I recently had the opportunity to sail onboard the brand new Holland America Eurodam as part of the Cruise Planners Annual Convention. This was it's North American debut since it's been sailng in Europe since its inagural this past July.  Being the largest ship in HAL's fleet, this ship is Holland America's first ship in its Signature Class holding a maximum of 2044 passengers.

In general, the ship is beautiful. A couple of my favorite places onboard include the Retreat Cabanas and the Lido Cabanas. Both offer a spa-like private area with tented cabanas separated by privacy curtains. Each cabanas comes stocked with robes, water misters, and pre-loaded Ipods for use. Refreshments such as chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne are included as well. The Retreat, an area on the Observaton Deck overlooking the pool area, is much more private (and quiet) than the Lido cabanas. The Lido Cabanas are poolside chaise lounges so other guests can walk by and look in if the curtains to your cabana are open.  Both are available for rent on an daily and entire sailng basis.

The Greenhouse Spa is great as well. I was able to take advantage of the Embarkation Special offering 20% off of a treatment by getting an appointment set for embarkation day. The Deep Tissue Message I received was great and just what the doctor ordered.

Just a note on the spa - so many people think only women go to the spa. Not the case! While I was in the Relaxation Room waiting for my massage therapist, I noticed that out of the 9 people waiting, about 6 of them were men! In fact, the spa had an entire menu of services just for men.

Finally, the best part of the entire cruise for me was the day at Half Moon Cay, Holland America's private island in the Bahamas. I'm a total beach girl, so no island vacation would be complete if I didn't get a chance to spend a day at the beach. I've heard several times in the past that Half Moon Cay is one of the best cruise line private islands and now I see why. The sand felt like silk in between my toes, the water was crystal clear and warm, and the service by the staff of 50 who live and work on the island was fabulous. This was one beach day that made me not want to get back onboard the ship. I could've stayed there forever. 

New Comment