Nieuw Statendam Cruise Reviews

Like many Holland American ships, Nieuw Statendam is known for its onboard learning and upscale entertainment and dining experiences. From BLEND wine-blending workshops led by the ship’s sommelier,  to chamber music performances at Nieuw Statendam’s Lincoln Center Stage, passengers can immerse themselves in culture and education while at sea.

This luxurious Pinnacle-class vessel features Holland America’s beloved Music Walk, where passengers enjoy live music in genres ranging from classical to rock in venues such as B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Dance performances, comedy, and BBC Earth presentations are available in Nieuw Statendam’s World Stage, which boasts a wraparound LED screen for a true multimedia experience.

Nieuw Statendam's Club HAL offers supervised, age-suitable entertainment and engaging activities for children aged 17 and under, freeing parents to indulge in a massage at Greenhouse Spa and Salon, grab a cocktail in the Crow’s Nest observation lounge, or play the slots at the ship’s casino. Cruisers of all ages will appreciate the ship’s two pools and its sports courts, which accommodate basketball, soccer, and volleyball games.

Nieuw Statendam itineraries and departure ports

Nieuw Statendam itineraries offer themed cruises, originating in Amsterdam, which center around Viking and Norse legends, exploring the scenic Norwegian fjords. The vessel also sails out of Fort Lauderdale with cruises to the Caribbean, including stops in Key West, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk. During the early fall, the ship offers Mediterranean and Iberian cruises.

Before you book

This ship is best for: With its myriad of experience-based activities, Nieuw Statendam was designed for mature travelers with a penchant for learning and a desire to be entertained. The ship partners with premium brands to offer a variety of workshops, including cooking, technology, and wellness, that should appeal to cruisers looking to take home new knowledge and skills.

You should know: Cruisers who want to try a different restaurant every night should note that several of Nieuw Statendam’s specialty venues have an extra charge. While avid foodies may appreciate these exclusive options, passengers looking for variety at a lower cost  may want to look for a ship with more moderately priced specialty cuisine.

Activities on Nieuw Statendam

Many of Nieuw Statendam’s activities revolve around world-class entertainment. Music aficionados will find plenty to love on the ship’s Music Walk, which offers nonstop performances in a variety of genres, while cruisers who appreciate more formal stage productions should visit Nieuw Statendam’s innovative World Stage for comedy, dance, and presentations.

Partnering with prestigious brands that include America’s Test Kitchen, BBC Earth, Microsoft, and O, the Oprah Magazine, Nieuw Statendam brings passengers learning and enrichment experiences such as cooking classes, personal growth programs, digital workshops, and films that offer insights into the natural world. Cruisers can also engage in wine-blending activities, try their luck in the ship’s casino, or indulge in a treatment at the Greenhouse Spa and Salon.

Nieuw Statendam ship highlights

• Music Walk experience: Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard
• Greenhouse Spa and Salon
• America’s Test Kitchen workshop and shows
• BLEND wine-making experience
• BBC Earth Experiences: films and concerts exploring the natural world
• World Stage, featuring a wraparound LED screen
• Club HAL - age-appropriate activities for ages 3 through 17
• Two pools and five Jacuzzis
• Specialty restaurants, including Tamarind, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, and the Grand Dutch Cafe
• Rolling Stone Rock Room
• Microsoft computing workshops
• 17 lounges and bars including Crow’s Nest observation lounge
• Casino
• Fitness center and sports courts

Nieuw Statendam cabins

Featuring a stylish, contemporary design and plenty of storage space, Nieuw Statendam’s cabins are available in several classes, including budget-friendly interior staterooms, ocean-view rooms, veranda cabins, and suites. All staterooms offer luxurious massaging showerheads and plush Euro-top mattresses. Veranda cabins also include comfortable sitting areas and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead to private outdoor balconies where passengers can enjoy the ocean breezes.

Of Nieuw Statendam’s 1,339 cabins, 300 connect, providing direct room-to-room access for families or groups. The ship also offers 12 single-occupancy rooms for solo travelers.

Nieuw Statendam dining

Overseen by Holland America’s Culinary Council, Nieuw Statendam’s restaurants emphasize quality cuisine. The ship’s complimentary main restaurant has a menu that includes always-available items alongside daily specials that feature ingredients inspired by its ports of call, while Nieuw Statendam’s Lido Market is a fresh alternative to the traditional at-sea buffet, serving a variety of fare at marketplace-style stations. Other complimentary options include Dive In grill, which serves burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes for passengers craving casual food; the Grand Dutch Cafe, a nod to Holland America’s Dutch heritage, where cruisers can order their favorite caffeinated beverage; New York Deli and Pizza; and Explorations Cafe at the Crow’s Nest.

The ship also offers a multitude of specialty restaurants, including Canaletto for Italian cuisine, Tamarind for pan-Asian fare, and Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French seafood brasserie. Cruisers with a sweet tooth won’t want to miss G Gelato, which boasts a dozen delicious flavors daily.