We See What’s New On Holland America Line’s Eurodam & Get A Taste Of What’s To Come On Koningsdam | Travel Research Online

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We See What’s New On Holland America Line’s Eurodam & Get A Taste Of What’s To Come On Koningsdam

Holland America Line’s ms Eurodam got some pretty major enhancements during a 14-day dry dock in the Bahamas this past December. Yesterday during a tour of Eurodam, which was docked in Port Everglades, media got to see some of the changes firsthand. We were on board for a few hours to check out the new additions and to sample some of the food and drink that will debut on the new Koningsdam, due out this spring. In addition to my brief report, Aaron Saunders is also posting a story from our time on board Eurodam yesterday, so be sure to look for that here on Avid Cruiser as well. 

Welcome aboard Holland America Line.
[/media-credit] Welcome aboard Holland America Line.

The most notable new additions were the Lincoln Center Stage, in partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing an ensemble performing chamber music; Billboard Onboard, in partnership with Billboard, featuring 50 years of chart-topping hits; and the Gallery Bar, making its debut in the former Northern Lights venue.

I got to talk with Orlando Ashford, president Holland America Line, about some of the enhancements throughout the fleet.
I got to talk with Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, about some of the enhancements throughout the fleet.

Eurodam’s New Gallery Bar

Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, on Holland America Line’s Eurodam.
Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, on Holland America Line’s Eurodam.

During the dry dock, Eurodam received the line’s first Gallery Bar. The sophisticated venue, serving an exclusive cocktail menu by celebrity mixologist Dale DeGroff, replaces Northern Lights and is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still-life and abstract pieces. The décor was designed to engage guests and facilitate conversations in a relaxing environment. It will be introduced on ms Nieuw Amsterdamms Noordamms Westerdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Zuiderdam by May 2018 as the ships enter their respective dry docks.

A new cocktail menu, such as a twist on the traditional Manhattan, debuts on Eurodam and is destined for Koningsdam.
[/media-credit] A new cocktail menu, such as a twist on the traditional Manhattan, debuts on Eurodam and is destined for Koningsdam.

Suite Accommodations Get Upgrades

Eurodam is the first ship in the fleet to receive the suite upgrades planned for the line’s Signature-, Vista- and R-class ships. The main living area in each suite was refreshed with new furniture, carpet, wall coverings, and soft goods. Electronic upgrades included a new USB outlet added to the bed’s headboard, bedside LED reading lights, upgraded electrical outlets, and a lighted closet rod. Neptune and Pinnacle suites also received a Bose Bluetooth speaker.

Signature Superior Verandah Suite 6061 on Eurodam.
[/media-credit] Signature Superior Verandah Suite 6061 on Eurodam.
Bathroom updates on Eurodam.
[/media-credit] Bathroom updates on Eurodam.
Bedside USB outlets, a nice touch.
[/media-credit] Bedside USB outlets, a nice touch.

Suite bathrooms also received a makeover, with designer glass tile serving as a backdrop to the refreshed vanity area. Other enhancements include contemporary mirrors with integrated LED lighting, stylish floor tiles and a nightlight.

A new interactive television system was installed throughout the ship, featuring large LED flat-screen TV’s with complimentary movies on demand as well as easy access to the daily program and shipboard information including restaurant overviews, spa services and guest billing.

A Taste Of What’s To Come On Koningsdam

Getting a taste of what’s to come on Koningsdam: appetizers from the Culinary Council.
[/media-credit] Getting a taste of what’s to come on Koningsdam: appetizers from the Culinary Council.
One of the dishes that we sampled yesterday on Eurodam
[/media-credit] One of the dishes that we sampled yesterday on Eurodam
We got to sample menus that will debut on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam.
[/media-credit] We got to sample menus that will debut on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam.

Entertainment Expands with Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard

Guests have more entertainment options than ever before with the addition of Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard Onboard, which complement the already-existing and wildly popular B.B. King’s Blues Club. Under the exclusive partnership, Lincoln Center Stage showcases an ensemble of world-class musicians performing multiple chamber music programs nightly. On those occasions when guests are enjoying a leisurely day at sea aboard ship, the ensemble plays afternoon recitals.

Billboard Onboard features the talents of live musicians — including two pianists, a guitarist, and a DJ — who take turns performing dynamic shows centered around the interesting facts and figures of the music industry as chronicled by Billboard. Between the nightly sets and songs, guests can sing and play along with trivia questions presented on screens throughout the room.

Eurodam is the first Holland America Line ship to undergo extensive enhancements to its suites as part of a $300 million brand enhancement initiative announced in November.

ms Oosterdam will also receive these venues during its April dry dock, and other Vista- and Signature-class ships will see the additions over the next few years.


An avid traveler and an award-winning journalist, Ralph Grizzle produces articles, video and photos that are inspiring and informative, personal and passionate. A journalism graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ralph has specialized in travel writing for more than two decades. To read more cruise and port reviews by Ralph Grizzle, visit his website at www.avidcruiser.com.

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