Nice Western Caribbean Cruise
Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: November 18, 2018
Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 6042
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
I have cruised on Holland 4 times now and it is by far my favorite cruiseline. The boats are a nice size with not too many people and you can really enjoy your time on the ship. This was my second time cruising on the Neiuw Amsterdam and enjoyed being back on the ship. The boat is more modern and the balcony rooms are great. Holland has great entertainment because they have a BB King Blues Club on every ship and the live band plays blues, R & B, and rock music. They kept us entertained the entire cruise. There is also good tv entertainment with a host of free movies and tv shows to keep you entertained in your state room. Room service is free for every restaurant but one and that is a nice perk. The locations we cruised too were nice. I had never been to Montego Bay and it was just average to me. Grand Cayman is my favorite. Cozumel would be second. I am not a big drinker and did not want to spend a fortune for the beverage package. Instead was able to purchase a beverage card for either $50 or $100 and this worked very well. You can use it for alcohol and non alcoholic beverages. It does have to be used completely by the end of the cruise or you lose your money. Holland's captain hosts a lunch for those of us in the Mariner's club, which is their rewards program. We had free champagne and also received a nice souvenir coaster. This is a nice touch to show their appreciation. Holland is a part of the Carnival family, but it is more upscale with a smaller chill vibe which is great for those looking for that type of experience. I have been on Carnival, Norwegian, and Holland. Holland is the best for me! All in all we had a good time and will be cruising with Holland in 2019.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The Dining Room
The food options were average. It was nice to be waited on and it is more fancier than eating at the buffet. The meals were in 3 course options. You have to make a reservation early to be able to get a table. They also take walk in's.
Lido Market
Buffet setting but food was pretty good. The lunch options were definitely better than the dinner option. Dinner should have more of a variety. There is also a late night option. The lemonade was horrible.
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
Nice modern ship
Ports of call
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)