Holland America Line’s 1,316-passenger Rotterdam has been fitted with a selection of Signature of Excellence upgrades that will be rolled out to three more ships in the next few years.
They include the Retreat, a new area on the Lido deck that has a pool with a shallow section where passengers can lounge in chairs and dip their toes in the water, a pool bar, pizzeria and a big screen for evening movies.
There is also a new category of accommodation, Lanai cabins, created from former oceanview rooms, where the windows have been replaced with floor-to-ceiling doors that open out to the promenade deck.
The piano and casino bars are being combined into a new lounge, Mix, that has three separate bars dedicated to Martinis, Champagne and Spirits and Ales. Canaletto, a casual Italian restaurant that debuted on Eurodam, is also being added.
Rotterdam was the second ship, after Veendam, to receive the enhancements during a 28-day drydock in the Bahamas in November and December.
All its cabins have also been fitted with new furnishings and there is a new category of spa cabins, near the spa, which have enhanced amenities.
Maasdam, Ryndam and Statendam will all receive the enhancements over two phases starting in early 2010.
Mix and Canaletto will be added during drydocks in 2010 and 2011, when public areas and staterooms will also be upgraded. During drydocks in 2012 and 2013, The Retreat and Lanai and spa staterooms will be added.