With Reuben Goossens

Cruise’n’Travel Journalist, Cruise reviewer & Maritime Historian

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site and it is NOT associated with any cruise company or travel agency! Although the author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future. Please read my statement at the bottom of the page!

MS Volendam

The superb 61,214-ton MS Volendam accommodates a maximum of 1,432 guests

It is a well known fact that I consider Holland America Line (HAL) to be one of the finest cruise companies in the business! This company has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1872 and the company continually set’s the standards and has received numerous awards and accolades for being one of the highest rated Cruise Line many years in a row, something few other cruise lines can boast!

Some of these Awards and Accolades include:

“The Highest Rated Cruises Line” – Conde Nast Travellers Readers; Choice Travellers Awards; Travel & Leisure Word’s Best Awards.

“Best Overall Cruise Value” – 17 consecutive years – World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.

“High Deluxe Five Star Rating” - World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.

“International Five Star diamond Award” – The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

“Cruise Line with the Highest Client Satisfaction” (In the large ship category) – TravelAge West.

In 1989, Holland America Line became a wholly owned subsidiary of Carnival Corp, however, HAL has thankfully 100% separate from Carnival as all their ships are registered in Rotterdam The Netherlands, whereas P&O UK and the Princess Cruises ships for example have been reregistered in Hamilton Bermuda. In addition Holland America is not sold or marketed by Carnival but Holland America has appointed a well known company, that was commenced by a dear colleague of the author, Mr. Tony Millmore, which is now operated by his son Andrew Millmore – “TraveltheWorld.” Thus this company is the official General Sales Agent for Holland America Line in Australia. In addition, unlike P&O, Cunard & Princes Cruises, you will not the mention of Carnival on a HAL brochure, only Holland America Line Inc. Thus remember, this is a cruise company that stands miles apart from the rest, and all the awards HAL has received over the years attests to this!

HAL is also famed for their superb and unique style of service and their refined touches on board, something that no other cruise line in their class offers, yet their fares are comparable and are most affordable! Thus for Australian’s and New Zealanders who are thinking of undertaking a cruise vacation, consider taking one on a HAL ship in 2010 and 2011, especially now the fabulous and popular 61,214 ton MS Volendam is returning to our shores.

MS Volendam is the third ship to carry this dignified name, the first Volendam sailed for HAL from 1922 to 1952, and the second Volendam from 1972 to 1984. This ship is known as an “R class” ship, being very similar to the company’s flagship MS Rotterdam. Volendam was dedicated by tennis pro Chris Evert in November 1999. Volendam is 881ft long and 105ft wide and has a maximum speed of 23 knots. Remarkably, most ships of her size carry at least 2,000 or more passengers; however the Volendam only operates with a capacity of 1,432 passengers with a crew of 615 tending to your every need, and thus the Volendam is a ship that offers facilities that HAL have become famed for worldwide!

Ambience:

The minute you stem on board the MS Volendam you will note that she has a delightful garden theme, which is reflected throughout the ship's spacious public rooms and elegant staterooms as there is an artful floral motif throughout. Flowers can be found in abundance in the forms of floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as in huge vases with tropical floral arrangements and chrysanthemums. In addition to the fresh flowers throughout the ship, Holland America Line has drawn on its collection of incredible artwork to enhance the interior of the ship's public spaces.

The superb three-story atrium featuring an abundance of flowers and a colourful towering sculpture by Luciano Vistosi

Image provided & © Holland America Line

You will discover items from pre-Columbian fetishes and sculptures to Renaissance-era fountains imported from Italy, which are included in the Volendam’s hallway galleries. In the heart of the ship you will find the soaring three-story atrium where featuring the superb sculpture by renowned artist Luciano Vistosi, a piece that was inspired by the myriad of moods and colours of a kaleidoscope and this piece of artwork greets every guest as they board this remarkable ship.

Entertainment:

One of the Volendam biggest venues is the grand and colourful multi level grand “Frans Hals Show Lounge” featuring superbly lit towering colonnades against satiny dark wood walls. The decor hearkens back to the grand era of the days of Art Deco and it is said that the venue may have been inspired by the famed “Tuschinski Theatre” in Amsterdam.

The magnificent Frans Hals Show Lounge

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

The Casino Bar: This venue is also the ship's sports bar, features an excellent array of cinematic memorabilia, including costumes, props, photos and posters of movies and the countless stars who made them.

The elegant Explorers lounge takes you back to bygone days, and note the floral inspired upholstery

Image provided & © Holland America Line

Layout:

The basic layout of the public rooms of the ship is similar to that of the famed MS Rotterdam, including the alternative dining restaurant, a lounge featuring an additional dance floor, and a children's room on Sports Deck, a venue that can also be used as a meeting or reception room. The Volendam was one of the last of the Statendam class of ships and features a stylish funnel design.

The Piano Lounge is the ideal place for a drink and request your favourite tune

Image provided & © Holland America Line

The Volendam is one of one of Holland America’s more traditional looking ships

Image provided & © Holland America Line

Volendam and her many features

The Frans Hals Show Lounge: In this colourful multi level show room there will be a vast variety of talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.

The superb Frans Hals Show Lounge is comfortable and has great sightlines! From both levels

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

Crow's Nest: Offers sweeping 270° views during the day, and becomes a fashionable nightclub at night.

The elegant Crows Nest is a wonderful venue day and night!

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

Dining:

The Volendam's alternative restaurant the superb Pinnacle Grill will take on the persona of an “Artists’ Bistro,” serving the finest fare in a luxurious bur a relaxed setting. The fine Beachwood walls features a series of drawings and etchings of artists ranging from the old masters to newest talent available. This dinning venue has so much to offer it is a must experience on every cruise!

Rotterdam Dining Room: This is one of the truly grand Restaurants afloat. Here the features are impeccable service, an extensive wine list, but above all, a suburb menu of fine dinning! Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options.

Above & below: The two level Rotterdam Restaurant is one of the grand dinning venues afloat with cuisine to match!

Photographs provided by Holland America Line ©

Pinnacle Grill: This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens.

Above & below: The Pinnacle Grill offers the ultimate in dining and is worth the experience during your cruise!

Photographs provided by Holland America Line ©

Lido Restaurant: This is the main Buffet and it offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties

The Culinary Arts Center: Presented by Food & Wine Magazine: our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests

Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.

The Lido Pool

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

Club HAL®: HAL dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 - 12; activities are supervised and are age appropriate. There is also the Loft and The Oasis: designed exclusively for teens (13 - 17) to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age.

This is but one of the venues available

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

Accommodations

Large & Standard Interior Staterooms
Category: I, J, K, L, M, MM, N, NN

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

These staterooms have two lower beds that are convertible to 1 queen-size bed and a bathroom. All L-, N- & NN-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed & pullman upper. M- & MM-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed. Approximately 182 sq ft in size.

All Stateroom amenities include:

· Luxurious beds featuring Sealy® Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens

· Deluxe waffle weave and terry cloth bathrobes for use during your voyage

· 100% Egyptian cotton towels

· Premium massage showerheads

· 5X magnifying make-up mirrors and salon-quality hair dryers

· Fragrant soaps, lotions, shampoo and other bath amenities from Elemis Aromapure

· Complimentary fresh fruit on request

· Elegant ice bucket and serving tray for in-stateroom beverages

· Flat-panel TV and DVD player

· Ice service, shoeshine service and nightly turndown service

Large Ocean-view Staterooms
Category C, D, DA, DD (some have partial sea views), E, EE, F, FF, G (portholes instead of windows)

H (portholes instead of windows), HH (fully obstructed views)

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

These staterooms have two lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub with a shower. All FF-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed & pullman upper. Approximately 197 sq. ft in size. Stateroom amenities include the same as above!

Verandah Suite
Category: A, AA, B, BB, BC

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

The staterooms have two lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, a whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, a mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. All A-category staterooms also have 1 sofa bed. Approximately 292 sq. ft in size. Stateroom amenities include the same as above as well as some extras.

Deluxe Verandah Suites
Category: S

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

The suite has two lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, a whirlpool bath & shower, a large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 556 sq. ft and many other amenities than those mentioned above.

Penthouse Verandah Suites
Category: PS

Photograph provided by Holland America Line ©

Bedroom has 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower, living room, dining room, dressing room, private verandah, pantry, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, guest toilet, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approximately 1,159 sq. ft in size. A Penthouse Suite receives a multitude of additional extra amenities. See the brochure for details.

What does the Volendam offer her passengers?

The Volendam is often described as the “Garden of Delights” and the first feature to strike you upon boarding the ship is the unique design, which features 2 million dollars worth of art and artefacts mainly from 18th century Asia and the delightful floral motif.

The ship’s friendly crew are on hand to personally welcome passengers onboard and direct them to their rooms. Of the ship’s 700 staterooms the most appealing are the Veranda state and deluxe rooms, which boast fantastic ocean views from their private balconies.

Passengers are offered a superb range of delectable dining options, including the Pacific North-West-themed Pinnacle Grill, as well as the grand multi level Rotterdam Dining Room and the laid back Lido Restaurant.

The entertainment onboard the Volendam is diverse, with two lavish Broadway-style productions are featured in the two-level Frans Hals lounge nightly, in other venues you will discover a harpist, a classical quartet and a resident pianist who is happy to play any tune you request. There is pre-dinner piano and post-dinner dancing in The Crow’s Nest, Baroque and Classical after dinner music in the Explorer Lounge and dance music in The Ocean Bar before and after dinner.

The Java bar

During the day there is a range of games such as: Team Trivia, Name That Tune, Liars Club and others administered by the Cruise Director and staff, and of course there is Bingo, art auctions and movies in the Wajang Theatre. The Volendam also features an intimate casino with a wide assortment of table games and slot machines.

Top level of the Atrium

The Volendam is a family friendly ship and she has a dedicated kids camp named “Club HAL”, which operates daily, with age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, computer classes, sing-along’s and sea-lore. Teenagers also have their own space called “Lhe loft” where they can enjoy movies, play video games, splash around in the water or spend a lazy afternoon dozing on a hammock.

Cruising - 2010 and 2011.

As MS Volendam will be cruising from Australian and New Zealand ports in 2010 and 2011 and I highly recommend that those who may not have sailed on Holland America Line book a cruise on this remarkable ship or any of the other HAL ships for as a cruise reviewer who has been in the industry since May 1960, managed a major shipping company and operated his own cruise company in the seventies, I highly recommend this company for it is indeed the pinnacle of all cruise companies! It by far surpasses Princess Cruises and for that matter Cunard and that also comes from my experience of 121 voyages/cruises to date!

The author shall be sailing on the Volendam New Zealand cruise, departing Auckland on October 22, 2010 sailing to Sydney via New Zealand ports, Hobart and Batemans Bay - why not join me!

Email Corie and book your own cruise on the superb MS Volendam in 2010/2011 - info@cruisespecialists.com.au.

Reuben Goossens.

MS Volendam why not make a booking soon!

For information & reservations

Australia ONLY …

Phone: TTW official GSA’s for: Holland America Line

Toll free at 1300 857 637
Or email: ttwmail@traveltheworld.com.au

Visit the TTW website: TraveltheWorld

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Contact … Australia’s first fully dedicated cruise agency – Established in 1982

Email Corie: info@cruisespecialists.com.au

Or Phone Corie

--1800 427 847--

Brisbane & International – Phone: +61 7 5546 6798

Fax: + 61 7 5546 6849

For a listing of recommended Australian, New Zealand & International Cruise’n’Travel Agents

ENTER HERE

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Also visit the … Holland America Line – Introduction Page

MS Rotterdam - MS Volendam & MS Prinsendam

MS Nieuw Amsterdam

And also read our Holland America Line

Cruise News Updates - Page

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Who is the Author of Cruise-Australia & ssMaritime?

Commenced in the Passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960

Contact the Author …

When sending an email please name the ship you are requesting information or speaking about!

Please Note: Cruise-Australia is a non-commercial and privately owned cruise site. The author has been in the passenger shipping industry since 1960 and is currently semi-retired, but continues to write cruise and ship reviews and articles in order to better to inform cruise and ship enthusiasts and provide information for those intending a cruise in the future.

However, if you are interested in a cruise, I am happy to refer you to a dedicated cruise agent in Australia, New Zealand or further afield on my recommended “cruise agents” page, for these are agents that specialise in cruising and they will be able offer excellent service you and the best fares available! Be assured, I do NOT receive any commissions or favours from these agents, and in the vast majority of cases these agents will not even be aware of my, or mu site’s involvement, as I provide the enquirer with the requested information of the agents (in their region) including their contact details. Reuben Goossens.

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Photographs on cruise-australia are: 1. By the author. 2. From the author’s private collection. 3. As provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are photographs provided to me without details provided regarding the photographer concerned. I hereby invite if owners of these images would be so kind to make them-selves known to me, that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet they either refuse to give me credit and even refuse to remove them, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show the charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due! Note: I do not credit those who send me photos as they are not the owners of the photographs concerned, unless the image is part of their private collection.

This notice covers all pages, although, I have done my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

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