The 2104-passenger Eurodam is the same length and width as the Holland America Vista class ships, but she has one more deck, which adds 63 more staterooms. The Eurodam was launched in July 2008, and we sailed on her in October 2008.
The 11-deck Eurodam is Holland America's largest ship with more public areas, restaurants and cabins than any of the other 13 ships in the fleet. The Eurodam also features a wide variety of new art, ranging from the Dutch Golden Age to contemporary American to Asian.
The Eurodam sails Europe, New England/Atlantic Canada, and the Caribbean. Let's take a tour of this beautiful cruise ship.
Eurodam Exterior Views - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Photo (c) Linda Garrison
A first glimpse of the exterior of the Eurodam shows what a lovely ship she is. The Eurodam is classically beautiful, with a dark blue hull topped with white upper decks. We cruised on one of the Eurodam's eastern Caribbean's itineraries, sailing round trip from Fort Lauderdale to the following ports:
- Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Our Eurodam cruise was a wonderful seven-day getaway, with a good mix of time at sea and time in port. We especially enjoyed the common areas of this beautiful new ship and the friendly service of its crew. The restaurants were diverse and the cuisine delicious, and the cabins had some extra touches we appreciated.
Eurodam Common Areas - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Photo (c) Linda Garrison
The Eurodam has a classical appearance, with a great mix of tradition and innovation. I loved all the fresh flower arrangements, and the elevator doors are some of the most striking I have seen anywhere (even ashore). These small features and the extensive artwork add to the overall elegant ambiance of the Eurodam.
Probably the most popular additions to the common areas on our Caribbean cruise were the private cabanas surrounding and overlooking the Lido Pool. They can be rented for the day or the entire cruise, and were fully booked for our warm-weather Caribbean cruise. A second addition is a dedicated movie screening room, which has very comfortable chairs.
Probably the most popular additions to the common areas on our Caribbean cruise were the private cabanas surrounding and overlooking the Lido Pool. They can be rented for the day or the entire cruise, and were fully booked for our warm-weather Caribbean cruise. A second addition is a dedicated movie screening room, which has very comfortable chairs.
Eurodam Staterooms - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Stateroom Photo (c) Linda Garrison
Our 254 square foot "Deluxe Verandah Oceanview Stateroom" #6014 had excellent storage and all the amenities you would expect on a premium cruise line.
It also included two small items that I think should be incorporated into all cruise ship cabins. The first is a lighted magnifying mirror, which is perfect for those of us baby boomers who don't see so well. The second is a small, very bright goose-neck lamp on each side of the bed. One roommate (or spouse) can read without disturbing the other. These two items seem minor, but added greatly to our enjoyment of the cabin.
The Eurodam is the first Holland America ship with Spa Staterooms. These 56 staterooms are near the Greenhouse Spa and include special in-room spa amenities.
It also included two small items that I think should be incorporated into all cruise ship cabins. The first is a lighted magnifying mirror, which is perfect for those of us baby boomers who don't see so well. The second is a small, very bright goose-neck lamp on each side of the bed. One roommate (or spouse) can read without disturbing the other. These two items seem minor, but added greatly to our enjoyment of the cabin.
The Eurodam is the first Holland America ship with Spa Staterooms. These 56 staterooms are near the Greenhouse Spa and include special in-room spa amenities.
Eurodam Dining and Cuisine - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Tamarind Restaurant Photo (c) Linda Garrison
Past Holland America cruisers will be delighted to find many of their favorite dining venues on the Eurodam. Rembrandt is the main dining room, with either open seating dinner between 5:15 and 9:00 pm or fixed dining with two seatings--5:45 and 8:00 pm. The Pinnacle Grill ($20 pp) is a wonderful steakhouse, featuring seafood and grilled steaks.
New for the Eurodam is Tamarind ($15 pp), a Pan-Asian restaurant on the top deck, with an excellent selection. Tamarind is also open for complimentary lunch and a special Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner ($20 pp). In addition, Holland America has added Canaletto, a new complimentary Italian Restaurant open for dinner.
New for the Eurodam is Tamarind ($15 pp), a Pan-Asian restaurant on the top deck, with an excellent selection. Tamarind is also open for complimentary lunch and a special Indonesian Rijsttafel dinner ($20 pp). In addition, Holland America has added Canaletto, a new complimentary Italian Restaurant open for dinner.
Eurodam Bars and Lounges - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Photo (c) Linda Garrison
The bars and lounges on the Eurodam reflect the diversity of the other common areas. The quiet, elegant Silk Den, which adjoins Tamarind, has wonderful views of the pool and surrounding seas from its midship perch on deck 11. The Pinnacle Bar is sleek and modern and located on the busy lower promenade, as is the Queen's Lounge and Northern Lights disco. The Crow's Nest is aft on deck 11 and shares the observation area with the Explorations Cafe and the library. It has comfortable lounge chairs for those who like to put their feet up, read a good book, and gaze over the ocean.
Although Holland America is not known for its night life or party atmosphere, I was pleasantly surprised by the terrific mix of onboard evening music and entertainment.
Although Holland America is not known for its night life or party atmosphere, I was pleasantly surprised by the terrific mix of onboard evening music and entertainment.
Eurodam Below Deck and Galley - Holland America Eurodam Cruise Ship
Eurodam Photo (c) Linda Garrison
While on the Eurodam, we toured some "behind the scenes" areas. It's fascinating to see how things work, and how spotless the crew keeps the entire ship. We saw the control center and learned about how the waste water is treated. We inspected the food and beverage storage lockers, watched crew members separating trash for recycling, and made our way to the galley, where chefs were preparing for dinner. What an interesting addition to our marvelous cruise!
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary cruise accommodation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
