This was our first cruise, so I can't compare it to another cruise line or ship. We needed to relax, so the quiet was great. However, the boredom settled in quicker than we thought it would. I think Holland America is designed for a specific demographic and they do an amazing job catering to it.
I can't say we didn't love the cruise. We just didn't LOVE the cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was smooth, quick and very well organized! Super friendly.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Lido: Great variety and the service was good. Sometimes, the food was cool to lukewarm, other times it was hot. We ate here most nights because...
Dining Room: we had anytime dining, so we were seated with random people. The first time, it was great! We shared dinner with some awesome people. The second time we sat with two couples who were Canadian and when they found out we were Americans, did nothing but bash our President, lax gun control laws and expound on their superior socialist medical service. UGH. We never went back. Anytime dine at your own peril...
Canaletto Restaurant: Decent Italian cuisine. The service was excellent.
Pinnacle Grille: The food was great-not amazing. The service was okay.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
I had hoped the other "poor" reviews were wrong, but unfortunately, they were correct. There are no activities worth attending. Unless of course, you enjoy trivia or puzzles and want to learn about Windows10 during your vacation.
There were alcohol-based activities all day. If you drink-you'll love it!
Lido Pool
3 out of 5
Pool and Hot tubs were clean. The smoking section is right next to the bar, so when you walk out, you're bombarded with smoke.
Greenhouse Spa And Salon
4 out of 5
I got a pedicure and massage. Overpriced, but the service was lovely.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Entertainment tastes are objective, but here goes: The comedian was hilarious. But, the other shows didn't hold any appeal, so I can't review them.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The room steward, Baha and Rahun were simply magnificent! The wait staff was attentive and prompt. The spa practitioners were lovely and created the perfect spa experience.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Nieuw Amsterdam is very easy to navigate. It's kept in pristine condition.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Overall comfort: Amazing bed! The most comfortable bed and pillows, ever! Neutral colors and wood created a very soothing atmosphere.
Size: The stateroom was just right for 2 people. The verandah was larger than I thought it would be. It easily sat two chairs, footstools, and end table. Perfect place for a nap!
Cleanliness: Pristine. It was cleaned twice a day.
Ship tip
This is the perfect ship if you want to do nothing but relax and decompress. If you're the slightest bit active, don't drink or easily bored; choose a different ship.
I loved Grand Turk Island! Advice: don't buy an excursion on through the boat. There's PLENTY of private vendors at a fraction of the cost as soon as you get out of the port. Take a taxi to the beaches further away from port. They're less crowded and relaxing. DO wear water shoes and be aware of the reef. It was washed away during the hurricanes.
If I could give Bonaire 10 stars, I would. The port is clean and easily navigated. We did the 2-stop snorkeling excursion with Seacow. The crew and guides were fun and super informative.
It's a bit of a hike out to town, but not bad. We did the Submarine Excursion. It was really cool. Next time, we won't book any excursions through the cruiseline.
To chime in on your dining experience, we sailed about RCL's Navigator of the Seas in Dec 2016 and sorely regretted that. We're from a state that was overwhelmingly GOP in the election, and that was about the only thing people wanted to talk/argue about at dinner. It was so frustrating (and the Windjammer Buffet aboard the Navigator was nowhere near as nice as the Lido on HAL, so it was either specialty dining, or getting berated by angry Democrats).
A cruise is what you make it. I find Caribbean itineraries to be more laid back and the ports not very exciting or different. One port tends to look like another. So the itinerary may have also been a factor contributing to your boredom. 🍸
It is an older crowd with Holland even Princess. If you want fun ships Carnival, Royal, and NCL much diverse in age. However also the time of year to retirees go off seaon alot.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
