Holland America's newest "dam ship", the Eurodam.

The Eurodam is Holland America’s newest ship, delivered in July of 2008. With a gross tonnage of 86,700 tons & a length of 935 feet (285 meters), the Eurodam gives birth to Holland’s Signature Class vessels. The Signature Class enforces Holland’s commitment to sophisticated mid-size ships giving comfort to up to 2,104 passengers catered to by 800 crew members.

Of course the mandatory boat drill was the “official” first order of business we took part in. I must say that was the first time I actually was comfortable in a life jacket!

The Eurodam’s deck plans lend to great convenience, with shops, entertainment & shipboard ammenities nestled away from the staterooms, to ensure placid uninterrupted dreams (Especially the Spa Staterooms). But strategically located for change of venues with Casino, Sports Bar, Piano Bar, & Northern Lights disco mere steps away from one another, as an example. Karaoke is a ship’s favorite with Karaoke finals on the final evening with a packed crowd who quickly flow with the current led by those ready to ‘jam’ with DJ Jazzy as they pour into Northern Lights Disco immediately following. Not to mention the Main Stage Theater with the hottest venues afloat!

For those who like more intimate settings, the Pinnacle Grill (reservations only) offers elegant dining & was extremely popular. I suggest making reservation immediately upon boarding (if not sooner!!). The Greenhouse Spa & Salon also was quick to book up slots for spa essentials, & let me tell you Gents, the spa is not just for ladies! A hot stone massage is an essential way to immerge yourself into relaxation & melt away those stressful days bygone from the office! 

For those that worry that the exquisite desserts & the late night buffet may expand that waistline, not to worry! Just forward of the spa is the well-equipped fitness center. With many machines with their own ‘entertainment center’ you’ll not be bored with routine exercise! I myself enjoyed merely overlooking vast beauty of the sea & ignored the distraction of the ‘tube’! 

An amazing feature on the Eurodam is the sliding dome cover over the Lido Pool in the center of the ship on the 9^th deck. This retractable dome cover is normally open, but can be easily closed during periods of wind or rain. The aft Sea View pool on the rear of the 9^th deck is ‘open’ & can be reserved for large functions for private parties, such as Reunions, Corporate events, Like-Interest Groups, etc. Pretty much any section of the ship for that matter can be reserved. Private Cocktail Parties, Bars, Conference Rooms, Meeting Rooms, & even the Main Stage Theater for larger groups can all be arranged for private functions with the assistance of Cruise Planners! 

This particular cruise left Ft. Lauderdale en route to Nassau, perhaps the best-known city in the Bahamas. Docking in Nassau grants a clear view of one of the most famous resorts in the Bahamas, the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island (which of course can be booked through Cruise Planners!). Nassau offers the typical offerings of shopping, local straw markets, jewelry, local & famous restaurants & bars, all within walking distance and all with sense of class & distinction expected of the Bahamas. We did the typical tourist shopping & had a quick bite at Senor Frogs along the waterfront. What a great view to watch the ships enter & leave port!

Leaving port, our next destination was the Award-Winning Private Island Half Moon Cay (Officially Little San Salvador Island). With one of the longest beaches I’ve seen on a private island, there’s numerous activities for all ages. After a short tender boat ride from the anchored Eurodam, exploring the island was the first order of business. With a mere 45 acres of developed area of the 2400 acre island, Holland America has done a superb job of utilizing this natural wonder to it’s fullest extent. With Shore Excursions from Horseback Riding, Stingray Adventure, Parasailing, Deep Sea Fishing, to simply renting a Hobie Catamaran, Paddle Boat, Snorkel Gear or even your own Private Cabana, this island leaves you wishing that you can stay longer just to try it all!

Even if you don’t take part of any of the organized excursions, self-exploration is encouraged, & guests are not restricted to certain areas of the beach. We saw couples enjoying the solitude of their own carved out section of the beach & others frolicking in the aqua blue waters, in awe of the visibility in this crystal clear oasis. We even gazed at the stingrays gliding in unison with one another after entertaining a group of guests in the Sting Ray Adventure. I was pleasantly surprised at how close you could be on the dock & still be able witness these graceful beings directly below you!

We had the distinct pleasure of meeting up with Captain Jonathan Mercer when returning to the Lido Deck to grab a bite after returning from the exquisite award-winning private island of Half Moon Cay. His lunch of a mere BLT sandwich would do nothing to sooth my appetite after exploring this beautiful island! It was an honor to meet the man who is directly responsible for this marvelous ship & all her passengers & crew. In fact you can catch up with the latest from Captain Mercer’s Blog by clicking here!

On the last evening, we had a private cocktail party on the aft Lido Pool deck. What fun! After drinks, we went to the Dining Room with the intention of a nice meal then back to the cabin for packing & a good nights rest. Well, after joining several of our friends & befriending new friends, we ‘misplaced’ that idea & hit the Northern Lights Disco. Since the Karaoke Finals was hosted by DJ Jazzy & wasn’t quite over yet, we entertained ourselves by engaging new friends from Venezuela in “Language Trivia”…ya ya ya!!! Once DJ Jazzy did join us, we already had the place in stitches & once the music started, the dance floor was flooded immediately & we danced until the wee hours!

On Saturday, we were one of the several people who decided to take advantage of early departure, carrying all of our bags off first thing in the AM in Ft Lauderdale's Port Everglades in order to catch a flight. Honestly, I’ve never experienced the ease of disembarking as I did this time. Though it seemed some time while the ship cleared Customs before anyone could get off, we were extremely surprised at the efficiency of getting off & through Customs in no time. Before we knew it, we were in a cab & $15 later we were at the Ft Lauderdale Airport.