By
Rebecca Gibson |
Holland America Line (HAL) is to enhance the suites onboard its Signature, Vista and R-Class ships as part of a US$300 million brand development initiative.
Eurodam is scheduled to go into drydock from 7-20 December 2015 in Freeport, Bahamas, while Oosterdam will be refitted between 3 and 18 April 2016 at Fincantieri’s yard in Palermo, Sicily. Refits will then be carried out onboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam and Noordam. In addition, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Volendam and Zaandam will receive the suite enhancements as they head into their scheduled drydocks over the next few years.
“Our suites are the epitome of luxury and pampering, and the new amenities and upgrades will ensure that our suite guests continue to enjoy the finest in cruise accommodation,” said Orlando Ashford, HAL president. “We have an ongoing programme in place to keep our ships looking fresh, but drydocking gives us an opportunity to take enhancements to the next level to ensure we deliver the elements that make up the Holland America Line cruise experience.”
Each suite will be fitted with a new sofa, lounge chairs and a desk chair, as well as new carpets and wall coverings. The bedroom area will receive new drapery, a privacy curtain, bed runner, bed skirt and a headboard. A new quartz stone top will be added to the desk, dresser, nightstands and dressing table, along with new vanity lighting.
Electronic upgrades will include a USB outlet on the bed’s headboard, bedside LED lights, updated electrical outlets and a lit closet rod. Guests will also benefit from a new interactive TV system, which offers complimentary movies on demand, the daily onboard programme and shipboard information including restaurant overviews, spa services and guest billing.
Suite bathrooms will also be refurbished with a wall of glass tiles, contemporary mirrors with integrated side-by-side LED lighting, refreshed floor tiles and a nightlight. The dressing area will be updated with new stone tops, modern taps and under-mount sinks.
Starting in January 2016, guests in all suites across the suite will have access to an expanded programme of amenities. Neptune and Pinnacle suite guests will have exclusive use of the Neptune Lounge, as well as private breakfast service in the Pinnacle Grill and complimentary laundry and dry cleaning services. New additions feature a premium duvet, bathrobes and slippers, Bose docking station, binoculars for use during the voyage, complimentary mimosas with in-suite breakfast and an in-suite coffee and espresso machine.
HAL has also formed several new partnerships to improve the planning, onboard and onshore experience for its guests.