What’s New for Holland America Cruise in 2018 and 2019
Currently there are 15 ships that make up Holland America’s ever growing fleet. There are 7 classes within this fleet that include: ms Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Prinsendam, ms Zaandam and ms Zuiderdam. In the next few years there are some big things in store for this cruise line. Here’s what’s new for Holland America in 2018 and 2019.
Nieuw Statendam
There will a new Pinnacle-class ship hitting the waters in December 2018, the Nieuw Statendam. It will be very similar to the Koningsdam. While not everything has been revealed about this ship yet, it is expected to have a variety of restaurants which will include the Canaletto, The Dining Room, Lido Market Pinnacle Grille and Tamarind. The ship will have an entertainment venue, a wine mixing venue called Blend and a music walk. The staterooms will have features like wood cabinets, sophisticated decor, frameless shower doors and USB ports that are bedside. Among the many stateroom choices there will be suites, single staterooms for those travelers that are cruising by themselves and Family Oceanview Staterooms that have the ability to accommodate as many as 5 guests. For the 2018-2019 season, the Nieuw Statendam will have Caribbean itineraries that leave from Fort Lauderdale and take passengers on 7 and 10 day cruises. For it’s inaugural sailings, guests can go on a Transatlantic Premiere Voyage that is 14 days in length and takes passengers from Rome to Fort Lauderdale.
The Signature Experience
Starting in 2018, guests can enjoy Signature Experiences on some Holland America ships. This curated experience will be give passengers the chance to enjoy cultural tours that allow them to be fully immersed in their destination. Signature Experiences includes a stay in a luxurious hotel for two nights and transportation to the hotel and ship. These new Signature Experiences will be available on certain Asia, Australia, Europe, New England, New Zealand and South America itineraries.
Grand Voyages
For the Grand Voyages programs in 2018-2019, Holland America has made some exciting changes. These include:
2018 Grand Asia & Pacific Voyage- This voyage will have ports of call throughout Japan with North Asia content
2019 Grand World Voyage- This voyage will have, for the first time, ports of call in Dublin, Copenhagen and Flam with British Isles as well as Northern Europe content.
2019 Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage- This voyage will be 12 days longer than it was in the past so that it will give passengers enough time to cruise in Brazil and the Caribbean and allow for a more immersive experience.
Hawaii And Mexico Cruises
Holland America’s Hawaii and Mexico cruises for 2018 and 2019 are open for booking. The ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam will offer these sailings. Recently Holland America announced some updates and new information about these cruises including:
The Oprah Magazine Activities- There will be activities that are inspired from this magazine. These activities include tips for healthy eating, mediation in the mornings, fashion advice that’s travel friendly and an “O” reading room.
Suite Enhancements On The ms Nieuw Amsterdam- Guests on this ship that have suite accommodations can enjoy new decor, furnishings and amenities. The ms Eurodam already has these enhancements and they have received a positive response from passengers.
Immersive Shore Excursions- Guests can feel totally immersed in a culture thanks to immersive shore excursions that will be offered in each destination.
Chocolate Anyone?
In addition to all of these exciting things for 2018 and 2019, Holland America recently added the new “Chocolate Surprise” to the last gala evening on every one of their cruise ships. Basically, waiters will walk through the Promenade decks with silver trays of various chocolate desserts. They will stop at each lounge and bar so that guests can enjoy one of these treats. This parade of chocolate lasts about an hour and features things like chocolate tarts and chocolate cupcakes. This is a great addition for those that want dessert, but don’t want to have to wait in the sometimes long lines at the dessert buffet. Guests still have the option to enjoy other offerings from the dessert menus at the restaurants on the ship as well.
