Maasdam

The Showroom at Sea, a contemporary interpretation of a classic nightclub with state-of-the-art theatre technology. Enjoy dynamic concerts and exciting musical productions featuring Broadway veterans, talented illusionists, as well comedians and musicians.

It all begins with a great photo taken at embarkation- the first of many photo opportunities. Your onboard photographers, called "Image Creators" will be with you throughout the cruise, ready to capture that special moment at the Bon Voyage Party, Formal Night, Scenic Cruising and more.

The Photo Gallery on board offers print and digital photos, photo packages and DVDs of your cruise itinerary and voyage. Be sure to take home memories of your voyage that will last a lifetime.

Whether the look he captures on film is thoughtful, irreverent or joyous, Joe Craig believes a successful photograph reveals the soul of its subject. He has spent his life perfecting his craft and teaching it to others. See what his approach can show you.

Joe Craig Black Label creates images that blend innocence and sophistication. It’s a great opportunity for you and your friends, family or special someone to capture the memory of your voyage in interpretive photography. All Black Label artists onboard are personally trained by Joe, and studio sessions are complimentary, with no obligation to buy and no sitting fee.

Holland America Line is known for the extensive art collections onboard each of its ships. Now, fine art goes high tech when you sail with Holland America Line. The line invites you to enjoy the self-guided walking tour for each ship which highlights the art onboard an eclectic collection that is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Narrated by well-known radio hosts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, the 30- to 40-minute tours include walking directions, interviews with artists, background music and thumbnails of some of the artwork.

Download the ship-specific art tour onto your personal iPod, MP3 or portable media player before you embark on your Holland America Line cruise. Pre-loaded art tours are also available on board.

A muzzle-loading cannon from the 17th Century, found on the floor of the North Sea is one of the more unusual pieces of art onboard ms Maasdam. Other pieces of note include Lebigre and Roger's unique fountain showing fanciful dolphins and sea creatures, two murals inspired by global exploration by famed Dutch artist Gerti Bierenbroodsport and treasures such as the display of a quill pen, ink well and portable writing desk dating back to 1595. 

Discover a world-class shopping experience only steps away. The Signature Shops on board offer a great selection of fine jewellery, watches, fragrances, premium liquor, exclusive Holland America Line souvenirs and more all at tax and duty free savings.

You’ll find many famous brands with designer names specially selected with you in mind. Knowledgeable specialists will gladly answer all your questions and are dedicated to providing you with excellent service, helping to make your cruise vacation, relaxing and enjoyable.

This exclusive jewellery boutique offers a luxury shopping experience paired with unprecedented designs. Selected for their beauty and timeless elegance, the collection includes stunning designs from Le Vian, Tara Pearls, Effy Couture, Forevermark and many more. Guests can meet with the Merabella Manager onboard to learn about these exquisite jewellery pieces.

A "Mix" of drink and music. An innovative meeting place featuring three specialty venues: 

Champagne, for mid-day mimosas or anytime celebrations.

Martinis, for Grey Goose cocktails and martini flights.

Spirits & Ales for microbrews, single malts and sports updates.

It's cocktails and dancing nightly in the luxurious Ocean Bar. The dance band plays the Great America songbook, so relax and make new friends.

Whether you are an experienced gambler or rolling dice for the first time, the Casino offers games for all levels as well as complimentary lessons from friendly dealers and tournaments for veteran players.

The games offered include:

• Table Games - Play Blackjack, Roulette, Craps (select ships), Three Card Poker, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.
  
• Slots - From penny to five-dollar machines and multi-denomination games, plus video poker, there's a game for you. You’ll find slot favourites such as Wolf Run, Wheel of Fortune, Super Jackpot Party and more! And the Megacash jackpot, the biggest progressive jackpot at sea, is linked to over 50 cruise ships worldwide.
  
• Cruise Lottery - Guests can play the cruise lottery for a chance to win a 7-day cruise.
  
• Tournaments - Join in the fun of a Slot or Blackjack tournament for that extra chance to win big.
  
• Gaming Lessons - Learn how to play a new casino game with free gaming lessons on board.

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers a comfortable coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper.

Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favourite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia.

Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops) are also available, as well as destinations-related content and travel-related crossword puzzles provided by The New York Times. For those looking for another kind of relaxing activity, there are also large jigsaw puzzle tables.

This panoramic place to enjoy the sunset transforms into a fun dance club after dark as the DJ spins the tunes.

Enjoy a refreshing beverage poolside in shaded seating around the bar or delivered to your sunny chaise lounge.

Watch movies with free popcorn in the ship's movie theatre, or on the giant LED screen on deck. Ship Flicks, a catalogue of over 1,000 DVD titles is also available for stateroom delivery and viewing.

On selected cruises, guests will have the opportunity to participate in complimentary dance classes based on dance routines from the ABC smash hit show “Dancing with the Stars.” This is a chance to learn the basics or new steps.

They will also have the chance to compete in the Dancing with the Stars: At Sea competition. Following an early elimination process, finalists will have the opportunity to take to the main stage with the ship’s dance professionals. One Cruise Champion will emerge, based on the highest combined point total from our panel of three judges, as well as audience participation.

Finalists, plus a guest, will be invited on a complimentary 7-day Champions Cruise to the Caribbean, where the 15 finalists will dance for the coveted mirror ball trophy and the title Holland America Line Dancing with the Stars: At Sea Grand Champion.

Select cruises will also feature dance pros and celebrities from ABC's “Dancing with the Stars”. Guests will enjoy a chance to take photos, get autographs and ask questions. A special fashion show features the glamorous costumes from the show and a dazzling evening production will star the dance professionals and celebrities.

Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist soothe your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials.

Facilities include:

• A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic seawater. (Available on select ships only.)
  
• Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath.
  
• Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms.
  
• Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures — from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage.
  
• The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments.
  
• Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience.
  

Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, you are encouraged to book spa appointments in advance from your My Account page. After you sign in to your account, click "My Reservations," then "View My Itinerary" to browse available spa treatments and services. You can also book appointments once onboard.

Holland America Line makes it easy for you to stay fit and trim while on your journey with fully equipped fitness centres (minimum age for guests using the fitness centre is 16 years old) and sports courts. Fitness centres aboard each ship include exercise and weight training equipment, and sports courts may include tennis, volleyball or basketball. Their broad, generously proportioned teak decks are perfect for walkers and joggers, and when you are finished exercising, cool off in one of the pools. To maintain or achieve optimum health, work with one of the qualified personal trainers or take one of the fitness classes lead by knowledgeable instructors.

Fitness classes may include:

• Pathway to Yoga: Yoga is an ancient Hindu practice that offers a pathway to enlightenment through specific postures and breathing techniques. They offer a variety of Yoga styles in classes for students of all levels.
  
• Mat Pilates: Developed in the 1920s by the legendary personal trainer Joseph Pilates, the Pilates method is an exercise system that combines posture and controlled moves. This class is mat based and appropriate for students of all levels.
  
• Cardio Ki-Bo Circuit Training: A great combination of Chi-releasing moves including boxercise, kickboxing and aerobic conditioning. They place emphasis on technique and help push you to your cardiovascular limit.
  
• Aquarobics: This program features a low-impact water workout. You will effortlessly strengthen tone and energise mind and body.
  
• Pilates Reformer: The Pilates method is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk. The Pilates method is not just exercise; it is a series of controlled movements engaging your body and mind, performed on specifically designed exercise apparatus and supervised by trained fitness directors.
  

Other recreation and fitness facilities include:

• Basketball, ping pong, tennis, volleyball, walk-a-mile
  
• Golf shore excursions in selected ports
  

The Lido pool, located on the Lido Deck, is protected from varying weather by the ship's retractable glass roof. There are also two whirlpools available- the area is served by the Lido Bar and Terrace Grill.

The Sea View Pool is the ship's outdoor pool and is located at the back of the Navigation Deck.

Children, ages 3-7, can participate in such activities as pirate treasure hunts, hands-on pizza making, storytelling, "Little Artists" crafts, ice cream sundae parties and a farewell pyjama party.

All children participating in Club HAL must be completely toilet trained. No diapers or pull–ups are permitted in the Youth Centre. Youth Staff cannot assist children in the restroom.

Tweens, ages 8-12 take part in Xbox and Wii tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts, karaoke disco parties and participate in the award-winning National Park Service Jr. Ranger Program in Alaska on Alaska cruises.

Teens, ages 13-17 enjoy mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, teen yoga and hip hop classes, guys verses girls scavenger hunts, cooking demos, tech classes and teen only night club events. When there are more than 100 children onboard, a HAL Talent Show is offered.

Workshops and lively demonstrations for kids and teens offering basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety and recipe instruction. Workshops are offered for two age groups: ages 3-7, and ages 8-15. Demonstrations are open to all ages.

Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows. This enrichment program offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained "techspert" on a variety of relevant topics such as:

• How to take, edit and enhance better photos
  
• How to post your photos to the web or email them to friends and family back home
  
• How to create blog entries, videos, scrapbooks and more
  

The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use photo sharing tips and tools, so it's not necessary to be an expert photographer or an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows 8 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.

The jargon-free interactive classes include:

• Editing your cruise photos
  
• Turning your cruise photos and videos into a slide show
  
• Getting your photos out of the camera and into the computer
  
• Advanced editing of your cruise photos
  
• Sharing your cruise photos via email and the Internet
  
• PC safety and maintenance
  
• Learning fun ways of staying connected with instant messaging and webcams
  
• Learning the basics of staying connected through social networking
  
• Understanding the basics of your digital camera
  
• Learning what PC is right for your lifestyle and how to find the best offers
  
• Seeing how Windows 8 can simplify your PC and your life
  

Guests can choose to attend all or just some of these 60-minute workshops, each of which will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" will also be available every day.

Scheduling of classes can be done onboard only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.

From steel drum lessons in the Caribbean, to tai chi with a master in Asia, to Celtic fiddlers in the Canadian Maritimes—Holland America Line’s "On Location" program brings local culture to life showcasing unique entertainment and enriching activities as well as the cuisine of each region.

"On Location" provides so many experiences for guests to enjoy, like taking a Tango lesson in Argentina, a hula class in Hawaii or searching the southern sky with an astronomer in the South Pacific, the options go on and on. The Culinary Arts Center also comes alive as visiting chefs from along the route add local flavour to cooking shows and hands-on classes. Guests may choose to prepare the perfect salmon in Alaska, make sushi in Asia or learn to enhance dishes with the spices of the Caribbean.

Wine lovers can pair food with the perfect wine as experts from vineyards in Europe, Australia and Chile host tastings.

There will also be a new sizzle to Holland America Line’s menus each day. The onboard chefs will create dishes using locally sourced ingredients, which will delight guests with an enticing array of regional cuisine.

Hosted by the onboard party planner, classes take place in the Culinary Arts Centreholla, a first-class “show kitchen at sea,” or in one of the many bars and lounges. The line schedules classes throughout the day on both sea and port days to fulfil the demand for the culinary program.

Ranging from seasonal cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff and discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Itinerary themed cooking demonstrations focus on the ship’s sailing region and bring the local flavours on board. When in Alaska, the program offers “Flavours of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch.” 

Guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi, while those on Mediterranean cruises could prepare pasta with chorizo sauce or a warm crostini with classic caponata and mozzarella.

The Culinary Art Centre features a theatre-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff. Offered on all sailings and ranging from itinerary based cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Sign up for an intimate hands on cooking class or attend one of the very popular cooking demonstrations in the theatre.

In conjunction with the Holland America Line Beverage team, the Culinary Art Centre offers a Signature Cocktail program where guests can learn how to prepare world class cocktails from one of the ship’s bartenders. Wine tastings hosted by the Cellar Master and Party Planner are also available on every cruise. You can enjoy two different tasting levels – Navigator Wine Tasting or Premium Wine Tasting.

To complete the culinary experience the Culinary Art Centre features demonstrations on the Fine Art of Flower Arranging, Ice Carving, Cake Decorating, Plate Presentation and Garnishing, Easy Entertaining and more. All hosted by the onboard Party Planner and demonstrated by Holland America Line culinary experts, florists, and carvers.

Service Animals

Holland America Line only permits service animals onboard, defined as those animals that are individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. They do not permit guests to bring pets, therapy/companion animals, and other animals that do not meet the definition of service animals. If you have any questions about whether the animal you wish to bring on board is, in fact, a service animal, you may contact the Access & Compliance Department.

Guests who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

To help maximise the cruise experience for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Stateroom kits that include a visual and tactile alert for someone knocking at the door, the phone ringing, or an alarm.
  
• Stateroom televisions capable of showing closed captioning (some satellite feeds do not transmit with captioning, so this feature is available only when the signal the ship receives has captioning).
  
• Telephones with amplified sound for staterooms.
  
• Assistive Listening Systems with portable receivers in the show lounges to assist guests who are hard of hearing to hear the shows.
  
• Written safety information and a copy of the lifeboat drill safety speech.
  

Guests who are Blind or have Low Vision

To help maximise the cruise experience for our guests who are blind or have low vision, Holland America Line has made the following items available:

• Window-Eyes computer software in the Explorations Café that allows guests to navigate the web by listening to the text.
  
• Downloadable daily activities, news, and menus for guests with laptops with screen reader programs. These items may also be downloaded to the Window-Eyes enabled computer in the Explorations Café.
  
• With 45 days notice, large print or Braille menus describing the inspired cuisine offered across a myriad of venues, from the elegant Dining Room to the casual Lido Restaurant.
  
• Familiarisation tour of the vessel upon arrival.
  

Cruising for Children with Special Needs

Holland America Line do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability. They seek to the extent feasible to accommodate the needs of all individuals with disabilities, including children. However, due to the sensitivity of caring for any child, with or without a disability, they must first determine what the child's specific needs are so they may properly evaluate and determine the best and safest way to meet the child's needs. They encourage families to contact our Access & Compliance Department prior to their cruise, to evaluate and determine what the child's specific needs will be and how best to accommodate those needs.

Personal Mobility Equipment

For the safety of all the guests and crew and to enhance accessibility, Holland America Line strongly recommends that all personal electric mobility equipment meets the following criteria:

• Width: 23" maximum in order to be accommodated in a standard stateroom, unless collapsible to a width of 23" or less
  
• Weight: 100 lbs. maximum without battery
  
• Batteries: Must be Gel or Dry Cell or AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) only
  

They recognise that for some people, a larger scooter may be essential. If you believe you need a larger scooter, please contact the Access & Compliance Department so that you can discuss your requirements.

For guests with food intolerances or allergies that are not life-threatening, please contact the Ship Services Department at (800) 541-1576. For guests with life-threatening food allergies, Holland America Line asks that guests provide detailed information to the Access & Compliance Department by completing a Special Requirements Information (SRI) Form. Guests should indicate on this form which foods may potentially cause a severe reaction.

Guests with a variety of severe food allergies sail with Holland America Line regularly. Their galley staff on board is accustomed to and experienced in dealing with these types of needs. The galley itself has many different areas of food preparation, which can help reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. It is important to note, however, that meals are prepared in mass quantities on board, thus there is always the possibility of some cross-contamination. As such, Holland America Line cannot guarantee that a guest will not come in contact with those items. Although the Access & Compliance Department will provide the ship with an advance notice of all food allergies detailed on an SRI submitted to them, it is recommended that guests also contact the Dining Room Manager upon boarding to review the details of these special dietary needs.

Guests under 21 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is at least 21 years old; one adult chaperone is required for every five people under the age of 21 (25 years of age or older in the case of persons serving as chaperones for approved organised student/youth groups). Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under age 21.

Due to limited medical facilities on the ships, they will not accept reservations for infants under 6 months old at time of sailing. For trans-ocean crossings, or other itineraries which the Medical Department feel present a significant risk, infants must be a minimum of 12 months of age at embarkation.

Guest under the age of 16 are not allowed in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon.

Minors under age 18 traveling to certain foreign countries must be accompanied by both parents or have a notarised letter of consent signed by the parent(s) not traveling. If the other parent is deceased or the child has only one legal parent, a notarised statement must be obtained as proof.

All minors under age 18 must travel with all proper identification requirements in addition to the signed letter of authorisation. Minors who are U.S. citizens should have a certified copy of their birth certificate or another form of proof of citizenship. Children 16 or older are also required to have a photo ID. If traveling outside of the Western Hemisphere, a passport is required. Your travel agent can provide additional information about this requirement.

Parents, guardians and chaperones are responsible for overseeing the conduct of minors in their care. As such, minors may not be left unsupervised on board the ship. A parent or legal guardian MUST accompany all children under the age of 18 on all tours for safety and liability reasons.

Minors Going Ashore

Parents and guardians are responsible for deciding whether or not minors under age 16 are allowed to go ashore without adult supervision. If you want to permit a minor traveling with you to go ashore without an adult companion, please discuss this in advance with the ship's Security Officer so that they can make a notation of this in the gangway control system software. Absent this approval, the security personnel will generally prohibit minors from leaving the ship without an adult companion although the line cannot provide absolute assurances in this regard. It is ultimately the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure that minors traveling with them act in accordance with their instructions.

The right clothing can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. First and foremost, dress for comfort.

Daily life aboard ship and in ports of call is relaxed and casual. Warmer climates call for clothing made of lightweight, breathable fabrics.

For cooler climates, the line suggests casual clothes that can be layered easily and possibly a raincoat and waterproof hat or umbrella and gloves. Certain shore excursions may require particular attention to clothing. For example, certain churches or other places of worship may not allow tank tops or short pants. Bring a swimsuit as all of their ships have pools and whirlpools. You may wish to bring more than one outfit for the water. They ask that you wear shoes and a cover-up over a bathing suit when walking through the interior of the ship. If you would like to jog on the sports deck or work out in the fitness centre, bring workout gear. Footwear should include comfortable walking shoes for visits ashore and sandals or rubber-soled shoes for strolling on deck.

Evening dress falls into two distinct categories: Formal or Smart Casual. Smart Casual can be defined as slacks and collared shirts for men and casual dresses, slacks and informal evening wear for women. T-shirts, swimsuits, tank tops and shorts are not allowed in the restaurants or public areas during the evening hours.

On festive Formal evenings, ladies may wear a suit, cocktail dress, gown or fancy blouse/top with slacks and gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, dark suit or tuxedo. There are approximately two formal nights per week.

In order to complement your fellow guests, Holland America Line asks that you observe the suggested dress code throughout the entire evening.

Cellar Master Package (prices starting at $224.00) — includes Wine Navigator’s Choice of 5 bottles; standard wine tasting; premium wine tasting; Pinnacle Grill dinner; wine related gift set; Holland America commemorative bottle of wine.

Evenings in the Pinnacle Package ($52.00 per person) — includes two evenings in the Pinnacle Grill. Booking the package reflects a $6 per person savings. Reservation times confirmed once on board.

Signature Dining Package ($35.00 per person) — includes one evening in the Pinnacle Grill and one in Canaletto. Booking the package reflects a $4 per person savings. Reservation times confirmed once on board.

Electronic cigarettes are permitted in staterooms but not in other public areas of the ship other than on outside decks designated as smoking areas.