Supplement to Travel Trade
December 2000

HAL's Zaandam:

Style With Substance

The Zaandam, which debuted in May, is the brightest vessel in Holland America Lines growing fleet. Shes contemporary, with a touch of jazz (but no neon and glitz). From bow to stern, the Zaandam is what we might call the new Holland America.

According to HAL chairman and CEO Kirk Lanterman, The nice thing about a new ship is that we have been able to design it to reflect what our passengers currently want in a cruise.

David Giersdorf, senior vice president of marketing and sales, noted that the Zaandam was created to offer something for everyone including the fast-growing family and multi-generational segment.

Weve done this without compromising or jeopardizing our position as a premium product with a more refined atmosphere, said Giersdorf.

The Zaandam is an evolution of the product, rather than a radically different ship, designed to appeal to the contemporary market, as well as to HALs numerous repeat passengers.

In the different category is the Mondriaan Show Lounge, which glitters in comparison to the lounges on the Volendam and other ships in the fleet.

Artworks on the Zaandam are more abstract than on other vessels. Colors are hued to grays and silvers that catch and reflect the light. Furniture colors range from deep red to purple and orange.

Guests who have also sailed on the Volendam will notice the differences in the art themes for the alternative restaurant, the Marco Polo. On the Volendam, the restaurant displays a collection of drawings and etchings from various artists and eras. On the Zaandam, a collection of 17th century food-themed still life paintings by several exceptional artists line the Marco Polos walls.

Its nice to know that Holland America has not given up on its continuing collection and displays of old ship models. The Zaandam has a superb collection of models and artifacts dating back to the companys beginnings more than a century ago.

The Zaandam is the first Holland America vessel designed with a distinctive theme music. Passengers stand in awe below the computer-controlled 22-foot high Dutch-style pipe organ, which dominates the grand atrium and sends the sound of music through the entire ship.

The fanciful organ sets the light and lively tone of the vessel, which displays guitars signed by the likes of Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Iggy Pop.

The music theme also is subtly interpreted throughout the ship in upholstery fabrics, walls, window treatment and ceilings, as well as in door handles, engravings on glass and in much of the artwork.

The Zaandams principal designer, Frans C.I. Dingemans, said that the last 10 years have made a great difference in the evolution of ship designs.

Today we want to get as much glass as possible into the design. Holland America passengers are interested in the world around them. Thats why they cruise, so we want passengers to see the sea and be in touch with the sea.

Dingemans said thats the reason HALs dining rooms are located in the stern and have huge windows, and why HAL ships have wide, open promenades with railings that dont interfere with sea views.

HALs signature Crows Nest observation room/nightclub is designed to draw attention to the ocean, so nothing covers the huge windows that surround the room. On one side is a section of easy chairs. The other side, which Dingemans described as more masculine, contrasts the light colors with leather chairs and wood accents. It is appropriately named the Captains Area. There is a small dance floor, which becomes a disco after 11 p.m., a sculpted bar, and there are unobstructed sea views from every seating area.

Like the Rotterdam and Volendam, the Zaandam has three elevator lobbies and a third double staircase. Another improvement carried over from both ships is the increase of four inches in ceiling height in every room, which makes a subtle difference in spaciousness.

Entertainment has come full circle on the Zaandam. The two-level Mondriaan Show Lounge, named after the Dutch abstract artist, has a revolving stage with hydraulic lifts, a confetti cannon effect system and a moving light system. Bright, glittering silver and white wall and ceiling panels provide a backdrop for Broadway and Las Vegas-type production shows and specialty acts.

Holland America staterooms and suites are as close to perfect as youll find on any other ships in this price range. They are spacious and well designed with plenty of storage space and excellent lighting. All cabins, including minimums, have seating areas, double closets, a sofa, extra deep chests of drawers, a safe, hairdryer, voice mail and twin beds that can convert to queen size.

The Zaandam offers 720 staterooms and suites, with 80% outside and 197 with private verandas. This ship has 40% more deluxe veranda mini-suites than her predecessors due to increased passenger demand, according to the line.

Even the 139 inside cabins run a very comfortable 186-square feet. Standard outsides are about 10 feet larger and there are 168 veranda mini-suites. All are decorated in subtle colors and quality fabrics. The ship has designated 19 cabins as wheelchair accessible.

Stepping up a few levels are 28 suites that measure 385-square feet and going all the way up is a single penthouse suite. At 946-square feet, its larger than many city apartments and houses some of the ships most spectacular pieces of art.

The Zaandam offers a number of dining options to the elegant Rotterdam Dining Room. Guests may select the self-service Lido for casual breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Lido Terrace Grill serves hamburgers, sausages, stirfry dishes, tacos and the like. At the Ice Cream Parlor, passengers can make their own sundaes and theyre complimentary.

The optional Italian bistro, Marco Polo, is a popular dining alternative. Since it seats only 88 people, guests are advised to make reservations early.

Marco Polos menu offers extensive California-style Italian cuisine. Service is impeccable. According to HALs policy, gratuities are not required, but, due to the superb food and service, hardly anyone leaves the room without tipping.

Dining in the magnificent two-level main Rotterdam Dining Room is a cruise highlight. The room is elegant, yet understated. The Volendams unusual chandeliers are duplicated here, as are the graceful double staircase, contemporary lighting and overall design.

The dining room offers tables of from two to eight or more. There are two seatings for dinner at assigned tables. Breakfast and lunch are open seatings. A typical dinner menu features six courses with seven entrZe choices, including some delicious Indonesian specialties.

Pre-dinner hot hors doeuvres are complimentary and a special Royal Dutch High Tea is an afternoon highlight. Holland America has not given up the late night buffet, but it has changed to themed menus crepes, pastas, etc., with one Dessert Extravaganza.

A popular venue shared by both the Zaandam and the Volendam is the Sea View Lounge. Fashioned after a typical Amsterdam pub, it is a small, casual setting for socializing. The piano is on a turntable, which revolves from the dance floor into the bar area. The Lounge, which has room for only about 20 people, was designed to be full of people on purpose, said Dingemans. It gives the room an ambience that is quite special.

In spite of the changes on the Zaandam, Holland America fans will be delighted to see enhanced versions of some of their favorite places, including the 217-seat Wajang Theater with its first run movies, plush and comfortable seating and complimentary fresh popcorn served before every show.

Other popular spots include the 36-seat Java Cafe, serving complimentary coffee specialties and cookies, and The Web Site, located next to the beautiful Erasmus Library, where eight computers are available around the clock. The charge for Internet access is 75 cents per minute with a five-minute minimum.

For pre-dinner dancing, The Ocean Bar is the place to be. Music is easy listening and 50s and 60s dance tunes. Its a great mix-and-meet area since, because of limited seating, passengers are inclined to share tables, leading to conversation and new friends.

The Steiner-operated Ocean Spa features a professional staff and the latest in spa treatments. The fitness and aerobics areas share common space but are designed not to interfere with each other. Instructors are on hand to help guests use the latest workout equipment, all offering ocean views.

When it comes to service, the Indonesian and Filipino staff is always anxious to please. About 80% of the staff has worked on other Holland America ships. Many have been with the company for more than a dozen years and some are second and third generation employees.

The Sky Room is headquarters for a complete youth program for young cruisers 5 to 17 years. A full-time Club HAL director is on all sailings to coordinate age-appropriate activities. Holland America was the first to offer shore excursions exclusively for children in Alaska and the program is being extended to Caribbean cruises.

Overall, the Zaandam reflects the same graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features as the rest of the fleet. She's one of those ships offering something for almost everyone and should strike a chord with cruisers new to the company, as well as with HALs legions of faithful followers.