Not the best cruise I’ve ever taken

Item: Nieuw Amsterdam
Rating: 4.6
Author: susanbie

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

susanbie

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 24

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 11, 2021

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 1073

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This cruise was enjoyable, for the most part, and service was excellent. However, if you are at all leery of taking a cruise because of Covid, DO NOT TAKE THIS ONE. Holland America talks a good game concerning Covid precautions, particularly when it comes to mask wearing. In fact, “masks required” signs are everywhere, but the rule was never enforced, and passengers knew it, despite complaints from a number of passengers (according to guest services).

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was quick and efficient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Food was good, especially in the specialty restaurants. However, portions were enormous in the specialty restaurants. We took our leftover food back to the cabin and had enough for a full meal the following day!

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

We’re not pool or casino people so we spent a lot of time playing trivia. We also attended the EXC talks, which were wonderfully informative, and the cooking shows.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Lincoln Center Stage performers were world-class. I wish I could say the same for the dance troupe, who seemed under-rehearsed and low-energy (especially the women). The comedians on board were very funny, and had very different shows.

Children's Programs

No kids.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Service was top-notch all over the ship. No complaints.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Ship was small enough to get around easily, and seemed very clean, even in the common areas. However, posted mask requirements in indoor areas were never enforced.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5