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The “Tradition of Excellence”
Continues
Ship Report December 2-5, 2004
President’s Cruise/ USA debut
Lauderdale-Day at Sea-Half Moon
Cay-Fort Lauderdale
The third ship in the Vista
Class series from Holland America Line, the ms Westerdam was the
first ship to embrace the “Signature of Excellence” enhancement
program. This new vessel and her sisters, the ms Zuiderdam, the
ms Oosterdam and soon to be ms Noordam are the future of Holland
America Line which has been in the shipping business over 130
years.
The Vista Class ships are the
largest of the Holland America fleet. At 82,000 gross tons and
only carrying 1848 passengers these ships carry on the “Tradition
of Excellence”. Many innovative designs and engineering went into
the Vista Class ships. Larger lounges, more restaurants, more
elaborate spa facilities, more children’s activities and dedicated
children’s areas are all enhancements which guests can see and
experience. What guests do not see are the upgraded crew
quarters, the state of the art environmental center making the
Westerdam one of the cleanest ships in the world today. The
results of the careful planning and designing of the ships
reflects Holland America Line’s commitment to quality for the
future.
The ms Westerdam will sail 7
nights round trip from Port Everglades on Sundays alternating
Eastern and Western Caribbean during the Winter months and move on
to cruise the Mediterranean and Baltic Capitals during the prime
Summer months. Holland America now has two NEW Vista Class ships
from Fort Lauderdale cruising from Fort Lauderdale to the exotic
islands of the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Holland America’s private
Bahamian Island, Half Moon Cay, continues to add experiences for
guests and groups to enjoy. New adventures include horseback
riding on the beach and end with an exhilarating ride into the
surf, a Aqua Trax personal watercraft trail away from bathers on
the far side of the island, a stingray adventure for personal
encounters with these gentle creatures and a small water park to
entertain the little ones within sight of watchful parents. Also
added are eight private cabanas complete with air conditioning,
private showers, misting stations and Butler Service if desired.
These are located right on the beautiful bay and are perfect for
corporate groups. Holland America is in the process of adding to
these cabanas and creating a two story corporate cabana for up to
40 guests.
There was a new beverage outlet
which just opened the week prior to my visit and is evolving.
When completely opened, it will offer live island music, specialty
drinks and a lite snack menu.
More suites, more balconies,
more amenities, premium dining and traditionally excellent service
make Holland America Line the real choice in the 7 day Caribbean
or Alaskan incentive programs. If you have the time to take 10 or
more days in Europe, Holland America can also fill your
expectations. We keep asking for and hoping for 7 night European
programs and with the new young energetic team at HAL, we may get
some itineraries in 2007.
The Vista class ships and the ms
Westerdam offer the highest quality of ships, food and service in
the Premium class of ships. Contact your Worldwide sales
executive for a proposal on these ships. You and your guests will
be surprised just how good an incentive you will have….
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