A beautiful ship but mixed service levels

Item: Nieuw Statendam
Rating: 3.8
Author: NathanD59

Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review

NathanD59

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 27

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

10 Night Newfoundland & New England Discovery (Quebec To Boston)

Sail date: September 07, 2022

Ship: Nieuw Statendam

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 4038

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

This was my second cruise with Holland America and most likely my last. The food was good for a cruise (on par with its competitors), however, the service was rather poor. The pricing for this itinerary was more than competitive brands and had many disappointing moments. A beautiful ship, but, it was over crowded with long lines constantly and the poor dining service made for a disappointing vacation.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

With verifly completed, it was an easy embarkation. The new muster drill is very easy and convenient.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

The food quality at the included restaurants were average. I think the Lido buffet at breakfast time is when it really did well. The main dining room service was terrible. We tried it three nights out of ten nights and would not go back.

Pinnacle Grill

2 out of 5

The food was great however we had a bad server. Overall slow service, could not explain the menu items, didn’t note a allergy and that caused issues. It is a busy spot and reservations fill up fast.

The Dining Room

1 out of 5

Terrible, slow service. The food was average for a cruise ship. Dressy nights menu was lacking the expected staples like lobster. The guests at the table would ask for something (refill, a glass of wine, etc.) and it might take an hour for a waiter to get back. I will not plan on booking another Holland cruise because of this venue.

Tamarind

2 out of 5

I liked what I had, however, my mom who was also traveling with me had an allergy to onion. They could not accommodate her very well and even the few selections that were supposed to be safe, she still had issues with her allergy.

Explorations Cafe

4 out of 5

Great for the morning coffee or an afternoon drink.

Rudi's Sel de Mer

5 out of 5

The best place on the ship to eat, and, also it had the best service. We ate here multiple times and look forward to visiting again some day if we change our minds and decide to cruise with Holland again.

Lido Market

4 out of 5

Great for breakfast. The dinner menu did not appeal to me but others liked it.

Canaletto Restaurant

5 out of 5

The food was good and the service was excellent.

Dive In at the Terrace Grill

4 out of 5

Great hot dogs.

Grand Dutch Cafe

5 out of 5

Great staff and food. Very unique options and a hidden gem.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The pools were very nice and the music venues were a lot of fun! The scheduling could be better to spread out the crowds and offer something to do before dinner.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The musicians onboard were very good. However, their set times were from about 6:30 to 11:00 and rotated. The result is large crowds gather at which ever group was performing at the time and seating was limited. Also it meant the only musical entertainment was at night and sea day was rather quiet or boring depending on your point of view.

BBC Earth in Concert

5 out of 5

This is a great show, it really showcases the world stage.

B.B. King's Blues Club

5 out of 5

My favorite spot on board!

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

At times, the ship was understaffed. They worked hard but could not keep up with as many passengers as were onboard. Quite often you had a long line at every bar and venue.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

A beautiful and well kept ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

A great an unique ocean view room. This one has floor to ceiling windows and a good view.

Ship tip

Go to Rudi’s Sel De Mar. On nights with two shows in the World Stage, the earlier show would be very crowded, so arrive early to get a seat. Some people were sitting in the aisles. Alternatively go to the second show time and it’s about half full. Expect dining to take up half the night, very slow service at the restaurants. People said to eat at 5:00 as soon as they opened so you could see the other entertainment.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Baie-Comeau, Quebec

5 out of 5

We enjoyed the tour to see the Parc Nature Pointe-aux-Outardes. It was an informative walk with a guide through the trails in the boreal forest. It was very beautiful even though it was a foggy morning.

Thumbs Up 1

Corner Brook, Newfoundland

3 out of 5

The port had some great shops. The town is kind of sleepy. Going up to Captain Cook Monument had a great overlook. The sail in and out is beautiful and the tender ride back and forth was fun.

Thumbs Up 1

Quebec City, Quebec

5 out of 5

We had a wonderful private walking tour of Quebec the morning of the first day in port before embarkation. The second day in port we went to Montmorency falls and the Ile D’ Orleans.

Thumbs Up 2

Boston, Massachusetts

5 out of 5

Boston has plenty to see and do. Lots of history, we did a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. Visited the USS Constitution and did an evening ghost tour of the various burying grounds. The water taxis are also a great way to get around!

Thumbs Up 1

Bar Harbor, Maine

5 out of 5

My favorite port of the trip. They have amazing scenery and the town is very charming. The tender ride back and forth is a nice boat ride.

Thumbs Up 1

Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec

5 out of 5

The tour to Ile Nipasku on the Mingan Archipelago was great! It may not see many cruise ships, but the area has some beautiful places to see. The towns people are all very friendly and welcoming.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

The luggage was a bit disorganized and very long lines mixed for the shuttles and taxis. Using Uber was very easy and quick way to get out of the long crowded lines.