A three-deck-high atrium is the centerpiece of this ship, with gleaming brass rails and soaring glass sculpture. In keeping with Holland America tradition, the Maasdam houses a $2 million collection of art and artifacts that honors early Dutch exploration. There’s Las Vegas-style entertainment in the two-deck Rembrandt Showroom, which is outfitted in Delft ceramic tiles, brocade fabrics and mahogany paneling. Tables are set with crisp linens, fine crystal and Rosenthal china in the two-level dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides and features an antique marble fountain from Argentina. The Lido Deck is a favorite spot for many passengers. Here, a bronze sculpture of frolicking dolphins overlooks a pool surrounded by deck chairs. Nearby, there’s a bar and a grill serving hamburgers and hot dogs, as well as the Lido Restaurant, which offers sumptuous buffets and an ice-cream bar. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters–a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. There’s a large complement of cabins and suites with verandas on this ship.

Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,848-passenger Oosterdam boasts innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities — with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms — pamper passengers in one of the cruise line’s most spacious spas. Elevators — two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views — give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel and two interior promenade decks. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library. When it comes to dining, the Oosterdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, a fine Italian restaurant, a casual eatery, a grill and a cafe that serves late-night snacks. Room service also is available at no additional cost. Activities on board include shopping in the duty-free shops, gaming in the casino, or playing on the sports deck. Entertainment is equally varied with nine different nightclubs and lounges, including the thrilling views from the Crow’s Nest. Club HAL provides younger passengers (ages 5-17) with supervised programs in the Kidzone and Waverunner rooms.