Public Areas & Facilities

At the heart of the ships, triple-deck atriums graced by suspended glass sculptures open onto three so-called promenade decks; the lowest contains staterooms encircled by a wide, teak outdoor deck furnished with padded steamer chairs, while interior art-filled passageways flow past lounges and public rooms on the two decks above. It's easy to find just about any area on board, with the possible exception of the main level of the dining room. Either reach the lower dining room floor via the aft elevator, or enter one deck above and make a grand entrance down the sweeping staircase.

Restaurants

The formal dining room has four set dinner seatings. Alternatives are Pinnacle Grill, the intimate specialty restaurant, and the casual Lido restaurant. The Lido and poolside buffets also serve breakfast and lunch, while the dining room has open seating. Afternoon tea is served daily, and room service is available 24 hours.

What Works & What Doesn't

After dark there's a bit more action in public areas; however, you'll find it rather subdued in lounges along the promenade decks. The livelier Crow's Nest is the center of late-night activity. Try to make it to the production shows in time to grab seats on the lower level of the main show lounges -- railings on the balcony level obstruct the view from all rows behind the first two or three. Escalators between decks in the lower atrium areas seem out of place; they appear to be more of a curiosity than a real convenience

Accommodations

Layout: Staterooms are spacious and comfortable, although fewer of them have private balconies than on newer fleetmates. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. Some suites have a whirlpool tub, powder room, and walk-in closet.

Amenities: Gone are the flowery chintz curtains and bedspreads of yesteryear -- all staterooms and suites are now appointed with Euro-top mattresses, 250-thread-count cotton bed linens, magnifying lighted mirrors, hair dryers, a fruit basket, flat-panel TVs, and DVD players. Bathroom extras include Egyptian cotton towels, shampoo, body lotion, and bath gel, plus deluxe bathrobes to use during the cruise.

Suites: Suites have duvets on beds, a fully stocked minibar, and personalized stationery. Penthouse Verandah and Deluxe Verandah suites have exclusive use of the private Neptune Lounge, personal concierge service, canapés before dinner on request, binoculars and umbrellas for use during the cruise, an invitation to a VIP party with the captain, and complimentary laundry, pressing, and dry-cleaning services.

Good to Know: Connecting cabins are featured in a range of categories. Six staterooms are wheelchair accessible; nine are modified with ramps although doors are standard width.

Category	Size (square feet)
Penthouse Suite	946
Deluxe Verandah Suite	385
Verandah Suite	230
Ocean View	196
Inside	186

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowds: A padded steamer chair on the teak promenade deck is our favorite cocoon. You'll never want to leave.

Best Dessert: It just might be the best in the world -- Holland America Line's signature bread-and-butter pudding with a creamy sauce. Ask for the recipe.

Our Favorite Spot for a Nightcap: Popular with the after-dinner crowd, yet quiet enough for conversation, the Ocean Bar hits just the right balance for late-night socializing.

Best Extra Touches: As you board, you are serenaded by musicians and escorted to your cabin, where you'll find a signature HAL-logo canvas tote bag. Other deluxe touches include complimentary shoeshine service and terry fingertip towels in public restrooms.