Upper Promenade Deck - Maasdam Photologue


Upper Promenade Deck is host to a wide variety of entertainment and dining options. Located forward on Upper Promenade Deck is the balcony level of the Rembrandt Lounge. The port side entrance to the Rembrandt Lounge features the 'Gaaper' which is made of oak and is a traditional 19th Century Dutch carving that was placed outside of a building to indicate that the business inside was a pharmacy. The Moorish figure's tongue is extended as if to take medicine. Just opposite is the start to many of Maasdam's boutiques. The boutiques continue along the port side and then continue to opposite and past the Casino. Just one hallmark found aboard the Holland America Line ships is the Ocean Bar. The Ocean Bar is an ideal location for evening cocktails to socialize and enjoy live music. The ceiling above the bar is of hard polyester and glass fiber made to look like folded fabric. It is the artistic design and execution of Dutch artist Marte Roling and it was created expressly for the Maasdam in 1993. Each table in the Ocean Bar features a hand blown glass lamp that were created by Willem Heesen, the father of Bernard Heesen. Located in a glass case in the Ocean Bar is a bronze 'Fo Dog' which is a combination of three aninals : a monkey, dragon, and dog. It is of Chinese origin and represents the guardians of Buddhist temples. The word 'Fo' in Chinese means Buddhism. Proceeding aft from the Atrium, guests can explore a number of other public areas such as the Casino. Located outside of the Casino is a bronze cannon that dates back to 1626. It was cast in Lisbon for the Dutch East India Company and was recovered from the North Sea. It is over ten feet in length and it weighs over 4,000 pounds. It is purposely set seven degrees off center as one looks at it from the front. A sports bar is located within the Casino area for guests to take a break from all of the gaming activities. Another favorite of guests is the 68 seat Piano Bar. This is an intimate locale where guests can enjoy live piano music or participate in sing-a-longs. The overall design of the Piano Bar is that of Dutch architect Franz Dingemans. A variety of blown glass pieces is located throughout the Piano and is the work of Bernard Heesen. Included in these works is 'De Oude Horn'. Proceeding aft from the Piano Bar, guests will enter the Explorer's Lounge by means of Maasdam's art gallery. When walking into the Explorer's Lounge heading aft, guests will see a chest enclosed in a glass case with a carved nautilus mounted on a silver stand. The Japanese chest is 18th Century ebony, lacquered with gold decorations of birds and a village. Within the case is also a large Chinese 18th Century Arita porcelain urn. The brass rims of the top and base were added to cover the nicks and wear of time. When looking right while heading aft, the angled case contains a key to the strong box, two Delft vases that copied Chinese art of glazing over the blue design, and a small carved wooden box that is thought to have been the case for a clock. The lacquier cabinet is referred to as Chinoiserie because in the course of the 17th Century, the fashion for collecting and imitating Oriental objects flourished. Located in the second case when heading aft is an iron brazier that would be used to heat water for tea. There are several iron teapots displayed that all date between 1615 and 1860 - the Edo Period. Also located within this case is a wood block print on Kozo paper, tea service of Chinese porcelain that dates from the Qianlong period (1736 - 1796), and a terracotta jar from the 19th Century and often used for storing tea. There are also various pieces of underglazed Chinese porcelain in this case. The Explorer's Lounge is another Holland America Line trademark venue that guests have come to love over the years. This is a common locale to enjoy after dinner drinks or liqueurs and enjoy a string quartet. Typical along the back wall in the Explorer's Lounge on Holland America Line's ships is a mural or work of art. Aboard Maasdam is a 19th Century gilded oak carving that was infulenced by Asian friezes. This European version has maritime elements and decorated a ship's side or building exterior. Just aft of the Explorer's Lounge is the Pinnacle Grill. The Pinnacle Grill offers an alternative dining experience that exceeds all expectations. For a modest surcharge, guests can dine with beautifully appointed Bvlgari China, Riedel stemware, and Frette linens. The Pinnacle Grill is based upon a reservations only system. Guests will indulge in Sterling Silver Beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive world-class wine list. Parallel to the Pinnacle Grill and Explorer's Lounge is the Explorations Café. The Explorations Café is most certainly a common gathering place among guests whether they like to sit back and read, surf the Internet, or enjoy a coffee beverage. Many more activities are also available within the Explorations Café. Traditional elements of the former Leyden Library and Puzzle Corner have been retained in various areas. There is an Italian marble table which is a collection of various marbles and is supported by two bronze pedestals. This table was specially made for the Maasdam. There is also a marble bust carving that was made in the mid 19th Century in France. The identity of the subject remains a mystery. Access is available from the Explorations Café to Maasdam's Casino. Passing through this area, one will find a French garden sandstone statue that was created in the 19th Century and represents Autumn. Aft on Upper Promenade Deck are Gouache paintings located on both the port and starboard side. Gouache is a watercolor with a bit of gum added to produce an opaque effect. Gouache color lies on the surface forming a continuous layer. Located completely aft on both Upper Promenade and Promenade Decks is the Rotterdam Dining Room. Throughout the dining room are lanterns that are from Rotterdam and were newly created for the Maasdam. They are copies of the 16th Century Venetian chandelier aboard the former ms Nieuw Amsterdam.





























Within the Rotterdam Dining Room is a marble fountain that was found in Argentina in the courtyard of an hacienda and dates back to the 19th Century. It was returned to Holland for restoration and the original water pipe in the column was iron and years of rusting have penetrated the marble giving the rosy hue to the surface of the pillar. Located completely aft on both Upper Promenade and Promenade Decks is the Rotterdam Dining Room. Throughout the dining room are lanterns that are from Rotterdam and were newly created for the Maasdam. They are copies of the 16th Century Venetian chandelier aboard the former ms Nieuw Amsterdam. The ceiling of the Rotterdam Dining Room is of Murano Glass and was specially made in Venice for the Maasdam. Similar ceiling works are replicated aboard sister ships Statendam, Ryndam, and Veendam. There is a wide range of seating options throughout the dining room ranging from table sizes for ten to tables for two. Maasdam follows the 'As You Wish' dining program by evening. The program allows guests to choose from the best of both Worlds : traditional, pre-set dining times or completely flexible times. The flexible dining times range from 5:15 pm to 9:00 pm. There are then also two fixed dining times for guests who wish to be seated at the same table each evening. For 'As You Wish' dining, advance reservations may be made on board or guests may simply just walk up to the dining room and be seated. In the unlikely event that a table is not available, a pager will be given to indicate when a table is free.