Holland America Line ms Eurodam First Impressions Cruise Review

Introduction

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From rooms nestled in the interior of the ship to luxurious, multi-roomed suites overlooking the changing sea scenery, the Eurodam has packages to accommodate a variety of budgets. You can reserve stateroom levels of Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Superior, Deluxe, or Penthouse Suites in different sizes (large or standard). We took a closer look at eight of these.

Cabin Layout

Comfortable to the point of roomy, this two person stateroom falls right in the middle of the price range for accommodations on the ms Eurodam.

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The Deluxe Verandah Oceanview stateroom has a balcony that will fit two or three, a small living area with television next to a bedroom housing a queen or twin beds, a bathroom and two small closets off the entrance hallway.

Bedroom

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The bedroom of the Deluxe Oceanview Verandah provides more than enough space for two with options for twin or a queen sized bed.

Bathroom

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The bathroom on this type of room is a bit larger than the normal and has everything you will need. The one featured here is ADA compliant, an option available upon request.

Balcony

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High walls keep this balcony extremely private. There is space for two, maybe three, with two chairs, ottomans and a small side table.

Cabin Layout

The Superior Verandah Suite is the first level of suite on the Eurodam, providing the suite experience at a lower cost.

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The Superior Verandah Suite features an open room plan with a large sitting area directly connected to a bedroom with a queen or two twin beds. The balcony is larger than a regular verandah room, spacious enough for more than a couple. The bathroom has a full sized whirlpool bathtub and His and Hers sinks. Three closets line the entrance hallway to this suite.

Bedroom

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These Superior Suites average around 273 square feet and are meant for two or three guests, the third staying on the pull-out couch. The bedroom doubles as a large living room ready to entertain friendly passengers you may meet on the ship.

Bathroom

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The bathroom in the Superior Suite is certainly an upgrade. You will have more space all around, a second sink for double-time washing and a larger tub with whirlpool jets.

Other Rooms

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The living area is sizable for a cruise ship.

Balcony

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This balcony is large enough to entertain or just to have an in-room breakfast at the table while you and yours watch the sea pass by.

Cabin Layout

The Inside Stateroom is the budget option for the Eurodam, but with more than 150 square feet, these inside rooms are more spacious than similar offerings on other cruise ships.

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One queen or two twin beds, flanked by a wall-attached desk and a few closets make up the main area in this stateroom. The bathroom is compact with a sink, a shower and a toilet.

Bedroom

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It would be hard to fit more than two into this room. The inside room is a place to rest, but don't expect to do too much hanging out in this small area. Several versions of the Inside Stateroom with up to 280 square feet are available depending on how much you want to pay.

Bathroom

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The bathroom is a tight configuration that involves a shower rather than a tub.

Cabin Layout

The Penthouse is the premier stateroom available on the Eurodam with the most amenities. Guests staying in the suite level rooms get access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge on the ship.

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The king-sized bed in the bedroom opens up to a small dining area, connected to the living room with attached kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator. The bathroom is an extensive ordeal, with a full sized whirlpool tub and a secondary shower. A balcony stretches the length of this suite with space for several reclining chairs and another whirlpool tub overlooking the ocean. All of this totals approximately 1,357 square feet.

Bedroom

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The bedroom alone is larger than most of the staterooms on the rest of the ship. There is a small vanity table and a television, as well as an opening onto the verandah.

Bathroom

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The bathroom is anything but cramped in the Penthouse suite, with a full-sized shower as well as a large whirlpool tub and a separate room for the toilet. His and Hers sinks can be found atop marble counter tops with brass fixtures to emphasize the luxury of this suite.

Other Rooms

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The kitchenette is just shy of a full function kitchen. You can preserve your food in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave at your convenience. Throughout the suite there are entrances to the balcony that runs the length of this room. A small card table works as the dining area, residing outside the main living area bedecked with chairs, a couch and a large television.

Balcony

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The Penthouse Suite balcony is very large. A cutout in the wall houses a padded couch around a table and several seating areas. There is also an outdoor whirlpool tub where you can enjoy your own private spa experience.

Cabin Layout

The Oceanview Staterooms offer a view and a bit more room than the Inside Staterooms.

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Sized at about 167 square feet, the Oceanview Staterooms are available with twin or queen beds, and a small living area and a bathroom with a bathtub.

Bedroom

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Bathroom

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The bathroom is much like one in a Verandah Stateroom, with space for a tub, a sink and a toilet.

Cabin Layout

The Inside Double Stateroom doesn’t offer much other than a pair of beds.

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The only room (other than the bathroom) in the Inside Double has a pair of twin beds and a small desk. A television is housed in a cutout in the wall.

Bedroom

The Inside Double Stateroom doesn’t offer much other than a pair of beds.

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You probably won't spend too much time in here other than to sleep in one of the two twin beds.

Bathroom

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The bathroom is equipped with a shower instead of a tub in order to keep the floor plan as compact as possible.

Cabin Layout

Bedroom

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The bedroom sleeps two or three if you add a cot somewhere between the two beds. A small walkway leads you right to the balcony on one end of the room.

Bathroom

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The bathroom has a toilet, sink and bathtub, unless of course you reserve a handicapped stall as seen in the photograph.

Balcony

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On this smaller version of a Verandah Room, there is space to exit onto the balcony, but you will not be able to sit or have more than two people outside at the same time.

Cabin Layout

Bedroom

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The Verandah Queen Stateroom that we looked at is a cosy configuration for two people. The small sofa would not be a comfortable sleeping situation for a third.

Bathroom

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A neat little bathroom in the Verandah Queen Stateroom offers options for bath or shower.

Balcony

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Similar rooms have differing options for balconies. This particular stateroom has a larger balcony than most at the Verandah level and would happily sustain the company of three people. Several amenities are offered with every room type.

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Toiletries

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A small selection of traveling hygiene essentials can be found in the bathroom of your stateroom.

Appliances

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Every stateroom comes with a flat panel television and DVD player. Upgrading to a Deluxe or a Suite will provide more options like a coffee maker and refrigerators.

Phone and Internet

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All rooms have phone access with accompanied voice mail services.

In-room Entertainment & Services

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Turn down service is available as well as complimentary fruit upon request in all stateroom levels. Fresh towels get folded into geometric figures to demonstrate that extra touch of care. Don't be surprised to be greeted by fresh flowers when you arrive at your room.

Dining

The ms Eurodam offers a variety of dining options from pan-Asian to traditional French.

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Six full restaurants on the {{product.model}} provide a breadth of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For some restaurants, like Tamarind, an extra fee is required, where others only ask that you make a reservation in limited seating. Restaurants book up quickly however, but you can always head to the main dining area, the Rembrandt Dining Room, or to the Lido for buffet dining.

Overview

Tamarind is the pan-Asian dining option on the ms Eurodam.

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With approximately 150 seats, the Tamarind restaurant is rather small and requires a reservation. In addition to a reservation, dining at the Tamarind costs extra.

Lunch / Dinner

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Tamarind has a mixed menu that spans traditional and contemporary Asian foods

Dessert

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A limited selection of desserts are on offer.

Overview

The Rembrandt Dining Room is the main dining area available to all passengers on the ms Eurodam.

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Spread across two floors of the {{product.model}}, the Rembrandt Dining room is the main restaurant for this ship. It offers more secluded areas for those that think far enough ahead to make a reservation. Menus at the Rembrandt are five courses, so bring your appetites and maybe a second shirt. The food is regionally inspired with vegetarian options every evening.

Dessert

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The desserts are large and plentiful, with options including fresh fruit and chocolate.

Overview

A smaller venue that offers high-quality dining.

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The Pinnacle Grill is the fine-dining restaurant available in all of the ships in the Holland America fleet. Quality of ingredients, a regionally influenced menu, and a broad wine selection are the trademarks of the Pinnacle Grill. It offers a romantic setting for two, but don't forget that reservations are required.

Overview

For a more casual dining experience, head to Lido where buffets and unscheduled meals are on the menu.

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For the first two days, the buffet at Lido is full-service, and staff will bring you whatever you order from the buffet line. After this period, Lido becomes a self-service buffet. The menu is compiled with food from around the world and changes daily.

Overview

The sit down Italian restaurant on the ms Eurodam.

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Found directly next to the Lido buffet, Canaletto is an Italian restaurant that is open for dinner only, and which requires a reservation. The plates are emblazoned with the Canaletto logo, and the menu comes from all over Italy .

Lunch / Dinner

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Classics like pasta al pomodoro are on offer, while little plates of Tuscan dishes are available for the more adventurous.

Dessert

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When you think you have figured out classic Italian, Canaletto throws you a few surprise dishes like this freshly made cotton candy for dessert.

Overview

A very private dining room by previous reservation only.

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The King's Room may be reserved by certain levels of guest room, but it fills up quickly and, if you are interested, you should start looking into making reservations before your trip. Menus in the King's Room are special creations of the chefs onboard.

Pools & Decks

There are two pools on the ms Eurodam, one aft for sunbathing and one amidships.

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Midships you will find the Lido pool, where you can lounge in the open or under nearby covered areas. The Lido buffet is very close by in case you get hungry.

Aft of the {{product.model}} you will find the Seaview pool where areas of sunbathing are arranged all around. There is also the Aft Bar which will serve you a refreshment poolside while you watch the wake unfolding behind you.

Pool Areas

The two pools, the Lido and the Seaview, are very similar in features.

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The Lido

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The Lido pool located midships, is the main pool on board the {{product.model}} with two whirlpools at one end and a stone fountain at the other with a third whirlpool. The roof of the Lido pool is retractable when you want to swim on those less than sunny days at sea.

The Seaview

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The Seaview pool is outside on the aft deck of the {{product.model}}. In the open air, the Seaview is ideal for catching some rays, but will also be a wash in nasty weather. Either way, you can always grab a drink at the Aft Bar that sidles along one edge of the Seaview pool.

Sun Areas

A number of sun decks are available around the upper decks.

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Topside

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There are many deck areas, some of which have hidden gems like table tennis and secluded lounging areas away from the bluster of the other guests.

Cabanas

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For the more private among us, cabanas can be reserved on one of the top decks. In the cabanas, you will get your own private area with comfortable seating enclosed in a canvas tent to blot out the sun and unwanted noise. The ms Eurodam offers a wide range of entertainment for an older crowd.

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The {{product.model}} is mainly geared for an adult crowd of passengers. There is a youth center, Club HAL, for the younger passengers, and a teen lounge called The Loft. Even so, most activities, from the Culinary Arts Center to the spa and luxury shopping, are adult by definition.

Concierge Floor / Club Floor

A good number of lounges and cafes are available.

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Located at the bottom of the Grand Atrium, you will find the Concierge Floor. You can arrange all of your on board and on shore activities here, such as reservations and payment of fees.

Childrens' Areas

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Club HAL is the spot for your kids ranging from ages 3-17 with a variety of activities intended to entertain different age groups.

Conference Rooms

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Several conference rooms provide the space and equipment to have a realistic business meeting with clients.

Libraries

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The library boasts an extensive collection of books to entertain you at sea.

Treatment Rooms

Take advantage of a full regimen of treatments at the ms Eurodam spa.

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Massage, facial, steam and relaxation treatment rooms make up the various services at the spa. Some rooms can be reserved for two, so you can get a massage as a couple.

Spa Pools

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An impressive relaxation pool called the Hydropool is available for those using the Spa facilities.

Fitness Center

A large fitness area doubles as an observation deck while you exercise.

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All types of cardio equipment and free weights are available at the fitness center. You will have no excuse to skip your regular routine with this well-stocked fitness center on board.

Movie Theater

You can attend one of many lecture classes taught by traveling experts or catch a first run movie at the theater.

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The Movie Theater on board has stadium seating and often shows first run movies.

Lectures / Classes

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The {{product.model}} offers many different lecture classes on varied subjects. Classes change regularly and you should check the schedule included in your itinerary for what is available. Microsoft sponsors a section of the ship called the Digital Workshop, where passengers can learn the basics of photo editing, blogging and social networking.

Nightlife & Shows

A variety of bars and clubs lets you choose the kind of scene that works for you.

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A variety of bars and clubs lets you choose the kind of scene that works for you.

Overview

The Pinnacle Bar offers a full bar menu.

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Located on deck 2 across from the Pinnacle Grill, the Pinnacle Bar offers a full bar menu. It would be a good spot for before and after dinner drinks.

Overview

Music, dancing, and cocktails

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A dance band entertains guests at the Ocean Bar. Music, dancing, and cocktails are the nightly habits at the Ocean Bar.

Overview

Offers a full cocktail menu.

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Bumping up against the Seaview pool, the Aft bar has a full cocktail menu during the day. After the pool closes, you can still get a drink and soak up the aft view.

Overview

Light shows, loud music, and a whole heap of dancing.

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Northern Lights is a European discotheque on board the {{product.model}}. Expect a few light shows, loud music, and a whole heap of dancing.

Overview

A DJ spins tunes until the wee hours.

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Doubling as an observation deck and a nightly bar, the Crow's Nest has a DJ that spins tunes in the evening until the wee hours.

Overview

The resident pianist bashes out popular tunes at this bar.

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Live music every night of the week greets you at the Piano Bar. Familiar songs translated into piano tunes by the resident pianist encourage audience participation.

Overview

The casino on the ms Eurodam does not scrimp on the tables and games.

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You will have access to a full compliment of table games and slot machines in the {{product.model}} casino. Complimentary lessons are offered by staff dealers if you are unsure about how to play.

Casino Food & Drinks

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The casino bar offers light food and broadcasts most important sports events while you game.

Shows & Performances

All types of shows happen at the Mainstage Show Lounge.

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Performers of all kinds come to the {{product.model}} for an audience. You can see a stand-up comedian one night, an illusionist the next, and a full Broadway-style show the next.

Conclusion

The {{product.model}} is an 11 deck signature ship from the Holland America Cruise Line. With six restaurants, eight lounges, three bars, three clubs, and two pools, there is plenty to do aboard this ship. However, with only two small children's areas, it might not be the best choice for families with younger children.