Around the Ship

Enjoy some final views from around the ship before the first guests come on board.

The reception staff go over some final preparations before guests embark.

Guests will be able to bid on and purchase various pieces of art during the cruise. The art gallery is run by Park West Gallery.

This is a nice overhead view of the Atrium Bar counter-top.

A Test-Run in the Explorations Cafe

The staff of the Explorations Cafe serve the crew some tasty concoctions as a test-run before guests embark.

What a view! The chairs in Explorations Cafe look very comfortable for relaxing and gazing at the sea.

Serving Up Asian Specialties

Bagus from Bali

Tamarind is the new pan-Asian restaurant debuting on Eurodam. Paul Lasley spoke with restaurant manager Bagus about what makes Tamarind’s cuisine special.

To listen to this podcast, click on the arrow below.

Youth Areas Cater to Ages 3 to 17

Club Hal comprises the dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids can participate in story telling, fabric painting, indoor games, arts and crafts, drawing contests, ice cream sundae parties, puzzles, bingo, pirate treasure hunts and a farewell pizza party.

Club Hal also has a “tween” area for kids ages 8 to 12. Activities include learning golf putting, having disco parties and theme parties, competing in on-deck sports events and scavenger hunts, or simply playing ping-pong with a friend.

The Loft was designed exclusively as a place for teens ages 13 to 17 to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age. The program includes a new video-editing facility, teen disco, karaoke sessions, video games, teen sports tournaments, card games, trivia contests, bingo, movies and videos.

Getting a Taste of Italy in Canaletto

Mario Bonello

As the manager of Canaletto, Mario Bonello brings his Italian charm to Eurodam’s new alternative eatery. Paul Lasley sat down with him to discuss how Canaletto serves up proper Italian cuisine every evening and the special team he oversees.

To listen to this podcast, click on the arrow below.

Getting the Retreat Ready

Crew members put the final touches on the Retreat area. This photo is a good shot of the cabanas.

Putting Guests on Pins and Needles

Lisa Forsythe

Lisa Forsythe is a board-certified licensed acupuncturist who works in the Greenhouse Spa aboard Eurodam. Paul Lasley sat down with Lisa to chat about her passion for acupuncture and the growing popularity of the alternative Asian therapy.

To listen to this podcast, click on the arrow below.

Pierside Preparations in Rotterdam

People walking on the busy Wilhelminapier in Rotterdam now know for sure: something’s going to happen here.

The event area is enclosed by the World Port Center and the Rotterdam cruise terminal.

A small army of specialists is constructing a huge 2,500-seat grandstand, and at the waterside a multilevel stage. It’s the place where Queen Beatrix will name ms Eurodam Tuesday.

An even better view of the event area can be had from HAL’s Rotterdam office, located on the sixth floor of Montevideo Building.

Dedication Ceremony to Play Live on Eurodam News Blog

When the festivities get under way in Rotterdam at 9:45 a.m. (EDT) Tuesday, July 1, you can watch them live here on Eurodam News Blog. For the first time ever a Holland America inaugural will be live-streamed across the Internet.

To view the broadcast requires no special hardware or software. Simply come to the blog site, choose the viewer that matches your Internet connection (fast or slow), and voila! There’s Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands doing the traditional godmother thing live and in color.

Mark your calendar today, but don’t worry, we’ll give another reminder between now and Tuesday.

Event Staff Looks Sharp in New Uniforms

The Event Staff just received a makeover of sorts with new uniforms. The Event Staff is part of the Entertainment Department. They are responsible for guest programs for all ages from 3 years old and up. They cover the youth programs, handle library duties in the Explorations Cafe, host the “Dam Dollar” events, pool games and all other social events for Eurodam’s guests.

The Event Staff, from left, Shannon Benge, Susanne Bonnici and Kate Wall.