Pacific to Atlantic Adventure

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 9

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Nieuw Amsterdam

21 Night Panama Canal Eastbound (Vancouver To Ft. Lauderdale)

Sail date: September 30, 2017

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8157

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

If you have always wanted to transit the Panama Canal, HAL offers an enjoyable trip with plenty of excitement and, in our opinion, great service.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Really enjoyed the Anerica's Test Kitchen demos.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Service on HAL is always just great. Passengers who treat staff badly should not complain if their experience lacks enthusiasm. Many of these folk work long hours for months away from home. Their pay goes not only to their families but often to their whole town. Remember; they are not on the cruise to relax. We have always been well-treated by all staff.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Ship tip

Stop and enjoy the decor of your ship. HAL vessels are themed and the decoration reflects this. Ther is a variety of art work and media. Read the plaques of pieces you enjoy.

Ports of call

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5

Astoria, Oregon

4 out of 5
The folk here are new to cruises. This port has only been in service for a few years, relative to some others. You will find a warm, friendly welcom from the citizens and local businesses. The tram that leaves close to the pier allows hop-on, hop-off service all the way to town (US $1.00 when we were there)

San Francisco, California

4 out of 5

Catalina Island, California

4 out of 5
Spend a quiet afternoon on the island. Take the glass bottomed boat trip and enjoy the ocean views.

San Diego, California

4 out of 5

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

4 out of 5

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5

Huatulco, Mexico

4 out of 5
This is a relatively new port. The minimal docking assistance will help you appreciate the expertise of your navigation crew. Inhabitants are friendly and helpful.

Puerto Chiapas (Tapachula), Mexico

4 out of 5

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

4 out of 5
Try to take in one of the tours to local farms and plantations. There is a coffee plantation tour that is guided by the owners that we really enjoyed.

Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua

3 out of 5

Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

4 out of 5

Enter Panama Canal At Balboa

5 out of 5
This was the highlight of the trip. Arriving at Balboa you see ships holding station until their time comes to enter the lock system. The locomotives towing your ship are a true feat of engineering as you are moved along the canal with only inches to spare on either side.

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

Exit Panama Canal At Cristobal

5 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5
A quaint little town with a colorful main street.

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

4 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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3 Comments

Gwbigdog    2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

spalover    6 years ago

Thanks for the review.

Shh813    6 years ago

Wow that was a busy busy cruise. Sounds fantastic, don't know if I would have the energy to do something almost everyday. But we went on Nieuw Amsterdam last March and loved it. Their staff is the most friendly be I've ever seen on a cruise ship. Especially the buffet staff and our room Steward always called us by name and always asked how our day went at port. The food was absolutely delicious. Great burgers and hotdogs bythe pool. Not a lot to do on the ship but we enjoyed it so much.