Tag Archives: cruise ship

Showroom at Sea panorama

Being such a small ship, the main theater is equally tiny by today’s mega-ship standards. But that lends this venue an air of intimacy and fun not found on most ships.

MS Prinsendam to being the smallest ship, she’s also the oldest ship in Holland America’s fleet, and probably one of the oldest ships of any major cruise line. That doesn’t detract from either her charm or her ability for passengers to find something to do. Here, again, is the Explorations Café library and internet area:

Explorations Café library and internet

If you feel like going upscale from the already very good main dining room, you can always pay extra and enjoy the Pinnacle Grill:

Pinnacle Grill for higher-end dining

What cruise ship would be complete without an area to sun oneself?

MS Prinsendam Lido pool and whirlpool, and Lido Bar

Shopping is even available aboard this tiny ship:

Jewelry store in the Shopping Arcade

This last image is the Atrium, Deck 8, looking across to the Guest Services desk:

Main Atrium

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