10 KEYNOTE Setting new standards for sustainability My Nguyen of Holland America Line explains to Rebecca Gibson why she hopes the largest fleet enhancement project in the brand’s 153-year history will inspire the wider industry to pursue sustainable marine interiors Holland America Line has embarked on the “most ambitious guest experience update” in its 153year history, investing more than $500 million to complete extensive bow-to-stern revitalisations on six of its 11 ships. The multi-year renovation project, carried out in collaboration with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will cover the brand’s four Vista-class ships – Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam – and two Signature-class vessels, Nieuw Amsterdam and Eurodam. The brand aims to expand bar and restaurant options, add new suite and stateroom categories and “bring the best” of the Pinnacle-class vessels onboard. It will also introduce experiences and venues that are new to the fleet. “We’re elevating our Vista- and Signature-class ships by bringing in features guests already love on our Pinnacle class,” says My Nguyen, senior director of design and innovation at Holland America Line and Seabourn. “This will allow us to enhance the guest experience in a meaningful way while ensuring the fleet continues to feel relevant and compelling for years to come.” The “focused investment in comfort, choice and experience” has been “strongly informed” by both guest and crew feedback, says Nguyen. “We listened closely to which spaces guests gravitate towards, how they use them, and where there were opportunities to expand choice.” Holland America Line will complete the refurbishments ship by ship, starting with Oosterdam, which will return to service fully revitalised in autumn 2027. During Oosterdam’s refit, Holland America Line will add 76 new staterooms and suites, giving guests more choice and flexibility, while increasing the ship’s overall capacity. New accommodation options will include 30 rooms purpose-built for solo travellers, each with a private balcony and dedicated workspace, as well as 24 Vista suites with seating areas, oversized windows and private verandas. There will also be 900-square-foot Bridgeview suites with separate living and sleeping areas, wraparound balconies and panoramic
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