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In April 2025, Holland America Line’s Oosterdam emerged from two weeks in dry dock in the Bahamas with some major onboard enhancements. Following her dry dock, she is now crossing the Atlantic Ocean to reposition her for her Mediterranean season.
In this post, I’ll take your through all the recent updates. Some key things stand out: An Effy Lounge has been added and there have been upgrades to staterooms, the Rolling Stone Lounge, the Casino, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and the Crow’s Nest.
What’s a Mediterranean cruise like on Oosterdam?
Highlights of the drydock:
⭐ Technical and interior design upgrades to several public areas
⭐ A new Effy jewellery retail space
⭐ An expanded Casino
⭐ Various public areas received new furniture
⭐ Upgrades to the Crow’s Nest, Greenhouse Spa & Salon, Photo Gallery and Photo Studio
⭐ Upgrades to suite-exclusive Neptune Lounge
Interior Design and Technical Upgrades
During Oosterdam’s dry dock, more than 20,000 square meters (approximately 215,000 square feet) of new carpet was installed in all suites, verandah staterooms and numerous public areas, including the Atrium, Photo Gallery and Photo Studio, Rolling Stone Lounge, and Greenhouse Spa & Salon.
Select in-stateroom bathrooms received full renovations, and several balcony staterooms have new deck furniture, allowing guests to comfortably take in the ocean view.
The Rolling Stone Lounge was fully upgraded with an enhanced bar and new carpet, furnishings, LED lighting and flooring, offering a refreshed and vibrant atmosphere.
Lido Market received a substantial refresh, with new tiles and countertops. Both Lido Market and Canaletto now have new seating upholstery, providing a fresh and modern look to the venues.
Guests lounging at the Sea View aft pool can now relax in new luxury spa hot tubs surrounded by fresh teak decking. Both the Sea View and Lido pools received new resin coating, giving them a clean, inviting look.
Greenhouse Spa & Salon upgrades
Oosterdam’s Greenhouse Spa & Salon underwent extensive enhancements during dry dock to elevate the guest experience. The spa now features a new co-ed sauna and a new couple’s massage therapy room.
The Thermal Suite was rebuilt with a new Laconium thermal room, steam room and experiential rain shower.
The Relaxation Lounge was refreshed with a new beverage counter and updated lounge seating layout.
In the Salon, guests will see an expansion that includes new manicure stations and state-of-the-art pedicure chairs.
Work also was completed during the dry dock to make the spa and salon areas more accessible for guests with disabilities.
Guests looking to keep up with their workout routines while on vacation will find new gym equipment in the Fitness Centre, along with new flooring.
Crow’s Nest upgrades: Expanded area for creativity and fun
Oosterdam’s Crow’s Nest went through a transformation, becoming an elevated hub of imagination and fun;
There’s a refreshed Arts Studio where creativity can be unleashed at arts-and-crafts classes.
A dedicated Games Room area for connecting with family and friends over various board and tabletop games;
A cozy Puzzle Area for those who wish to spend their cruise working on intricate puzzles.
The space also features stylish new furniture for each area, a board game display case and updated signage to guide guests through the redesigned Crow’s Nest.
Neptune Lounge upgrades: A fresh new look
Suite guests with access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge will enjoy noteworthy updates, including new carpet, drapes and light fixtures, along with stylish dining and lounge furniture. The catering area has been renovated to offer a more streamlined look, and a new concierge desk enhances the welcoming experience.
The Casino: More space to game
Another significant project during Oosterdam’s dry dock was the Casino expansion. The former Gallery Bar is now part of the casino floor, featuring 34 new slot machines and a digital table game. This expansion offers more space for guests to move comfortably and enjoy more gaming options in an improved environment.
Photo Studio upgrades: Elevating the onboard experience
Oosterdam’s dry dock upgrades enhanced the Photo Studio and Photo Gallery with new carpet, signage and lighting for private photo sessions.
The refurbished Photo Gallery now includes display areas and a facial recognition digital photo system for guests to view their photos through their account.
Join me on a cruise on Oosterdam around the Mediterranean
New Effy Lounge and Retail Shop
A major project during Oosterdam’s dry dock was the installation of a new Effy Lounge and retail shop. Effy replaced a small movie theatre with a unique shopping experience that invites guests to leisurely browse through a dazzling display of jewellery.
The Effy Lounge and retail shop feature two distinct areas for guests to explore; Before entering the store, guests are welcomed into a comfortable lounge where they can meet with an Effy jewellery associate to begin their shopping journey. Here, they can enjoy a drink while searching for the perfect piece.
The shop itself mirrors the look and feel of Effy’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Modern touches provide a refined ambiance for guests to browse the various display cases filled with exquisitely crafted fine jewellery.
Oosterdam will spend the next seven months sailing around the Mediterranean, visiting iconic ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and more before crossing the Atlantic Ocean in November, returning to South America and Antarctica.
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