aaron
Airport Manager
Joined: 09 Sep 2002
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Location: Aardvarkland
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 Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2003 8:59 pm Post subject: Holland America 'Signature of Excellence' initiative |
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It looks like Carnival wants to differentiate HAL as something a bit more upscale (see message that has been issued to past guests, below). I wonder if this will be accompanied by a higher pricing schedule also...?
| Quote: | As one of our valued past guests and a Mariner Society member, we want you to be among the first to know about our new $225 million investment in unparalleled product and service enhancements on our fleet of 12 five-star ships. Called “Signature of Excellence,” this comprehensive initiative will strengthen our position as the premium cruise leader and center around five main components of Holland America Line’s cruise experience:
• dining
• accommodations
• service
• activities
• destinations
This nearly quarter of a billion dollar commitment is the most significant product investment in our industry and will clearly cement our leadership position. We will continue our promise of delivering the best premium cruise experience available.
We are evaluating and assessing just about every aspect of our operation to ensure that we provide our guests with a truly extraordinary experience and tremendous value. Holland America Line clearly sets the industry standard in premium cruising, and we need to challenge ourselves diligently and deliberately to ensure our excellent product of today is even better in the future. With “Signature of Excellence” we will ensure that our premium product is well matched to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s sophisticated travelers.
Enhancements, and in some cases construction, associated with the “Signature of Excellence” initiative will begin in late 2003 and are scheduled to be fully completed on all Holland America Line ships within 24 months. All shipboard work will occur during regularly scheduled dry-docks. Many of the “Signature of Excellence” enhancements will be incorporated on the company’s 13th and 14th ships that are under construction in Italy. The 1,848-passenger Vista class ship ms Westerdam is scheduled for delivery in April 2004 and a yet unnamed vessel joins the fleet in January 2006.
Enhanced Dining Experience
Long known for the most extensive menus at sea, Holland America Line will further differentiate its dining experience with additions such as the new Pinnacle Grill, even more personalized service and two more dining times in the main dining room, enhanced Lido dining and services, and a groundbreaking new Culinary Arts Program.
The Pinnacle Grill is a popular alternative restaurant that is currently featured on eight ships and will be added to the remaining ships. The Pinnacle Grill serves Pacific Northwest specialties including aged, prime beef and superb seafood items, as well as fine wines, all in a romantic, upscale atmosphere – complete with distinctive Bulgari china and elegant Riedel stemware.
The popular Lido -- a casual alternative dining experience, features breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed, buffet and food-court style -- will be further enhanced with made-to-order dinner entrees and table-side waiter service at dinner.
A new Culinary Arts Program will be an interactive experience that will appeal to gourmet food and wine lovers, and will be conducted in specially designed “Culinary Arts Theaters” on-board the ships.
More Luxurious Accommodations
Already offering the most spacious and elegant accommodations in premium cruising, Holland America Line will enhance its staterooms with even more luxurious items.
All staterooms will be outfitted with Premium Plush Euro-Top mattresses, 100 percent Egyptian cotton bed linens, extra-fluffy towels and deluxe terry bathrobes. New amenities will include massage showerheads, lighted magnifying make-up mirrors and stylish new hair dryers. Guests will also be welcomed with a complimentary fresh fruit basket and an elegant stainless-steel ice bucket and serving tray for use with in-cabin beverages.
Holland America Line is the industry leader in suites with the highest percentage of suite accommodations among major cruise lines. With "Signature of Excellence," our suites will be enhanced with additional amenities including comfortable duvets on the beds, fully-stocked mini-bars, VCRs or DVD players and access to a well-stocked video/DVD library, and personalized stationery.
“Signature of Excellence” will further enhance the “suite life” with the expansion of the Neptune Lounge. Currently available on seven Holland America Line ships, this industry-leading concierge lounge will be extended to all the ships in the fleet. The exclusive Neptune Lounge is a private retreat for Deluxe Verandah Suite and Penthouse Suite guests, where they can relax, read, socialize, as well as take advantage of the personalized services from the Neptune Lounge’s concierge.
Continued Superb Service Levels
Holland America Line, renowned for its superb service will enhance its service level even further with many additional touches, including early embarkation and a state-of-the-art Greenhouse Spa experience.
The company recently announced an early embarkation program across its 12-ship fleet that features boarding as early as 11:30 a.m. and a leisurely disembarkation process at the end of the voyage. In addition, other service enhancements include a convenient folio posting of nominal, optional gratuities, as well as automatic service charge postings to bar-bills, thus simplifying the sometimes confusing cruise tipping system.
The famed land-based Greenhouse Spa, already existing on Vista-class ships, will be added to the other ships in the fleet. Guests can choose from a variety of Signature Treatments designed especially for Holland America Line. To accommodate the Greenhouse Spa features, spa and fitness facilities will be expanded, adding several treatment rooms, a thermal suite and a hydro-pool.
Exciting and Unique Activities
In order to provide guests with new and unique enrichment experiences, Holland America Line will introduce a number of enhancements including the aforementioned Culinary Arts Theater, Exploration and Enrichment programs and an upgraded HAL Kids Center.
A new Sidewalk Café/Exploration Center will be the hub of the enrichment programs and will provide a multi-dimensional venue focused on destination, relaxation and entertainment choices. In addition, Holland America Line will expand its lecture series with more diverse offerings.
A more comprehensive Kids Center and Youth Program will offer age-specific activities designed to provide kids with entertaining choices and parents with peace of mind knowing their children are enjoying supervised fun.
Unmatched Destinations
Holland America Line will stay true to its tradition of exploration by offering the best itineraries in the industry. The company will enhance its robust shore excursion program to include more “Medallion Shore Excursions.” These one-of-a-kind, exclusive experiences are available in many ports and range from private tours of estates in the Caribbean to big game photo tours in Africa to private helicopter tours over Hong Kong.
Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay, the highest-rated private island in the Caribbean, will feature new options such as horseback riding, a stingray lagoon experience, a new Kids Aqua Park and a Wave Runner Park.
This unprecedented initiative will significantly raise the bar in premium cruising and ensure that the Holland America Line experience is unmatched. We are committed to ensuring that "Signature of Excellence" becomes a hallmark of the Holland America Line tradition.
Thank you for your continued support of Holland America Line. We look forward to having you sail with us again soon, to experience first-hand our new "Signature of Excellence" initiatives. |
Aaron
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