Oosterdam: new "Vista Class" vessel points Holland America line's 130-year tradition of excellence in a bold new direction

Cruise Travel, July-August, 2004 by Peter Knego

On a balmy December morning off the Florida coast, the 85,000-gross-register-ton Oosterdam altered her Bahamasbound course for her first "in-service" rendezvous with her Vista Class sister Zuiderdam. Passengers on both ships clambered to the upper decks to witness the two magnificent midnight-blue and white behemoths mirror each other in the open seas. Once gracefully raked bows terraced forward superstructures, and functioning twin tunnels were aligned, a symphony of maritime bravura began. In time-honored nautical tradition, the Zuiderdam saluted us with three long and one short blasts from her whistle, echoed by the Oosterdam and cheers over swirling seas from both sides. It continued for a few exhilarating minutes until the Oosterdam veered to port, allowing her slightly older sister to continue on her speedy run to Ft. Lauderdale. An exciting new era for the 130-year-old Holland America Line was well under way.

Sharing identical hull dimensions (but not layouts and exterior styling) with Carnival Cruise Lines' Spirit Class quartet, Costa Cruises' Costa Atlantica and Costa Mediterranea, and P&O's newbuilding Arcadia, Holland America's Vista Class vessels are 22-knot technical marvels that blend megaship amenities with the line's traditionally elegant ambiance. Offering 45 percent more Space but only 25 percent more guests than the fine's Statendam Class, the increased size has actually enhanced the comfort and luxury level onboard Holland America's ships. An array of new features includes the expanded Greenhouse Spa & Gymnasium a full-size basketball and volleyball court, four glass elevators with panoramic sea views, dedicated coffee bar and care, expanded Pinnacle Grill at the Odyssey, and ocean views for no less than 85 percent of staterooms while 65 percent boast private balconies.

The Vista ships are named for the four points on the compass: the Oosterdam (pronounced like "toaster") taking hers from the east and the 2002-built Zuiderdam (pronounced like "cider") from the south. A brand new Westerdam joined the fleet last spring, and the newbuilding Noordam (pronounced like "door") will complete the 'Dutch compass" in January 2006 (The Oosterdam is the first Holland America ship to bear the name, although there was a 1913-built cargo vessel named Oosterdyk.)

Some of the Oosterdam's advanced features are unseen to her passengers, but nonetheless enhance comfort and safety. For instance, the engine room is divided in!to two separate compartments that can operate independently of each other during an emergency. If one space is disabled, the other can still generate sufficient propulsion and electrical power to deliver the ship safety to port. An additional gas turbine provides further backup as welt as virtually emission-free operation when the Oosterdam is in environmentally sensitive areas, such as Alaskan waters.

The Vista Class vessels also have an extremely sophisticated recycling arid waste plant as well as a Rochem water system that allows reuse of all onboard water for technical purposes rather than discharging it into the sea. Further, sewage sludge can be used as additional fuel for various mechanical systems. Recycled waste, such as plastic and aluminum, is sold, with the proceeds put into a crew fund, creating an incentive for higher efficiency.

When the Zuiderdam debuted, her flashy color schemes and bold artwork dropped a fair shale of jaws with some of Holland America's more reserved clientele, so designer Frans Dingemans toned down the "pizzazz" with the remaining three Vista ships, Artwork onboard the Oosterdam ranges from pleasingly familiar (like Stephen Card's magnificently accurate and evocative midships stairwell paintings of the Oosterdam and past Holland America vessels) to tastefully dynamic (such as the revolving Waterford crystal globe in the ceiling of the Atrium), Among other highlights are photo murals of undersea reef life in the outside elevator banks by Mariani Vermeand (giving the impression of emerging from the sea as the elevators move skyward in a conceptual nod to the 1959-built SS Rotterdam's ascending stairtower panels). As with the other members of the fleet, antiques (both original and reproductions) play a large role in the ship's overall look and feel. A 17th century "Dutch East India" theme is reflected in some of the artifacts displayed, from the Atrium's magnificently ornate silver sailing ship model (that once served as a royal condiment container) to an ancient Rajastani necklace reproduction and a series of 17th century Japanese prints in the forward stairwell.

From top to bottom, loyal Holland America Line passengers will find themselves familiar with the ship's layout, even with the larger size and new amenities. Forward, Sports Deck features a glassed-in sunning and observation area surrounding the mast housing while a net-enclosed full volleyball/basketball court has been added on this level aft of the funnels. Observation Deck begins with a featured "HAL-mark" staple, the spectacular Crow's Nest lounge. Its angled, full-length windows provide unparalleled vistas to either side and over the Oosterdam's prow (the eight reclining leather swivel chairs forward/center are the best seats in the house). The room is divided into three distinct sections with a large circular bar and dance floor at its core.