Holland America Line’s popular Eurodam News Blog passed the 10-million-hit threshold and million-page-view mark this week.   The Eurodam News Blog can be accessed at www.eurodamnews.com and was designed as the primary portal for information about the construction and operation of the premium line’s first Signature-class ship, ms Eurodam, which launched July 1, 2008

The high traffic numbers can be attributed to compelling and entertaining postings such as the recent “Surf’s Up — Catch a Bulb!” showing correspondent Pam Kern hangin’ ten on the bulbous bow of Eurodam and providing an explanation for the function of the ship’s protrusion.

“Eurodam News Blog has been an innovative new way for Holland America Line to engage guests and others in learning about Eurodam and how all our ships operate,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.  “As an interactive forum, we’ve received countless questions and requests for specific information and have responded with photos and posts.  It’s been a great project to engage guests, crew, travel agents, journalists, employees and cruise enthusiasts.”

Live since June 2007, Eurodam News Blog provides unique insights into every aspect of the new ship. Regular posts cover a wide variety of topics, from interior décor to new public rooms to entertainment and dining venues and menu developments. In addition, it features profiles of the officers and shipboard staff.   The site averages 6,000 a week and has topped 400,000 visits and 175,000 unique visitors.

Since the ship’s inaugural in July and its entry into service, the blog has featured content submitted by guests — some while they were still on board.  Such categories as “Postcard from . . . .” enable guests and crewmembers to submit photos and stories from Eurodam’s ports of call.

The site has a blog board composed of top Holland America Line executives from various departments who are involved in the shipbuilding process and serve as sources of site content. Visitors are encouraged to register and post comments and questions for responses.

Built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, the 2,104-guest Eurodam was first of the Signature Class series.  The ship features 11 guest decks and new dining venues Tamarind, a pan-Asian restaurant, Canaletto, an Italian restaurant in the Lido, and the Slice pizzaria.

Other features are the addition of spa staterooms, an Explorer’s Lounge Bar, atrium bar area, Culinary Arts Center presented by Food and Wine magazine for food demos, The Explorations Café — powered by the The New York Times and a reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating.  Sister, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is to be delivered in 2010.