Oosterdam
Holland America Line
July 27-30, 2003
Royal Christening in Rotterdam & Ship Preview
by Linda Coffman
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The Atrium:
Adorned by a magnificent Waterford crystal globe of the
world*
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130
Years of Maritime Tradition
High atop Oosterdam's atrium, a sparking Waterford
crystal world globe reflects the aspirations of her guests—to
discover new vistas in comfort and style.
On July 29, 2003, five
thousand guests and Holland America's flagship ms Rotterdam were on
hand in the Dutch city of Rotterdam for Oosterdam's naming ceremony.
With the two vessels berthed dramatically bow-to-bow at
Wilhelminakade, adjacent to the line's
original headquarters, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the
Netherlands officially christened Oosterdam. On cue, the five house
flags that have flown over the Holland America Line fleet floated
majestically from the stage behind Princess Margriet to the bridge
of the Rotterdam, while 130 white doves soared overhead to
commemorate the company's anniversary and a 6-liter mathusalem of
champagne began its descent to burst against Oosterdam's hull. Amid
a rain of confetti, a huge Dutch flag was unfurled from the bow of
the Oosterdam and a United States flag from the Rotterdam,
representing Holland America's name and association with the two
countries.
Capping a regal evening of celebration, Rotterdam city officials
estimated over 150,000 people lined the banks of the Maas River and
the Erasmus Bridge to view an elaborate fireworks display that
filled the sky after Princess Margriet blew Oosterdam's whistle.
Judging from the crowds on hand, Holland America's flagship
Rotterdam and exciting new vessel Oosterdam are surely two of the
world's most photographed ships.
On board Oosterdam, second in the series of
Vista-class ships, Holland America regulars will recognize the
traditional touches they are fond of—late evening hot canapés;
chimes to announce meals; attentive, courteous service by the
Filipino and Indonesian crew; and signature spaces, including the
Crow's Nest, Explorer's Lounge, and Ocean Bar. Hallmarks of Holland
America Line's 130 year history abound—lovely flower arrangements,
priceless artwork and antiques, and a full wrap-around teak
promenade deck with padded deck chairs. Fresh popcorn is available
to movie-goers, afternoon tea is a treasured institution, and silver
trays of mints, figs, and candied ginger are present at the dining
room entrances.
A warm palette of blue, purple, red, and gold
accentuates the extensive use of crystal, marble, inlaid woods,
brass and other metals. Oosterdam is a creative blend of traditional
charm and high tech, affording all passengers the comfort and
convenience they expect on a premium class cruise liner. While
Vista-class ships are 40% larger than previous Holland America
vessels, they carry only 25% more passengers in spacious comfort.
Dining
Cruise passengers expect outstanding dining
experiences and delicious choices await guests on an Oosterdam
cruise.
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Vista Dining Room—The main dining room,
featuring extensive menu selections and expansive views of the
sea beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Pinnacle Grill Restaurant—The specialty
restaurant and adjoining bar serving Pacific Northwest cuisine,
with a signature steak and seafood menu
($20 per person cover charge for
dinner; $10 for lunch).
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Lido Restaurant—Traditional daytime shipboard
buffet dining with a twist: food stations replace long lines. At
night, the Lido Restaurant offers a sit-down dinner in a casual
setting.
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Explorations Café—A coffee bar serving java and tea specialties and a
selection of pastries, and desserts
(nominal charges per item).
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Terrace Grill—Buffet style indoor/outdoor casual
eatery.
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Pinnacle Grill
Restaurant
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Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill Restaurant is a sublime
treat—and sure to be popular for romantic dinners—so plan to make a
reservation right away. Atop crisp Frette linens, Riedel stemware
gleams beside Bvlgari china by Rosenthal. Fresh flowers are just the
right adornment. To accompany meals, wines from distinguished
Northwestern vineyards include Chateau St. Michelle, Willamette
Valley Vineyards, and Tualatin Estates.
Just a few of the tempting menu items include an
hors d'oeuvre prepared by the chef especially for the evening and
starters, including Cold Smoked Northwest Seafood, Dungeness Crab
Cakes, or Venison Carpaccio. The Pinnacle Grill features Sterling
Silver Beef prepared on a 1600-degree grill to insure that juices
are properly sealed. Select from Filet Mignon, Rib Eye or T-Bone
steaks, Sesame Crusted Halibut or Roasted Salmon, or try one of the
signature dishes, including Peking Duck Breast and Northwest Rack of
Lamb. All entrees are served with a choice of side dishes. To
complete dinner, there is Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska, Warm Rhubarb
Flan, Bing Cherry Fritters with Vanilla-Ginger Ice Cream, and an
assortment of sweets and cheeses.
Guests with special dietary concerns will find tasty
low sodium, diabetic, vegetarian, and fat free/low cholesterol
offerings and health conscious Inbalance Spa Cuisine by Jeanne Jones
in the Vista Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill, and Lido Restaurant.
Late afternoon snack cravings can be satisfied by
pizza slices or at an ice cream bar with all the fixings for a
supreme sundae. Even later hunger pangs are quelled from an
extensive 24-hour room service menu and traditional late-night
buffets in the Lido Restaurant.
Staterooms
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Superior Veranda Suite
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Eighty-five percent of Oosterdam's passenger
accommodations have an ocean view and two-thirds of outside
staterooms and suites offer occupants a private verandah with
attractive wicker-look furnishings.
Light wood tones complement the drapery,
carpeting, and bedspread colors of all categories. There are
basically six types of staterooms: standard inside, standard ocean
view, deluxe verandah outside, superior verandah suites, deluxe
verandah suites, and two penthouse verandah suites. All feature data
ports for laptop computers.
Suite occupants enjoy sumptuous quarters and the
private Neptune Lounge with personal concierge service. Penthouse
suites are the ultimate in luxury with separate living room, dining
room, and bedroom areas. A verandah, huge 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 similar
amenities, Deluxe and Superior Verandah Suites include large
verandahs, dressing areas, and generous sitting areas. The full
suites also provide many of the conveniences of the penthouses,
including double sinks, a whirlpool tub, separate shower,
refrigerator, and VCR. Beware of the shower curtain in Superior
Verandah Suites—the shower itself is tight and the curtain tends to
"cling" (try a shower in the whirlpool tub instead).
Deluxe Verandah Outside staterooms are similar in
design to outside standards, including the bathrooms with tubs, but
have a slightly different furniture configuration. The verandahs add
real usable space. Furnished with two wicker-style chairs and a
table, there is still plenty of room to move about. Desirable,
aft-facing Category A verandahs are huge, but not completely private
as they are "stepped" out like a layer cake.
Inside and outside standard staterooms are
functional and comfortable, with amenities including hairdryers,
personal safes, refrigerators, and two closets configured for
hanging and/or drop down shelves. Twin beds that convert to a queen,
a sofa, adjustable height table, hassock, and vanity/desk and chair
round out the furnishings. Oddly, drawers are only found in the
small bedside tables; all other storage space is shelving. For two
people on a short cruise, this arrangement is acceptable, but
storage for three or four could be tight. Parents with more than one
small child might consider adjoining staterooms for additional
storage and a second bathroom.
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Oosterdam
Preview, Part 2
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Oosterdam
Photos 1 &
Oosterdam
Photos 2
Staterooms & Public Areas
Photos ©
CruiseDiva.com and *Michel Verdure, Courtesy of
Holland
America Line
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