MS Prinsendam Ship visit

I was lucky enough to visit Holland America's MS Prinsendam on Monday 12th of July. There was quite a 'stir' in South Wales as this was the first Cruise Ship to berth at Newport Docks!!

We arrived promptly as many of the cruise clients were boarding coaches to see the delights of Newport and the Wye Valley - what the mostly American guests thought of Newport in Summer (in the torrential rain) I can only guess....

We boarded for our tour on the smallest of the Holland America Line fleet of 14 ships. She is 38,000 tonnes with only 318 staterooms and a passenger capacity of 793. Built as Royal Viking Sun in 1988 and then operated as Seabourn Sun, HAL took delivery of her in 2002, following an extensive refit.

As it was around midday we went straight for lunch.... in the Pinnacle Grill, the alternative, reservation only(small cover charge of $20), dining venue - elegant surroundings and the most attentive service. The menu included Thai crab cakes, tomato and basil soup with a choice of Salmon, Filet Mignon or Pasta followed by rasberry tart and coffee... an excellent start. The Pinnacle Grill is one of 5 restaurants each with their own intimate character.

(Fontaine Dining Room)

On with the tour - I found it easy to navigate and get my bearings onto the Ocean Bar with bandstand, comfortable seats and dance floor. Past the Fontaine Restaurant with its two traditional set dining times or the flexible 'as you wish' dining - where you can dine at a time to suit you. There are spectacular sea views and tables set with Rosenthal bone china and silver service.


Then upstairs to the Promenade deck. This is where the luxurious

'Lanai' staterooms are situated - Deluxe verandha outside share a private covered deck and hot tub.


The explorers lounge with bandstand for after dinner music and where the complimentary hot and cold hors d'ouveres are served before dinner.


Past the Java Bar - where for a small charge espressos, cappuccinos and lattes's are served all day.



Also on this deck is the Photo Gallery, Culinary Arts Theatre (state of the art kitchen for demonstrations and workshops with celebrity chefs on board to host lectures, wine tastings and seminars. On past the Boutiques and front desk to the Queens Lounge - the main show lounge with seating for 521 and with 2 shows nightly.

Up one more deck to the 'Greenhouse Spa' and then up 2 decks to the Lido deck and the Neptune lounge and Lido pool and bar.
here also is the Lido Restaurant featuring a wonderful buffet and casual dining. Free coffee and tea available 24 hours and also the ice cream parlour..

One more flight of stairs brought us to the crows nest - an observation lounge with floor to ceiling windows, a piano bar and a spectacular view.

I enjoyed the visit immensly and thought that Prinsendam brought back echoes of traditional cruising and would be ideal for my more discerning clients. But with prices as these - great value for money -

Itineraries for 2009/10 include:

• Western Europe 14 days Sep 6th
  
• Mediterranean 14 days Sep20, Oct 4, 18
  
• Transatlantic 24 days Nov 1
• Amazon Explorer 26 days Nov 25
  
• Caribbean 14 days Dec 21
  
• Grand South American & Antarctic Voayage 70 days Jan 13
  
• Grand mediterranean & Black Sea Voyage 54 days Mar 24
  
• Transatlantic 21 days May 17
  
• Nothern Europe 18days June 7