Elegant public areas featuring more than $2million worth of classic and contemporary artwork set the scene on a sensational ship the oozes quality.

From the amazingly sophisticated main atrium you can browse classy boutiques, wander into a cosy lounge to read the newspaper or just listen to some calming music as you sip a coffee and people-watch.

There are two attractive pool areas, one with a huge retractable roof so whatever the weather, you can laze and recharge your batteries, take a dip in a whirlpool or have a gentle swim before stepping out to enjoy a cocktail or two from the nearby bar.

The luxurious Greenhouse Spa offers all the latest health therapies as well as a full hair and beauty service for when you want to look and feel your best, perhaps in preparation for a special celebration that evening.

Organised daytime activities range from friendly quizzes and competitions to art auctions, wine-tasting classes and the brilliant demonstrations of gourmet cooking staged in the Statendam’s exciting Culinary Arts Centre.

Passengers can also learn how to organise and present their holiday photos and videos then share them with family back home in a series of digital workshops provided by Microsoft-trained experts.

More energetic pursuits include basketball and short-tennis tournaments up on the sports deck or the opportunity to keep in trim while not missing a moment of your spectacular holiday scenery thanks to the modern, ocean view gym and fitness area.

Children will be kept entertained by qualified and friendly staff at a range of Club HAL activities held in dedicated kids’ areas, and teens have their own trendy hang-out lounge, The Loft, as well as the cool open-air Oasis deck.

By night the magical main Showroom at Sea offers high-calibre entertainment in the form of brilliantly talented singers, dancers, comedy and speciality acts in a dazzling setting inspired by Van Gogh’s famous The Starry Night and Irises artworks.

There’s a clean, contemporary feel to the design of Statendam’s glitzy ‘The Mix’ bar areas with 3 different lounges featuring beer and spirit selections, Champagnes or creative concoctions in the Martini Bar where you’ll be accompanied by timeless sing-along piano tunes each night.

There’s more live music and laughter in other bars and lounges with a vibe to suit every mood.

The Crow’s Nest, from where you might have enjoyed thrilling, panoramic ocean views by day, becomes a chic dance club at night with the resident DJ keeping the floor filled all night with the latest chart sounds and famous classics.

You can try your luck at the swish casino’s slot machines or gaming tables, or just chill out and chat in any of the other great bars and lounges on this delightful cruise ship.

Many passengers like the cruise tradition of dining at set-time sittings and you can do that in fine style in the plush 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.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be served efficiently by smiling waiters and enjoy five courses of the very finest international cuisine each night.

The popular and spacious Lido Restaurant offers a more casual eating experience with excellent cafeteria style buffets and made to order favourites during the day and a more informal table service for dinner.

You can also get grilled foods, pizza and pasta dishes day and night on the Statendam as well as other authentic Italian dishes in the separate Canaletto Restaurant area.

For a more intimate and exclusive alternative you may want to reserve a table on one or two evenings at the premium Pinnacle Grill and choose from the sublime selection of superior steak and seafood specialities in a romantic setting.

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

Statendam’s spacious cabins are elegantly furnished and offer 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.