Eurodam, First of Holland America Line's "Signature Class" Ships

I was recently asked, "What is a Signature-class ship?" With nearly one crew member for every two passengers, Holland America Line has traditionally provided gracious service aboard ships that define classic cruise travel. In recent years, the entire HAL fleet was treated to extensive "Signature of Excellence" enhancements to staterooms and public rooms. The always-elegant ships—noted over the years for fine dining, stimulating activities, and enrichment programs—have been refined for a new generation of cruisers without losing sight of their reputation for tradition and grace. Slightly larger than her fleetmates, Eurodam is poised to set sail as the first Signature-class ship with the entire "Signature of Excellence" package in place—and even more.

With an additional deck, Eurodam has 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven are verandah cabins and ten are a new style with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. Eurodam also features 56 Spa Staterooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities. In total, Eurodam carries 1,052 double occupancy staterooms. Staterooms provide the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads and professional grade hair dryers.

Eurodam also includes a new pan-Asian restaurant and bar, Tamarind and Silk Den; casual Italian eatery, Canaletto; and Pizzeria Slice. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating and a new photographic and imaging center.

Cruise Diva will be boarding Eurodam in Southampton on Saturday. Watch for daily blog reports right here.