On February 21, 2006 I boarded the new ms Noodam; I’m here for a one-night pier side experience.  This is my first experience with a new ship debut and it was memorable.  While I was not at the actual inauguration on February 22, 2006 it did feel special being one, along with fellow agents, to experience this ship first hand.

The Noordam is the last of the 4 Vista class ships; the ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Zuiderdam.  Like the Westerdam the Noordam accommodates 1,918 passengers.  With it measuring in over 81,000 gross tonnage it has one of the largest space ratio per guest offered for a premium cruise line.

The focus on cleanliness and hygiene is evident from when you first board the ship; "Purell" stations are located outside of every entrance of every restaurant.  All public bathrooms are supplied with cloth towels rather than paper towels.

The ships décor is quite pleasant in a color palate of gold, burgundy and blue.  Doors within public areas are designed with a unique three knob handle design fashioned out of cobalt blue glass.  Both the vivid colors and glass art work continue throughout the ship.

Holland is almost complete with its Signature of Excellence enhancements among the entire fleet, but being a new build the ship was designed with these in mind.  One such enhancement is the Culinary Arts Center .  Here guest chefs are featured where they not only prepare their signature dish, but also supply the recipe and a sampling.  Today we were treated to guest chef Michael Lamonaco who prepared Ceviche of Bay Scallops and Blood Oranges.  Here’s a hint, sign up for my newsletter because this recipe will be featured!  The arts center is purpose built and designed with 4 different projection screens that insure that everyone is able to watch along.  Seating is available for up to 170.

The color palate is clearly visible in the Vista Lounge.  The theater that seats 998 has very few seats with any form of obstructive view.  The acoustics appear to be aided with ballooning linen drapes on the ceiling; whether on purpose or accidental this ballooning drape feature looks like a beautiful ruby and burgundy chrysanthemum.

Flowers are carried into the main dining room décor with its glass art ceiling.  The Vista Dining Room features this rainbow of colors sculpted glass ceiling.  Here I’m reminded of poppies.  The dining room is located on two decks and can accommodate 1,114 diners at each sitting.  Several tables are available for 2 and 4 diners as well as those that accommodate parties up to 12.  Breakfast and Lunch are also served in the Vista Dining Room, but with open seating.

Another Signature of Excellence enhancement is the Explorations Café powered by The New York Times.  The café offers a quiet spot for coffee, internet access and the unique crossword puzzle tables; fill them in and then wipe clean for the next player!  Several computer terminals are available for internet access.

The Greenhouse Spa and Salon offers a complete menu of massages, facials and treatments. Private rooms are dedicated to the specific treatment or massage that is being offered, including the couples massage room.  Heated tile loungers are located in the area dedicated for the wet and dry saunas.  The spa also features a mineral pool.  This unique pool is enriched with vitamins and minerals for a steamy relaxing experience.  A day pass needs to be purchased for use of this pool.

The Lido deck is also where you will find the main pool.  The pool is protected, when needed, by a retractable roof system.  With this feature the pool can be used everyday no matter how rainy or windy it may be outside.  The Lido deck also features 3 hot tubs, the Lido Bar, Terrace Grill and the Lido Restaurant where one can enjoy buffet dining throughout the day.

Several lounges pepper this ship.  The majority are located on the Promenade and Lower Promenade Decks; Pinnacle Bar, Explorers Lounge, Ocean Bar, Piano Bar and Sports Bar. The crow’s nest is found on the Observation Deck.  All of these offer entertainment during the evening hours.

Holland features the Pinnacle Grill as its alternative dining restaurant.  A cover charge of $30 and reservations you can dine here and enjoy a menu that is mostly prime cuts of meat such as their rack of lamb.  As mentioned reservations are required and they fill up fast; make yours early so not to be disappointed.

The Casino is equipped with 126 slot machines, roulette table, dice table and 9 various card tables.  On this sailing the casino was never opened since we never left the pier.  The machines are located along the perimeter with the table up front.  The casino does feature an open design layout, meaning that there is plenty of room to move around and with no small door way for access.

Before I get to the cabins the last feature to note is Club Hal.  The club can accommodate up to 90 children.  Dedicated areas are available for each age bracket offered right down to the Loft for teens.  Holland is no longer just for adults, kids of all ages will be entertained with computers, video games, arts and crafts.  Club Hal is an addition to the fleet that now ensures that multi-generational travel on Holland means everyone has been thought of.

The Noordam features 2 Penthouse Verandah Suites.  Measuring in at 1,318 sq. feet it’s bigger than some homes.  The suite can accommodate 4, includes a galley with a European size refrigerator, two separate bathrooms, walk in closet and large flat screen TV.  You are also pampered with your own Jacuzzi and Butler .

Several more Veranda Suites, Deluxe and Superior , measure in anywhere from 398 to 700 sq. feet and offer most of the appointments like the penthouse with the exception of the Jacuzzi.  The Deluxe Veranda Outsides are the typical balcony rooms; however they do measure in at a whopping 254 sq. feet.  Some of this room has been designed in to the larger than usual bathrooms.  Two people can actually fit inside at the same time and they have a tub!  Another innovative touch that I noticed was how the shower curtain is attached to one side wall.  I hate when a shower curtain gets blown in during while showering and this little touch takes care of that.  Practically all of these rooms can accommodate 3 guests with the pull-out sofa in each room.  Standard Outside and Inside cabins measure in at 185 and 170-200 sq. feet respectively.  All cabins feature flat screen TV’s with DVD players and you can count on the stocked mini bar.  Plug-in modem connections are also available within your cabin.  The closet is very spacious and incorporates a fold down shelf system.  These can be adjusted as needed for your storage needs.  The closet is also stocked with real wooden hangers with the standard size hook.  No fumbling with hangers that have tiny balls that needs to be hooked in to secure them.

Overall I recommend this ship for guests that enjoy fine dining, and refined service.  This ship is perfect for multi-generational travel.  With the Culinary Arts Center this ship is perfect for a themed food or wine cruise.  Meeting room space is available for use allowing for this ship to be considered for business away from the office.