Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Reviews - Reviews

We’d go back in a heartbeat. If I had any criticism, it’s that the ship needs to do better on info about where to find the gangways and the whole process of leaving the ship at various ports.

We wanted a relaxing cruise with warm weather and this was perfect for that type of vacation. We love cruising as it is easy and food is included!

This was my first cruise and my husband's third, and both of our first time on Holland America. We really enjoyed our time onboard and would sail with HAL again in the future.

This was a very nice cruise, cabin was fine, food very good. Our “cruise guy” Thomas Houser did an excellent job, as usual, getting us lined up for a Neptune Suite and the related amenities. Good choice.

enjoyed it totally. the food was great and the crew were all wonderful. I would highly recommend the ship and Holland America does a fantastic job!

Could have been better, seems like there is room for approvements.

Highly recommend any Holland America cruise if you prefer smaller ships with good food & excellent service!

This cruise was a very laid back cruise. Nothing to do but rest and relaxation.

Good cruise. Weather didn't cooperate with rain on port days. Food and entertainment just average.

Overall it was a great cruise for relaxing. If you want to be active and meet new people, this is not the cruise for you. We enjoyed the food and the ship had just enough without being overwhelming. Kudos to Holland America for a great cruise vacation!

Our overall experience was positive. The crew was helpful and friendly. The only real complaint would be the Supreme Snorkelling excursion in Grand Turk, the sunburn made us have to stay inside more than we planned, we were really looking forward to be able to experience all that was advertised but unfortunately for us it was horrible:(

We loved this cruise and can't wait to sail again with Holland America.

**Title: Great Potential But Severely Lacking Execution & Communication - Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam Seven-Day Cruise** Rating: ⭐⭐ Taking a seven-day cruise vacation with the family has always been a dream and that's why we booked a journey with Holland America on the Nieuw Amsterdam ship. Sadly, this dream didn't exactly turn out as we had imagined. Embarkation was chaotic. There wasn’t clear communication about needing to bring a birth certificate for proof of US citizenship. Consequently, we had a frustrating two-hour wait at the port without even being allowed to sit while we sought permission to board. A rocky start to say the least! After a tiresome start, the stateroom with a view was a pleasant surprise, a refreshing sanctuary amid the embarking chaos. However, our delayed boarding meant we missed the critical muster check, and the letter left on our door felt more accusatory than helpful. We started our voyage on a hopeful note, eager to explore the amenities, especially the teen group room for our son. The first-day information was scant at best. The private island stop on day two was indistinguishable from other cruise port private islands - immaculate yet sterile beaches with exorbitantly priced chairs and umbrellas. The snorkeling shined as the highlight with a low-key encounter with a sea turtle, a flurry of silver fish, and a few petit barracudas. The third day downfall was realizing that not only were organized activities for youths absent but also parents were barred from accompanying their kids in the teen room while the ship staff freely used the premises - a puzzling paradox. Another repetitive element was that the dining hall echoed the fare on the Lido Buffet, with many meals carrying an additional charge. The onboard app failed us too. We did not receive a confirmation for our first shore excursion in Grand Turk, thus missing a golden opportunity to snorkel with stingrays and turtles. We found solace on the overcrowded beach, which could've done with food service and better beverage options. On the lighter side, we did average over 12,000 steps daily, yet the entertainment choices were lackluster, to the point where the bars were tempting. The scheduled shows were uninspiring and seemed hastily patched together, with one brilliant exception - the onboard comedian. He had us in stitches, a redeeming spark in an otherwise disappointing lineup. In conclusion, the Nieuw Amsterdam seven-day cruise had moments of beauty and the potential for greatness but was ultimately marred by poor organization, weak communication, and seeming disregard for creating a 'value for money' experience for its passengers. Additional cabin surcharges were a total of $1100 on disembarkation, that was 1 'fancy meal' and a 3 drinks and 5 sodas and coffees

Did not prebook another cruise with HAL. Disappointed in the overall of this one, not the itinerary for the food was lacking in the dining areas, cutbacks are obvious to an experienced cruiser.

The overall cruise experience was excellent in which staff were very accommodating and ready to assist to ensure the time spent was with total comfort.

I would never book another cruise on this ship but still a fan of HAL

We had a great relaxing cruise. The food was amazing and the service was top notch!

The crew, who treat you like family and who are a family of mariners, makes the HAL cruising extra special.

I had a a most memorable time and highly recommend Holland America cruise line.

Good Caribbean experience with the best time being on board in great weather!