ms Oosterdam An International
Masterpiece
Holland America Line
by Steve J. Garrod
Page 2 of 2
The
Vista Lounge
The
dramatic fabric accent provides not only a visual attraction but also
buffers sound levels.
Reds are
the dominating color in the Vista Lounge's overall schema. The
mood becomes quite elegant by evening with low lighting.
A few
glimpses at the conclusion of the production show, "Rockin'
Road".
Promenade
Deck
On
Promenade Deck aft is the Photo Gallery where guests can preview photos
that they have had taken throughout their voyage.
The
Ocean Bar tastefully combines lighter colors with a warm and neutral
look that is appropriate for warm and cold weather cruising.
Located in the Ocean Bar is an impressive model of the confederate
steamship Alabama.
Seating
options are many given the Ocean Bar's design of wrapping around the
uppermost level of the Atrium. Many different moods are evoked
based upon the particular corner and color selection used.
One of
the unique table adornments located on various tables within the Ocean
Bar.
The
shopping arcade aboard the Oosterdam is understated while the
shops are closed. Upon the opening of the shops, however, this
area becomes much more open given the flow of shoppers.
Theater
style seating is just one option for meetings and groups in the
Stuyvesant Room.
The Hudson and Half Moon Rooms can be used as individual meeting spaces
or opened up to combine with the Stuyvesant Room as well.
The original Half
Moon (Halve Maen) was commissioned in 1609 for the Dutch East India
Company. At the time, she was highly innovative and a true ship of
exploration.
The Java
Corner provides a unique seating area just outside of the Half Moon,
Hudson, and Stuyvesant Rooms.
Nearby is a graphical display board to show where Oosterdam
currently is sailing in her itinerary.
Branching
off of the Java Corner is the Erasmus Library. Whimsical replicas
of open books line the ceiling if guests should so happen to take their
eyes from their own reading material and gaze up.
The
Internet Center is especially popular for guests following Europe
itineraries to get back in touch with friends and family back home.
This
corridor has maintained the same look as with all other Holland America
Line ships and reminds guests of the continued design tradition
throughout the years.
Whimsical
figures greet guests heading toward the Vista Lounge heading forward.
Various
Stateroom Accommodations
Left :
Stateroom corridors are predominantly neutral in color with bright and
nautical carpeting.
Right : A glimpse into deluxe verandah stateroom 6045.
Stateroom
4067 is a large outside stateroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
This category "H", however, does have a fully blocked view by
a lifeboat.
Accompanying this is the beautiful art work of Bob van Blommenstein.
He has created pieces of twelve aquarelles for the Oosterdam :
still lifes with food arranged in baskets, bowls, or vases in a very
unique manner.
The Oosterdam's
unique stern design creates a tiered effect of the verandahs facing aft.
Guests
occupying a category "S" or "PS" will enjoy the
amenities and services offered in the Neptune Lounge. The lounge
is located on Rotterdam Deck amidships and requires a stateroom key for
access.
Guests
will enjoy this replica of the previous Rotterdam V located
inside the Neptune Lounge. The model is lighted from within and
creates a dramatic image as though she were sailing by night.
Lido
Deck
A
beautiful lighting piece located atop the forward staircase.
Elevator
lobbies provide ample space to dissipate traffic as well as art pieces
that are pleasing to the eye.
Forward
staircases aboard Oosterdam host many feasts for the eyes while
passing from deck to deck.
Guest
using the Gymnasium look out over this observatory deck. It is
also a great place to escape and enjoy forward-looking views.
The
Gymnasium is very well appointed for guests who wish to stay active
while at sea.
The
Greenhouse Spa has recently been implemented on the Vista Class ships
and features a host of new spa features.
Left :
Guests awaiting their spa appointments may enjoy this relaxation room
featuring fruit, juices, and water.
Right : Tiled seating are available with sea views in the Thermal Suite.
The
Hydrotherapy Pool is lighted naturally from one deck above.
As found
on other Holland America Line ships, this circular staircase takes
guests from Lido Deck to Observation Deck.
As
popular on other Holland America Line ships, the midships pool is fitted
with a sliding glass dome.
Penguins
overlook the goings on of the midships pool.
Oosterdam
features a wide variety of art for almost anywhere one may look.
Unique and interesting seating and lighting fixtures accent the Lido
Bar.
The
Lido Restaurant
The Lido
Restaurant extends into the midships pool area featuring grill items for
a quick and/or casual lunch experience.
As with
many other Holland America Line ships, the Lido Restaurant features
beautiful tile work welcomes guests for casual dining.
Many
seating options are available for any number of members in one's party.
The Lido Restaurant features a traditional food line while hosting a
number of other specialized 'stations' with their own theme.
Two
separate drink stations offer easy access to coffee, iced tea, hot tea,
and water.
Observation
and Sports Deck
The
outer decks traditionally host a number of options for staying fit and
enjoying the ocean air. Oosterdam's outer decks do not fall
short by any means.
Practice volleyball and basketball courts are popular for almost any age
bracket.
The
aft pool and its vibrant colors, tiles, and structures are sure to be
popular for warm water cruising during the winter months.
Located
on Lido Deck aft is the Sea View Bar where guests can enjoy refreshing
drinks poolside.
This
colorful elevator lobby brings together the Golf Simulator, Game Room,
and Wave Runner / Kid Zone.
Younger
guests on board Oosterdam will be treated to the colorful and
modern facilities of the Wave Runner and Kid Zone.
Just
adjacent to these facilities is the Game Room which guests of any age
just might enjoy.
This
foyer brings together the youth facilities and the Golf Simulator room.
Golfers
on board can sharpen up their driving skills and get instant feedback in
the modern facilities of the Golf Center.
Traditional
wooden deck chairs are always a warm and welcome sight and retain the
appeal of life at sea.
The
uppermost and forward observation deck is typically popular for guest
wishing to view a port arrival and departure.
Promenade
Deck & Outer Deck Features
The
external lift columns create a dramatic view for guests walking around
the outer Promenade Deck.
Internally, these elevator columns feature vivid art work of Mariani
Vermeend. They are digitally manipulated photographs of coral and
fans underwater in Australia.
Teak
wooden decking is also an essential part of traditional cruising and the
Holland America Line shipboard experience.
A long-standing tradition on all Holland America Line ships.
Windows
lining the outer walking deck peer into various public areas such as the
Vista Dining Room, Erasmus Library, and Internet Center.
Work
that takes place 'behind the scenes' when docking and setting sail
occurs here in the mooring deck.
A peek
into the Vista Dining room from outdoors.
This
passage wraps around the aft section of the Promenade Deck completing a
360 degree circuit.
The
observation deck is popular for port arrivals and departures for those
guests who are able to find it.
Oosterdam's
forward observation deck while setting sail from the port of Hamburg,
Germany.
The
officer's bar has a view of the forward observation deck from inside.
The
Crow's Nest
Artwork
located at the starboard side entrance to the Crow's Nest Lounge.
Like
various other Holland America Line ships, Oosterdam hosts smaller
divisions of the Crow's Nest.
The main
interior of the Crow's Nest Lounge is reminiscent of former Holland
America Line sisters starting with the ms Rotterdam.
The Oak
Room, located on the starboard side entrance, is a smoking area in which
there is a faux fireplace.
Upon
exiting / entering the Crow's Nest on the port side one will find a dry
card compass from the America's Cup Yacht Galatea which was
registered in Glasgow, 1885.
Closing
Images
Oosterdam
utilizes state-of-the art safety equipment. Pictured here is the
low-level lighting system that activates upon the sounding of the ship's
alarm. The ship's alarm signals are noticeably louder in
staterooms and public areas in comparison to earlier sister ships.
Oosterdam
is a true pride of the fleet having been christened and being registered
in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The
ship's bell is proudly displayed on the forward-most point of the ship
and was christened in her own way by long-standing Mariner Society
members in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Vital statistics of
the Oosterdam are detailed on this always commemorative plaque
furnished by the shipbuilder.
No
Holland America Line ship is complete without the stunning art work of
Captain Stephen Card. Various other staircase landings feature
previous ships of the Holland America Line fleet.
The Oosterdam
idle in port overnight in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
. . .
and sailing full steam ahead.
Oosterdam
made a grand entrance in European waters and will certainly create
unforgettable experiences for guests and crew around the world.