Delightful decor, featuring wonderful artwork dating back to the 17^th Century, lends a classical elegance to the Ryndam’s superb public areas.

You could spend a pleasant hour or more each day just meandering through the plush walkways, browsing boutiques or sitting in a quiet bar while you plan the rest of your day.

That might involve lounging by one of the two attractive pool areas, one of which has a retractable roof so you can relax and enjoy an occasional dip in the whirlpool or a drink from the poolside bar whatever the weather.

Or you may fancy some personal pampering with a beauty treatment or invigorating massage in the sumptuous surroundings of the Greenhouse Spa.

The Ryndam also features a programme of activities ranging from quizzes and fun competitions to art auctions, wine-tasting and the fabulous TV-style gourmet cookery demonstrations in the Food and Wine magazine inspired Culinary Arts Centre.

There’s also a series of free digital workshops so you can learn how best to collect and then share your holiday adventures with friends and family back home.

If you’re in the mood for some exercise, the Ryndam has a well-equipped modern gym with views out over the oceans as well as short-tennis and basketball courts for some gentle competition.

Activities for kids are organised by enthusiastic and qualified youth staff and there are dedicated areas like the Oasis fun deck and the Club HAL computer games suite where youngsters can have fun making friends of their own age.

Teenagers have their own trendy lounge, The Loft, where they can hang out with people of their own age.

Lounges and bars come alive at night with a variety of different entertainment styles ranging from the colourful and exciting music, dance and comedy productions in the glamorous main Vermeer show lounge to classical music recitals in the atmospheric Explorer’s Lounge.

Other venues like the popular Ocean Bar and the fantastic Crow’s Nest with its panoramic views out over starlit seas, offer live music and dancing night after night.

There’s a bright, contemporary ambience in the modern ‘Mix’ area which features three differently themed bars offering either ales and spirits, Champagne or a range of concoctions in the Martini Bar where you can sing along to your favourite guitar or piano tunes.

Ryndam’s classy casino has roulette, dice and card tables as well as big-prize slot machines for those who like to try their luck with a late night flutter.

And if you merely want to chill out and chat over a quiet drink or two, there’s plenty of scope for you to enjoy that in a stylish setting as well.

If you prefer to have your evening meals in the company of your fellow passengers at the cruising tradition of set-time sittings then you can head for the magnificent split-level Rotterdam restaurant. You could also opt for the more flexible ‘As You Wish’ arrangement and turn up to be seated any time between 5.30pm and 9pm.

Either way you’ll love the friendly and attentive service and the delicious international cuisine prepared daily by Holland America’s expert chefs.

If you’ve a special occasion to celebrate, or if you merely want to sample a more intimate and exclusive dining ambience during your holiday, then the superb Pinnacle Grill is the place to be. Here you can select from an exciting a la carte menu featuring prime cuts of Sterling Silver beef and mouth-watering seafood dishes.

It’s an altogether more casual affair at the bright and airy Lido Restaurant where you can get brilliant buffet items throughout the day as well as grilled food, pizzas and snacks. In the evening there’s a more laid-back table service for dinner and a separate Italian restaurant section, Canaletto.

*Selected restaurants on many ships require reservations and may carry an additional charge.

Ryndam’s cabins are very spacious and stylish with twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, private bathroom with shower, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs and DVD players, hairdryers, complimentary fresh fruit on request, daily ice service, shoeshine and nightly turndown offered as standard.

You can choose from inside, outside and balcony cabins or various categories of suite.