SEATTLE, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, entertainment on board five popular ships is evolving to feature a new music program, the new Showroom at Sea, expanded entertainment and enrichment activities and a video game room featuring the latest craze in high-tech entertainment. The enhancements are part of an extensive $200-million program that will occur during nearly month-long dry docks on ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam beginning in spring 2009.
"The new musical offerings and entertainment initiatives are designed to be even more compelling and relevant to today's premium cruiser," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "These enhancements will allow us to offer more venues and more choices to our guests."
Signature Bands Featured on All Ships
Joining the resident shipboard entertainment staff are three new musical groups catering to a wide audience: The HALCats, The Neptunes and Adaggio. Each ship in the fleet will now feature an ensemble of these signature musical groups.
An eight-piece party band, The HALCats play the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s throughout the ship. Charged with creating a sophisticated and sultry mood, The Neptunes, a three-piece combo, feature music from the Great American Songbook. Adaggio, a string quartet, comprised of a viola, cello and two violins, perform light classics in the Explorer's Lounge. Guests can dance to the tunes of Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. in the newly refurbished Ocean Bar.
Showroom at Sea
Holland America Line has redesigned its main show space to combine modern stage technology and decor with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub. Called Showroom at Sea, this venue will feature new show concepts along with production-style shows. Remodeled seating and a larger parquet dance floor will also feature movable tables and chairs complete with white-linen tablecloths and cafe lamps. The old-Hollywood atmosphere in this intimate room is just the place to dance the night away.
High-Tech Entertainment
The latest video game craze across the nation is now coming to Holland America Line ships. Interactive games and other high-tech entertainment, complete with large flatscreen televisions, are being installed in a new space called the Sky Room and will test players' game skills. This high-tech game room features several "rooms within a room" and will include plenty of lounging chairs and couches for onlookers and participants alike.
Explorations Team Expands Activities
Entertainment and enrichment are taking on a new, contemporary look and feel across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team consists of a cruise director, a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a "techspert." On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.
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. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added to the five 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.
For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.
- http://www.hollandamerica.com -
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.
Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a
commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show
kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide
cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by The
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.
CONTACT: Rose Abello
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-281-3535
FAX: 206-262-5934
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
SOURCE Holland America Line
International News / Press Release source: PR Newswire
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