Holland America Line Introduces As You Wish Dining

Seattle, July 16, 2007 – Holland America Line launches As You Wish dining, an innovative program that allows guests to choose from the best of both worlds – either traditional pre-set seating and dining times, or a completely flexible dining schedule.

One level of the two-tiered restaurant will offer a flexible/open dining service from 5:15 to 9 p.m. daily, and the other will host two seatings, an early and main seating.

“Providing more options for our guests has been a hallmark of our Signature of Excellence initiative,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. “Since flexible dining options have become more desirable by many of our guests, we will roll As You Wish dining out across the fleet to provide the most flexibility, choice and service to our guests.

“We’ve operated As You Wish dining in a pre-launch phase aboard the ms Noordam and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Meadows added.

Prior to their cruise, during the booking phase, guests will choose flexible/open dining or Holland America Line’s traditional pre-set dining time (early or main). Guests with flexible seating may make reservations daily during a cruise up to 4 p.m. or simply walk up anytime during dining hours. Holland America Line manages reservations and guest preferences through a unique computer system ensuring the same efficient and high quality service for the flexible/open dining as with the traditional pre-set format.

In addition to fixed and flexible/open dining options in the main dining room, Holland America Line features the reservations-only Pinnacle Grill restaurant with Pacific Northwest steak and seafood specialties and casual Lido dining with waiter service and the option to select dishes from the main restaurant menu or regular Lido offerings. For guests who choose an evening “in,” 24-hour complimentary room service includes dishes from the main restaurant during dining hours and a selection of meals and snacks.

As You Wish dining will be introduced on the Holland America Line ships with the following sailings:

Date Ship
Operational Now msNoordam
10/11/07 ms Ryndam
11/13/07 ms Volendam
12/18/07 ms Statendam
1/5/08 ms Oosterdam
1/27/08 ms Rotterdam
2/3/08 ms Zaandam
2/24/08 ms Westerdam
3/15/08 ms Zuiderdam
4/6/08 ms Veendam
4/24/08 ms Maasdam
5/16/08 ms Amsterdam
5/23/08 ms Prinsendam
7/5/08 ms Eurodam (upon delivery)