MS Prinsendam, a Holland America ship which carries an intimate number of 800 while being feisty in the ports she visits, has “welcome” extended to you.  With almost half of the ship’s staterooms featuring private verandahs, you’ll find extreme satisfaction and comfort as you sun and relax in your very private retreat.  You could say, “I’ve found my happy place!” 

Penthouse Verandah Suites
Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with ocean-view whirlpool tub, shower, living room, sofa bed for one, dining area, private verandah, DVD player, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.  The suite measures approximately 724 Sq. ft. with verandah.

Deluxe Verandah Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower, two sinks, sitting area, 1 sofa bed, private verandah, DVD player, mini-bar, refrigerator, and floor-to-ceiling windows. This suite measures approximately 488 sq. ft. with verandah.

Superior Verandah Suites
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower or shower only, two sinks, sitting area, DVD player, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.  The superior suite measures approximately 362 sq. ft. with verandah.

Deluxe Verandah Outside
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bath with tub and shower, sitting area, private verandah, DVD player, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows.  This deluxe suite with verandah measures approximately 228-238 sq. ft.

Large Outside Double

2 lower beds convertible to  1 king-size bed, walk-in closet, bathtub & shower, refrigerator.  This pleasant suite measures approximately 181-191 sq. ft.

Another area of comfort on the Prinsendam is the Greenhouse Spa and Salon.  Here guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

• A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic sea water
• Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath
• Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms
• Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures - from Hawaiian  to Chinese
• The latest exotic skin, body, hair and nail treatments
• Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience   

Other amenities of MS Prinsendam include reservations only Pinnacle Grill, plus some other 500 dishes of the Pacific Northwest cuisine served in the various restaurants onboard, formal and informal dining nights, group activities, kid’s clubs, pools, whirlpools, casinos, dancing, cocktails, and candle light corners to cozy up in with your significant other. 

I call the Prinsendam feisty due to her ability to get in and out of world ports.  For the 2008 year, a scheduled Grand Africa Cruise is already in the making.  Holland America recently released in September 2007 a news release giving some details to this feisty cruise.  A 73 day Grand Africa voyage will invite guests to explore breathtaking scenery, exotic wildlife, and legendary safaris on the exotic continent of Africa. 

Enter Cape Town, South Africa and Mombassa, Kenya for a three day safari into the wild interior of Africa.  Other late night departures from unusual ports such as Puerto Rico, Durban, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; and Malaga, Spain and many more will allow for shopping and excursions! 

“Cruising to remarkable lands in sophisticated style, this imaginative itinerary weaves together 28 extraordinary ports in 18 countries covering more than 20,500 nautical miles along the way, and offers the only full circumnavigation cruise of the African continent in 2008. 

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale on March 11, 2008 the Prinsendam embarks on an Atlantic crossing, and then hugs the Ivory Coast and Gulf of Guinea before rounding the Cape of Good Hope to explore the treasures of the Indian Ocean.  The ship passes next through the legendary Suez Canal en route to North Africa, sailing the Mediterranean before disembarking guests in Lisbon, Portugal on May 23, 2008. 

Rates for the 73-day Grand Africa Voyage departing March 11, 2008 to the exotic ports of Africa start at $14,749 per person, double occupancy. This cruise also is offered in two segments: 33 days on the outbound from Fort Lauderdale to Cape Town disembarking April 13, or embarking in Cape Town that same day for the 40-day sail to Lisbon; with fares starting from $7,729.

To reserve space or for a brochure on the Grand Africa Voyage and more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-800-522-3399 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.Sound intimate and feisty enough for you?  Happy Cruising!

(News Release information and photos taken from Holland America and stock.xchange.com)