Complete Let-Down

Item: Nieuw Amsterdam
Rating: 2.5
Author: morriss23

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

morriss23

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 22

Overall rating:

2.5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 20, 2022

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8064

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

said we would have an onboard credit from the company but that didn’t happen! also failed to notify us that COVId testing was no longer necessary after telling us it was. We wasted money on getting same day at how tests delivered. Will not be booking with in the future l.

Embarkation

1 out of 5

Smaller cabin than expected, delayed departure, beds not separated as requested long before embarkation date

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

So disappointing. Horribly understaffed and the ship was at full passenger capacity. Food was sub-par and I was on the exact same ship 6 years ago and had a marvelous experience with everything, including the food. This cruise had far fewer choices, the coffee was terrible, and Thanksgiving dinner was a disgrace.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Children's Programs

I had no kids with me

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Terrible ratio of staff to passengers. Far lower than my experience on the same ship 6 years ago.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Smaller than requested, beds not separated as requested long before embarkation date, steward tried to double-charge for mini-fridge (that got rectified but I had to make numerous calls and visits to Guest Services throughout cruise for overcharge-related issues and the bed situation).

Ship tip

It’s not what it used to be. They now encourage TONS of kids for a small ship that is intended for adults and seniors. They overrun everything, including supposed adult-only area. Just don’t sail this cruise line anymore. I cannot believe they advertise for kids to sail with them. Way to destroy the one thing you had going for you.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Willemstad, Curacao

2 out of 5

Boring and there was nothing to do at night. And of course THIS is where we docked until midnight!!!

Thumbs Up 0

Oranjestad, Aruba

4 out of 5

I love Aruba but the weather was bad in the morning and Holland America jammed us with a 7am to 3pm visit when it was originally scheduled for a later arrival and departure! Horrible.

Thumbs Up 0

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

This is the best Island to visit. Been here before and it’s still beautiful.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

Easy to get bags but total chaos outside the port terminal.

3 Comments

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

Thumbs Up 0

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CruzeFan 2 years ago

If you want less kids aboard, don’t cruise during a holiday week or the summer. It’s important to read and understand the requirements needed to board the ship, especially related to Covid, since they change often. Those requirements are posted on the website of all Cruise Lines and easily accessible.

Thumbs Up 2

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javawoody 2 years ago

Understand your view

Thumbs Up 0

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Other reviews of this sailing

Awesome experience

Really enjoyed this cruise

Way below expectations worse cruise ever