Verandahs By 40 Percent In 2006

Three Holland America Line Vista-class ships will be among the eight Holland America Line ships cruising Alaska in 2006, which means 40 percent more suites and verandahs available than ever before. Each Vista-class ship features 162 suites in seven categories, plus 461 Deluxe Outside Verandah staterooms. Two Vista-class ships, Oosterdam (Saturdays) and Westerdam (Sundays – nine sailings cruise Glacier Bay National Park), will be sailing the Alaskan Explorer Cruise roundtrip Seattle.   In addition, the Zuiderdam Glacier Bay Inside Passage cruises sail round trip from Vancouver (Saturdays).

"With three Vista-class ships cruising Alaska there is more opportunity for guests to book a verandah stateroom than ever before," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. "For the more discerning guest, a suite offers more spacious accommodations, private verandahs and Neptune Lounge access for Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests."

Available on all three Vista-class ships are two Penthouse Verandah Suites at 1,318 square feet, 60 Deluxe Verandah Suites ranging from 510-700 square feet, and 100 Superior Verandah Suites – a Vista class innovation, boasting 398 square feet, including an extra large verandah, sitting area, two desks, and a large bathroom with separate shower and Jacuzzi tub and two sinks.    Guests who book the Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites also have access to the private Neptune Lounge. The industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy personalized service for making reservations for shore excursions, spa services, car rentals, the exclusive Pinnacle Grill restaurant and more. The fleet-wide lounges provide work tables, TV, library, sofas and chairs, and refreshments.  One-Touch 24-hour Concierge Service is available when the Neptune Lounge is closed.

The spacious Deluxe Outside Verandah staterooms offer 254 square feet of space. Sixty seven percent of staterooms onboard Vista-class ships have private verandahs and more than 85 percent offer ocean views to make the most of the scenic Alaskan coastline. Guests won’t miss a magical scenic moment sitting on an intimate private verandah taking in the inspirational views.

As part of the Special Signature of Excellence enhancements throughout the entire Holland America Line fleet each stateroom now features Mariner’s Dream™ beds with plush, Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-Top mattresses, 250-thread-count, white cotton bed linens, 100 percent Egyptian cotton towels and deluxe waffle and terry cloth bathrobes.  Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah suites feature luxurious duvets, fully stocked no-host mini bars, DVD players and access to movie library and personalized stationary too. New amenities also include premium massage showerheads, Elemis Aromapure products, 5x magnifying make-up mirrors with halo lighting and salon-quality hair dryers.  Guests are welcomed with a complimentary fresh fruit basket and an elegant stainless-steel ice bucket and serving tray.

Deluxe Verandah Suites start at $1,479 double occupancy for the Alaskan Explorer Cruise and $1,449 double occupancy for the Glacier Bay Inside Passage. 

Celebrating its 58^th year as the leader in Alaska travel, Holland America Line will have eight ships offering 159 cruises in 2006 with more cruise and CruiseTour departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other company. CruiseTours also highlight inland National Parks including Denali, Kluane, Tombstone and Gates of the Arctic.