This was the longest cruise we have done to date. The Nieuw Statendam is a superb ship. Clean, safe and professionally crewed. We had a back to back, with the Mediterranean Mosiac and Transatlantic together. The weather was fantastic with just 10 minutes of rain and calm seas until one day out of Florida. Rougher seas and rain but not too bad. Highly suggest this shoulder season cruise with smaller crowds and fewer kids. HAL attracts an older crowd (like us 70’s) and the pace is relaxing with no go karts or water slides. The NS does have a retractable roof over the pool so you can swim in chilly weather.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Went very well, just a long ride by bus from the airport to the cruise terminal.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The MDR’s were above average, very good but not superior. Met our expectations. Ate at the Asian specialty restaurant and were not impressed. Buffet was high quality yet could be crowded. Used buffet for breakfast and lunch occasionally. Preferred MDR for breakfast. Could get blueberries at breakfast if requested. Overall, all dining was an 8.5 out of 10.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
WONDERFUL STAGE! Not a bad seat in the house. Need to get there 30 minutes before scheduled start. All acts were super except one night, which was very acceptable.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Cabin stewards were superb! Always on point. Excellent work ethic. Buffet wait staff were there when they were needed. No complaints at all!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
New ship, superior design, very clean. Layout was geared to guest flow. Some crowding after shows around elevators which clears up after a few minutes. Multiple receptacles in cabins for charging gear and CPAP machines is a very welcome touch! Glass shower door a welcome change from the standard clinging shower curtain.The Nieuw Statendam is a 10 out of 10. Totally enjoyed our time onboard. If you want a relaxing, music themed cruise the NS is the ship for you.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin was the best we have had. Thoughtful design and layout. Great selection of movies every night. Had a variety of news stations instead of being held captive to CNN. Balcony was adequate, not too small but not spacious either. Enjoyed the option of being in the open air. Bathroom functional EXCEPT for the location of the toilet paper dispenser. You had to reach “behind” you (pardon the pun) to get to it. Suggest they relocate it where you can actually see the thing. Glass shower door a welcome change from the clingy shower curtain. Dispensers for shampoo and conditioner supplied. Hair dryer also. Bed was comfy and temps in the cabin perfect. Never had to adjust for 24 days. Even though it is written that the cabin is not important, that is true on short cruises but when the cabin is your home for 3-1/2 weeks, the size and comfort becomes a major factor. Refrigerator helped with keeping drinks cool. Enough receptacles for chargers, etc. Thank you, HAL!
A picturesque port and area. Somewhat crowded. Did a bus excursion. Cable car to top was reasonably quick. HOWEVER, the wait for the return trip down had a very, very long line. About an hour wait. Either that or a donkey path down, complete with donkey doo. PU! Tip: Do your excursion as early as possible and take the cable car down right after.
The Azores are a must see. Enjoyed a four wheel Jeep tour and that is the way to see this hilly, green land. Loved the area and plan to return someday.
Not as smooth as could have been. Wife needs wheelchair to disembark. Called to staging area and waited about an hour. Had to go through customs which is always a bottleneck.
This was our 19th cruise across HAL, Princess, Carnival and NCL. We are 69 and 70 and started cruising 20 years ago. We are experienced but not “war vets” with 100 cruises under our belts. Experienced enough to know good from bad. Former Coast Guard so know ship terms and condition. Had a few month long cruises courtesy of Uncle Sam and I like the recent cruises better!
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