ms Westerdam
Holland America Line
 International Excellence
Internationale Voortreffelijkheid - Merito Internazionale
by Steve J. Garrod

This photologue was compiled in Venice, Italy, during Westerdam's inaugural call after having departed Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera.

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Views of ms Westerdam
				Left : Westerdam approaches the Venice passenger terminal for her maiden call. Right : Webmaster Steve J. Garrod on Observation Deck with a Venetian sunset.
				Westerdam approaches the pier at the Venice passenger terminal.
				While in a class of her own, Westerdam retains familiar features as seen on sisters Zuiderdam and Oosterdam.
				Westerdam debuted with nearly all elements of the Signature of Excellence in place.
				Westerdam's familiar profile traits by day and night.

Accents throughout ms Westerdam
				The art aboard the Westerdam continues the evolution of elegance in design seen in previous Vista-Class ships.  The combination of art and colors, though, truly create a unique look for Westerdam.
				Frans Dingemans, architect and designer of all Holland America Line ships, states that Westerdam's design is modest yet very warm and elegant. A theme was chosen that is designed to remind one of the great history that both Holland and America share.
				No Holland America Line ship is complete without Captain Stephen Card's renditions of old and new.  Photographed right is the modern-day Westerdam with the former on the left.

Main Deck
				Artistic accents begin on Main Deck aft as guests proceed forward toward the base of the Atrium.
				Essential services such as the Shore Excursions Desk and Front Office are located at the base of the Atrium.
				The Atrium Bar is an intimate area at which guests may enjoy a beverage.
				Near to the embarkation gangway are a variety of intimate seating areas within or adjacent to the Atrium.
				An Andy Warhol rendition of the Queen of the Netherlands located adjacent to the Front Office.

The Atrium
						The featured Waterford Crystal sculpture on Westerdam is the familiar Holland America Line flagship model.  The impressive crystal sculpture slowly rotates above all activity in the Atrium.
						While modest in size, Westerdam's Atrium creates a sense of space while joining most of her public areas.

The Vista Dining Room
						Impressive art such as fine silver doors from a 17th century Indian Palace greets guests as they enter and exit the Vista Dining Room.
						Various seating options are available for guests with different requirements.
						Sweeping staircases allow for guests to make a grand entrance upon locating their tables.
						Colorful flower petals grace the Vista Dining Room's ceiling and add true pizzazz in a refined setting.

Lower Promenade Deck
						Westerdam implements a number of changes from other Vista Class ships to create a greater sense of space. The removal of the semi-circular staircase in this location is just one example.
						A bright color scheme greets occupants of the Piano Bar by day but does become a bit more subdued by evening.
						The Casino offers a number of gaming options as well as striking colors and lighting to keep all senses occupied. Casino gaming has been expanded aboard Westerdam to meet the increased demand of guests.
						The Sports Bar offers a number of seating options for guests while watching televised events.
						Entering the Northern Lights discotheque from the aft entrance will reveal Andy Warhol renditions of Marilyn Monroe. This corridor into the Northern Lights Nightclub features lights that "follow" guests as they proceed.  A whimsical bouncing ball light also traces the path along the wall.
						Northern Lights is a dedicate discotheque facility that was first implemented aboard Zuiderdam.
						This sweeping corridor whisks guests from the aforementioned evening entertainment venues forward to the Queens Lounge.
						The Queens Lounge hosts current feature films as well as a variety of other shipboard activities.
						The Windstar Café has become very popular for guests wishing to enjoy premium coffees and snacks.  At the time of this publication coffee products have been supplied by Torrefazione Italia, a subsidiary of Seattle's Best Coffee.
						Westerdam has a dedicated Art Gallery in which pieces are displayed and guests can preview works prior to auctions.
						Guests wishing to experience an enhanced, premium, dining experience will find themselves in the Odyssey Restaurant / Pinnacle Grill.
						As sumptuous as the food served here is the impressive Bvlgari china. The Odyssey Restaurant on Westerdam omits a wall where guests can now dine and view the activity of the Atrium.
						The Art Gallery also displays elegant works for guests and staff.
						The Explorers Lounge is a traditional staple aboard all Holland America Line ships that guests will be fond to recognize.
						Featured in the Explorers Lounge are glass panels showing how the Dutch shipbuilding industry functioned in the 17th century.
						Located adjacent to the Explorers Lounge is an intimate smoking area.

The Vista Lounge
						The three-story Vista Lounge features impressive production shows by evening.
						The Vista Lounge sports a handsome combination of light colors in contrast to darker ones. A dramatic fabric accent over head provides not only a visual attraction but also buffers sound levels.

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