Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America’s ship Oosterdam has emerged from dry dock with a number of upgrades and enhancements. The vessel spent the last two weeks in dry dock in the Bahamas, and is now en route from Fort Lauderdale to Europe for the summer season.
Interior design and technical updates
During Oosterdam‘s dry dock, around 215,000 square feet of new carpet was installed in all suites, balcony staterooms, and various public areas. Select stateroom bathrooms received full renovations, and several balcony cabins have new deck furniture.
Rolling Stone Lounge was fully upgraded with an enhanced bar and new carpet, furnishings, LED lighting, and flooring. The Lido Market buffet received a substantial refresh with new tiles and countertops, and both Lido Market and Canaletto now have new seating upholstery.
The Sea View aft pool includes new spa hot tubs surrounded by fresh teak decking, and both the Sea View and Lido pools received new resin coating.
Refreshed Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Oosterdam‘s spa and salon underwent extensive enhancements, including a new co-ed sauna and a new couple’s massage therapy room. The Thermal Suite was rebuilt with a new Laconium thermal room, steam room, and experiential rain shower. The Relaxation Lounge was refreshed with a new beverage counter and updated lounge seating layout.
The Salon was expanded with new manicure stations and state-of-the-art pedicure chairs. Work also was completed during dry dock to make the spa and salon areas more accessible for guests with disabilities.
The Fitness Center also received upgrades in the way of new flooring and new gym equipment.
Crow’s Nest transformation
The Crow’s Nest also underwent a transformation, becoming what Holland America says is an “elevated hub of imagination and fun.” Guests will enjoy a refreshed Arts Studio that hosts arts and crafts classes, a dedicated Games Room area, and a cozy Puzzle Area.
The space includes new furniture for each area, a board game display case, and updated signage to guide passengers through the redesigned Crow’s Nest.
New look for the Neptune Lounge
Suite guests with access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge will enjoy updates including new carpets, drapes, and light fixtures, along with stylish dining and lounge furniture. The catering area has been renovated and there’s a new concierge desk.
Casino expansion
Another significant project during Oosterdam‘s dry dock was the expansion of the casino. The former Gallery Bar is now part of the casino floor, featuring 34 new slot machines and a digital table game.
Enhanced photo experience
The Photo Studio and Photo Gallery have been enhanced with new carpet, signage, and lighting for private photo sessions. The refurbished Photo Gallery now includes display areas and a facial recognition digital photo system for guests to view their photos through their account.
New Effy Lounge and retail shop
A new Effy Lounge and retail shop have been installed on Oosterdam. Effy replaced a small movie theater with a unique shopping experience. The Effy Lounge and retail shop feature two distinct areas for guests to explore. Before entering the store, guests are welcomed into a comfortable lounge where they can meet with an Effy jewelry associate to begin their shopping journey. There, they can enjoy a drink while searching for the perfect piece.
The shop itself mirrors the look and feel of Effy’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Oosterdam Schedule
Oosterdam will spend the next seven months sailing around the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and more before crossing the Atlantic Ocean in November, returning to South America and Antarctica.
Comments
Are you planning a cruise on Oosterdam this year? If you’re a Holland America fan, what’s your favorite ship from the line? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
