Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise Review
The Nieuw Amsterdam is a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Holland America Line fleet. Launched in 2010, the ship has a length of 936 feet and a maximum passenger capacity of 2,106 guests. The Nieuw Amsterdam features a modern and elegant design, with a range of staterooms and suites to suit different needs and preferences.
The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems, as well as advanced energy-saving technologies to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly operation. The Nieuw Amsterdam is also designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience, with a range of dining options, entertainment, and activities available onboard.
The staterooms on the Nieuw Amsterdam are spacious and well-appointed, with modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, DVD players, and high-speed internet access. The ship also features a range of dining options, including a main dining room, specialty restaurants, and casual eateries, offering guests a range of culinary experiences.
In addition to dining and accommodation options, the Nieuw Amsterdam also features a range of onboard amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, swimming pools, and a theater. The ship also has a range of public spaces, including lounges, bars, and libraries, as well as dedicated areas for children and teenagers.
Date: December 12 – 19, 2010
Itinerary:
Fort Lauderdale, FL (Port Everglades): Port Everglades is a major cruise port located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, with millions of passengers embarking and disembarking from ships each year. The port is conveniently located near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making it easy for travelers to reach.
Port Everglades offers a range of amenities and services for cruise passengers, including parking facilities, baggage storage, and a variety of dining and shopping options. The port is also equipped with modern terminal buildings that are designed to provide a comfortable and convenient embarkation and disembarkation experience.
The port is located near some of the most popular tourist attractions in South Florida, including the beaches of Fort Lauderdale, the Everglades National Park, and the city of Miami. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous eco-tour, or a cultural experience, Port Everglades provides the perfect starting point for exploring the region.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Bahamas that is owned and operated by Holland America Line. The island is located in the southern Bahamas and is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. It is a popular destination for cruise passengers, who visit the island as part of their Caribbean or Bahamian itinerary.
Half Moon Cay is a nature lover’s paradise, with miles of white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and an array of wildlife, including iguanas, wild horses, and a variety of bird species. The island is also a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination, with an array of colorful coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life.
The island is equipped with a range of amenities and facilities, including restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also a number of activities available, including horseback riding, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as a range of water sports and beach activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventure-filled excursion, Half Moon Cay has something to offer for everyone.
Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos): Grand Turk is a small island located in the Turks and Caicos, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. It is a popular destination for cruise passengers, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those cruising the Caribbean.
One of the main attractions on Grand Turk is its stunning beaches, which are some of the best in the Caribbean. The island’s beaches are dotted with palm trees and are lined with soft, white sand, making them the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The waters around Grand Turk are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, with an array of marine life and coral reefs to explore.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Grand Turk is also home to a number of historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Grand Turk Lighthouse, the Guinep House Museum, and the historic capital of Cockburn Town. The island is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of shops and souvenir stalls, offering visitors the chance to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Georgetown (Cayman Islands): Georgetown is the capital city of the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the Caribbean. It is a popular destination for cruise passengers, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those cruising the Caribbean.
One of the main attractions in Georgetown is its stunning beaches, which are some of the best in the Caribbean. The city’s beaches are dotted with palm trees and are lined with soft, white sand, making them the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The waters around Georgetown are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, with an array of marine life and coral reefs to explore.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Georgetown is also home to a number of historic sites and cultural attractions, including the National Museum, the Cayman Islands National Gallery, and the Mission House Museum. The city is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of shops and souvenir stalls, offering visitors the chance to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Costa Maya (Mexico): Costa Maya is a port located on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and is a popular destination for cruise passengers. The port offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, including stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and rich cultural experiences.
One of the main attractions in Costa Maya is its stunning beaches, which are some of the best in Mexico. The beaches are dotted with palm trees and are lined with soft, white sand, making them the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The waters around Costa Maya are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, with an array of marine life and coral reefs to explore.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Costa Maya is also home to a number of historic sites and cultural attractions, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and Kohunlich. Visitors can also experience the local culture and cuisine by visiting one of the many traditional villages in the area, or by shopping at the local markets and souvenir stalls.
Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam Accomodations
For this cruise, I was in stateroom 7056 a Neptune Suite on deck 7. The Neptune Suites on the Nieuw Amsterdam are among the most luxurious and spacious accommodations on the ship. Designed for guests who desire the ultimate in comfort and style, the Neptune Suites offer a range of amenities and services that are sure to make your cruise experience unforgettable.
Each Neptune Suite features a spacious living area, a separate bedroom, and a large, private balcony, offering guests the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The suites are decorated in a modern and elegant style, with rich fabrics, elegant furnishings, and state-of-the-art amenities, including high-definition flat-screen televisions, DVD players, and Bose sound systems.
In addition, guests staying in the Neptune Suites also have access to a range of exclusive benefits and services. These include priority boarding, a private lounge for breakfast, light refreshments, and pre-dinner cocktails, as well as a dedicated concierge service to attend to your every need.
Personal Day-By-Day Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review:
Photo Tour of the Nieuw Amsterdam:
Capturing memories through photos is a crucial part of any vacation, and this cruise was no exception. I took a multitude of photos of various aspects of the ship, including its interior design, pool areas, and my own stateroom. Photos can be found in the Nieuw Amsterdam Photo Tour as well as in the day-by-day review of the cruise at the links above.
Videos Related to Nieuw Amsterdam:
An Evening at Le Cirque: At one time, Holland America Line offered a premium dining experience called, An Evening at Le Cirque, which featured ambiance and menus from the famed New York City landmark restaurant, Le Cirque. Unfortunately, this is no longer offered, but you can view the menu, food, and a video of An Evening at Le Cirque.
A Windy Day at Sea on the Nieuw Amsterdam: During this cruise we had a windy day at sea where, according to the captain, wind speeds hit a Force 7 on the Beaufort Scale. Find out just how windy that is and watch a video by clicking here.