Holland America launches Martini Menus
September 18, 2008
Nothing I like more than a good martini, and Holland America has announced a stellar lineup of cocktails they’re calling their “martini flight” which includes Holland America Line’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip, a mixture of Grey Goose vodka, lychee juice, pineapple juice, guava juice, coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Other martinis included in the flight are the Peartini, Cosmopolitan, Sunshine Martini, Rum Sundae and High Tide Martini. A house specialty will be a signature Martini for Two with aged Cognac served with a dish of caviar and traditional garnishes. Holland America Line’s new martini menu will be featured in the Explorer’s Bar on its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in the Pinnacle Grill Bar of its Vista-class ships and in the Ocean Bar on ms Amsterdam, ms Maasdam, ms Rotterdam, ms Ryndam, ms Statendam, ms Veendam, ms Volendam and ms Zaandam.
“We are constantly exploring new and inventive ways to enhance our onboard offerings be that entertainment, culinary or with innovative cocktails,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “The martini menu offers a wide variety of imaginative, sophisticated cocktails that will appeal to our guests.”
Launched as a precursor to the highly anticipated Martinis that will be a part of the upcoming Mix specialty theme bar area, Holland America Line’s new martini menu was inspired to infuse a new splash of sophistication to its already popular bars and lounges. Mix incorporates three specialty theme bars — Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales. These enhancements are part of a new $200-million Signature of Excellence upgrade to ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam.
For more information, contact hollandamerica.net
Holland America’s Westerdam to Call On Costa Maya Port
September 18, 2008
Costa Maya officials say the port will accept its first arrival on October 31, Holland America’s Westerdam. The port “took the opportunity to expand the pier, which now has space for Genesis and F3 ships, the biggest that are out there,” port spokeswoman Paula Gonzalez told Cruise Industry News. In addition to expanded capacity, the port will now offer a shore excursion called BioMaya, a three-part extravaganza that starts with a “soul cleansing” ritual performed by area Mayans, takes visitors on a tour of the colorful Bacalar lagoon and then on a jungle trek. Costa Maya was damaged by Hurricane Dean in August 2007 and has not been able to accept ship calls since. Thus, cruise traffic to Mexican Ports on the Gulf side was down for the first half of 2008, while passenger numbers increased on the Pacific coast.
Holland America’s Westerdam to Call On Costa Maya Port
September 18, 2008
Costa Maya officials say the port will accept its first arrival on October 31, Holland America’s Westerdam. The port “took the opportunity to expand the pier, which now has space for Genesis and F3 ships, the biggest that are out there,” port spokeswoman Paula Gonzalez told Cruise Industry News. In addition to expanded capacity, the port will now offer a shore excursion called BioMaya, a three-part extravaganza that starts with a “soul cleansing” ritual performed by area Mayans, takes visitors on a tour of the colorful Bacalar lagoon and then on a jungle trek. Costa Maya was damaged by Hurricane Dean in August 2007 and has not been able to accept ship calls since. Thus, cruise traffic to Mexican Ports on the Gulf side was down for the first half of 2008, while passenger numbers increased on the Pacific coast.
Holland America Eurodam Ship to Offer Pan-Asian Dining
June 30, 2008
Holland America Line’s new Eurodam features a new Pan-Asian restaurant called Tamarind. The 144-seat restaurant will serve reservations-only lunch and dinner. The complimentary lunch menu will feature dim sum, an assortment of Asian dumplings and fusion sauces for dipping. Soup and salad, as well as desserts-such as green tea tiramisu and mango sorbet-will also be included on the lunch menu. For dinner, guests can order Asian-inspired cuisine off of the menu or choose Rijsttafel, a Dutch adaptation of the traditional Indonesia dinner. To complement the traditional offerings at Tamarind, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has created Asian-inspired entrees. The Silk Den, a new lounge adjacent to Tamarind, will overlook the magradome, offering guests a view of a new, poolside water feature. A full menu of Asian-themed specialty cocktails including Sakétinis will be served. Dinner at Tamarind will cost $15 per person with the Rijsttafel costing $20 per person. Lunch is complimentary. The 2,104-guest Eurodam will be christened July 1 in Rotterdam with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region. The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008. For more information, call 800-925-8572 or visit HollandAmerica.net