I had an absolute blast during my cruise on the Nieuw Statendam. I met so many people during the tastings and at the ocean bar, which has the best bartenders on that ship for sure. It was not a problem to get people to join me on the Dance Floor during the music shows in the evenings as well. People were extremely friendly all over the ship and the crew took notice and were obviously keeping an eye out for me. The Lido buffet was very well maintained and usually had excellent food at every meal and people that remembered me, which I prefer doing sometimes when I'm solo versus sitting in the dining room everytime. I've never had a better experience on a solo Cruise in my life. It was absolutely worth the double occupancy that I paid. Every moment was a special and precious memory. The entertainment stimulated my mind and spirit simultaneously and cruising felt like a special experience again. I will be returning to Holland America and this class of ship eventually.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Slight delay with earlier boarding times but a smooth process overall
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Buffet, quick service options, room service, and main dining room were all above average. Dive In burgers were the best burgers I ever had at sea even though the pizza option was just OK. Buffet/Lido was the best buffet/lido option ive ever experienced and actually felt elegant to be in there. MDR was good but service was too slow. Specialty dining was very slow as well and the food was inconsistent. Ive definitely had better specialty dining elsewhere but loved the included food more than other cruise lines i have been on.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools and hot tubs rarely felt too crowded to enjoy on a whim and were well-maintained. All the shows and music venues were so jaw dropping and incredible that they were worth the price of admission alone. I loved the variety of alcohol-related tastings and classes in the afternoon as well as the variety of shows and entertainment going on during sea days. I was never bored!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Absolutely incredible. I would book another HAL cruise just for the entertainment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I have never had better service in my life on any ship ever. I felt special and noticed every step of the way. It was like old school cruising again.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I have never experienced a more well maintained ship or a better ship design. I literally fell in love with this ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The best interior i have ever stayed in. Bed was the most comfortable bed ive slept in on a cruise and the cabin was well-appointed. TV was a nice large size and had plenty of options for entertainment. Shower was a pleasure to use and the included toiletries were better than the ones I brought. It was a joy to retire to my cabin in the evenings.
Ship tip
Try the upcharge alcohol-related classes and try the food at rhe Grand Dutch Cafe.
Always a favorite port no matter how many times I visit. This has to be one of the most beautiful places in the world and its worth a long tender ride.
I did the Gibbs Cay and Snorkeling excursion. I highly recommend experiencing the natural beauty of Grand Turk outside of the port area. That was not my first time and it wont be my last.
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