HAL Plans Retail Shops for Eurodam

Holland America Plans Retail Shops for Eurodam
Published on: August 9, 2007

Holland America Line’s first Signature-class ship, the Eurodam, will feature a collection of Signature Shops in a substantially expanded shopping promenade when the 2,104-passenger liner debuts in June 2008. The Signature Shops concept highlights four major additions: high-end Merabella, offering designer jewelry collections; Fine Jewelry, specializing in diamonds and exotic gemstones; Fine Watches, featuring brands from around the world; and Destination & Apparel, which will tailor its selection to the climate in which guests are cruising, plus classic nautical wear. “Holland America Line successfully introduced Merabella, the high-end jewelry store, on the Amsterdam and added it to the Vista-class Westerdam in May,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president-marketing, sales and guest programs. “The positive response from guests convinced us to include Merabella on our new Eurodam as well as introduce it to other ships in our fleet.”

Meadows said guest feedback also prompted the line to add approximately 1,000 square feet of boutique space. “We’re responding to a new trend in cruise guests’ shopping preferences — they definitely want expanded selection and upscale choices while cruising,” Meadows said. Eurodam is scheduled to debut in June 2008 with European inaugural events and then cruise the Baltic region through the summer. The ship will then offer its first transatlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries the remainder of 2008.