Holland America Line’s Westerdam recently completed a major refit, according to a statement, with two new key features added aboard the ship, Explorations Central (EXC) and Rijksmuseum at Sea. Other upgrades include new entertainment venues, a “re-imagined” Lido Market and modernized staterooms.
“We have many innovative new programs and enhancements launching across the fleet, and it’s exciting to see them finally come to life on Westerdam,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Holland America Line is in a transformative era, and that will be reflected in on board spaces over the coming years as ships are updated with new venues and programming that are moving our brand forward.”
The new Rijksmuseum at Sea, a partnership with Rijksmuseum celebrates the company’s Dutch heritage with reproductions of some of the museum’s masterpieces showcased on the ship and videos about the museum and its collections on the in-stateroom television.
EXC is an addition to the destination immersion experience. EXC will provide travel resources and enrichment opportunities for guests.
Among other additions was the new Lincoln Center Stage which will showcase a nightly ensemble of musicians performing chamber music.
The new Billboard Onboard will feature two pianists performing shows centered around facts and figures of the music industry in conjunction with Billboard.
The new Gallery Bar is another new venue that serves a cocktail menu created by celebrity mixologist Dale DeGroff, according to a statement from Holland America.
Along with these new additions to the ship, several areas also received significant updates. America’s Test Kitchen received a new color palate and enhancements to the show kitchen as well as new tables and chairs for guests to view demonstrations, the company said.
The traditional Lido buffet has been transformed into a Lido Market concept with themed sections offering a wide selection of options to grab or have made-to-order.
The ship’s capacity increased to 1,964 guests with the addition of 25 new staterooms.
Existing suites were also upgraded with new headboards, carpeting and wall coverings, quartz-stone surfaces, LED lighting, USB outlets and more.
A new interactive television system will provide guests with access to daily programming and shipboard information, and The Retreat was relocated to provide a quiet area with private cabanas available for rent.
