Published January 10, 2003. All images and text copyright Peter Knego (unless otherwise noted).

Page Four:
ZUIDERDAM Tour: Promenade Deck, continued.

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The Vista Lounge facing port from Promenade Deck level. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The upper portion of the 867 seat "bordello red" Vista Lounge begins the sweep of public rooms. An improved version of the Show Rooms on earlier HAL ships, the space, itself, occupies three deck heights and has excellent sightlines as well as circular seating booths on either side of the proscenium. Mr. Dingemans relayed that these booths were a throwback to the great European opera houses when the prime seats were for dignitaries to be seen, as opposed to having the best views of the stage.

Facing forward from the Vista Lounge balcony. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The actual production facilities are spectacular, with large orchestra pit, a lowering forward stage, and a myriad of sets, light, and sound equipment.

The forward Promenade Deck lobby, shown in a forward facing view, has a decidedly art deco feel. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

An entrance lobby follows aft of the Vista Lounge (with exits onto the promenade) leading to the expanded 24 hour Internet Center on the starboard side.

The Internet Center facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Decked out in "computer inspired" decor with metallic finishes, translucent fiber optic pillars and a contrasting baroque ceiling, this was another space in which Mr. Dingeman's playful theme drew comparisons to Farcus.

The Half Moon, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Hudson, facing starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Stuyvesant, facing port. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Meanwhile, the three meeting rooms occupy the port side beginning with the fore/aft configured 46-seat Half Moon, followed by the 24 seat athwartship Hudson and the 20 seat athwartship Stuyvesant. These rooms have all necessary a/v facilities and can be interjoined by sliding panels according to demand.

The Java Corner, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The nearby Java Corner which seats 28 in Frank Lloyd-Wright inspired chairs and sofas, provides sufficient caffeination on a round the clock basis. Also available at the Java Corner is a personal tailoring service, which is part of a new shipboard concession founded by former Celebrity Cruises executive Richard Sasso.

The Erasmus Library, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The handsome 24 seat Erasmus Library is next along the ship's starboard side, with its long inlaid marble topped table and comfortable modern Scandinavian seats. A three dimensional model of an old library enhanced with mirrors and baroque ceiling panels are two of the rooms more interesting focal points.

On the port side and continuing aft of the library on the starboard side are the expanded shopping areas with specialty stores featuring souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and even Waterford Crystal. Another lobby follows aft with exits onto the promenades before reaching the upper level of the three deck high Atrium.

The Atrium, facing aft/starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Atrium has a smaller footprint than those on the earlier HAL series, although it is not overwhelmed by large sculptures or fountains. The $400,000.00 revolving crystal sea horse centerpiece, affixed to a ringed gilt elliptical ceiling, is by Waterford. Smaller facsimiles of this same fixture are for sale in the ship's Waterford shop. A diagonal staircase spans the forward portion of the Atrium, which on Promenade Deck level is surrounded by the beautiful 144 seat Ocean Bar.

The starboard portion of the popular Ocean Bar, facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The Ocean Bar, port side, facing forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The starboard side of the Ocean Bar is a windowed gallery with long bar. Its pastel blue bulkheads, black and white lacquer bar and wave-shaped ceiling fixtures are stylish, sophisticated, and tasteful. The room literally "buzzed" with happy patrons throughout our three night odyssey and is one of the most appealing modern bars afloat. The port side features a piano, bandstand, brass dance floor (a bit reminiscent of the ROTTERDAM V's Ritz Carlton "swirling sands" dance floor), and more seating along the rim of the atrium.

The Photo Gallery facing aft. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

The aft port portion of Promenade Deck is occupied by the ship's upper galley. On the starboard side, the Photo Gallery leads aft to the Upper Vista Dining Room.

The Upper Vista Dining Room facing port/forward. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

Upper Vista Dining Room facing forward from starboard. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2002.

In a similar arrangement to that found on the STATENDAM sisters, the dual level 1,045 seat Vista Dining Room is located in a panoramic position within the ship's stern. However, perhaps due to need for more seating, this room lacks the scope and grandeur of the earlier ships as the open midsection is now filled by a circular stairtower and musicians balcony. Minuses are heavy black high backed chairs, the ever-present motley carpet patterning and glass banisters with their diamond-patterned imprints (which belong more in a modern coffee shop than in a sophisticated seagoing dining venue). That said, there are some elegant touches such as backlit onyx lighting fixtures and subtly arched ceiling recesses around the room's perimeter.

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