The ship that literally had everything
She may have been be the fourth ship in the Vista Class series but when the Noordam made her debut in February 2006 she was the ship with everything.
The 1,848-passenger Noordam showcased all the service and product enhancements of Holland Americas Signature of Excellence initiative, including the addition of an Explorations Cafe – a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times – expanded Pinnacle Grill, and a new Pinnacle Bar.
Special Signature of Excellence amenities add to the welcoming ambience of the Noordams 924 staterooms – 87 per cent of which offer ocean views. All feature plush Euro-top Mariner Beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, flat panel TVs, dvd players, magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional hair dryers, and complimentary fruit basket.
Holland Americas new One-Touch Concierge Service also went into full operation when the Noordam arrived. All guests in verandah suites will enjoy personalised phone concierge service to assist with special requests, spa or dinner reservations, room service and other needs.
Offering similar assistance, food, and a place to relax and work, the Neptune Lounge also offers concierge service to deluxe verandah suite guests with One-Touch Concierge Service available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.
Among the most progressive of the Signature of Excellence enhancements are a Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine. More than 60 celebrated chefs and culinary experts each year provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in the new state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen.
The new Explorations Cafe offers guests an opportunity to sip coffee, browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, enjoy a wide selection of music at one of several listening stations or surf the Internet.
Younger cruisers now enjoy supervised, age-specific activities in a more comprehensive Youth Programme and expanded Club HAL, designed for kids ages 3 to 12. The younger ones can enjoy creative activities at art tables, watch big-screen television and play on a fun slide. Older kids, ages eight to 12, have an area featuring arcade games, air hockey, football, karaoke, internet access and Sony Playstations. Teens, aged 13-18, can enjoy their own special place to relax and socialise called The Loft, designed to resemble a New York artists loft.
Dining choices aboard the Noordam include the expanded Pinnacle Grill restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest fare and wines, and four dining times in the main dining room. Guests can also enjoy enhanced Lido dining and complimentary, 24-hour room service menu.
The Greenhouse Spa and Salon provide guests with a wide range of exotic skin, body and hair treatments. The spa features new treatment rooms, a thermal suite and hydro-pool, as well as access to a spacious, well-appointed fitness facility.
PASSENGERS : 1918
BERTHS : 959
CREW : 800
FACILITIES : Two-level main dining room, casual round-the-clock cafe and an alternative restaurant, large lido swimming pool beneath a retractable magradome, one inside pool, show lounge, disco, meeting rooms, casino, Internet cafe, golf simulators, childrens facilities. Spa: Fitness center, saunas, massage rooms including couples massage rooms, dry float suite with massage option, thermal suites with hydro-therapy pool, steam and aromatic room, heated ceramic lounges and in-suite showers, accessible treatment rooms, relaxation area, manicure and pedicure area, and beauty salon/barber shop.
