140 years of history go into every mid-sized, spacious Holland America ship. The MS Amsterdam, the third time this cruise line named a ship after the Dutch capital, represents this, with the latest shipbuilding technology juxtaposed with personal touches, original Art Deco pieces from the Nieuw Amsterdam of 1938, and quality service. At the heart is the Planeto Astrolabium, a sculpture in a three-story atrium that tracks constellations, planets, and world and ship time. Rounding out the millions of dollars of art on board are pieces from Stephen Card.

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The Basics

The MS Amsterdam is the cruise line’s co-flagship, along with the MS Rotterdam. Currently, it travels Alaskan itineraries in summer and Asia and Australia in the winter months, and does a Grand Voyage from Ft. Lauderdale. Debuting in 2000, the ship is built to fit 1,380 people, with five possibilities for staterooms: Interior, Ocean View, Vista Suites, Neptune Suites, and Pinnacle Suites. The basic accommodations begin with luxurious, Euro-top beds, comfortable bathrobes, massaging showerheads, salon-quality hairdryers, fragrant toiletries, and a TV with a DVD selection. Upgrades to the Neptune and Pinnacle options start here and add aspects like a mini-bar, one-touch phones, fresh flowers, access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, laundry service, and high tea on request. Like living accommodations, dining starts with high-quality basics and offers specialty options: La Fontaine Dining Room: Expect a quality five-course continental meal and wine list, with vegetarian and low-carb options available. Pinnacle Grill: A more intimate, elegant setting sets the stage for top-notch steaks, seafood, and wines. Holland America sets the tables with Bvlgari china and luxurious linens. Canaletto Restaurant: Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine on your journey anywhere in the world. Lido Restaurant: A relaxed feel accompanies fresh, cooked-to-order meals. Explorations Café: Start your day with the morning paper, browse the internet, or take out a book from the library in this coffeehouse atmosphere.

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Activities

Holland America not only ensures that you make memories on your travels but that you preserve them, too. The Digital Workshop, a fixture on most ships, has Microsoft-trained experts assisting travelers with taking better photographs, making movies, editing pictures, putting together scrapbooks, and sharing it through social media. But that’s not the only demonstration possible. The Culinary Arts Center offers exciting cooking programs throughout your journey. Between exotic ports and exploration, you need to relax, so spend some time in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where you can refresh and rejuvenate yourself, or try a new look. By night, Holland America puts on a grand presentation in the Queen’s Show Lounge, known for its professional singers, dancers, illusionists, comedians, and variety acts. Or, go up to the Crow’s Nest – a point featuring a 270-degree view that becomes a nightclub in the evening. Although Holland America cruises are primarily geared to adults, children can find those their own age at Club HAL, geared for those 3 to 12, and at The Loft and The Oasis, for those 13 to 17. Take your cruise experience up to a new level with the MS Amsterdam. To find an itinerary, browse and then schedule a trip through Direct Line Cruises.

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