A day out on Holland America MS Eurodam

An invitation to board the Holland America Cruise Lines MS Eurodam was one I did not want to miss as I had not yet seen the style of cruising they offered.

Once again, I am going to say that I do enjoy visiting Dover Cruise Terminal as it is so easy to get to, park and board your chosen cruise without delay and made extremely easy by the very courteous and professional staff of Holland America Line.

During these experiences, although limited throughout the year, agents and sometimes guests can board a cruise liner in between cruises. The MS Eurodam would have berthed early, usually around seven and eight in the morning and then the majority of cruises leave the Dover Cruise Terminal between four and five in the afternoon. A very efficient operation of disembarking guests after breakfast and new boarding guests in the afternoon allows for this. With Holland America Line, past cruise guests have priority boarding and can arrive for lunch. As agents and with us today, future potential guests can visit the cruise ship.

Embarking for a self-guided tour around ten, I only had a few hours to get to grips, with cabins and cabin types, decks, entertainment facilities, restaurants and bars and whatever can be "squeezed" in, before having to disembark around two in the afternoon after a four course lunch and a short presentation on stage given by senior management of the cruise line.

As always, on these visits, I started at the top of a ship and then worked around the decks and facilities taking photos and notes where I could. Starting with the largest of Penthouse Suites, Balcony Suites, Balcony Cabins, Outside Cabins and also a quick glimpse of an Inside Cabin, the most noticeable feature was actually the size of the cabins, with Holland America Line boasting around 25-35% bigger cabins than comparable other cruise lines.

The array of features on board, was again impressive with spa and relaxation, swimming pools, bars, theatres, restaurants and cafes - I feel that I now know what I want to do for my 50th birthday in a couple of years. The short presentation, after a fantastic lunch, was very beneficial to understand more of the different ships within the fleet and also the areas that Holland America Line cruise around. With over 500 ports of call in the seven continents and a great choice of departure points around the world really highlighted the 135 year history of this company.

The cruise that I am now seriously considering for 2013 would be a cruise tour of Alaska, taking in the vast amount of scenery with a land based tour and cruise combined through Holland America Line.

For more information and/or help with your next cruise, please contact me at any time.