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Nieuw Statendam design is 'artfully inspired'

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Nieuw Statendam showcases the work of more than 150 emerging artists
When Nieuw Statendam joins the Holland America Line fleet in December, the ship will showcase the evolution of design that was introduced with Koningsdam, the first Pinnacle-class ship. Nieuw Statendam’s musical design and 'artfully inspired' finishing blend the line's past, present and future and are showcased in a trio of videos on hollandamerica.com.

Tal Danai, founder and CEO of ArtLink, said the company spent a year traveling the world, looking for the best emerging artists. More than 150 of them have creations aboard Nieuw Statendam.

'I believe one piece of art can change a person,' gilder Sandra Spannan said.

Tihany and Storbraaten team up again

Nieuw Statendam's interiors—like those of Koningsdam—are the work of acclaimed hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and leading cruise ship architect Bjørn Storbraaten.

Tihany's work focuses on fluid curves and graceful lines, light-filled spaces and the natural flow of public areas. The three-deck-high central atrium holds an airy, stainless-steel sculpture that is meant to emulate the feeling of being surrounded by a musical instrument. Like music, the experience changes as viewers move around and through it, so no two perspectives are the same.

The atrium is capped by a skylight that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing, high-definition projections such as wispy cirrus clouds floating in an azure sky or soothing images of light on water. By evening, the atrium lighting takes on dramatic hues or reflects the constellations of the night sky.

The dining room has a modern, global design with strong, curved pillars that accentuate the soaring ceiling. Chic furnishings and modern glass lighting are being specially fabricated for the ship. The room's centerpiece is a curved copper sheath surrounding a two-story wine tower.

Reimagined Rudi's Sel De Mer

Rudi’s Sel De Mer, Holland America's intimate French brasserie, is reimagined on Nieuw Statendam with expanded seating for 54 diners. The restaurant retains its original curving shape and polished walnut wood, accordion-inspired column structure, while richly colored décor creates a sense of sophistication and elegance. The back wall is adorned with a collection of porcelain plates decorated with chef Rudi Sodamin’s Food Faces culinary pop art, produced by the famed French brand Bernardaud.

Storbraaten’s hand is clearly present in the design of the central pool area with its double-height magrodome creating a vast glass-enclosed space. The lower level will feature traditional poolside elements, while the mezzanine will provide seating, a giant screen for poolside movies and New York Deli and Pizza.

New outdoor dining area for Tamarind

In addition to other areas, Storbraaten is designing the exotic look of Tamarind, the line’s pan-Asian restaurant that emphasizes the basic elements of water, wood, fire and earth. On Nieuw Statendam, the Tamarind experience expands with the addition of a new outdoor dining area.