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Ship Statistics
The luxurious new ms Zaandam
 is one of the newest members of Holland America's "next generation" of cruise ships. The Zaandam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features found on board both the ms Rotterdam flagship and the Statendam-class vessels. Special features include an alternative restaurant, Internet Cafe, a third staircase for convenient access to public rooms and a children's play room, as well as more of the popular mini-suites with verandahs. The Zaandam's predominant theme is music and will be featured in the ship's artwork and interior design elements.Ship Highlights
Overview A sister to the Volendam, which launched a new generation of HAL ships in 1999, the new Zaandam rocks with a stylish and lively decor that boasts a musical theme and warm colors. Life aboard this mid-size ship is sedate and contradicts the old saying, "they don't make things the way they used to." The Zaandam proves they do indeed -- she embodies a graciousness that recalls the early days of sailing: a classic ship with all the modern comforts -- and a vessel that continues HAL's longstanding tradition of excellence, with a laid-back, rich-in-culture ambiance, a high degree of personal service, and interiors graced with art, antiques and fresh flowers. A moderately-priced premium product, the Zaandam features such free extras as cappuccinos and espressos in the Java Cafe, popcorn at the Wajang Theater, and a souvenir canvas bag. Her guests, generally well-traveled middle-aged Americans, are appreciative of quality and value and prefer a dignified ambiance that emphasizes bridge and ballroom dancing rather than knobby knee contests and disco. The three-level atrium at the heart of the ship has as its focal point an impressive 22-ft.-high Dutch pipe organ with mechanical sculptures. It is connected to a Yamaha player piano for numbers for piano and orchestra. The 110-seat Ocean Bar is one of the most popular passenger hubs, conveniently located amidships, near the showroom. It offers sea views by day and music by a quartet in the evenings - some tables spill onto the atrium and are great for people watching. The 89-seat Explorer's Lounge, located near the Rotterdam Dining Room, is a quieter venue: the traditional spot - as on other HAL ships - for after-dinner drinks and chocolates while enjoying ear candy: a harpist playing light classical music and other selections. Entertainment The main lounge presents variety shows, a lavish Broadway-style revue and a high-energy production themed to dance. Other entertainment includes a "specta-crew-lar" show presented by the ship's own staff, featuring folkloric songs and dances. The evening lineup also includes a harpist in the Explorer's Lounge and a quartet in the Ocean Bar. Those who wish to tempt Lady Luck have a casino featuring an array of slots and five tables for blackjack, two for Caribbean Stud Poker, one for roulette and one for dice. The Wajang Theater presents first-run films every afternoon and evening. Live sports broadcasts can be viewed in the Casino Bar. And for those who don't want to call it a night by midnight (many do, however) the beat goes on in the Crow's Nest disco until the wee hours. Close your eyes and open your mind to all of the thrill seeking entertainment alternative that you'll have the opportunity to venture. No matter how you plan on spending your night, the Zaandam remains well equip to accommodate each and every one of your desires. If you're looking for the relaxed scenery of a lounge, you'll find plenty. If you're in the mood for the mingling bar atmosphere, you'll feel completely comfortable in our bars.
Fitness and Recreation An expanded Ocean Spa, operated by Steiner, features, like on the Volendam, six treatment rooms with private shower and toilets. Two of the six rooms accommodate wet treatments such as hydrotherapy baths, seaweed wraps and mud. The ocean-view gym has 11 treadmills, eight bikes, and an assortment of stairsteppers, rowing machines, Cybex weight training machines and free weights; aerobics area; dual sauna/steam rooms and a jogging track one deck above (10 laps equal one mile). The wraparound deck on Lower Promenade is available to walkers (three and a half laps equal one mile). Activities If you're looking for the ultimate cruising experience that you'll remember for a lifetime, you've come aboard the right ship. The ship of Holland America's Zaandam is well equip to accommodate all of your activity possibilities. From the moment you embark this vessel to the second before you disembark, you're guaranteed to become so occupied that it will be virtually impossible to keep track of the days nor the hour.
Family Kids are kept busy with supervised Club HAL crafts, parties, and games for three age groups 5-8, 9-12 and 13-17. The number of counselors depends on the number of kids on board. Children's menus are available. Baby-sitting is featured on request (at sea, when available) for $7.50 per child, per hour. Fellow passengers HAL has been attracting younger guests in recent years thanks to expanded spas, beefed up children's programs, and the addition of alternative dining, late comedy and other features. Average age is in the mid-50s in the Caribbean and mid- to late 50s in Alaska. The Zaandam, with her Caribbean itineraries, is attracting many families during summer sailings. Dress There are two formal nights during a seven-day cruise; three during a 10-day sailing. About half the men wear dark suits. 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. |
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