The Cruise Report With Cruise Specialists Cruise Reporter Ralph Grizzle

When inaugurated in New York in February 2006, Noordam became the fourth ship in Holland America Line’s Vista-class series. The 1,918-passenger ship hosts many new features, including the innovative Explorations Café (a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times), an expanded Pinnacle Grill and a new Pinnacle Bar.

Noordam also was be the first ship to enter service with all of the service and product enhancements of the line’s Signature of Excellence initiative already in place. That initiative is an important one for Holland America Line, representing a $225 million investment in areas that directly improve the cruise experience. Staterooms fleetwide received plush Euro-top mattresses; top quality bed linens; over-sized, extra fluffy Egyptian cotton towels; flat panel TVs and DVD players. New Culinary Arts Centers (in conjunction with Food & Wine Magazine) were put into place on all ships; spas were expanded and spa services upgraded; youth facilities were improved and new Teens-only Lofts were added.

Noordam also introduced One-Touch Concierge Service, providing guests in verandah suites with access to personalized phone concierge service to assist with special requests, spa or dinner reservations, room service and other needs. Offering similar assistance, food, and a place to relax and work, the Noordam’s Neptune Lounge will offer concierge service to deluxe verandah suite guests.  Read more... (635 words, 1 image, estimated 2:32 mins reading time)

Windstar Cruises’ Vice President of Marketing and Sales Diane Moore discusses brand new itineraries that Windstar’s fleet is now able to do because of the ships being reflagged.

Diane Moore, vice president of marketing and sales for Windstar Cruises, discusses changes and upgrades to the newly refurbished Wind Surf as well as the addition of two new suites.

Windstar Cruises’ Vice President of Marketing and Sales Diane Moore details new features, public areas and suites on Wind Surf following the motor sailing yacht’s five-week drydock.

Vice President of Marketing and Sales Diane Moore discusses Windstar Cruises’ multi-million Degrees of Difference initiative to enhance the line’s three-ship fleet of motor sailing yachts.