Amsterdam - design of cruise ship owned by Holland America

Cruise Travel, March, 2001 by Laurence Miller

Farther aft is an open, central lido--a feature of all new HAL vessels--with a Magrodome that can shelter the space in inclement weather. Next to the pool, passengers will enjoy bronzes of two brown bears fishing, by British sculptor Susanna Holt; a nearby alcove features a bear cub.

The pool here is just one of two on this deck. An "outside pool" a deck down and aft caters to those who like an unobstructed view of the passing sea. While this ship is designed primarily to appeal to adults, overlooking the aft pool is a small but attractive area, the Sky Room, which serves as the Club HAL kid's facility.

All things considered, the Amsterdam gives to the medium- and long-distance voyager the warmth and intimacy so desirable on these sailings, with virtually all the activities and attractions of a much larger ship.

For more information, contact your travel agent or Holland America Line (Cruise Travel Magazine), 300 Elliott Ave. West, Seattle, WA 98119; or log onto www.holland america.com.