'Signature of Excellence' Innovative Enhancements And Design Features

It was nearly five years ago when Holland America Line first told the world about its innovative Signature of Excellence, as the budget exceeds 525 million pounds passengers will find luxury at every turn as they walk their way around ms Holland, from the latest designs being used to update and enhance many aspects of this luxury cruise ship.

Ms Rotterdam's new look included the received the stylish Mix lounge, forward-looking Retreat Pool, chic Showroom at Sea, plus of the industry’s only Lanai staterooms. All staterooms have completely overhauled new cabins as well as new bathrooms designs.

The Signature of Excellence also features a pool named The Retreat, the Showroom at Sea, Canaletto Italian restaurant along with the new Mix lounge midship. Twenty three of the staterooms near the spa on the Veranda deck will become 'spa staterooms' which include a host of enhanced spa facilities.

Thirty nine new Lanai staterooms are to be created on the Lower Promenade Deck by existing window with Lanai doors which open directly onto the promenade with further rooms of this category being added.

The Holland America Line have scheduled three more of their luxury cruise ships, ms Ryndam, ms Maasdam and ms Statendam, to have the Signature of Excellence makeover and enhancements which will be carried out in two phases beginning in early 2010 and 2011 with the second phases taking place 2012 -2013.

Passengers who are looking for 5 star facilities, along with value for money cruise deals, will not be disappointed with the innovations Holland America Line cruise ships have incorporated to bring their cruise fleet into the 21st century with unadulterated chic styling and a host of new features to meet passenger demands.

€22m upgrade for Costa Cruises ships

Carnival-owned Costa Cruises has spent €22m upgrading five of its ships, adding fuel-saving and eco-friendly features.
The Italian cruise line's flagship, Costa Serena, is the last of five ships to be dry-docked in Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard for the environmental improvements and routine refurbishments.

New air-conditioning regulators have been installed which will increase efficiency and save fuel.

An ecological silicone-based coating has been applied to the hull to inhibit the growth of micro-organisms, which will improve the hydrodynamic performance of the ship and reduce environmental impacts.

Other improvements include new carpeting, curtains, upholstery and other items in public areas.


The cruise line has a fleet of 12 ships, and will take delivery of two new vessels – Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica – at the end of April and May 2009.

Three more new ships are on order, which will bring the fleet to 17 by 2012.


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