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Eurodam
was designed by two different architectural firms. Apart from
Holland America's long term partner VFD Interiors, the Norwegian design
firm of Yran & Storbraaten was also involved in many public rooms. The result of the Norwegian
involvement is a somewhat more contemporary feel and if you look
closely, you will be able to tell which room was designed by
the Dutch, and which one by the Norwegians.
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Silk Den |
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High atop the
ship on deck 11 amidships you will find the Silk Den Bar and
Tamarinds, the exclusive Asian specialty restaurant. Done in a
daring color combination of greens and purples, these two room
breath the Orient and fit in so well on this Holland America
ship. After all, Eurodam's service staff is exclusively Asian.
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Tamarind
Restaurant |
Tamarind Restaurant |
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There is a
surcharge for having dinner at
Tamarinds and reservations are required. The restaurant has a
somewhat
dark, closed in feel but that is made up by the fact that
pre-dinner cocktails can be taken in the adjacent Silk Den, a
delightful bar area that comes with semi-private lounge areas
and gorgeous views. |
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Crow's Nest |
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The Norwegian
touch is very apparent in the Crow's Nest and Explorations
Café, all the way forward on deck 11. Yes, there is a hint of
the old Holland America Line, but the circular bar in the
middle of the room, the retro Scandinavian chairs, the
burgundy carpeting and beautiful wall coverings are proof that Yran & Storbraaten are taking things a little further.
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Crow's
Nest |
Crow's Nest |
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The result
is, well, quite spectacular. The hodge-podge of furniture
styles might seem a little odd at first, but works very well
and helps to make the Crow's Nest feel less large than
it is. |
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Crow's
Nest |
Crow's Nest |
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On port side
is a beautiful little corner that is decorated in a more
traditional way. With its wood paneling and a showcase with Ryndam memorabilia, this is probably where the more
traditional Holland America fans will hang out.
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Crow's Nest -
port side corner |
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I you have
read my
Rotterdam review, you will know that I really like
Holland America's Exploration Café concept. |
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Explorations
Café |
Explorations Café |
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But where the
Explorations Café on board the Rotterdam is vast, with lots of
space and quit corners, Eurodam's Exploration Café seems
more cramped. The location is brilliant of course, being up on deck 11
with walls of glass to enjoy the view. But the room could have
done with more space. Or less Internet stations! |
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Explorations
Café |
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One of the
good things of being invited as overnight guest is that you
can actually try out a stateroom! Eurodam boasts staterooms in
30 categories, varying from compact inside
cabins to two lavish Penthouse Suites.
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Deluxe
Verandah Stateroom |
Deluxe Verandah Stateroom |
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Many staterooms feature a private verandah and it must be
said that balconies are of very generous proportions.
With one comfortable chair, an ottoman and another slightly
less elaborate chair, there is still more than enough room to
move around. The railings are all glass, which makes gazing
over the ocean all the more pleasant. |
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Deluxe
Verandah Stateroom # 6110 |
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Our Deluxe
Verandah Stateroom (number 6110 - category VB) reveals a new
look for Holland America. Gone are the batiks and blonde woods. Instead, our
stateroom reveals a more Scandinavian look with browns, greens
and beiges. The seating area features a desk with flat screen
TV, mini bar and an odd moss green leather couch. It makes you
wonder if this color will come into fashion again... |
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Category V
verandah |
No-frills bathroom |
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Storage space
is sufficient for a cruise of up to two weeks. While not very
aesthetical, the overhead cupboards in the seating area are
actually quite useful. As on all Holland America ships, expect
a generous bathroom. Our stateroom featured a small and
shallow bathtub, more suited as large shower stall. The decor
of the bathrooms on board is plain, with off-white walls,
ceilings and even floors. That said, the shower is excellent,
with adequate water pressure and an adjustable shower head.
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