Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam Panama Canal Cruise Review – Day 5: November 12, 2026

Day 5 on Nieuw Amsterdam, and we woke up in Oranjestad, Aruba. After two sea days of eating my way around the ship, it was time to get off and walk some of it off. We were alongside at 8 a.m. with all aboard at 4:30 p.m., so it was an early morning, but we got pretty much a full day in port.

Here’s something worth pointing out. This isn’t an ABC islands cruise. Normally when you see Aruba on an itinerary, it’s paired up with Bonaire and Curaçao. This time it’s just a stop on our way to the Panama Canal, and honestly, I’m not going to complain. I was just here last week on Queen Elizabeth, and it’s still one of my favorite stops in the Caribbean.

The Only Cruise Ship in Town

We were the only cruise ship in port today, which is pretty unusual for Aruba. On a busy day, you’ll usually see two or three ships lined up along the pier, and downtown fills up fast. Not today. Between the regular tourist crowd and our one ship, Oranjestad was fairly quiet, which made for a not-so-busy but very enjoyable day.

Well, we were the only ship carrying regular cruise passengers, anyway. The Freewinds was also docked in Aruba today. If you’ve never heard of her, the Freewinds is owned by the Church of Scientology and is used for its religious retreats and upper-level courses. She started life back in 1968 as the Bohème for Commodore Cruise Line, so she’s got a few years on her, and she’s usually based out of Curaçao. You won’t be booking a cabin on this one through your travel agent, not that you’d want to!

It was extremely windy all day, and I mean the kind of windy where my hat wouldn’t stay on my head. The weather cooperated, though. Lots of sun, not a drop of rain, and that wind kept the heat in check.

My Usual Aruba Walking Tour

Whenever I’m in Oranjestad, I do the same thing: my walking tour. You don’t need a taxi, an excursion or a tour bus to see downtown. Everything is within walking distance of the cruise port, and I put the whole route together, stop by stop, in my Aruba Walking Tour from the Cruise Port: A DIY Guide. It’s got a map, the stops and a printable PDF you can take with you. If you’re doing the ABC islands, I also have walking tours for Curaçao and Bonaire.

And of course, I had to stop for the obligatory “I Love Aruba” sign selfie. It’s a requirement to get your tourist selfie.

One important update if you’re planning to follow the tour: the Willem III Tower at Fort Zoutman (the clock tower) is still under construction. You can see it, but you really can’t visit it right now. The rest of the stops are still very doable.

The free trolley was running today too, so if your feet give out, hop on. With the town this quiet, you probably won’t even be fighting for a seat.

Governor’s Beach and a Few Locals

After the walking tour, I spent some time over at Governor’s Beach. It’s the closest beach to the cruise port, and I’ll be upfront: it’s not a pretty beach. It’s not the postcard you see on the brochures. But it’s right there, it’s free and it gets the job done if you want your toes in the water without a taxi ride.

If you want the postcard, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a short taxi ride away. I’ve written about Aruba’s beaches plenty of times before, so I won’t beat that drum again here. The walking tour guide has the distances and taxi info.

While I was there, I ran into some folks fishing along the shore, so I stopped and chatted with them for a while and learned a little bit about life in Aruba from people who actually live it.

The pelicans were out having a union meeting.  Not sure what the discussions were about, but they seemed pretty happy!

From there, I headed over to the Renaissance resort for a little lunch, a few Amstel Bright’s and a cigar by the water before making my way back to the ship.

Fun Facts About Aruba

While I was sitting enjoying that cigar looking out at the beautiful water, I Googled, “fun facts about Aruba” and the results are below to save you from doing the same!

• Aruba is only about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, and it sits just 18 miles north of Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula.  Yes, Venezuela.
• It sits outside the hurricane belt, which is a big part of why it’s such a reliable stop that isn’t often impacted by hurricane re-routes.
• Since 1986, Aruba has had “status aparte,” which means it’s a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, a local language that mixes Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and African influences.
• Aruba’s drinking water comes from desalinated seawater, and the tap water is perfectly fine to drink, although I avoid all water and ice in any ports I’m visiting.  I made that mistake once and it made for a very horrible 24 hours.  Looking at you Curaçao.
• Those windblown divi-divi trees all point southwest because the trade winds blow from the northeast year-round. Locals joke that if you get lost, just follow the trees.
• Taxis don’t have meters, so always agree on the fare before you get in.

A Delayed Departure Thanks to the Airport

All aboard was 4:30 p.m. with a departure scheduled for 5 p.m. A little before 5, the captain came on and explained that because Aruba’s airport sits right in line with the channel, the ship has to check in with air traffic control before leaving. Air traffic control told them five incoming flights would get priority over us, so our departure would be delayed a bit.

We finally pulled away at about 5:20 p.m., so about 20 minutes late while those flights came in.

Smoked Cocktails and Double Dutch at the Ocean Bar

Back onboard, I headed to the Ocean Bar, and there’s some news on the drink front. The Ocean Bar has a smoked cocktail menu: a Honeydew Ginger Martini, a Kaleidoscope and a Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned, each $17 plus the 20% service charge.

But the real news is this. It took until Day 5, but the bartenders at the Ocean Bar came through and found me some Double Dutch tonic! It’s very much the equivalent of Fever-Tree, and it makes a world of difference in a gin and tonic. Thank you, Ocean Bar.

Gaby, the regional soloist I’ve mentioned the last couple of days, was playing her acoustic guitar sets at the Ocean Bar tonight, and I caught a couple of them.

Tonight’s Entertainment

Tonight was a casual evening. Over on the World Stage, Brent and Sarah were back with their all-new magic show at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the Rolling Stone Lounge had a game night, “Tone Deaf Ditty,” at 7:30 p.m. before the band took over with 70s Sounds, Oldies but Goodies and Let’s Dance. Over in Billboard Onboard, the piano player was doing classics, one-hit wonders and all requests.

I took in a little bit of the Rolling Stone band later in the evening. Like I said yesterday, this band knocks it out of the park every night.

Main Dining Room & Lido Market Dinner Menus

For those having dinner in the Dining Room or the Lido Market, here’s a look at tonight’s menus:

Nieuw Amsterdam - MDR Dinner Day 5

Updated Nov 2026

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Drinks8 items

Dutch 75

$11.00

De Lijn Gin, sparkling wine, fresh lemon juice

Bahama Mama

$12.00

Flor De Cana Rum, Malibu Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine

Harvey Wallbanger

$12.00

Skky Vodka, orange juice, Galliano with orange slice

El Presidente

$13.00

Planteray 3 Star, Vermouth blanc, dashes of orange curaçao and grenadine

PNW Penicillin

$17.00

Westland Flagship single malt, fresh lemon juice, ginger & honey syrup, float of Westland Peated Single Barrel Select

Featured Beer

$7.75

Bud Light

Featured White Wine

$12.00 / $48.00

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio (glass / bottle)

Featured Red Wine

$13.00 / $52.00

D'Aquino Chianti Classico Riserva (glass / bottle)

Appetizers8 items

Tortilla Soup with Mushrooms

Avocado, radish, ancho (vegetarian, gluten free, Port to Plate)

Bajan Shrimp Cakes

Spring onions, pineapple salsa

Mozzarella Salad with Ripe Tomatoes

Cucumbers, taggiasca olives (gluten free, vegetarian)

Seared Shrimp Salad

Papaya, frisée, spicy mango dressing

Classic Caesar Salad

Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

Arugula and Pumpkin Salad

Pine nuts, tomato, feta cheese (vegetarian, gluten free)

French Onion Soup

Gruyère cheese crouton

Chilled Apple and Carrot Soup

Cinnamon, syrup

Mains9 items

Mahi Mahi Diablo*

Cilantro rice, guajillo chilies, chipotle, tomato (gluten free, Port to Plate)

Orecchiette with Eggplant and Pork Ragoût

Tomato, garlic, Asiago cheese

Smoked Carne Asada

Rice, black beans, guacamole, warm flour tortillas (non-dairy)

Chicken Paillard

Coconut, coriander, new potatoes, mustard jus

New York Strip Loin, Steak Fries*

Garlic herb butter

Rustic Home-Made Lasagna

Chunky tomato sauce, basil

Breaded Pork Chop Milanese

Tomato concassé, mixed fresh vegetables

Salmon Provençal Bowl*

Saffron rice, ratatouille, dill crème fraîche

Fried Aged Provolone

Wild mushroom ragoût, asparagus, sun-dried tomato (vegetarian)

Featured5 items

5 oz Filet Mignon & Lobster*

$18.00

Grilled asparagus, baked potato, garlic butter

12 oz Pinnacle Grill Strip Loin Steak*

$20.00

Baked potato, creamed spinach

Fresh Stone Crab*

$49.00

Mustard dipping sauce, frisée, lime

Grilled Nigerian Jumbo Prawn

$25.00

Morimoto E'pice, seasonal vegetables (by Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto)

Broiled Lobster Tails

$25.00

Yuzu butter, roasted garlic mashed potatoes (by Global Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto)

Desserts9 items

Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Warm rum vanilla sauce

Coconut Custard Pie

Whipped cream, mango sauce

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Crushed honeycomb, cookie tuile

Double Chocolate Panna Cotta

Chocolate shavings (no sugar added, gluten free)

Artisan Cheese Selection

Provolone, pepper jack, Swiss, brie (vegetarian)

Cookie Dough Sundae

Vanilla ice cream, cookie crumbs, chocolate sauce

Ice Cream of the Day

Vanilla, Rocky Road, Strawberry (no sugar added)

Cappuccino

$3.75

Espresso

$2.75

All Holland America Restaurant MenusAll Holland America Bar Menus

Nieuw Amsterdam - Lido Dinner Day 5

Updated Nov 2026

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Wild Harvest4 items

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Southwest Avocado Salad

BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad

Citrus Tuna Salad*

Distant Lands Italian8 items

Casarecce with Beef Short Rib Bolognese

Cheesy Broccoli Rotini

Meat Lasagna

Create Your Own Pasta

Linguini or penne with marinara (vegetarian), bolognese, alfredo (vegetarian) or basil pesto (vegetarian)

Rustic Ciabatta Wheel

Mixed Herb and Pecorino Focaccia

Garlic Scrolls

Italian Fruit Salad

Chopped fruits, citrus sugar syrup, mint

Bread Board6 items

Smoked Bacon and Mozzarella Focaccia

Cheese, Antipasto and Cold Cuts

Salami, roast beef, bresaola, antipasto, Gruyère, cheddar, blue cheese

Selection of Fruits

Heart of Palm, Mango, Avocado Salad

Caribbean Roasted Pork Sandwich

Cumin, allspice, mayonnaise, chipotle mayo, lime zest, ciabatta roll, lettuce, tomatoes

Caribbean Accompaniments

Six kinds of hot sauce, salsas, jalapeno, cornbread, fried plantains

Homestead14 items

Tortilla Soup with Mushrooms

Smoked Carne Asada

Mahi Mahi Diablo*

Salmon Provençal*

Fried Aged Provolone

Vegetarian

Breaded Pork Chop Milanese

New York Strip Loin (6 oz)*

Whole Roasted Chicken

Mashed Potato

Roasted Potatoes

French Fries

Vegetarian

Vichy Carrots

Vegetarian

Sauteed Broccoli

Vegetarian

Selection of Fruits

Distant Lands Asia8 items

Chicken Teriyaki

Steamed Rice

Vegetarian

Dal Fry

Vegetarian

Rajma Masala

Vegetarian

Chicken Do Pyaza

Vegetable Pulao

Vegetarian

Indian Bread and Condiments

Paratha, papadum, raita, kachumber

Almond & Lychee Jelly

Sweet Spot6 items

Wild Berry Crisp

Coconut Custard Pie

Double Chocolate Panna Cotta

No sugar added

Chocolate Caramel Tart

Ice Cream

Vanilla, chocolate with chocolate, mango, berry or butterscotch sauce and assorted cookies

Crepes Made to Order

Rum butter caramel sauce with choice of fresh fruit toppings

All Holland America Restaurant MenusAll Holland America Bar Menus

Dinner in the Main Dining Room

Tonight I had dinner in the main dining room, with a martini to start, of course.

For my appetizer, I had the Bajan shrimp cakes with spring onions and pineapple salsa.  Nice an crispy and very good.  They were a bit on the small size, and could definitely have eaten a few more.

For my main course, I went with the Mahi Mahi Diablo, tonight’s Port to Plate dish, served over cilantro rice with guajillo chilies, chipotle and tomato. I am absolutely NOT a fish person.  For as silly as it sounds, if it tastes like fish, I can’t eat it.  I know that Mahi Mahi is a very mild fish, but to take it a step further, I asked for it to be cooked a little well done.  Yes, I know this isn’t how you eat Mahi, but it turned out to be very good and the seasoning gave it a bit of that Diablo “kick.”  I’ll definitely have this one again.

And for dessert, I skipped the sweets and went with the cheese plate: provolone, pepper jack, Swiss and brie.

The food in the main dining room tonight was, as expected, very good.  Service, however, felt like I went through the Chick-fil-A Drive thru.  I literally walked into the dining room at 8:20 p.m. and was out at 8:50 p.m.  A whopping 30-minutes from appetizer to dessert.  I complain about MDR service times all the time and I’m complaining about it once again.  If I wanted a 30-minute meal, I would have gone to the Lido Market.  There’s really no reason, unless someone specifically asks for fast service, that dinner should be a hit and run like this.

I get it.  The goal is to turn those MDR tables in anytime dining over quickly.  But this was a bit insane.

Tomorrow is a sea day as we make our way to our next port of call, Cartagena, Colombia, where we’ll arrive on Saturday. Cartagena is a short day with a 1:30 p.m. all aboard, so I’ll have to plan accordingly. Before that, I’ve got the Champagne and sparkling wine tasting on tomorrow’s schedule, and you know I’ll report back on that. More tomorrow, and as always, thanks for following along.

Nieuw Amsterdam Day 5 Daily Planner

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