Holland America Line’s Eurodam, launched in 2008 as its first Signature-Class vessel, falls into the midsize cruise ship category with just over 2,000 passengers. The ship is considered a bit more colorful than the line’s usually staid vessels and it attracts both couples and multigenerational families as it sails a variety of itineraries in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, while its longer cruises that transit the Panama Canal are popular with older couples.
Exciting Enhancements: Eurodam’s December 2015 refit added the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. These spaces showcase musicians playing everything from blues and Motown to pop tunes. Also included in the update was the Gallery Bar, which features an eye-catching mix of artwork and an exclusive cocktail menu created by celebrity mixologist Dale DeGroff.
Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill: The ship’s two main specialty restaurants are worth the extra charge. Tamarind, a Pan-Asian eatery, is an attractive space with equally attractive presentations. If you’re craving a lighter Japanese menu, you’ll also find Nami Sushi located within Tamarind. Pinnacle Grill is an elegant Pacific Northwest specialty restaurant reflecting the cuisine and wines of the region where the company’s headquarters are located. Steaks are the most popular entrées here. A word of advice for those on a budget: The per-person surcharge at lunch is much less than at dinner. The other specialty dining experience is Canaletto, an Italian eatery that pops up nightly in a section of the Dining Room.
Explorations: This space combines a lounge, library, Internet Center, and coffee bar and serves as the social hub of the ship.
The Promenades: Holland America’s ships retain their famed wide, outdoor teak promenade decks. They’re great for taking a walk or jogging on a sea day. Or, settle into a cushioned wooden deck chair to read and watch the sea pass by.
Multiple Pools: If the weather is dicey, one of the Eurodam’s two swimming pools is located beneath a sliding glass roof so the crew can close it to protect you from the weather and then reopen it when conditions clear.
Older Adults: In the Mediterranean, the cruises attract those looking for a more low-key adult atmosphere.
Quieter Families: The Caribbean itineraries attract multigenerational families. But don’t expect the mob scenes you might find on some big ships, where the outdoor spaces are dominated by hordes of children. Eurodam does, however, feature the new High Score! family game room, offering Skee-Ball, air hockey, arcade games, and more.
Open Seating May Require a Wait: You have the choice of reserving a table for dinner at a first or second seating in the Dining Room. You can also reserve an open-seating time that fits your schedule or simply show up. The problem with the latter, however, is when too many guests arrive at the most popular dinner hours you may have to wait until a table is free. Fortunately, once seated, you’ll find that the surroundings are lovely.