Holland America Line’s ms Statendam is better than ever. The ship departed Fort Lauderdale April 11 on a 14-day southern Caribbean voyage having completed its stem-to-stern, multimillion dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas. The 1,260-guest ship received a host of new facilities and features, including new stateroom furnishings and bathroom upgrades; Canaletto, a complimentary Italian eatery; the Showroom at Sea; and the Mix lounge, which combines three distinct bars into one area.
“With Statendam completed, we now have four ships sailing with these exciting enhancements,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.
Statendam is the fourth ship in a series of five to receive extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades; the ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Ryndam refits are now complete. Maasdam is scheduled to receive upgrades in April 2011.
Canaletto, a complimentary, casual Italian restaurant, was added to ms Statendam and serves dinner when a section of the Lido is transformed with glass partitions. Reservations are suggested. To create a more open, engaging environment for guests during evenings, Statendam underwent the reconfiguration of the existing Casino and Piano bars into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.
Completing the enhancements, Statendam’s staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry. Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa (on Verandah Deck) became “spa staterooms” featuring a variety of enhanced amenities. Each offers exclusive items such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room service menus and treatments, and more.