Holland America’s Noordam Looking Good After Extensive Refurbishment
Following a two-week dry dock in Victoria, British Columbia, Holland America’s Noordam has emerged from an extensive refurbishment. Holland America Line’s fleet-wide enhancement and upgrade project includes adding the cruise line’s most popular venues and experiences.
What’s new after Noordam refurbishment
To bring the Noordam up to par with the newer ships in the fleet meant adding Billboard Onboard to the Music Walk area. Explorations Café, my first stop in the morning for cappuccino and a pastry, now has Microsoft Studio adjacent to it.
Suite Accommodations Fully Refurbished
Noordam suites received the same upgrades that are rolling out on the line’s Signature- and Vista-class ships. The main living area in each suite was refreshed with new furniture, carpet, headboard and stone desktops and soft goods.
Electronic upgrades included a new USB outlet added to the bed’s headboard, bedside LED reading lights, upgraded electrical outlets and a lighted closet rod. Suite bathrooms received designer glass tile and a new vanity area.
The Noordam refurbishment extended to all staterooms with upgraded signature Mariner’s Dream beds with plush Euro-Top mattresses. Bathrooms have new premium massage shower heads and toiletries. Each stateroom also has a mini-fridge, interactive TVs, new verandah furniture. New sofa beds were added in staterooms with that sleep option.
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Dining on Noordam
The extensive Noordam refurbishment also included upgrades to the Dining Room. Plus Pinnacle Grill added more tables for two and the Pinnacle Bar was refreshed. Same for Lido Market – it looks totally new.
The Lido Market also saw a change with new seating and a refreshed look.
Greenhouse Spa has an enhanced hydropool (thalassotherapy to us older folks). And for one of the fastest growing group sports, a pickleball court was added at the sports court area.
“Noordam looks better than ever with sleek upgrades, fresh décor and the addition of new spaces like the popular Billboard Onboard, which receives rave reviews from guests,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “We are always investing in our ships and onboard amenities and offerings to ensure that guests enjoy the latest and greatest experiences, particularly in the area of authentic music, as we are known for having the best live music at sea.”
Holland America Music Walk Enhanced
Noordam guests have more live music options with the addition of Billboard Onboard. This popular venue with standing room only every night, joins B.B. King’s Blues Club and Lincoln Center Stage in the Music Walk area. Billboard Onboard features the talents of two pianists who play and sing along (with audience participation) to 50 years of Billboard hits from the top of the charts.
New Interactive TV with On-Demand Movies
One of my favorite features on Holland America ships has been added to Noordam. A new interactive television system was installed in all suites and staterooms. All have large, LED flat-screen TVs with complimentary movies and TV shows on demand. You can also access the daily program and shipboard information including restaurant overviews, spa services and account status.
Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop
Create unique photo mementos and gifts at the new Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop. Using your vacation photos or those from the shipboard photographer, at the Fujifilm Wonder Photo Shop you can easily design mounted 3-D photos, keepsake boxes, metal panel prints and more.
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In a nutshell: Upgrades to dining venues, bars, lounges and other public areas
- Microsoft Studio was redesigned and now Microsoft Studio offers a new list of complimentary classes with new computer equipment
- Explorations Café received several upgrades
- Pinnacle Grill and the Pinnacle Bar have a fresh look with new furniture, carpet and design details
- Guests can indulge in upgraded treatment rooms, new massage beds, barber chairs, pedicure thrones and an enhanced therapy pool at The Greenhouse Spa & Salon
- Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate upgraded gym equipment and floors
- The Dining Room received new furniture, carpet and soft goods
- New chairs and tabletops were installed in Lido Market
- Neptune Lounge has new furniture, carpet and a bar
- Gamers can look forward to playing new slot machines and tables at the Casino.
- The Sports Court added lines for a pickleball court so guests can enjoy a fun and fast-paced racquet sport.
In the spring, Noordam will cruise north from her winter home in Australia and head to Alaska. The ship will sail 7-day Glacier Discovery cruises northbound from Vancouver B.C. to Seward and then southbound back to Vancouver. In-depth land and sea cruise-tours that extend all the way up to Denali National Park are available to add to Noordam sailings.
Hi Christopher,
Good morning and thank you for reading and sending your question. Yes, more times than not I end up paying double as a solo traveler. Occasionally, I’ll catch a reduced single supplement and that’s helpful. For your Holland America cruise (sounds fantastic…34 days!), because it’s a repositioning cruise, there may be a promo or two that you could catch. But keep in mind that suites (and inside staterooms) are usually the first to sell out. Also, before you pay your deposit, check to see if there is a rate drop, will your rate be adjusted. Usually not, but if it’s before final payment and if the savings is greater than the penalty, then you might be able to get a break in price.
I’ve had to settle for plenty of inside staterooms over the years because of having to pay double or travel in the off-seasons. Like taking the last westbound transatlantic crossing of the season in mid-December or early and late season Alaska cruises. I watch for promos, and especially now with the cruise lines practically begging for passengers. That Australia trip sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime voyage. I hope it all works out for you! And thank you again for reading my article.
Good Morning; I noticed that you are a solo traveler. Are you paying for the full supplement, partial or what? And how to get around that. I would like to take the 34 day cruise San Diego to Sydney, AUS. and travel in a Signature Suite or above. Do you have any suggestion’s? Christopher