A new era in the world of cruising has begun with the introduction by the Holland America Line of the Vista Class. These larger vessels have 40% more space yet only 25% more passengers on board, continuing a feeling of elbow room within the space ratio guidelines.
The first of these four ships is the spectacular ms Zuiderdam. It was dedicated at a ceremony at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, on December 14, 2002. The inaugural passenger sailing through the eastern Caribbean followed.
This ship is yet another example of the genius of Dutch architect Frans Dingeman of the firm of VFD Interiors, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Mr. Dingeman is responsible for the selection of artwork, sculpture, and antiques. He also chose the colors and style for the walls, floors, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures. Simply everything within reflects his magic touch. One senses a presence of interior architecture, a new standard for this new century. Eighteen hundred passengers are made comfortable within a hull that previously outfitted twenty-four hundred. Thus there is actually more space per passenger than the previous HAL Statendam class ships. Yet the public areas are designed with a built-in intimacy, whether you are in the lounges, theatre, meeting rooms, or shops.