Holland America Line Began in 1873 as the Netherlands Steamship Company, because it was headquartered in Rotterdam and provided service to America it became known as the Holland America Line (HAL). In 1895 the company offered its first vacation cruise on the then 3,300- ton Rotterdam II sailing a short summer voyage from Rotterdam to Copenhagen and back through the Kieler Canal.

Today, the premium cruise leader operates 14 ships to seven continents and carries nearly 700,000 cruise passengers a year. Holland America Line has carried more than 10 million passengers throughout its history.

At the end of February I had an opportunity to be counted amongst those millions. I sailed from Tampa, Florida on the MS Ryndam. (Ship Facts: passenger capacity 1,260, crew members 580, gross tonnage 55,819, dedicated October 1994.)  With a Dutch worldwide exploration theme, the decor of the MS Ryndam features art and artifacts from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. (A self guided iPod tour is available, stop at the information desk in the library to arrange your tour to view the displayed art and artifacts)  On February 25, 2010 the Ryndam sailed fresh out of dry-dock where the ship underwent an initial transformation into the Signature of Excellence Enhancements.

This phase saw these updates

•    Mix, a new bar concept with three separate bars–Martinis, Champagne

      and Spirits & Ales, serving their namesakes which includes a piano bar.

•    Two-deck Showroom at Sea Lounge – with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub.

•    Canaletto, a popular and complimentary casual Italian restaurant.

•    Merabella luxury goods boutique added.

•    Ocean Bar refurbished

Accommodation Enhancements

•    Mariner Dream Bed, a premium plush Euro-top mattress.
•    High quality cotton bed linens.  
•    Lighted magnifying make-up mirrors.
•    Stylish new hair dryers.
•    Complimentary fresh fruit basket.
•    Flat-screen TVs.

Dining Enhancements

Long known for its innovative dining concepts and the most extensive menus at sea, Holland America Line has implemented As You Wish Dining. Guests may choose from either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a completely flexible dining schedule at a number of different venues. The Rotterdam Dining Room offers two dinner seating times in the upper level of the main dining room deck 8 and open seating on the lower level deck 7, open dining service from 5:15 to 9 p.m. daily.  Guests with flexible seating may make reservations daily during a cruise up to 4 p.m. by dialing 88 or simply walk up anytime during dining hours.

The Pinnacle Grill, a reservations-only restaurant, has a newly expanded menu and features distinctive Bulgari china and elegant Riedel stemware. For this exquisite sophisticated dining experience, guests pay a modest surcharge. Adults may dine for US$20.00 per person or lunch for US$10.00. Children under 12 dine free of charge. A rate of 50% applies for children between 13 years and under 18 years of age. The Pinnacle Grill is available by reservation only for both lunch and dinner. I was not able to sample this dining venue because the reservations were full, I recommend making your pre-confirmation reservations as soon as possible after booking. Upon embarkation you will be asked to reconfirm the exact time and date directly with The Pinnacle Grill. The Canaletto Restaurant, in the evening a section of the Lido becomes a complimentary casual Italian restaurant, reservation are taken during the day in the Lido Restaurant.

Activity Enhancements

A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff for an expanded program of entertainment and enrichment. Each team consists of a cruise director, a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a “techspert” who will educate and entertain their guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing, and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions.

Microsoft Digital Workshop – complimentary classes to learn how to manipulate photos and videos online to share with family and friends.

A groundbreaking interactive Culinary Arts Center featuring: chef presentations; cooking demonstrations; and wine and specialty shops

The new Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times offers guests an opportunity to sip coffee, browse one of the most extensive libraries at sea, and enjoy diverse music at one of several listening stations or surf the Internet.

Bridge players will find a number of different areas where a game can be enjoyed. There are 2 meeting rooms on deck 7, the Hudson Room and the Half Moon Room which would need to be pre reserved. Other possibilities are the game tables in the Exploration Café/Library, the back area of the Ocean Bar, and in the Lido Restaurant between dining times (2:00pm – 5:00pm)   

The ship also received all new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint.

My personal observation of the Holland American Line Ryndam, the size of the ship is comfortable and very manageable with regards to getting around and becoming familiar with it’s different areas.  Starting at the top on Deck 12 forward you will find the Crow’s Nest Lounge, during the day it is a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy sea views and in the evening a club environment with live music. On Deck 11, you’ll find the Lido pool area, a lunchtime pizza bar in one corner, ping pong tables and a giant chess set in the other. The Greenhouse Spa and Salon and Fitness Center are at the front of the ship with great views while maintaining your fitness program. At the rear of the ship is a favorite choice for breakfast and lunch, the Lido Restaurant. The food service is separate into food stations with ample variety giving you many different choices.  I recommend you walk down the food line to see what is being offered before picking up a plate. Also available is a dessert and ice cream bar.

At the back of Deck 10, is a smaller pool area, the Sea View Pool with many lounge chairs for sunning and also a bar with tables and chairs under cover out of the sun. I found Deck 8 to be the deck where you will find much of the inside activity on the Ryndam. Starting at the ship’s forward you will find the top level of seating for the newly refurbished New York Club style Show Room at Sea, walking toward the back of the ship on the starboard side is the Ocean Bar with a piano and live evening music, a large shopping area offering clothing, watches, jewelry, and accessories, etc. Across the way is the new Mix bar area with the 3 separate bars, the piano bar with its nightly sing a longs was a fun and lively spot while I was onboard. Next you’ll find the Explorer‘s Lounge where in the evening live classical music is played, then the Pinnacle Grill and finally the top level of the Rotterdam dining Room. The port side of the ship heading back toward the front is the Microsoft Digital Workshop, the computer lab and the Exploration Cafe with an espresso bar with a variety of “starbuck style” drinks at a price, I enjoyed a medium cappuccino for $3.00 Behind/Next to the Café you’ll find the Library with comfortable spaces to enjoy a book or board game, onward is the casino and then more shops. On Deck 7, forward is the lower level of the Showroom at Sea Lounge, I would recommend this level for better stage views during the shows. Just outside is the photo gallery for you to purchased memories of your cruise. Past the atrium area you’ll find the theatre offering first run movies and the culinary arts center, where they offer live demonstrations by their chefs which are very interesting and insightful, you will also be able to sample their creations. There are also 2 meeting room for card games and or seminars. Although the lower level of the Rotterdam Dining Room is on Deck 7 it is inaccessible from the mid and forward areas of this deck. For those of you who choose the “As You Wish Dining” you will have to take the aft elevators or stairs from another deck to arrive at the door of the lower level of the Rotterdam Dining Room for seating. Deck 6 lower promenade offer the complete walk around outside deck I enjoyed a wake up walk in the morning.

I would recommend the Holland America Ryndam for a pleasantly enjoyable carefree cruising experience from our “backdoor” the port of Tampa. It is only about an hour and half ride from Sarasota to the port. (Follow the ship and aquarium signs if the directions become confusing once in the downtown area.) 

 From Interstate 275

1. Heading north past the airport, go to exit #44 which is Ashley Street/Scott Street.
   1. Take Scott Street exit and continue EAST. Continue on Scott until Orange Street and turn RIGHT heading SOUTH.
   2. Take a LEFT on Twiggs Street.
   3. Continue to Channelside and take a RIGHT.
   4. Once on Channelside Drive, go to the round-about in front of Florida Aquarium and Terminal 2.
   5. Take a RIGHT to Terminal 3.

Parking Info
Secured parking is available at the Port of Tampa. The parking lot is managed by the Tampa Port Authority. The daily rate for 2009 is $14.00.

2010 Holland America’ s Ryndam Sailings from Tampa: 7 day Western Caribbean

Departure Dates: Mar 28, 2010 ,  Apr 11, 2010 ,  Oct 10, 2010 ,  Oct 24, 2010 ,  Nov 07, 2010 ,  Nov 21, 2010 ,  Dec 05, 2010

 Ports of Call:

 Tampa, Florida, US;  Key West, Florida, US;  Belize City, Belize;  Mahogany Bay, Honduras;  Costa Maya, Mexico

 New itinerary in the fall:

Departure Dates: Oct 17, 2010 ,  Oct 31, 2010 ,  Nov 14, 2010 ,  Nov 28, 2010 ,  Dec 12, 2010

 Ports of Call:

 Tampa, Florida, US;  Key West, Florida, US;  Falmouth, Jamaica;  Georgetown, Cayman Islands;  Cozumel, Mexico

If you would like more information call me Suanne Pomponio at 800-299-1123 or email me at suannep@landingstravel.com. It would be my pleasure to assist you!