So relaxing

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 28

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5
Verified Review
Nieuw Amsterdam

7 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 12, 2023

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Relaxing, I loved meeting the captain, and the crew, I know so many working behind the scenes to make this a great voyage. Food outstanding. Entertainment was good and varied. I need to embrace the virtual communications better, as I miss the write ups that were given regarding each island and what to expect. Did not like the drink package option of all in the cabin must purchase, I understand it, but do not like it. I am a '1 star mariner' but did not know if that included anything? but no matter, I prefer Holland America ships for the size and pace. Thank you - I brought a friend that had never sailed before, and she is ready to go again, so you made another cruiser of her.

Embarkation

4 out of 5
A bit surprised that communication was not clear once inside the ship - did not know key cards are now at the door. Not very secure. Heard story that someone got wrong cabin and purchased drinks on the wrong cabin.....great idea, but need a more secure access. But did cut down on lines

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
disappointed in dining room - appeared not enough servers, not your fault...I am sure all industries are dealing with staffing issues. but LOVED LOVED LOVED the food on the LIDO deck....I loved the fresh fish option daily....and the bread...I think the bread is heavenly...I didn't eat the desserts, I ate bread....

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
can never get near the pool, seems people camp out there...oh well. I had a balcony and spent hours listening and watching the water. the activities were very diverse....but I entertained myself with books, and thank you for the latest run movies in the cabin...something for everyone and you can do or not do what you choose.....it was great.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
Rich Purpura - outstanding. Dancers...great. Music wonderful, piano near casino - that duet was great. string instruments in Lincoln center stage - my friend got her fill of that daily! the informational videos and chats...nice touch. it was great!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
room stewards - Supy and Yedi - were very kind, and supportive of our needs...we slept so much it was great that they worked around us...I am sure it made more work for them...but a special shout out to them - a super thank you!!!! LIdo dining - always helpful....and kind.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
excellent.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
was perfect..so much storage!! Bathroom great and who can complain about a balcony....was so quiet, and comfortable.

Ship tip

explore the whole ship - I found 'gems' on the last day of the cruise since I never went much further than deck 2-9....

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

5 out of 5

Kralendijk, Bonaire Did not visit port

last minute change to Aruba - I was thrilled, I always wanted to go there, but so limited time and I was disappointed in the appearance of port, was not welcoming....but I was there and had a local beer, talked to the yound lady manning the 'bar' and she was very informative about the island and local culture.

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5
so pretty - would have liked to take a tour of island on a better accommodation, but the bus we took was fine. learned a lot.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
loved we could stay in cabin until called to exit ship, so much better...thank you
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