Oosterdam
Holland America Line
July 27-30, 2003
Royal Christening in Rotterdam & Ship Preview
by Linda Coffman, Part Two
Public
Areas
 |
|
Waterford
Crystal Globe*
|
Adorned by an exquisite Waterford Crystal globe,
Oosterdam's modest triple deck atrium only hints at the
delights beyond. Public rooms are concentrated on Promenade and
Lower Promenade decks, from the three-deck Vista Lounge forward to
the exquisite two-deck Vista Dining Room aft. In between are the
cozy Ocean Bar and Explorers Lounge, Casino, Northern Lights Disco,
Piano Bar, lively Sports Bar, Pinnacle Grill Restaurant, and Queen's
Lounge. Rich, jewel-tones prevail throughout and seating for shows
and other presentations is extremely comfortable in the Vista Lounge
and Queen's Lounge.
The Crow's Nest and Explorer's Lounge are perhaps
the most traditional of the public rooms on board Oosterdam. Subtle
variations in decor between port and starboard sides of the Crow's
Nest make it the ideal setting for afternoon Royal Dutch High Tea or
after dinner brandy. While both lounges are large, they have
distinctive, intimate seating areas for cocktails and inlaid wood
floors ideal for dancing. Adjacent to the Crow's Nest, the
Explorations Cafe is a warm spot with a coffee bar, library, and
multiple stations to connect to the Internet. Just outside the
Crow's Nest are secluded spots to relax under the stars in heavy
whitewashed wooden chairs with overstuffed canvas cushions.
The Greenhouse Spa boasts a full menu of salon
services and spa treatments. A hydro pool and thermal suite are
extra-tariff indulgences for complete relaxation and the aroma-steam
room is a rare treat for sinus sufferers. Don't overlook your
exercise regime while on board; Oosterdam has a fully equipped
fitness center with state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of
classes. After a jog around the teak Promenade Deck, take a
refreshing dip in one of the two pools or select one of the hot tubs
to soak sore muscles.
Children haven't been overlooked in the expanded
indoor and outdoor facilities for Oosterdam's "Club HAL" Program and
they will enjoy their own cruise cuisine from special menus designed
to appeal to young passengers. Club HAL features a "mocktail" bar,
play areas, computer center, and even a small curtained stage for
youthful performers. Teens, always difficult to please, can
participate in a wide range of sports, dance parties, and
entertainment options. Even "doing their own thing" with new-found
pals is completely safe at sea.
The Oosterdam Experience
Why go on a cruise if you don't see expansive views
of the sea? Like Zuiderdam, her Vista-class sister, Oosterdam
presents those sea views and more in unexpected ways. For instance,
four scenic elevators carry guests from Deck 1 to Deck 9. While you
are waiting, take a good look at the etched glass doors—they mirror
the 1920's motif of the ten interior elevator doors done in cast
aluminum. Frans Dingemans, the ship's architect, contrived to give
guests the "impression they are on a little ship with lots of
surprises." For instance, the additional space on Vista-class ships
meant he could create bay window seating areas in the Ocean Bar for
more angles facing the sea.
 |
|
An
intricately carved elephant greets casino patrons
|
Marvelous nooks and crannies contain hallmarks of
Holland America vessels—priceless works of art and magnificent
flower arrangements. Even the chairs in the Odyssey Restaurant are
unique creations—sculpted to echo organic forms of the Northwest and
cast in polished aluminum, they are not only beautiful, they are
comfortable.
Look up at the ceilings for delicate glass
ornamentaion and do take the stairs where you will find whimsical
benches outside elevators and captivating paintings and sculptures
on the stairwell landings. Tucked away among the books in the
library is a delicate miniature room. Don't miss these elegant
touches!
Identical in layout to Zuiderdam, Oosterdam's
interior palette includes many of the same colors and even the same
fabrics and carpet designs. However, Oosterdam's muted hues flow
from one area to the next to create a soothing atmosphere not
present on Zuiderdam.
What
You WILL Find:
-
Delicious meals, creatively presented
-
Light and healthy spa cuisine
-
Gracious service by a professional staff
-
Activities to suit a wide range of interests for
all ages
-
A rollicking late-night disco
-
Stunning artwork and flowers
-
Duty free shops generously stocked with high-end
merchandise
-
Numerous triple and quad staterooms and suites
suitable for families
-
Attention to accessibility for the physically
challenged, including equipment for the hearing impaired
-
Spa services by the exclusive Greenhouse Spa &
Salon
-
Guest performers, production shows, and some of
the best entertainment at sea throughout the vessel
-
Four outside panorama elevators with scenic
vistas of the sea
-
A dentist! Holland America Line is the only
cruise line with a dentist aboard every cruise
-
WiFi Internet access available in public room
hot spots
What
You WON'T Find:
-
Glitz and flashing lights (except in the disco &
casino)
-
Boredom
-
Laundry rooms
Fast Stats
-
Launched 2003
-
82,000 tons
-
936 feet long
-
1,848 guests, double occupancy
-
Generous space ratio for passenger comfort
Back to -->
Oosterdam
Preview, Part 1
Photos ©
CruiseDiva.com and *Michel Verdure, Courtesy of
Holland
America Line
Holland America Line
- Cruise Reviews
Holland America
Line - Cruise Line Profile
