Showroom at Sea
In my first article on this 54-day voyage, I posted images of our suite aboard Holland America’s smallest ship, the “Elegant Explorer” officially named MS Prinsendam. Since, after Gustavia, St. Barts, we were now transatlantic, this week I’ll take you on a tour of our home for the better part of two months. The venue pictured above and directly below is the Showroom at Sea theater for our live entertainment.
Showroom at Sea
MS Prinsendam began life in 1988 as the Royal Viking Sun, then the Seabourn Sun, and finally, in 2002, she was transferred to Holland America. By today’s standards, MS Prinsendam is downright miniscule by even Holland America standards. She measures only 669 feet/204meters in length, and weighs in at a very svelte 37,983 gross tonnage. She’ll house about 830 passengers, and is manned by 440 crew.
Dance floor and bar
As is typical with Holland America ships, at least in my experience, the library is extensive and eclectic. Once you’ve selected your book, you can take it to the Oak Room for some piece and quiet.
Oak Room for reading
The Explorations Café aboard MS Prinsendam actually serves two functions. In addition to the main library, it also houses the Internet Café :
Internet Café — library books are seen in the lighted shelving around the room
I’ve never had a bad meal in the main dining room of any Holland America ship. Here is MS Prinsendam’s La Fontaine Dining Room:
La Fontaine Dining Room
Ursula in La Fontaine Dining Room
Other public areas include the Explorer’s Lounge and the ever-present Casino:
Explorer’s Lounge
Casino
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
R. Doug Wicker — Author 