Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
429 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
174 |
| Food |
400 |
327 |
| Service |
400 |
333 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
85 |
| Cruise |
400 |
345 |
| |
Prinsendam is a contemporary, well-designed ship with sleek, flowing lines, a sharply raked bow, and a well-rounded profile, with lots of floor-to-ceiling glass. Originally ordered and operated by the long defunct Royal Viking Line as Royal Viking Sun, it was bought by Seabourn Cruise Line in 1998. Following an extensive refit and refurbishment programme (which didn’t go far enough), the ship was renamed Seabourn Sun in 1999. In 2002, it was transferred to Holland America Line as Prinsendam, and the hull color was changed from all-white to a dark blue hull with white superstructure. The shore tenders are thoughtfully air-conditioned.
Wide teak wood decks provide excellent walking areas including a decent wrap-around promenade deck outdoors. The swimming pool (outdoors on Lido Deck) is not large, but it is quite adequate, while the deck above has a croquet court and golf driving range. The interior layout is very spacious (it is even more ideal when a maximum of 600 passengers are aboard). Impressive public rooms and tasteful decor now reign. Two handrails – one of wood, one of chrome – are provided on all stairways, a thoughtful touch.
The Crow’s Nest, the ship’s forward observation lounge, is one of the most elegant, but contemporary (at least in decor), lounges at sea. Pebble Beach is the name of the electronic golf simulator room, complete with wet bar, with play possible on 11 virtual courses. An Explorations Café was installed at the end of 2007 in a refit that also saw an expansion of the shopping arcade and surrounding areas.
The Erasmus Library (formerly the Ibsen Library) is well organized, although it is simply not large enough for long-distance cruising. The former Compass Rose room has now become the Explorer’s Lounge.
The Oak Room is the ship’s cigar/ pipe smoker’s lounge; it has a marble fireplace, which sadly cannot be used due to United States Coast Guard regulations. I have always thought it would make a fine library, although it is also excellent as a cigar smoking room
There is a computer-learning center, with several workstations. Male “dance hosts” act as partners for women traveling alone.
Whether by intention or not, the ship has a two-class feeling, with passengers in “upstairs” penthouse suites and “A” grade staterooms gravitating to the quieter Crow’s Nest lounge (particularly at night), while other passengers (the participants) go to the main entertainment deck.
The ship’s wide range of facilities includes a concierge, self-service launderettes (useful on long voyages), a varied guest lecture program, 24-hour information office, and true 24-hour cabin service, for the discriminating passenger who demands spacious personal surroundings, and good food and service, regardless of price. This ship operates mainly long-distance cruises in great comfort, and free shuttle buses are provided in almost all ports of call.
While Prinsendam isn’t perfect, the few design flaws (for example: poorly designed bar service counters) are minor points. Even though the hardware is not ideal, the software (personnel and service) is generally sound. It is an extremely comfortable ship – smaller than other Holland America Line ships, and more refined. The elegant decorative features include Dutch artwork and memorabilia.
Added benefits include a fine health spa facility, spacious, wide teakwood decks and many teak sunloungers. However, the good points are marred by the bland quality of the dining room food and service, and the lack of understanding of what it takes to make a “luxury” cruise experience, despite what is stated in the company’s brochures.
There are only four elevators, so anyone with walking disabilities may have to wait for some time during periods of peak usage (e.g. before meals). The cabin ceilings are plain. This spacious ship shows signs of wear and tear in some areas (particularly in the accommodation passageways), despite recent refurbishments. The library is far too small (particularly for some of the long cruises operated) and difficult to enter for anyone confined to a wheelchair.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
