HAL's ms Prinsendam Completes Drydock

[mercedes]

Holland America Line's ms Prinsendam departed January 13 on a 70-day South America Grand Voyage following a ten-day drydock in Freeport, Bahamas, with new staterooms, an expanded aft pool deck, upgraded public areas and other enhancements.

"As part of our $525-million Signature of Excellence program, we've added elegant new staterooms to Prinsendam, as well as expanded the aft pool deck area," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Prinsendam has one of our most loyal followings so the new, mostly verandah staterooms and other improvements will enrich the guest experience on this much-loved ship even further."

With the addition of 21 staterooms aft, the pool deck expanded with more space and deck chairs for guests to enjoy. A new sea-view bar was created to enhance the ambiance further. Several lounges and other public areas received new carpeting and the Wajang Theatre and Culinary Arts Center were updated with furniture and carpeting in warm, light colors. Other standard maintenance and technical service also took place along with upgrades of laundry and galley equipment.

Fifteen of the new staterooms are deluxe verandah ocean view categories. There are six new standard inside staterooms. As customary with all Prinsendam staterooms, appointments feature Mariner Dream Beds, 250-count linens, recently redesigned closet space, elegant bathrooms with Elemis amenities, flat panel televisions and DVD players and more. Guest capacity increased from 793 to 835.

Designed to explore the remote corners of the world in elegance and style, the ms Prinsendam is Holland America Line's most intimate ship, with the feel of a classic yacht and the spaciousness, amenities and service of a premium cruise ship.

Following the January 13, 70-day South America Explorer Grand Voyage cruise, Prinsendam sails a 54-day Quest of the Argonauts voyage, departing March 24 roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. The ship will sail a leisurely eastbound course across the Atlantic for an extensive Mediterranean exploration with calls at ports in more than 10 countries, including Morocco, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Russia, Georgia, Greece and Turkey. The cruise includes overnight stays in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and Istanbul, Turkey, as well as late-night departures in Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal. Prinsendam will visit Bermuda and New York City before returning to Fort Lauderdale.