Holland America’s Eurodam, completed in 2008, falls into the midsize cruise ship category with just over 2,000 passengers. For this line, the ship is considered a bit more colorful than the usually staid vessels, and it attracts more families than usual, especially for the Eastern and Western Caribbean loops out of Fort Lauderdale. In the summer months, the ship cruises the Mediterranean with a varied choice of itineraries.
Exciting New Entertainment: In addition to the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, a December 2015 refit added two new live music venues to Eurodam. The spaces, developed in partnership with Lincoln Center and Billboard, showcase musicians playing everything from classical favorites to pop tunes. Also included in the update was the Gallery Bar, which has an exclusive cocktail menu created by celebrity mixologist Dale DeGroff.
Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill: The ship’s two specialty restaurants are worth the extra charge. Tamarind, a Pan-Asian eatery, is an attractive space with equally attractive presentations. Pinnacle Grill is an elegant Pacific Northwest specialty restaurant reflecting the cuisine and wines of the region where the company’s headquarters are located. Steaks are the most popular entrées here. A word of advice for those on a budget: While there is a flat charge at dinner, none is levied at lunch.
Explorations: This space combines a lounge, library, Internet Center, and coffee bar and serves as the social hub of the ship.
The Promenades: Holland America retains its famed wide, outdoor teak promenade decks. They’re great for taking a walk or jogging on a sea day. Or, settle into a cushioned wooden deck chair to read and watch the sea pass by.
Multiple Pools: If the weather is dicey, one of the Eurodam’s two swimming pools is located beneath a sliding glass roof so the crew can close it to protect you from the weather and then reopen it when conditions clear.
Older Adults: In the Mediterranean, the cruises attract those looking for a more low-key adult atmosphere.
Quieter Families: The Caribbean itineraries attract multigenerational families. But don’t expect the mob scenes you might find on some big ships, where the outdoor spaces are dominated by hordes of children.
Open Seating: You have the choice of reserving a table for dinner at a first or second seating or simply showing up for open seating. The problem with open seating, however, is when too many arrive at the most popular dinner hours and you have to wait until a table is free. Fortunately, once seated, you’ll find that the surroundings are lovely and a band plays.
