Holland America Line was established in 1873 as a passenger line taking immigrants to the New World … and now the cruise line allows cruise passengers to enjoy vacations to all corners of the globe. The line has shared the thrill of visiting Alaska for over 75 years, longer than any other cruise line. I recently returned from a cruise to Alaska aboard this incredible ship. The experience was beautiful, and I enjoyed the line for the many things that make it unique.
Things To Love Aboard Eurodam
The Eurodam was built in 2009 and is the first ship in Holland America Line’s Signature Class. She is 86,700 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,104. Holland America Line strives to offer an ideal, perfectly sized ship experience. They offer a cruise experience with enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs.
This cruise gave me an up-close look and allowed me to experience firsthand the features and amenities guests can expect when taking a cruise aboard this beautiful ship. I wanted to share six awesome things to love aboard Eurodam.
Verandah Stateroom
Like any cruise, your stateroom makes a big first impression. Our verandah stateroom aboard Holland America Line’s Eurodam (VB 4144) on Deck 4 (did not disappoint. The line is known for having larger standard-sized cabins than many other lines, and this stateroom didn’t disappoint. It features plenty of USB ports below the bedside reading lamps on both sides of the bed and at the desk. The desk space was one of my favorites as it had a nice chair and dedicated space.
The stateroom also featured plenty of storage space for a weeklong cruise, a bathrobe, and comfortable blankets to enjoy during our Alaskan cruise. We used the room’s small refrigerator several times and enjoyed the flat-screen TV.
The bathroom was one of our favorites with its large tub and shower combination, and it was nicely designed and comfortable. Having such a nice-sized bathroom where everything is perfect makes a stateroom feel more luxurious. Holland America Line does so many little enjoyable things; it makes you ask, “Why doesn’t every line do this?“. The stateroom attendants also spoiled me with perfect service and any assistance I needed while onboard.
Included 24-Hour Room Service
I enjoy waking up to room service breakfast during a cruise vacation. I was delighted to find room service included aboard Holland America Line, which features a lovely breakfast menu and other options throughout the day.
If you want to indulge, you could upgrade your unique breakfast options with an extra fee, such as Lobster Benedict, USDA Prime Steak & Eggs, Breakfast Smoothie, Mimosa, and more.
While many other lines are charging or have limited the quality of room service, Holland American Line is maintaining this tradition and having it included, and that is something I have always enjoyed having available without worrying about an added cost.
Canaletto
We also visited the specialty restaurant Canaletto during our cruise and loved it. Our entire table enjoyed their meals, including freshly made pasta, cold anti-pasta, and excellent gravy.
I made a particular (side order) of spaghetti to accompany my special of the day, Chicken Parmigiana. Our foodies ordered several items, shared some family style, and loved tasting different items. It may have been our most memorable meal of the week.
World Stage
The main theatre aboard the Eurodam is called the World Stage and is featured on other Holland America Line ships. During our cruise, I was in awe at the incredible EXC® Talk lecture series by Holland America Line. These feature captivating stories told by narrated by the Cruise & Travel Director.
A highlight was the presentation of the Origin Story, which tells the story of Holland America Line’s rich history and the brand’s evolution from a Dutch shipping/cargo line to a cruise line that sails all seven continents. This is not a presentation to be missed, and I hope you find it as touching as I did.
The two dance production shows, MOVE and Humanity by the Step One Dance Company, were incredible and unforgettable. If you enjoy artistic dance of all genres, these are must-see performances.
Dive-In Cruise Food & Restaurant
One of the stand-out food venues was not a particular “must reserve” specialty restaurant but the Dive-In Cruise Food located (Deck 9, midship) next to the pool.
I have always heard this venue was not to be missed. Once onboard, I learned it’s so good that they hand out pagers during peak times because the food here is so good and is in high demand. In the past, John Roberts recommended the Dive-In as one of the Seven Best Burgers at Sea. Now That I’ve been able to sample this firsthand, I also give it my vote. Everything I tried was perfect and better than most other cruise lines.
However, I suggest you try the Jack Knife, a “Bratwurst sausage, curry ketchup, curry powder sprinkle, crusty roll, and Dive-In Sauce™.” The menu has an excellent choice of 1/3 pound burgers and 100% All-Beef Nathan Hot Dogs and Fries.
Pinnacle Grill
If you are looking for a culinary treat featuring a menu with a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steak, then make a reservation at the Pinnacle Grill. Holland America Line calls this the “Ultimate Steakhouse at Sea,” and it didn’t disappoint during our visit.
One of the unique features of a Holland America Line cruise is the exceptional chef-created dishes you can find on its menu. For example, during our cruise, I sampled “Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Dumplings” and “Clothesline Candied Bacon,” offered Exclusively by Chef David Burk. These unique culinary offerings take the overall experience to a greater delight.
Be sure to make a reservation at the Pinnacle Grill for Dinner as early as possible, as it is very popular, and reservations can go fast. We enjoyed all the dishes, which taste as good as they look.
