|
NOORDAM
PHOTO TOUR AND COMMENTARY CONTENTS |
The central atrium is three decks high and reflects the more contemporary side of Noordam's interior. In designing the interior, architect Frans Dingemans sought to blend traditional and contemporary art.
|
OVERVIEWNoordam was the fourth Vista-class ship built for Holland America. She is the sister ship to Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Oosterdam. (A fourth sister went to P&O Cruises where she is now the Arcadia). Holland America's Signature class is an enhanced version of the Vista design and so Noordam is similar in many respects to Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam.
Like her sisters, Noordam is a medium-size cruise ship. Holland America is a premium cruise line and so these ships are relatively spacious. Noordam's interior is done in a contemporary style. However, that style is punctuated by antiques and traditional art. The result is a sophisticated atmosphere. This atmosphere is carried through into the programming. During the day, there are classes in technology and in the culinary arts. In the evenings, the entertainment includes classical music concerts and live jazz/blues music. At the same time, Noordam has an array of standard cruise ship features including pools, a spa, a casino, shops and restaurants. Passengers on Oosterdam tend to be well-educated and cuoltured. Although the majority are mature, they tend to be younger than the passengers who frequent HAL's smaller ships. The ship is powered by five diesel engines and a gas turbine engine. These generate electric power for the two propulsion pods as well as for the ship's hotel operations. As a result, Noordam is capable of a respectable maximum speed of 24 knots. The ship's name means north dam or north bridge. The present ship is the fourth Holland America ship to bear the name Noordam. Her immediate predecessor entered service in 1984, continued to sail after leaving HAL. |
Noordam has a museum-like art collection. The
multi-million dollar art collection includes antiques from Europe and Asia, traditional Dutch paintings, realistic maritime paintings of past Holland America ships by Stephen Card as well as more avant garde works commissioned for the ship. 
|
|
|
|
Located in the Atrium on Deck 1 are: the Guest Services Desk (above left); the Shore Excursions Desk (above right); and the Future Cruise Desk (below right).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cruise ship photo tour and commentary - - Holland America Line - - Noordam - - Overview