Holland America's Statendam celebrates the most modern advances in guest amenities and nautical design. Yet this magnificent ship also perfected maritime traditions and service we've preserved over more than a century of worldwide cruising. Guests dine on the most extensive menus at sea. Presented on gleaming Rosenthal china by crisply-uniformed staff. Alternately, for today's more causal lifestyles, our relaxed Lido is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And 24-hour room service is complimentary - perfect for intimate dining on the verandah of your spacious stateroom. Choices. Freedom. To do as much or as little as you please.

Ship Highlights

• A three-deck grand atrium, featuring the ornate, 26-foot-high "Fountain of the Sirens"
• 600-seat Van Gogh Show Lounge featuring Broadway-style entertainment
• 249-Seat Wajang Theater used for lectures, meetings, and first-run movies
• The Crow's Nest offers unsurpassed views of the ocean, as well as cocktails and dance music
• Outdoor jogging track
• Dazzling casino
• Library, card room, and puzzle room
• One Dutch High Tea on every cruise
• $2 million collection of museum-quality art and antique displays
• Ocean Spa offering a wide range of pampering treatments

Overview

When Holland America Line's Statendam debuted early in 1993 it was the first in its class of ships. The Statendam is fifth in the company's 130-year history to bear the name. And in the Holland America tradition, the Statendam is a floating masterpiece of shipbuilders' art, Old World tradition and state-of-the-art modern technology.

Art tours, walks through the ship to study incredible art works and artifacts are as popular as sail-away parties on other vessels. The Statendam offers more than $2 million worth of art and artifacts, often featuring a theme of Dutch exploration. Whether walking to the library where you'll find the Internet Cafe, the card room, or any of the lounges passengers can't miss the beautiful objects displayed throughout the ship and in each guest room.

Public rooms

Most public rooms are located on Promenade and Upper Promenade decks. A three-deck atrium showcases an elaborate 26-foot-high "Fountain of the Sirens," which extends from Lower Promenade Deck to Upper Promenade and is the centerpiece of the ship, the spot where people meet or gather to head to one of the ship's many lounges.

Entertainment

The Van Gogh Theater is a work of art in itself and really quite entertaining. The room is themed to Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh's paintings "The Starry Night" and "Irises," and features computerized fiber optic lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. Colors are vivid and jewel-like. Some shows are excellent, others just fair. Dancers enjoy music after dinner in the Ocean Bar. The Crow's Nest Bar is another favorite with a bird's eye view.

Wajang Theater shows first-run movies and if you get there early enough you can get your complimentary bag of popcorn. It is also the site of religious services, lectures and seminars. The Java Cafe is located right next store. The casino is airy and made up of five blackjack tables; roulette table; dice table; stud poker; draw poker; and 105 slot machines. One pool features a retractable dome.

Fitness and Recreation

The Ocean Spa fitness center provides dual saunas and steam rooms; massage rooms; juice bar; beauty salon/barber shop. There's a specially surfaced jogging track that doesn't have a lot of traffic on it on Sports Deck that encircles the ship's stack. A second, outdoor, swimming pool is located one deck below Lido Deck on Navigation Deck aft. Statendam's stack. A broad teak deck encircles Lower Promenade Deck, for strolling or walking.

Activities

Family

Camp HAL is scheduled over holidays and summer sailings when children will be aboard.

Fellow passengers

Passengers are primarily aged 60+, with more families during holiday and vacation periods. On Alaska cruises, the cruise line offers special shore excursion for children, attracting more families during the summer.

Dress

Cruise casual, with a lightweight sweater or jacket. Ships always seem cold, and the Statendam, while warm in decor and friendliness, is kept quite cool. Formal nights require a tuxedo or dark suit for men and all the glitz women can pack into their luggage. Informal nights mean a dress or blouse, skirt or pants for women and jackets but no ties for men.

Gratuity

For years and years, Holland America Line distinguished itself with its "no tipping required" policy, the objective of which was to prove that the cheerful and accommodating staff worked for the love of serving their guests, not for tips. Unfortunately, many passengers took this to mean "tips are included," or "tipping not allowed," so as Holland America hopes to attract a more diverse clientele and more first-time cruisers, the tipping policy has been specifically addressed.

According to a statement from Holland America president Stein Kruse, the tipping policy fleetwide is as follows:

"For your convenience, a gratuity of $10 per guest per day, for dining and stateroom service, will be automatically posted to your shipboard account. We are confident you will find the service on board exemplary and, should you wish to make adjustments, you may do so at the end of the cruise by visiting the Front Office. Also, a 15 percent service charge will be automatically added to your bar and beverage purchases."