Zuiderdam launches HAL?s smokeless era

The lead ship in Holland America Line?s (HAL) new five-cruiseship ?Vista class? Panamax series, the Zuiderdam, sailed on its maiden voyage, a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 14.

Although broadly based on the earlier Rotterdam/Amsterdam series, the Vista design differs in many respects. It has been stretched by about 52m making the overall length just under 290m, resulting in an increase in gross tonnage from 62,000g to 86,799g and in passenger capacity from 1,440 to 1,848 (lower berths). All five sister ships will feature additional dining and entertainment areas as well as more extensive children?s facilities in order to accommodate the 400 plus extra passengers that the Vista-class ships will carry when operating with a 100% ocupancy.

Outside features

The tall narrow superstructure has enabled the number of outside cabins to be optimised resulting in about 85% of the staterooms having an ocean view, with about 80% of those offering private verandas. The new ships will also be the first in the HAL fleet to offer data ports for email and Internet access in every stateroom.

A novel design feature is the exterior glass elevators, two located on each side of the vessel, vertically linking the 10 decks while providing passengers with panoramic sea views. The ship?s interior design team led by Frans Dingemans has managed to create a yacht-like atmosphere with a lot of small and intimate corners where passengers can find their own space.

The Zuiderdam is now the largest ship in the HAL fleet and the company is not planning on a further increment in size for the foreseeable future. HAL believes the quality of service and cruise experience offered by a post-Panamax size cruise ship is not suitable for its customers.

Technical prototype

Technically, Zuiderdam, as the prototype Vista ship, represents an important development being built in accordance with the latest rules, with state-of-the-art technology in respect of black and grey water treatment and Azipod propulsion. This newbuilding, together with Princess Cruises? recently delivered Coral Princess (see elsewhere in this issue), will be the first ship to feature combined diesel electric and gas turbine propulsion (CODAG). The power plant consists of five medium speed diesel generators backed up by a gas turbine as an additional power source. Three of the diesels have 16 cylinders and a rated output of 11,520kW at 514 rev/min. The two other diesels have 12 cylinders and are rated at 8,640kW each.

The gas turbine is rated at 14,000kW plus 10% power margin and will be particularly important when the ship is cruising in environmentally sensitive areas such as Alaska where low emissions are a legal requirement. The gas turbine will provide the power for the hotel services thereby enabling the diesel engines to be shut down when in port. The arrangement requires a separate fuel system for the gas turbine.

As expected in a ship of this calibre, there is a high level of automation which includes automatic/ remote control of propulsion machinery from bridge and engine control room, remote control of electric generating plant and auxiliary equipment and monitoring/ alarm system for tanks, A/C plant and pumps.

The stability and the deadweight are in excess of the requirement with a good margin that allows for further developments if required. Vibration levels were also found to be outstanding so much so that HAL claims you can?t feel the ship vibrating even when sailing at top speed.

Two 17.6MW azimuthing podded propulsors propelled the ship to a service speed of 22.5 knots during sea trials at 90% MCR. Not only will these pods allow for greater manoeuvrability and enhanced operating efficiencies, they have also made easier the building of the ship. Azimuthing pods can be installed in the building dock thereby shortening the overall construction time by up to eight weeks. Unlike conventional propeller arrangement where the stern section is more complex to build, the podded vessel has a flat transom while there is no need for the lengthy and precise task of aligning the crankshaft and intermediate shafting associated with conventional propeller systems which can only be done once the ship has been launched.

Follow-on builds

Having completed the construction of Zuiderdam, Fincantieri?s Marghera yard in Venice is currently building the second ship in the series, Oosterdam, which is scheduled to enter service in June 2003. The third, Westerdam, is slated for April 2004 while the last two units, currently unnamed, are scheduled for delivery to HAL in October 2005 and May 2006. A near sister ship will also be built for the associated company of Cunard Line and is due to enter service in January 2005. This ship will have six diesel power generators, however in a more commonplace diesel electric power system.

Onboard style

In addition to displaying extensive multi-million-dollar art collections, the vessels feature numerous dining options, from elegant full-service meals to casual Lido Restaurant service. The ships also will continue other trademark features of Holland America ships, including the Explorers Lounge, Ocean Bar, an exterior covered promenade deck encircling the entire ship, a large Lido pool with a retractable dome, and Holland America?s signature “Crow?s Nest” observation lounge.

The ship also will offer a new “cabaret-style” show lounge complementing a new three-deck main show lounge. Other new features include a sophisticated nightclub, the casual “round-the-clock” Windstar café, an Internet café, the largest spa facilities in the fleet, an extensive Club HAL children?s facility with inside and outside play areas, a concierge lounge for the exclusive use of Penthouse and Deluxe Verandah Suite guests and two interior promenade decks.

As a beautifully crafted ship, there is no doubt that the latest addition to HAL?s fleet will enhance the line?s market place as a leader in the premium cruising sector and both owner and builder have good reason to be pleased with the resulting quality product.