The atmosphere

Like that of a modern, gracious home (staff included) where scenery changes every day. Everywhere a sense of style and elegance pervades. Brass railings, sweeping staircases, grand floral displays. Spaciousness, serenity and comfort all around.

The Service

Did you know that Holland America sails with more crewmembers per guest than any other cruise line in their class? Simply ask and it shall be done - perfectly and promptly by award-winning indonesian stewards, many of who are graduates of Holland America's exclusive school in Jakarta. When you think about it, outstanding service is sum of many small actions. From steward who folds your child's napkin into a bunny or surprises you by rinsing your flippers, to waiter who graciously serves you at dinner and brings you a snifter of armagnac to sip at rail, you feel (and are) completely and utterly cared for.

The Dining

Fantastic cuisine. Diverse restaurants. Where to dine tonight? A delicious five-course dinner in beautiful main dining room? An intimate table for two in reservations-only restaurant? And in morning, made to order or buffet breakfasts feature freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs made to order, fresh fruit, Belgian waffles, cheeses, hot and cold cereals, gourmet coffee and teas. Oops! You slept in. No matter, room service is on call 24 hours a day.

Buon appetito! Fettuccine, linguine, pizza rustica, osso bucco. The cuisine of central Italy is prepared to perfection in intimate Marco Polo Bistro on ms Volendam and ms Zaandam and in Odyssey Restaurant on ms Zuiderdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam, ms Amsterdam and ms Rotterdam. On all ships except ms Noordam, a new alternative restaurant have been introduced - The Pinnacle Grill - where menus feature fine wines and specialties inspired by Pacific Northwest. (And speaking of wines, Holland America uncorks a selection that The Wine spectator rates "excellent"). Another highlight for those of you sailing a tropical itinerary is beach barbecue on Half Moon Cay, Holland's private island in Bahamas. Juicy burgers on grill, chilled salads, ripe fruit, and cool drinks - ice cream too. A cover charge applies when meals are taken in alternative restaurants.

Every afternoon traditional Dutch high tea is presented on deck with delicate china and petit fours (accompanied by a string quartet of course). Complimentary espresso and hand-dipped chocolates are served in evening in Explorer's Lounge, or adjourn to Lido for cognac and hand-rolled "cigars under stars." With pre-dinner cocktails you get hot hors d'oeuvres and at pool and patio there's a bar and grill. The perfect place for deck parties and lunches al fresco.

They say it is journey and not destination – and case can certainly be argued in favor of Royal Caribbean International (known everywhere as RCI). Even imposing names of ships are literally synonymous with experience - Adventure, Grandeur, Rhapsody, and Splendour!

As thrum of engines heralds your departure, miles of heaven open ahead of you, filled with overflowing free-spirited fun and entertainment, contagious hospitality, simply superb dining and an infinity of pleasure. Complete escapes from humdrum, these absolutely nautical wonders, literally packed with adventure and leading edge guest facilities. No wonder Royal Caribbean International’s slogan is “Get Out There™”!

Atmosphere

Sparkling, stimulating, sensual, stress-less! You can take a siesta from world and glory in dinner by candlelight, walks by moonlight, excursions by daylight. As RCI put it: get pampered, get pumped! One of greatest blessings of a Royal Caribbean cruise is that atmosphere allows you to go from unassuming to absolute glamour with everything else in between.

Ship décor on all vessels is eye-popping, with opulent surroundings unrivalled by grandest hotel. Multi-storied Centrum's are designed as open atriums and crystal sculpture and cascading waterfalls are not uncommon. Adventure's Royal Promenade is four decks high and length of two football fields and bustles with charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers and lively street fairs (think New York's Times Square or London's Burlington Arcade).

Exquisite solariums offer sparkling pools, retractable glass ceilings and themes ("India during Raj" describes ambience of solarium on Brilliance where three 16-foot bejeweled elephants stand guard). More than half surface of 90,000-ton Radiance of Seas is glass, giving you masses of open space and unforgettable panoramic views. And speaking of panoramas, 360-degree view from RCI's signature Viking Crown Lounge, perched hundreds of feet above ocean is something to behold. Legend of Seas and Splendor of Seas have 18-hole miniature golf courses, basketball courts and billiard rooms with self leveling tables. Rock climbing walls are scheduled for all ships.

Gold Anchor Service

Three simple words that define very personal attention to detail you can expect from a crew that is expert in courtly, unpretentious hospitality. The bartender who remembers your extra olive, server who recalls name of your child's teddy bear, and housekeeper who reminds you of your dinner reservation. Friends taking care of friends.

Accommodations

A wide variety is available, such as Royal Suites, Owner's Suites, Royal Family Suites, Grand Ocean View Suites, and Superior Ocean View Suites - all with balconies, Ocean-view Staterooms with or without balconies and Interior Staterooms. All accommodations come complete with vanity area, hair-dryer, mini-bar, radio and closed circuit TV with satellite programming, classic movies, and children's programming. Staterooms have phones so you can call home, other guests, or order room service. On some ships you can receive unlimited dial-up Internet access for a reasonable charge if you bring your laptop.

Bedding varies by category. To give you just two "suite" examples, Royal Family Suite has two bedrooms with twin beds that convert to a queen-size, two bathrooms, one with a tub, a living area with double sofa bed and Pullman bed, fridge and private balcony. It easily accommodates eight. There is also an ocean-view Family Stateroom with two twin beds (convertible to queen) an additional twin bed, a sitting area with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed.

Dining

Whether your preference runs to chandeliers and escargot, glories of Italian cuisine, or perhaps just a simple clubhouse sandwich on your private balcony, you can expect venues and menus guaranteed to suit any frame of mind.

No matter how you wish to dress for dinner (or not dress for dinner - there's 24 hour room service), expect best in casual dining and elegant multi-course meals from accomplished chefs in RCI's famous galleys. Lively and witty waiters offer sumptuous cuisine to fashionable crowds in formal, romantic settings, and to those who select more relaxed casual environments. Selection ranges from penne cooked to al dente perfection and juicy steaks with all trimmings to succulent seafood and voluptuous five-course spectacles in truly stunning main dining rooms. And will you refuse sweets served at sinfully delicious chocolate buffet? Of course not - you're on vacation. Remember that you can always select low fat, low cholesterol, low calorie and/or vegetarian dishes. And there's always pumping up your heart rate in fitness center (that ought to be good for seconds on cheesecake).

Entertainment