Eurodam was the newest ship in the HAL fleet when it debuted in summer 2008. With one deck more than close sister Noordam, it has more cabins than Noordam (which itself had 35 more cabins than close sisters Oosterdam, Westerdam and Zuiderdam) but still the same number of elevators, and open deck space.
The ship has two funnels, positioned close together – one behind the other instead of side by side – the result of the machinery configuration. The ship has, in effect, two engine rooms – one with three diesels, and one with two diesels. A “pod” propulsion system is provided (see page 29 for an explanation of the technicalities).
One neat feature consists of 22 private (rent by the day) cabanas, with goodies such as champagne, chocolate strawberries, an iPod pre-stocked with music, bathrobes, fresh fruit and chilled towels (for two adults and two children, so they may not be the promised “quiet” spaces, after all). They are located in an area on observation deck and around the Lido Pool, with a daily charge for the 14 cabanas in The Retreat – $75 for sea days and $45 on port days; for the 8 Lido Deck cabanas it’s $50 on sea days and $30 on port days. My recommendation: book a cabana in The Retreat – it will be less busy, and thus more relaxing.
The ship is designed to appeal to younger, more vibrant, multi-generational holidaymakers. There is a complete walk-around exterior teak promenade deck, and real teak “steamer” style sunloungers are provided. Additionally, there is a jogging track outdoors, located around the ship’s mast and the forward third of the ship.
Exterior glass elevators, mounted midships on both port and starboard sides, provide fine ocean views from any one of the 11 passenger decks. There are two centrally located swimming pools outdoors, one of which can be used in inclement weather due to its retractable sliding glass roof. Two whirlpool tubs, adjacent to the swimming pools, are abridged by a bar. A smaller (swimming) pool is available for children, and this incorporates a winding water slide that spans two decks in height. There is an additional whirlpool tub outdoors.
The intimate lobby (which has its own bar) spans three decks. Adjacent are interior elevators, and glass wall elevators with exterior views. The interior decor is bright in many areas (in order to attract a younger clientele). In keeping with the traditions of Holland America Line, a large collection of artwork will be a standard feature, and pieces reflect the former Dutch East Indies.
There are two whole entertainment/ public room decks. Perhaps the most dramatic room aboard this ship is the showlounge, spanning four decks in the forward section of the ship. Other facilities include a winding shopping street with several boutique stores and logo shops, card room, an art gallery, photo gallery, and several small meetings rooms.
The casino is large (one has to walk through it to get from the restaurant to the showlounge on Lower Promenade Deck), and is equipped with all the necessary gaming paraphernalia and slot machines.
“Explorations” is a combination coffee bar (coffees and other drinks are at extra cost), lounge, an extensive library and internet-connect center, all in one attractive, open “lifestyle” environment adjacent to the Crows Nest Lounge.
For families with children, Club HAL’s KidZone provides a whole area dedicated to children’s facilities and extensive programming for different age groups (5–17), with one counselor for every 30 children. Free ice cream is provided at certain hours, plus hot hors d’oeuvres in all bars.
While this formula doesn’t work so well for loyal repeat passengers used to the line’s smaller ships, Eurodam offers a wide range of public rooms. Dutch artefacts and museum pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries are displayed.
The information desk in the lobby is small and somewhat removed from the main passenger flow on the two decks above it. Several pillars obstruct the passenger flow and lines of sight throughout the ship. There are no self-service launderettes – something families with children miss, even though special laundry packages are available.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
