Holland America Invest $200,000,000

Holland America Line is to spend $200 million in upgrades, enhancements and new features on five of its ships.  The work will begin when Veendam enters an extended dock in spring 2009, and the last ship is slated for completion in late 2010.  Over the next two years, the ms Statendam, ms Ryndam, ms Maasdam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam will undergo extensive dry docks to create new venues, new staterooms, new decor and more.  Enhancements will include a new resort pool concept, on Lido deck called The Retreat, with a shallow area where guests may lounge in chairs with their toes in the water.  Each ship also will have an additional 44 to 46 staterooms, 32 with verandahs and the remaining will be inside staterooms.  "In an era where cruise lines are building ships to carry more than 5,000 passengers, Holland America Line remains focused on mid-sized vessels," said Richard Meadows, CTC, executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest services.