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When other cruise lines are launching new ships with state-of-the-art amenities and features, Holland America Line has revamped and unveiled the 38,000-ton Prinsendam, built in 1988 and about half the size of even Holland America's own newbuilds, and represents, to a "t" the company's commitment to maintaining tradition over all. Which is not to say that Holland America isn't innovative. The cruise line, which, beyond Cunard Line possesses the most storied history in the industry-- its first ship, the 1,684-ton Rotterdam, first set sail on a voyage between Holland and New York in 1873 -- has integrated contemporary cruising's most important new features. Such as? Internet cafes, boutique alternative restaurants, indoor-outdoor pools for year-round use, and concierge service for upper level accommodations. Childrens' facilities -- particularly on Maasdam, which the line is positioning as its family-oriented ship -- are being enhanced across-the-fleet. But Holland America also strictly maintains its odes to tradition with set-seating dining, elegant afternoon tea, ballroom dancing and on-ship tennis courts. Holland America has carved out a niche as the theme-cruise expert; there's everything from country-western to big band to bridge. It also has an extensive "University at Sea" program which offers a range of programs, from those focused on professional continuing education -- with course credits to those oriented toward life enhancement. Holland America is moderate price-wise, and is competitive with comparable lines like Royal Caribbean. One of the nice things about Holland America's onboard ambiance is that its arty, colorful ships, though all carrying an individual decorating theme, have a pleasant consistency. Daily activities, such as wine tastings, fitness workouts and art tours, are fairly identical, whatever the ship. Afternoon tea is an elegant highlight. The dining room, for dinner, anyway, operates on a set schedule -- there are two seatings and passengers are assigned to a table. Every voyage features a crew show, where crew members sing and dance -- always wonderful. On the other hand, Holland America is lavishing state-of-the-art extras on its newer ships, where highlights include a high verandah-to-outside stateroom percentage, cyber cafes (the line offers an all-you-can-surf deal, which varies based on itinerary and length), and Java coffee cafes. Odyssey is a marvelous alternative restaurant (on newer ships from Rotterdam onward). Cabins are generally quite roomy. Evening entertainment, consistent with the Holland America experience, is fairly understated with pre-dinner cocktails generally being the liveliest time. However, there are numerous entertainment options, from disco-style dancing in the Crow's Nest to flicks in the cinema to Vegas style revues in the main theater. Fitness options include a spa -- run by Steiner -- and generously sized fitness facility. There's a gorgeous indoor/outdoor pool, a just-smaller-than-regulation tennis court and volleyball area, and a wrap-around promenade deck that, in the early morning, is the most popular part of the ship for speed-walkers. Of all the mass market lines Holland America still attracts a 50-plus core passenger but the line has made concerted effort to appeal to families and younger cruisers, particularly during summer (Alaska and the Caribbean) and on weeklong, as opposed to two-week-plus voyages. Children's Programs: While Holland America will never rival Disney for breadth and depth of its programs, Maasdam, which sails the Caribbean year-round, is a good solid choice for families. That ship has dedicated children's areas with computers, a disco, and drink stations. Otherwise, few ships -- aside from new builds debuting after December 2002, have dedicated kids facilities though still offer 'Club Hal' programming -- particularly during summer and other school holiday periods. Highlights include, for instance, in Alaska a "Just for Kids" shore excursion which emphasizes more active endeavors. Regardless, "Club Hal," the line's kids program, is divided into three age groups (5 - 8), (9 - 12), (12+). The Mariner Society: A multi-tiered past passenger program that includes an onboard cocktail party, lapel pin recognition, Mariner newsletter (three times a year), small gift on each cruise, past passenger status on Holland America extends to frequent cruiser benefits offered by Carnival Corp. members, such as Carnival, Costa, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Windstar. If you're looking for deeper discounts on Holland America's most competitive itineraries -- Alaska and the Caribbean -- you won't do any better as a Mariner; the best discounts really apply to the less popular voyages. For more info: Holland America's Web site, by email to mariner_society@halw.com, or call 800-547-9139. Copyright 2004, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved