ms Eurodam

To be delivered in summer 2008, the new Eurodam marks Holland America Line's next class of vessels and at 2,104 passengers the largest ever constructed for the premium line. With an estimated all-in cost of $450 million, the new 86,000-ton Panamax Eurodam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard.

The Eurodam will further the evolution of Holland America Line's sophisticated mid-sized ships. With 11 passenger decks, new innovations include a topside 144-seat Pan-Asian restaurant and 50-seat lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering the finest in Italian food, elegant luxury jewelry boutiques, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating, and a new photographic and imaging center.

The line's renowned Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times will be located on the starboard side of the Crow's Nest, providing a scenic backdrop for guests wishing to enjoy specialty coffees, surf the internet and take advantage of the café's music listening stations.

With an additional deck, the Eurodam will have 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Fifty-seven will be verandah staterooms, 10 of which will have intimate, curved verandahs. In total, the Eurodam will carry 1,022 staterooms, with 86 percent outside staterooms, 67 percent with verandahs.

Staterooms will continue to provide all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities: 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, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.

The Eurodam will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.

On the technical side, the Eurodam will feature the latest state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems including dynamic positioning abilities to hold the ship in a precise position. The vessel will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology.