Built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, the flagship Ms Amsterdam sets the standard for five-star cruise ships.

Ms Amsterdam blends the very latest in shipbuilding technology with the artistry, personalized touches, and superior service that has made Holland America Line one of the highest-rated cruise lines in the world.

At the heart of the Ms Amsterdam is the Planeto Astrolabium, a specially commissioned signature sculpture suspended and soaring in a three-story atrium. The stunning Astrolabe tracks constellations, the planets, world time and ship time.

With the capacity to carry 1,380 guests, the Ms Amsterdam features 172 staterooms with verandahs. The Ms Amsterdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in spring 2005.

In early 2007 she circumnavigates the globe on her Grand World Voyage.

Signature features include:

The two-tier La Fontaine Dining Room features impeccable service and an extensive wine list, and offers five-course menus, from continental cuisine to vegetarian and low-carb options.

The intimate reservations-only Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience and features premium hand-selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines.

The Lido Restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties.

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is the setting for gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes.

Explorations Caf?, powered by The New York Times, features the largest library at sea, as well as comfortable music listening stations and Internet access.

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon features thermal suites, hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy pool, heated ceramic lounges and more.

The Queen's Show Lounge features Las Vegas-style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety acts.

The Crow's Nest, where sweeping views make observation lounge a top choice for relaxing during the day, and in the evening transforms into a hip, fashionable nightclub features top-notch DJs and live bands.

Dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 to 12.

The Loft and The Oasis, designed exclusively for teens to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age.

At the heart of the Holland America experience is a warm and unobtrusive style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach.

Expect excellence: sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, for the impeccable service that has long defined classic cruising.

Rhythm of relaxing and inspiring days onboard, with a wealth of activities and enrichment programs for pleasure. One day opt for a hot stone massage in luxurious Greenhouse Spa and Salon, another day elect to attend a cooking demonstration in the world class Culinary Arts Center, improve golf swing or spend time at one of the pools.

Discovery, both of new countries and new places, is the true spirit of world travel. World of education, activity, enrichment and inspiration onboard Holland America Line ships.

Public rooms, with rich, polished woods and soft leather furniture create an inviting ambiance.

Staterooms filled with all manner of sophisticated amenities beckon to retreat for hours. There is a certain kind of elegance that never goes out of style, inviting to relax into a world of comfort and easy elegance aboard the spacious ships of Holland America Line.

An African safari, the romance of Venice, the grandeur of Asian palaces, the drama of Machu Picchu and the great pyramids, the exquisite pleasures of a transoceanic crossing.

In 2008, it celebrates the 50th anniversary of first world cruise.