Oosterdam completes major refurbishment ahead of Med season featuring Egypt

Holland America Line’s 23-year-old ship Oosterdam has returned to service following a two-week dry dock in the Bahamas, debuting a series of upgrades across staterooms and public areas ahead of her Mediterranean season. 

The enhancements include refreshed venues, updated suites, new retail experiences, and expanded leisure offerings designed to elevate the onboard experience as the ship embarks on a series of Eastern Mediterranean voyages, including calls to Egypt.

The ship received widespread refurbishments across all public spaces. More than 20,000 square metres of new carpet have been installed across suites, verandah staterooms, and major public areas such as the Atrium, Photo Gallery, Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and Rolling Stone Lounge. 

Select staterooms received updated bathrooms, and new balcony furniture has been added to several cabins.

Public spaces such as the Rolling Stone Lounge and Lido Market have been updated with new furnishings, flooring, and lighting. The Lido and Sea View pools now feature a fresh resin coating, and guests can enjoy new spa-style hot tubs surrounded by teak decking at the aft pool area.

Significant enhancements were made to the wellness and leisure spaces. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon underwent extensive renovations, adding a co-ed sauna, new couple’s treatment room, and a rebuilt Thermal Suite featuring a laconium, steam room, and rain shower. 

The Relaxation Lounge has been redesigned with a new beverage counter and updated seating.

The Salon was expanded to include new manicure stations and upgraded pedicure chairs, while improved accessibility features were added across spa facilities. The Fitness Center now includes new flooring and exercise equipment.

Oosterdam’s Crow’s Nest has been reimagined as a hub for creativity and leisure, featuring a refreshed Arts Studio, a new Games Room, and a Puzzle Area. Guests can now enjoy crafting classes, tabletop games, and jigsaw puzzles in a newly furnished and reconfigured space.

Guests staying in suites will notice upgrades in the Neptune Lounge, including new carpet, light fixtures, and furnishings, along with a redesigned catering area and a new concierge desk. Meanwhile, the Casino has expanded into the former Gallery Bar, adding 34 slot machines and a digital table game to accommodate greater guest capacity and improve traffic flow.

The Photo Studio and Gallery have been refurbished with new signage, lighting, and a digital photo system that allows guests to browse images via facial recognition. A new Effy Lounge and retail shop replaces the ship’s former movie theatre, offering a luxury jewellery shopping experience in a space styled after the brand’s Fifth Avenue flagship.

With renovations complete, Oosterdam is now crossing the Atlantic to begin her summer schedule of Mediterranean sailings. The ship will visit key ports in Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, before repositioning to South America and Antarctica in late 2025.