The Music themed interior of the ship was designed by Adam Tihany – Known for the great designs of hotels such as the Four Seasons, Dubai and The One & Only in Capetown as well as also designing the interior of ships for other cruise lines such as Seabourn.

“The design isn’t a literal translation of music, but a conceptual approach where we seek to evoke the feeling and beauty of an instrument with graceful lines, dramatic textures, lighting effects and use of materials,” said Tihany. “My inspirations were not only instruments, but also majestic spaces and exaggerating the feeling of height, so guests feel the grandeur of every room.”

I absolutely fell in love with the design of this ship and it had a beautiful elegant feel to it, despite it’s normal average 55+ age group the ship had an extremely large Gym area (I never understand who uses this on holiday !!), a beautiful Thermal suite area and an excellently designed pool area with seating provided on the most comfortable loungers spread over 2 decks and with this pool area also benefiting from a retractable roof – according to the climate of where you are sailing at the time.

Enjoying the open air exercise facilities…. The Pool from the roof level and once inside….

Part of the expansive gym facility…  and The Retreat.

Relaxing in the Crow’s nest…. the beautiful Thermal suite… & the atrium sculpture

Holland America Line has certainly evolved with the times and I especially liked the spacious feel that this ship offers.  The Atrium area is understated elegance graced with a stainless steel sculpture that gives a different perspective from each angle and deck that you look at it.   The Crows nest located at the front of the Observation deck offers the most stunning vistas from the floor to ceiling windows whilst sitting in luxury reclining chairs with foot rests..  Adjacent to this is the Retreat – an exclusive area where you can reserve a cabana and relax in  a peaceful setting.  With entertainment venues including the World Stage (2 deck show lounge) and the Queens Lounge as well as several alternative dining venues including Sel de Mer (Seafood Restaurant) and the Pinnacle Grill (Steakhouse) there really is something for all tastes.

The cabins were maybe not as large as I would of expected for such a luxury ship, however with so much going on throughout the ship and the itineraries more aimed at destination focus and enrichment programmes then absolutely a comfortable bed is the main priority for your cabin and they certainly provided this.  I do feel that a family of 5 may struggle with the Family Ocean View Stateroom on offer – despite having 2 bathrooms it offered a Double Bed, Double Sofa Bed & a pull down upper berth… difficult to image when all in place and occupied how much room for movement there would be….Holland America Line do offer a great range of activities for children with the HAL Club for 3 -12 years old and also a Teen activity programme for 13 – 17 year olds.

An Inside Cabin……. Balcony (Obstructed view)…. and Ocean View Family Stateroom (The hatch area above the sofa bed is where 4th/5th bed is)

Being as part of a group visit, mid voyage, a limited menu was offered to us for lunch but if that was just a sample of the excellent food & service on board in “The Dining Room” then it certainly did not disappoint.

I really could talk about her all day, and I certainly hope to take a future holiday on her, or the next new addition over the coming years…  If you would like to know anymore then please do not hesitate to contact me – whenever you have a spare hour or so !!..

Frankie

xx