Fine Introduction to Cruising

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 14

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5
Verified Review
Nieuw Amsterdam

5 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 25, 2022

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10025

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Seems like a very suitable Starter Cruise. If you want to kick the tires to see if cruising is for you

Embarkation

4 out of 5
Getting onboard was relatively hassle-free. Luggage was delivered promptly. Departed on time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Food was superb and plentiful. Room Service was punctual and accommodating. Dinner dining was top-notch, including the appetizers. The buffet-style offerings midship were of high quality and broad variety. The staff was exceptional and professional.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
There were a couple of swimming pools that were popular, but that also meant crowded. If you liked to gamble, the casino had plenty from which to choose. There was a nightclub that played live music, and was a favorite of many. Limited onboard shopping. My wife took a painting class and enjoyed it, immensely.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Could have used a few more offerings, but the comedian put on a good show, and the string quartet was excellent. The in-room TV channels seldom worked, so catching up on overnight sports scores or news summaries while sipping coffee wasn't possible. Neither was unwinding while watching live programming from your bed. That proved to be more annoying than I had imagined. The On-Demand movie offerings were plentiful, contemporary, and of a wide variety.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Room stewards were superb. The wait staff professional and attentive. Other staff was friendly as you passed them in the hallway or on deck.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Very clean conditions. Layout was convenient.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Stateroom was relatively spacious. Room to walk around the bed to get to the balcony. Mattress was firm and comfortable. Our balcony view was exceptionally beautiful. Must have taken 40 pictures of sunrises and sunsets from our balcony. Bathroom layout was efficient and adequate. Interesting design. Plenty of hot water. The "Spa" designation for the room, as far as I can tell, simply means it is near the onboard Spa Services. If you aren't planning on paying for the spa treatments (pricey), there isn't much benefit to a "Spa" stateroom.

Ship tip

Don't limit yourself to just one entree'. If you order one entree' with sides, you can ask for a second entree' on the side. No problem.

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

4 out of 5
A bit industrial, but

Key West, Florida

4 out of 5
Very tourist-y. The On-and-Off Trolley was convenient, but remember to be on time. It's a good way to get a broad tour of the island. The architecture and history are interesting. Plenty of souvenirs to purchase. Get some key lime pie, too.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5
This was the highlight of the trip. If you like sunbathing, swimming in beautiful calm waters, and a nice burgers and dogs lunch, you'll love this place. Lots of additional excursions to choose from, too. Back on the ship before dinner. Do yourself a favor and get on the first tender/ferry to the island.

Nassau, Bahamas

4 out of 5
Lots to do. A bit more expensive. Modest lunch for two, $60. Transportaion vendors can be a bit rude and persistent. Plenty of shopping opportunities.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Disembarkation was smooth. Uber pickup and transport to the airport was professional.
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