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A New York Night Aboard The New NOORDAM
Published April 23, 2006
Possibly not worth all the commotion, the best photo I could take of the ship following her maiden New York arrival. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
Monday, 20 February 2006, was a sparkling winter day in New York City. Brilliant afternoon sunlight reflected off the glass facades of midtown Manhattan's new skyscrapers under a canvas of clear blue sky that stretched west, beyond the murky jade waters of the Hudson to the bluffs of New Jersey. We had just arrived at Pier 42 in the historic New York Passenger Terminal to spend the evening on board Holland America's latest and final Vista class ship, the NOORDAM (IV).
The NOORDAM's builder's plate. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The NOORDAM (hull number 6079) was delivered by the Marghera (near Venice, Italy) yard of Fincantieri on 31 January and had proceeded to Boston for three days of introductory events before arriving in New York that morning. Although she is considered average-sized by today's standards at 935 by 105.8 feet and 81,769 gt , she towered imposingly over the terminal on her starboard side. Holland America's ships have a very purposeful appearance with their dark glass paneled upper works and midnight blue hulls. The Vista series have relatively long, sculpted bows and nicely terraced forward decks. From the proper angles, the twin lattice-topped funnels can give the appearance of being one very large, powerful unit.
The NOORDAM varies slightly from her three earlier sisters (ZUIDERDAM, OOSTERDAM, and WESTERDAM), with a superstructure that extends further aft (akin to the Carnival and Costa versions of Carnival's common platform SPIRIT class ships from which the Vista series evolved), compromising the gentle terracing of the stern, but adding 35 revenue-generating cabins and more space for the aft pool area.
Blue lines and red tape greet the ship photographer at the NYPST. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
My traveling companion, Rob Di Stefano, waited for me in the relative sanctuary of the embarkation lobby as I ventured out to take photos from the street level promenade. It was a deceptively cold day, with the high temperatures hovering in the low 30s. Without the encumbering accessories of scarf, gloves, and cap, the icy air prompted me to work very quickly. Immediately, as I pulled out my camera, a security guard shouted from a nearby booth for me to identify myself. Showing my driver license, I told him that I was part of a media group attending the inaugural ceremonies on board the ship. He demanded to see my invitation, which was in the terminal with Rob. Finally, he waived me onward and allowed me to take a photo. When I retraced my steps toward the terminal, a flurry of angry voices greeted me, once again demanding to know what I was doing. As I hurriedly snapped another photo, one security guard ordered me out to the highway, clearly not where I was headed. Earnestly, he told me that I was endangering myself because a diver with a bomb could swim up to the ship and the resulting explosion would harm people on the promenade.
Later, it came as no surprise, despite the veneer of extra security, that after my cameras were sent through the Xray machine at the terminal, no one bothered to ask that I open up my lead film bag to see what was inside.
Facing port in cabin 6132. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.Ê
It was so nice to get away from all this and step aboard the warm NOORDAM, where we were greeted with the traditional line up of stewards and escorted to stateroom 6132, situated on aft port deck 6. This deluxe verandah outside room features a large verandah with rattan deck chair and table, a small sitting area with sofa and counter, twin beds, adequate storage space, and bathroom with tub. The Signature of Excellence plush top "Mariner Dream Beds", terry cloth bath robes, bowl of fresh fruit, Elemis toiletries (including shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, and lotion), etc. were welcome extra touches. In addition, the delightful and much-anticipated inaugural gifts of Goedewagen ceramic NOORDAM commemorative plate and book were laid out on the bed covers.
Facing aft from the Vista Dining Room's upper level. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
As there was only an hour or so to explore and document the ship before the afternoon's scheduled activities, we did not linger. Taking the nearby elevator to aft Promenade deck, we began at the 1,114 seat Vista Dining Room. Here, the palette is in autumnal browns and gold. The smoky colored fiber optic floral glass fixtures in the ceiling resemble large truffles and add a focal point to a venue that would benefit from more sweeping open space such as the dining rooms on the previous S and R class ships. This latest Vista Dining Room has attractive, solid mahogany framed chairs with Art Nouveau-inspired lines. We descended the semi-spiral staircase aft of the former musicians' platform (now used to seat passengers) and into the lower aft portion, where the best sea views are offered through an angled full length wall of glass.
Moving forward on our self-guided tour, we both paused to admire a pair of carved wooden figures on either side of the dining room's entrance on Lower Promenade deck. I was pleased to note both were once featured on the 1984-built NOORDAM (currently sailing for Thomson Holidays as the THOMSON CELEBRATION).
The small smoking room aft of the Explorer's Lounge, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The Explorer's Lounge, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
Just forward on the starboard side, the gallery-like 63 seat Explorer's Lounge was much the same as that on the other Vista ships with its inboard oil on aluminum painting, separate cigar smoking room and smaller alcoves.
Delft ceramic figures from the prior NOORDAM return to the forward corner of the new NOORDAM's Explorer's Lounge. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.Ê
On the room's forward bulkhead were three delft ceramic 17th century figures which were also once displayed on the prior NOORDAM.
Kariatid-like figurines lend artistic support to the NOORDAM's Lower Promenade deck passageway. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
Continuing forward, past a circular alcove with Kariatid-like figures serving as pilasters, the art gallery had offerings that include Miro prints and original oils.
Facing forward in the NOORDAM's unique Pinnacle Bar. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
Slightly further forward and adjacent to the atrium, the space occupied by the Windstar Cafe on the previous three ships is now home to the 35 seat Pinnacle Bar. The spindly aluminum-framed blood red leather Roger and Lebigre chairs are larger, deep seated versions of those in the Pinnacle Grill, which occupies the port side of the atrium terrace.
The Pinnacle Grill, facing forward in the aft section. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The 148 seat Grill is divided into three distinct sections with a portion looking into the atrium separated from an outer gallery spanning the full length windows on the port side and an intimate aft section by a gold floral-patterned screen (whose motif is replicated in the upholstery on the back of the room's blue chairs). The sand dollar-like fiber optic light fixtures of the prior Pinnacle Grills have been replaced with metal chandeliers.
The Atrium's gyroscope from Lower Promenade deck. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2006.
The NOORDAM's Waterford crystal atrium centerpiece is an evolving gyroscope with lighting that gradually changes color. The atrium, itself, spans three decks and is traversed by a spiral glass stairtower whose steps are lit from beneath, beginning at the Main deck level adjacent to the purser's and shore excursion offices.
Click to continue to NOORDAM tour - Part Two
