As part of its ongoing Signature of Excellence enhancements, Holland America Line will install five Microsoft® Surface® units in Mix, its newest lounge venue with three specialty bars — Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales. Already in full operation on ms Veendam, Mix and Surface units will be completed on ms Rotterdam by mid-December, followed by three additional ships.
An exciting new entertainment space, Mix is a destination lounge where guests can meet and mingle throughout the day and night. Mix is an open and inviting space anchored by a pianist providing entertainment for the three distinctly themed specialty bars.
“Microsoft Surface is an exciting focal point in the trendy Mix entertainment venue, which is designed as the ultimate place to both socialize and be entertained with the latest innovations,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our guests greatly enjoy Mix and Surface on Veendam so we are confident they will embrace the new features on Rotterdam and our other ships, too.”
In Mix, while sipping their favorite drink, guests can interact with the Microsoft Surface touch-screen technology to listen to music and play checkers and chess, air hockey, Tetris, cards and the Touch Sports games of football, basketball and skee-ball. Holland America Line became the first cruise line to offer Microsoft Surface when it furnished Mix with five units aboard ms Veendam in March of this year. Mix and Microsoft Surface will be featured on five Holland America Line ships: ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam and ms Maasdam.
“The hospitality industry is striving to differentiate in this competitive environment by delivering personalized, interactive and relevant experiences that travelers will remember long after their trip has ended,” said Sandra Andrews, U.S. hospitality solutions director, Microsoft Corp. “With Microsoft Surface, Holland America is at the forefront of a whole new innovative experience within the travel industry – putting fun leisure activities and helpful information at the guests’ fingertips for a unique and enriching cruise vacation experience.”
Microsoft Surface is an innovative computing platform that responds to touch, natural hand gestures and real-world objects placed on the display, providing effortless interaction with information and digital content in a simple and intuitive way. With a large, 360-degree, horizontal user interface, Microsoft Surface offers a unique gathering place where multiple users can collaboratively and simultaneously interact with content and each other.
Mix and Mingle at Mix
Microsoft Surface is showcased in the new Mix entertainment space that combines three specialty theme bars in one central area. Champagne features 20 different champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world and events such as champagne breakfast and pre-dinner champagne hour with caviar canapés. Martinis serves up 19 Grey Goose martinis elegantly offered in individual shakers as well as a full range of cocktails. Spirits & Ales will feature an international selection of beers and premium whiskeys and brandies while broadcasting premium sports programming.
As part of its latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, Holland America Line adds Mix and five Microsoft Surface units to ms Rotterdam in December 2009, ms Ryndam in February 2010, ms Statendam in April 2010 and ms Maasdam in April 2011. Veendam is complete.
Holland America Line’s latest investment in Signature of Excellence enhancements also includes a new resort pool concept, innovative lanai staterooms, new entertainment and enrichment options, complimentary Italian Canaletto restaurant and all new stateroom décor. The premium cruise line’s commitment to enhancing its fleet now exceeds $525 million.
