From The Deck Chair: Photos of the Week

Since last week was Antarctic Cruise Week here on From the Deck Chair, we’ve moved our Cruise Photos of the Week feature to Sunday.

But before we get to that, a quick notice: as part of our new joint venture with The Avid Cruiser, From the Deck Chair will be moving over to the Avid Cruiser servers, effective Tuesday, March 1.

Please change your bookmarks on March 1 to http://www.fromthedeckchair.com or http://www.avidcruiser.com/ftdc/ .

The Blogspot blog will continue to exist here, but all new articles will be posted on our new site. Articles will be syndicated here until March 7th. All of our previous posts, galleries, tours and features have been migrated over to the new site, and we hope you enjoy our new format and partnership!

On with the show…

Holland America's Statendam, shown at Canada Place

in April, 2005.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Pictured here is Holland America Line’s Statendam. Eagle-eyed observers may notice something a little different about this photograph: not only is she missing her Spa high above the navigation bridge, she also has several industrial-sized garbage bins on her decks.

Preparing for a lengthy drydock in Victoria, BC.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Taken in April 2005, these photos show her docked in the Port of Vancouver. She was being loaded with supplies and workers for the short trip over to Victoria, where she spent nearly a month in drydock for the first portion of her Signature of Excellence enhancements.

Something you're not likely to see on turnaround day.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

This multi-million dollar refurbishment saw the addition of a new Spa area, Wine bar, and the line’s signature Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant.

Post-drydock: Statendam's refurbished spa area

is shown in this 2007 photograph.

Later refurbishments would see the reconfiguration of the popular Crow’s Nest observation lounge, as well as continued enhancements to all public areas and staterooms. Last year, these Signature of Excellence upgrades continued, adding a new centralized bar concept, transforming the main lounge into the new “Showroom at Sea”, and heavily remodeling and upgrading passenger cabins and all public areas, including new carpeting and upholstery.