disappointing

Item: Nieuw Amsterdam
Rating: 3.2
Author: jjhaar

Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Gulf of Alaska

jjhaar

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 24

Overall rating:

3.2 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Glacier Discovery Southbound (Whittier To Vancouver)

Sail date: July 23, 2023

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Cabin number: 7090

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

When we are onboard we usually spend time in the crows nest a lot. One-third of the windows in the explorer lounge (crows nest) on the front of the boat were foggy (assume seal was broken and condensation got in) You could not even see out of them. So when you wanted to view the glaciers with the the 100's of other people in the lounge trying as well, viewing was limited. Holland America should at least have those big viewing windows fixed. I can not recommend this ship. Also we took the Denali visit package before the cruise that Holland America offered. The Hotel in Anchorage was ancient and the room, well, motel six might be better. Again disappointing. Rarely do I complain, but I could not let this go by. Thought you should know.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

embarkation was handled well

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Last year we were on the Zaandam. Compared to that cruise the Nieuw Amsterdam food was disappointing. In the lido, it was hard to even see what you were serving, the quality just wasn't there. Also, the dining room food was much better but the service was poor. Specialty coffee forced me to go to the crows nest, no other specialty coffee station on board (like the Zaandam)

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The comic you had was excellent, the dance group not so good. BBKings was great, enjoyed that. The library was cold, no seating in the room, just check. I liked the zaandam library much better.

Entertainment

I explained in my previous answer

Children's Programs

No Children

Service and Staff

3 out of 5

The service was slow and at times non responsive. The staff were all pleasant. My stateroom attendant was FANTASTIC but this was not mirrored throughout the boat.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

The staff could not keep up with the dirty dishes on the tables or in the bars.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

The room was laid out poorly compared to the Zaandam. There was a vent right above the bed that sent cold air onto the bed all night long. It could not be regulated or turned off. We tried, believe me. I slept with a pillow over my head every night so the cold air would not continuously blow on me. The room was clean, thank you room attendant, he was excellent.

Ship tip

I like Holland America but definitely not this ship. Although you may see me on other ships, this one I will not be back on.

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Ports of call

Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska

3 out of 5

Cruise Hubbard Glacier

5 out of 5

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

3 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

6 Comments

Ladyjunecliff 1 year ago

I am sorry to hear your cruise was not satisfactory. Sounds like the ship is in need of updating from your review and others. Hope your next cruise is much nicer.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 1 year ago

Appreciate the review

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SailswithRobert 1 year ago

We cruised this ship for the 3d time this past December and she is definitely not being properly maintained. We had some rough weather in the Caribbean, and this ship shook like none we’ve ever been on. Seasoned cruisers, been through rougher seas, it was definitely the ship. We heard similar comments.

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RetiredRay 1 year ago

Last year the windows were starting to fog. Guess maintenance is a bit too expensive now…..

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Sorry you were disappointed in your cruise. Hope your next one will be more to your liking.

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