The luxurious new ms Volendam is one of the newest members of Holland America's "next generation" of cruise ships. The Volendam reflects a graceful combination of classic and state-of-the-art features found on board both the ms Rotterdam flagship and the Statendam-class vessels.

Special features include an alternative restaurant, Internet center, a third staircase for convenient access to public rooms and a children's play room, as well as more of the popular mini-suites with verandahs. The Volendam's predominant theme is flowers--from the 17th to the 21st centuries--featured in the ship's artwork and interior design elements.

The basic layout of the public rooms of the new ship will be the same as that of the Rotterdam, including the alternative dining restaurant, a lounge featuring an additional dance floor, and a children's room on Sports Deck that also may be used as a meeting or reception room. The new ship also will feature three staircases for the convenience of passengers, as on board the Rotterdam.

The Volendam's alternative restaurant will take on the persona of an "artists' bistro," serving Italian fare, including pastas, pizzas, salads and more in a relaxed setting. Its beechwood walls will feature the drawings and etchings -- reproductions and originals -- of artists ranging from the old masters to perhaps a struggling new talent who may have traded artwork for a meal.

The Casino Bar, in addition to being the ship's sports bar, will feature cinematic memorabilia, including costumes, props, photos and posters of movies and the stars who made them.

The Volendam's main show lounge will feature colorful colonnades against satiny dark wood walls. The decor will hearken back to the Art Deco era, with a design inspired by the famous Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam, Netherlands.