Holland America Line --
Amsterdam III
An Overnight Preview
October 18-19, 2000
By Linda Coffman
The
15-minute
airport to cruise terminal drive seemed like an eternity until we rounded the
final corner and a dark hull with twin stacks rose
solid and reassuring before us. Joining her sister ship Rotterdam VI
as the newest flagship in the Holland America Line, Amsterdam III greeted
us on a brisk, foggy Boston morning. Scores of Holland America Line
personnel were on hand to assist tour and overnight guests for this, her first
port visit.
After stowing our bags, we were about to have a
snack from one of the numerous buffet tables when a smiling gentleman asked
wouldn't we rather have lunch on board? Naturally! We made our way
to the La Fontaine Dining Room with its cheery stained glass ceiling of abstract
flowers in shades of blue, green, gold, red, orange, and sunny yellow that
reflect the colors found throughout the room. Descending the staircase
with its finely carved brass railings, we felt like Scarlett O'Hara arriving at
a ball. The raised platform in the
room's center meant our view of the bustling harbor was unobstructed. Bus
stations scattered unobtrusively throughout create intimate spaces and enable
servers to be just steps away. The special luncheon of seared lobster and
scallop medallions with smoked salmon tartar, tomato and basil confit, followed
by a duo of beef and veal medallion or potato and sesame crusted king salmon,
was a delight. I topped my luncheon off with a rich dark chocolate flourless cake
for dessert and a frothy cappuccino. We lingered for a few extra moments in the
buttery soft and supremely comfortable leather chairs.
Then it was "all
visitors ashore"
and we joined the throng to the gangway to begin our official embarkation.
Efficiency prevailed and our number was called moments after retrieving our
bags. Room key in hand, we again made our way aboard to the accompaniment
of the Rosario Strings and many smiles. Up a deck and through the oval
Atrium, we caught sight of the lowest level of the incredible Astrolabe clock
and just a few of the beautifully designed flower arrangements for which Holland
America ships are noted. With the assistance of our cabin steward we found 3370, a large
standard outside cabin mid-ship on Lower Promenade Deck. Dark blue carpet with
peach accents picks up the soft peachy tones of the spreads and curtains and the
creamy soft leather loveseat. An adjustable height table, hassock, and
vanity/desk and chair round out the furnishings. We made ourselves at home
and quickly unpacked. Three huge drawers in the vanity/desk and two
smaller ones in each of the two nightstands, along with four closets configured
for hanging and/or drop down shelves offer ample storage for extended
cruises. A bath with full tub rounded out our quarters. Only
slightly smaller, inside cabins are similar in design.
Starting our explorations on the Lido Deck,
we found the full service salon and gymnasium where ocean views offer a
distraction for all but the most confirmed fitness buffs. Under the
sliding dome roof of the central swimming pool, the pool bar, surrounded by
rattan chairs and market umbrellas was a bright haven even on a dreary New
England afternoon. Between twin whirlpools and the dark tiled
swimming pool life size bronzes of two brown bears appear to be
fishing in a cool Alaska stream. Further aft, the Lido Restaurant features extensive buffets
for casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is conveniently adjacent to both the
covered swimming
pool as well as the second pool further aft. One deck up are the Sky Room
children's center, practice tennis courts, and more open areas for sunning on
the Sports Deck.
Suite occupants of Navigation Deck are
sure to enjoy their sumptuous quarters and private Neptune Lounge, with personal concierge service. Two penthouse suites are the ultimate in
luxury with separate living room, dining room, and bedroom areas. A verandah,
generous walk-in closets, bathroom highlighted with whirlpool tub, separate
guest powder room, and a butler's pantry round out a perfect home at sea.
Offering many of the same amenities, full suites feature large verandahs,
whirlpool tubs, dressing room, and generous sitting areas. Verandah Deck
mini-suites provide some of the conveniences of the full suites, including a
whirlpool tub, refrigerator, and VCR. This is world class cruising in
style.
Upper Promenade and Promenade Decks are the
heart of Amsterdam's indoor activity. Rich, jewel-tones and soft lighting
define Amsterdam's lounges. On Upper Promenade Deck, Holland America regulars will find hors
d'oeuvres before dinner and a wide variety of after dinner entertainments
available in the traditional array of Ocean Bar, Explorer's Lounge, and piano
bar. A bevy of classical female statues hold glass bowl lighting
fixtures aloft on each side of the two deck Queen's Lounge. The artful design
of this show room assures excellent sightlines from both the main floor and
balcony. Rounding out Upper Promenade Deck's public rooms are the
casino, library, meeting rooms, shopping arcade, sports bar, and
Seaview Lounge.
In addition to the Wajang Theatre, a video
arcade, art gallery, front desk, and shore excursion desk, Promenade Deck
features the Java Cafe for specialty coffees and an adjacent Internet cafe
managed by Digital Seas. Down a passageway and through etched glass doors,
the Odyssey Dining Room is Amsterdam's intimate specialty restaurant where
Italian cuisine is served in a rich European setting. Set off by flower
arrangements, realistic landscapes
with surreal touches by Bas Sebus accent the dining alcoves.
One night was simply not enough time to
absorb the Amsterdam's impressive collection of paintings, sculptures,
and artifacts. Richly appealing to the senses, the Astrolabe is a finely
detailed sculpture as well as timepiece displaying a world clock, planetary
clock, and astrological clock on its four faces. The carillon in its base
is a delicate melodic contrast to the intricate mechanism visible through the
glass. The centerpiece of the three deck atrium, it dominates without
overpowering the space.
The heritage and tradition of the Amsterdam
and earlier Holland America Line ships is showcased in the work of noted
maritime artist Stephen Card. We followed his paintings to the landing
outside the Crow's Nest where the "Four Seasons" are displayed.
These delicate Art Deco art pieces originally graced the Nieuw Amsterdam
of 1938. Once inside, an unexpected
whimsical birdcage tucked into a corner drew our attention to the tiny dragon
encased inside. From this vantage point with its banks of floor to ceiling windows,
we watched Boston slip away as we headed to sea for our short cruise to nowhere
and the evening ahead of us.
To begin our leisurely dinner in the main
dining room, I chose New England and Boston favorites--crab cakes and clam
chowder. Tasty seasoned drawn butter accompanied my lobster entree,
which was followed by sinfully rich desserts and coffee. Later, I wished
I'd left room for the dessert extravaganza in the Lido Restaurant.
Choices for after dinner entertainment
varied from the energetic song-and-dance "Romance on Broadway" show in
the Queen's Lounge to the soothing sounds of the Rosario Strings in the
Explorers Lounge and late-night comedy in the Ocean Bar. Disco favorites
drew a crowd to the popular Crow's Nest. Well past time when we should
have been dreaming, we joined the late night party crowd dancing to
"YMCA" before retiring to the soothing motion of our vessel at sea.
(Photo-Crow's Nest)
Up in the morning, sunshine beckoned a stroll on the teak promenade deck between breakfast and disembarkation. It
wasn't easy to leave the padded deck chairs behind. Our short introduction
left us wanting more... the quiet elegance, attentive service, and inviting
cabins were altogether too enticing. As diverse as the Dutch city
for which she was named, Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding
technology with the artistry and small touches that set Holland America ships
apart. While the concept of two flagships may take a bit of getting used
to, it's readily apparent that Amsterdam is worthy of the designation as
she joins Rotterdam to cruise the oceans of the world.
I would like to extend a
special thank you to Holland America Line for making this preview possible.
Copyright © 2000 Linda Coffman
Photos--Holland America Line & Linda Coffman
