Guests aboard ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America Line’s newest Signature-class ship, will experience a blending of modern and historic elements in the stateroom ambience.

Created by Seattle-based NB Design Group, Nieuw Amsterdam’s staterooms reflect a refined interpretation of the contemporary motifs that debuted aboard sister ship ms Eurodam, launched in 2008.

“We received such positive feedback about the stateroom décor aboard Eurodam that we knew we wanted to continue this innovative direction with her sister ship,” said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Nieuw Amsterdam’s stateroom decorations are an evolution of Eurodam’s modern design vision and meld earthy tones into fabrics and wall coverings.”

The 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam features stateroom décor reflecting contemporary art influences that tie in classic themes. Mixed-media wall art that combines classical painting with surrealist themes plus colorful abstract landscapes and historic photographs of old New York and Amsterdam adorn the walls in guest accommodations. The rich artwork is paired with sophisticated bedding, upholstery and furnishings that create a premium cruise experience honoring the historic glamour of New York City, known as Nieuw Amsterdam to its Dutch founders.

“With all of the exciting activities that take place on a cruise ship, we wanted to create a stateroom environment that is an escape for guests to relax and enjoy, yet at the same time remains visually intriguing,” said Nancy Burfiend, principal, NB Design Group.

Staterooms on the 11-deck Nieuw Amsterdam will feature upscale interior design. The ship’s 60 deluxe verandah suites and 50 superior verandah suites will emphasize rich walnut wood and powder blue and champagne-colored fabrics, along with contemporary leather furniture and brushed nickel finishes. Deluxe verandah suites will display reproductions of original Matisse and Picasso drawings, along with colorful Tuscany landscapes created from original woodcuts.

Superior verandah suites also will utilize historic photographs of New York and Amsterdam and colorful reproductions of original paintings by avant-garde Dutch artist Karel Appel. Following similar themes with understated colors and woods paired with classical art themes, the ship’s two penthouse verandah suites were designed by Architectenbureau VFD, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Nieuw Amsterdam’s 558 deluxe verandah ocean-view and 175 ocean-view staterooms will showcase coffee, burgundy and sandstone tones in window coverings, bedding and fabrics, plus rich wood and metal accessories alongside custom furniture. Artwork will exhibit reproductions of surrealist oil paintings and feature classical themes combined with contemporary photography.

The ship’s 152 interior staterooms switch color schemes to light maple wood, bedding and fabric in slate and sky blue with tangerine accents, and sleekly finished wood and metal accessories. Stateroom art is highlighted by reproductions of surrealist oil paintings.

Nieuw Amsterdam’s guest accommodations also include 56 luxury spa staterooms — 46 deluxe verandah ocean-view, four ocean-view, four interior and two exclusive spa deluxe verandah suites located on the ship’s two highest decks, Panorama and Observation. Named for their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, the exclusive spa staterooms offer special in-room amenities such as yoga mats and an iPod docking station, and provide guests with the ultimate in relaxation, privacy and serenity. All spa staterooms are decorated in a naturalist theme, with furnishings, bedding and window treatments finished in soft earth tones with bright aqua blue and charcoal accents. A water feature provides a natural, soothing ambient background sound.

Staterooms will offer Signature of Excellence premium amenities: plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel televisions, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional-grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary baskets with guests’ personal fruit choices and Elemis bath amenities.

Built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam will be named by Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands and then sail its maiden voyage on July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.