It’s hard to believe I never sailed on a Holland America ship before. Even though it was only a one day sailing it didn’t take long for me to really love Holland America Line’s MS Eurodam.
MS Eurodam is a Signature Class ship (along with MS Nieuw Amsterdam) with the line and was launched in 2007. The ship is 86,700 tons and carries 2,104 passengers.
Scroll to the bottom of this article to see our video tour of Eurodam.
Both embarkation and disembarkation were straightforward, streamlined, and painless. I was actually at the check-in counter for less than 2 minutes before I was able to hop right onto the ship.
This particular cruise out of Seattle to Vancouver was really split in half in regards to where the passengers were going. Half were on the ship for the one- day sailing, and the other half were about to head to Hawaii. So needless to say, half of us were very jealous of the other half.
The cozy, intimate settings of Eurodam set it apart from many other ships I’ve been on. The ship felt as though it were dipped in rich, maritime, Dutch history and then infused with some modern touches.
The Pools
The retractable roof over the lido pool made this whole area feel like it was a part of the spa, which is only a few feet away. The comfy loungers that lined the main pool and 3 hot tubs were never crowded on this cruise, and it was one of the most peaceful and serene pool decks I’ve experienced.
While sitting at a table next to the lido pool you can expect prompt service from the staff. Within a 10 minute period I was asked if I wanted something to drink 3 times.
The aft pool, better known as the Sea View pool, offered great views. With plenty of room all around the pool this area never seemed crowded, which is a common issue with aft pools on most ships. There are two hot tubs next to this pool as well, which was nice since going out of Seattle can be a bit chilly.
There is a bar right behind the aft pool and also a place to get New York style pizza. There is a variety of personal pizzas you can order here. Simply tell them what you want and you are handed a pager that vibrates when your pizza is done. I love this setup because I’ve been in those 45-minute long lines waiting (and hoping) for a pizza on a cruise ship, only to find the kid in front of me got the last pepperoni.
The Spa
The Greenhouse Spa is situated on lido deck right passed the lido pool. In fact, if your stateroom is in the forward part of the ship you will probably walk right by the spa receptionist desk many times throughout your cruise, since it’s the only way to get from the forward elevators on deck 9 to the buffet.
Be sure to get a tour of the spa so you can check out the amazing thermal suite. In my opinion it’s well worth the extra cost if your purpose for cruising is to get some rest and relaxation. The thermal pool is hard to miss and will beckon you to jump in, and the spa loungers that look out over the sea are surrounded in serenity and custom showers.
The Food
On this very brief cruise I didn’t get the chance to check out much of the food on board, but the service at the buffet was excellent. I liked how the staff served the passengers from behind the buffet and were extremely friendly and courteous. You know how eating at the buffet on a cruise ship can feel like you’re in the middle of a cattle-drive, right? Well, it never once felt this way on Eurodam and the selections were varied and top-notch.
Other dining options besides the main dining room include Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Canaletto for some fine dining.
If you’re already on the pool deck you might want to check out Dive-In for some hotdogs and hamburgers. This is open from 11:30am to 5:30pm typically.
By the way, I’m a sucker for ice-cream, so knowing there was an ice-cream station in the buffet with sugar cones and waffle cones was a welcome sight. Plus you don’t have to worry about those messy soft-serve machine since a wonderful crew member serves the ice-cream for you.
The Entertainment
Holland America Line keeps things hopping with variety when it comes to music and entertainment on board.
America’s Test Kitchen is a venue that allows you to see some expert chefs preparing their dishes in front of a live audience, and you can take some of those recipes home with you as well. B.B. Kings Blues Club is in the same area and offers blues and jazz music on a nightly basis.
The Screening Room always offers up latest release movies in a cozy theater atmosphere. This is located on deck 3.
Billboard Onboard offers live piano playing and singing of some of the widest arrays of music, and they often take requests from the audience as well. This is located right next to the casino on deck 2.
Lincoln Center Stage offered music of more of a classical nature with professional violinists and cellists, and it was a relaxing atmosphere with an elegant touch.
The Mainstage show really surpassed my expectations. The visual effects of the larger than life moving LED screens were quite spectacular. Every scene in the show became so different from the last because of these bright displays that dazzled the audience, and mixed with the dancers and singers.
Overall
This Signature Class ship by Holland America Line is perfect for those cruisers who want a mid-sized cruise ship that keeps to the traditional maritime feel of cruising while offering refined relaxation and serenity. MS Eurodam is small enough to not have to walk a 5k to go from your stateroom to the buffet, and yet big enough to still feel spacious and inviting.
The spa is fantastic, the sports court is large and out of the way, the New York pizza is excellent, the art gallery is full of intriguing art, and the lido pool area is cozy and quiet. If you’re looking for even more areas to just put your feet up and feel like royalty you should check out the Retreat on Deck 10 forward. There are also little areas on lido deck near the pool that you can reserve for some solitude on the high seas.
Every cruise line has a style. Holland America Line’s motto is “Savor the Journey” and it was apparent even from a short cruise that this line is all about customer service, relaxation, and refined luxury without too much frill. Oh yeah, and I’m not getting paid to say this just so you know. Can’t wait to go back and sail with them again.
