Holland America Line Introduces As You Wish Dining
July 17, 2007
Open Seating and Open Times Offer Greater Choice
Holland America Line launches As You Wish dining, an innovative
program that allows guests to choose from the best of both worlds –
either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a completely
flexible dining schedule. One level of the two-tiered restaurant will
offer a flexible/open dining service from 5:15 to 9 p.m. daily, and
the other will host two seatings, an early and main seating.
“Providing more options for our guests has been a hallmark of our
Signature of Excellence initiative,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC,
executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. “Since
flexible dining options have become more desirable by many of our
guests, we will roll As You Wish dining out across the fleet to
provide the most flexibility, choice and service to our guests.
“We’ve operated As You Wish dining in a pre-launch phase aboard the ms
Noordam and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Meadows
added.
Prior to their cruise, during the booking phase, guests will choose
flexible/open dining or Holland America Line’s traditional pre-set
dining time (early or main). Guests with flexible seating may make
reservations daily during a cruise up to 4 p.m. or simply walk up
anytime during dining hours. Holland America Line manages reservations
and guest preferences through a unique computer system ensuring the
same efficient and high quality service for the flexible/open dining
as with the traditional pre-set format.
In addition to fixed and flexible/open dining options in the main
dining room, Holland America Line features the reservations-only
Pinnacle Grill restaurant with Pacific Northwest steak and seafood
specialties and casual Lido dining with waiter service and the option
to select dishes from the main restaurant menu or regular Lido
offerings. For guests who choose an evening “in,” 24-hour
complimentary room service includes dishes from the main restaurant
during dining hours and a selection of meals and snacks.
As You Wish dining will be introduced on the Holland America Line
ships with the following sailings:
Date Ship
Operational Now msNoordam
10/11/07 ms Ryndam
11/13/07 ms Volendam
12/18/07 ms Statendam
1/5/08 ms Oosterdam
1/27/08 ms Rotterdam
2/3/08 ms Zaandam
2/24/08 ms Westerdam
3/15/08 ms Zuiderdam
4/6/08 ms Veendam
4/24/08 ms Maasdam
5/16/08 ms Amsterdam
5/23/08 ms Prinsendam
7/5/08 ms Eurodam (upon delivery)
Holland America Line’s fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to
more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven
continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand
and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports
in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and
Panama Canal.
In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich,
Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of
cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Fleetwide,
the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, totaling
more than $225 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center
presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show
kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts
provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe
powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new
stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top
Mariner’s Dream Beds.
For more information, Contact HollandAmerica.net Toll-Free: 800-925-8572