ms Oosterdam

Year Built: 2003 Year Refurbished: 2006 Year Entered Present Fleet: 2003 Country Of Registry: Netherlands Tonnage (GRT): 82000 Pax (basis 2): 1,848 Max Pax (inc. Uppers): 2,387 Passenger Decks: 11 Number Of Crew: 800 Officers' Nationality: International Cruise/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

This is the first of Holland America’s Vista Class ships. At a little over 1800 passengers, it is one of the smallest ships in terms of passenger count that is sailing to Alaska out of Seattle.

Features of the vessel

The ship has a large fitness center which is open to guests 24 hours a day at no additional fee. Join up for a Pilates, spinning, stretch or abs class.

Oosterdam offers a full spa on board featuring a variety of treatments. Indulge in a massage, From Asian-inspired treatment rooms to thermal suites with hydrotherapy pools, a steam and aromatic room, heated ceramic loungers, a loofah scrub room, a “dry float” experience, a Beauty Salon/Barber shop and almost every imaginable face and body massage technique and wellness package in existence.

There are too many bars to count, including a sports bar, piano lounge, late night disco, cigar bar and numerous watering holes near the pool area. In addition to a large selection of creative drinks, guests can choose from long list of wines and beers. Many of these venues offer live entertainment throughout your cruise, including a string quartet and pianist.

The Show Lounge provides a state of the art venue for first rate performers, including comedians, singers, and large production shows.

Holland America offers a range of programs for kids from 3-17.

Club HAL® - Kids*: Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as story telling, fabric painting, indoor games, arts and crafts, drawing contests, ice-cream sundae parties, puzzles, bingo, pirate treasure hunts or a farewell pizza party. Children in the Kid's age group must be toilet trained. Children in pull-ups or diapers are not allowed in the youth facilities, due to mandates from US Public Health. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made.

Club HAL® - Tweens*: Tweens, ages 8-12 might learn golf putting, have disco parties and theme parties, participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program on Alaska cruises, compete in on-deck sports events, compete in scavenger hunts or simply play Ping-Pong with a friend.

The Loft and The Oasis*: Teens, ages 13-17 will especially enjoy the teen disco, karaoke sessions, video games, teen sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. (The Oasis is not available on all Vista-class ships)

Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center: A kids and teen Culinary Arts Center activity program has been introduced to bring the joys of cooking to the younger set.

The preparations range from simple to teen sophisticate.

Holland America has recently added a Culinary Arts Center to their vessels. Guests can attend presentations hosted by chefs from the ship’s kitchen as well as the opportunity to see a variety of guest chefs in action.

Holland America prepares the finest cuisine in Alaskan waters. I guarantee you will not want to miss a meal. Each evening as the dinner hour approaches, the melodious call of the chime master invites guests to the main Dining Room where another incredible experience awaits. Servers greet guests and present menus of sumptuous five-course selections, from appetizers and drinks to entrées and dessert, while a quartet plays soft dinner music. Savor seared sea scallops, filet mignon topped with crab and Hollandaise, and wines rated "excellent" by The Wine Spectator. Fresh herbs and imaginative combinations make lighter fare an equally tempting choice. We gladly offer a kosher menu and can easily meet special dietary needs upon request*.

Whether you enjoy the classic fixed dining times, or prefer to dine on a whim - there is a choice for everyone. Guests who have chosen flexible, open seating may make reservations daily during a cruise or simply walk up anytime during dining hours. Guests who have chosen a classic fixed time to dine may choose from convenient sittings. Start your evening early and watch the sunset - or dine a little later, lingering on deck or hosting a pre-dinner party in your stateroom while the ship sails for its next fascinating port of call. In the Main Dining Room, you can expect:

• Elegant five-course meals featuring signature dishes
• Menu design under the direction of Master Chef Rudi Sodamin
• Executive chefs who have been inducted into the prestigious Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international food and wine society
• Fine Rosenthal China and sparkling stemware on crisp white table linens
• Two expert servers per table, selected for their proven abilities to remember guest preferences
• Knowledgeable wine stewards adept at pairing wine with food
• Surrounding panoramic ocean views, as well as fine art and antiques

If you want to try something special aboard the Oosterdam, I recommend that you treat yourself to dinner at least once in The Pinnacle Grill. This restaurant, which serves unbelievable steak and seafood, normally comes with an additional cost of $30. Members of our group have a complimentary visit prepaid just for cruising with Northwest Travel.

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 29, 2008