It Always Seems to Cost More than the Estimate

Have you noticed that when you get an estimate from a contractor for renovations on your home, it always seems the final bill is more than you expected. Holland American is experiencing that exact same situation with their Signature of Excellence improvements they began 4 years ago and which are being completed this December.

The original estimate of costs for this enhancement program was $225 million. When Prinsendam leaves dry-dock Dec. 16 with remodeled staterooms and a new Explorations Café, the premium line will have committed more than $425 million fleetwide. Signature of Excellence features include enhanced accommodations, more destinations, enhanced dining experiences, a greater variety of activities, and higher levels of personalized service.

By December, the Holland America Line fleet will have logged more than 350 days in dry-dock receiving enhancements ranging from the simple -- such as adding new plush pillows -- to the structural -- adding 34 new staterooms to the aft superstructure of the early Vista-class ships. Workers will have put in more than 10 million hours on the ships. The premium line began major changes to its first three Vista-class ships last April when Westerdam added 34 staterooms, a Pinnacle Bar, new shops, and an Explorations Café in the Crow's Nest. Similar additions will be completed on Zuiderdam in May 2008 and on Oosterdam in May 2009. The fourth Vista ship, Noordam, was delivered with all Signature of Excellence enhancements in place.

At year's end, Prinsendam will complete a scheduled dry-dock to refurbish staterooms, expand the shopping promenade, replace carpeting and flooring, and add an Explorations Café and new meeting spaces. One notable element of Signature of Excellence is the Culinary Arts Center, which is a show kitchen where guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes. Across the fleet, standard stateroom amenities now include flat-panel television sets, make-up mirrors, stainless-steel ice bucket and tray, high-thread-count linens, large fluffy cotton towels, bathrobes and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds. Shipboard program changes include an expanded Exploration Speaker series, Medallion and Collection shore excursions, iPod art tours of ships, wine packages, early embarkation, flexible As You Wish dining, an expanded Pinnacle Grill menu, exclusive flatware and china in all restaurants, and an expansion of the Greenhouse Spa and Salon facilities and treatments.

On Half Moon Cay, the line's private Bahamian island, new shore activities were added, including a stingray adventure, horseback riding, a family-friendly aqua park, and a personal watercraft course. Holland America Line also created the Private Oasis, a private bungalow extending over the water, where guests can enjoy butler service, gourmet meals, full bar service, hot tub and massage services.

Wow, I'm glad my home projects aren't on this scale!