-feuille of Madagascar chocolate and four flavors of gelato: strawberry, mango, vanilla and lemon.

Holland America Line’s ships feature As You Wish dining which allows guests to choose from the best of both worlds – either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a completely flexible dining schedule. In addition to Canaletto, dining options include the main dining room, the casual Lido Buffet, Terrace Grill, the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill and room service. The ms Eurodam also features Slice pizzeria, Tamarind and the Silk Den.

The complimentary onboard workshops led by Microsoft-trained “techsperts” showcase state of the art technology, enabling all levels of camera and computer users to take better photos, make movies, edit and create scrapbooks and share digital memories. Guests learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking allowing friends and family to participate in their cruise experience even before they return home.

The program has its own dedicated space on each ship. Guests can choose to attend all or just some of the multiple workshops which are held daily. In addition, one-on-one coaching, called “Techspert Time,” is available for more than 20 hours each week.

The various workshops offer photo tips and introduce resources and Microsoft maintained technology available on the cruise. Guests can learn to download, crop and colour-correct digital images as well as how to create panoramic pictures, photo cards and scrapbooks with Windows Live Photo Gallery. There are also sessions on how to produce and publish videos onto a DVD using Windows Movie Maker and how to create personal webpages or blogs with Windows Live Services and Windows Live Writer.

Microsoft Digital Workshops will begin with the cruise dates and ships listed below:

ms Zaandam, Jan 21, 2009 in Hawaii
ms Maasdam, Jan 30, 2009 in Caribbean
ms Zuiderdam, Feb 17, 2009 in Caribbean
ms Ryndam, Mar 5, 2009 in Mexico
ms Veendam, April 27, 2009 in Panama Canal
ms Statendam, May 10, 2009 in Alaska
ms Volendam, May 27, 2009 in Alaska

Delectable seafood dishes include broiled, troll-caught salmon, broiled or poached lobster tail, cedar-planked black cod with shrimp scampi and the Master Chef’s interpretation of surf-and-turf: filet mignon and jumbo prawns on whipped potatoes with garlic rosemary beurre blanc.

Selected cuts of prime hand-selected beef continue to highlight the Pinnacle’s menu in innovative preparations and presentation. Guests can select from five prime cuts of steak rubbed with special Holland America Culinary Collection seasoning, grilled and served with hand-crafted sauces such as Master Chef’s green peppercorn classic hollandaise. They can also opt for the time-honored classic of Filet Steak Diane, a grilled veal chop marinated overnight in a savory blend of rosemary, garlic and pepper vinegar with scallions, or oven-baked chicken breast stuffed with spinach and garlic herb cheese.

“Master Chef Sodamin has designed this new menu to offer our guests a wider range of dishes and flavors,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The restaurant is such a popular spot that we want to keep it fresh with much variety and allow guests to dine several nights a cruise as many like to do. The menu continues to highlight Holland America’s Pacific Northwest roots while adding innovative accents to heighten the Pinnacle Grill dining experience.”
Intriguing appetizers include the Pinnacle Ocean Platter – carpaccio of lightly smoked salmon, hot smoked salmon, sea scallops and wasabi cream – and Dungeness crab cakes with spiral shaved cucumber and sweet chili-mustard sauce. French onion soup King Louis XV, lobster bisque, jumbo shrimp cocktail, vine-ripened beefsteak tomato salad, baby arugula salad and Caesar salad prepared tableside are also offered.

Dazzling desserts featuring Pacific Northwest ingredients include warm Grand Marnier Chocolate Volcano Cake, chocolate or vanilla velvet soufflé creamy homemade raspberry cheesecake and Not-so-Classic Baked Alaska. Chocolate and raisin bread pudding, créme brulee, fresh seasonal fruits and berries and a variety of ice creams, sorbets and international cheeses complete the dessert menu.

The Pinnacle Grill’s wine list features an extensive selection of premium Pacific Northwest wines, French champagnes, port and dessert wines. It also offers Wine Flights, which let guests sample four selected wines during their meal. A Harvest White Sangria featuring Northwest apples, cherries, peaches and lemons in Sauvignon Blanc wine is another new addition.

The Pinnacle Grill is an elegantly appointed, alternative-dining venue on all Holland America Line ships. Featuring distinctive Bvlgari china, Frette linens and elegant Riedel stemware, the Pinnacle Grill is ideal for a romantic dinner for two or elegant dining for a group celebration. Guests need to make reservations and pay a modest surcharge of US$20 per person for dinner and US$15 for lunch.

On the five ships, ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam, forty-six staterooms on the Lower Promenade deck will become a new lanai category stateroom with lanai doors that open directly onto the walk-around promenade. Décor in the lanai staterooms will reflect elements of nature with soothing earth-tones.

Fifteen new Spa Staterooms will be created from existing staterooms, except on the Rotterdam where 23 staterooms on Verandah deck will be transformed into spa staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colours echoing nature’s own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-coloured carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.

“By adding or enhancing staterooms with verandahs and lanais, we’re able to better meet the guests” demand for balcony accommodations,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “The latest Signature of Excellence instalment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant.”

Ship capacities will change as a result of the additional staterooms. All five ships also will add a varying number of inside staterooms. Guest capacity on Rotterdam will be 1,404 and capacity on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam Veendam will be 1,350.

As part of this next phase of Signature of Excellence, all staterooms and their bathrooms will be enhanced. All staterooms will receive new soft goods including carpet, and desks and vanities will be resurfaced. Decorative wall sconces, drapery and accent pillows will add a touch of modern elegance to the new décor.

Outside and inside staterooms will be redecorated in rich earth hues complimented by accents of sienna and gold. New soft goods include a rich, olive-coloured sofa with decorative pillows, chairs reupholstered in gold chenille, and a bed runner with a design inspired by nature.

Suites will have a contemporary colour scheme with a traditional twist. A rich, dark carpet and chocolate-coloured leather sofa contrast with light golden tones of soft goods and maple casework. Accent colours of reddish-orange punctuate sofa pillows, chairs and the bed runner. Sheer cream-colored draperies are light and airy with imprints of gold leaves.

This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line”s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas – Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Overall, Holland America Line has committed US$525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.

Mix and mingle at Mix

An exciting new entertainment space called Mix is set to become the destination lounge where guests can meet and mingle throughout the day and night. Mix is an open and inviting space anchored by a pianist providing entertainment for three distinctly themed areas.

The bubbly will flow at Champagne, which offers a variety of 20 different champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world. The centrepiece of this bar is a cool, ice-filled counter top chilling champagne bottles that invites guests to indulge by the glass or by the bottle served in traditional silver buckets. This venue will offer events such as late champagne breakfast, pre-lunch Mimosa and Bellini hour, champagne tea time and pre-dinner champagne hour with caviar canapés. Champagne will be the ship’s premier celebration venue.

Martinis serves up 25 Grey Goose martinis elegantly offered in individual shakers as well as a full range of cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a martini flight made up of several mini martini concoctions. The martini flight includes Holland America Line’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip, a mixture of Grey Goose vodka, lychee juice, pineapple juice, guava juice, coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Other martinis included in the flight are the Peartini, Cosmopolitan, Sunshine Martini, Rum Sundae and High Tide Martini. A house speciality will be a signature Martini for Two with aged Cognac served with a dish of caviar and traditional garnishes.

Spirits & Ales will feature an international selection of beers and premium whiskeys and brandies sure to entice even the most selective connoisseur. Here guests can drop by to enjoy a wide selection of beers on tap while watching sporting events or relax after some shopping in the nearby boutiques.

Dance the night away at Ocean Bar

The Ocean Bar will be enhanced to refresh its look. Guests wanting to learn new moves or brush up on their ballroom dancing skills can sign up for lessons given by the Line’s experienced staff. Providing tunes from the Great American Songbook, The Neptunes – Holland America Line’s resident three-piece music combo – will keep things lively as guests dance the night away and enjoy a cocktail in the luxuriously appointed lounge.

This US$200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line’s Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added to the ships. The ships also will introduce 46 innovative lanai staterooms with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special in-room spa amenities. Overall, Holland America Line has committed US$525 million to its Signature of Excellence program that redefines premium cruising.