New Bars on 5 Holland America Ships

Holland America today made an announcement regarding their 5 older ships and a bar reconfiguration. While this will be a new concept to the Holland America fleet, it follows similar successful venues on other lines such as NCL. It will be interesting to see how this works, but I've enjoyed it on other lines.

Holland America Line will upgrade and reconfigure centrally located bars and lounges aboard five ships. The highlight is a large new space in the heart of the ship, called Mix, that incorporates three specialty theme bars -- Martinis, Champagne, and Spirits & Ales. These enhancements are part of a new $200 million Signature of Excellence upgrade to the Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. “A focus of this latest Signature of Excellence series of enhancements is our entertainment venues, where we’ve created the ultimate place to both socialize and be entertained,” said Richard Meadows, CTC, executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our guests are looking for an upscale, trendy spot where they can gather together and be part of this exciting new ambiance.”

Mix is designed as a destination lounge where guests can mingle throughout the day and night while being entertained by a pianist. Champagne offers 20 champagnes and sparkling wines by the glass or bottle. The centerpiece of the bar is an ice-filled countertop that chills champagne bottles. This venue will offer events such as late champagne breakfast, pre-lunch Mimosa and Bellini hour, champagne tea time and pre-dinner champagne hour with caviar canapés. Martinis serves up 25 Grey Goose martinis in individual shakers as well as a full range of cocktails. Guests can also enjoy a martini flight made up of several mini martinis.

The martini flight includes Holland America’s signature martini, the Yellow Tulip, a mixture of Grey Goose vodka, lychee juice, pineapple juice, guava juice, coconut cream and fresh lime juice. Other martinis included in the flight are the Peartini, Cosmopolitan, Sunshine Martini, Rum Sundae and High Tide Martini. A house specialty will be a signature Martini for Two with aged Cognac served with a dish of caviar and traditional garnishes. Spirits & Ales will feature an international selection of beers and premium whiskeys and brandies. The Ocean Bar will be enhanced to refresh its look. Guests can take ballroom dancing lessons from the line’s staff. The resident three-piece music combo will perform here.

Anyone else getting thirsty?