A good option for mature adults
Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 87
7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: December 03, 2022
Ship: Nieuw Statendam
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 1009
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
Overall, this cruise was a smooth ride that met (and even exceeded) my expectations. If I had to compare it to something from the automotive world, it would be a Buick - comfortable, classic, and without any unnecessary bells and whistles. Is the cruise geared toward older adults? The answer is both yes and no. If you're traveling with children, this is not the ideal ship for you as there are limited activities for kids compared to other cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean. If you're looking for a plethora of activities or late-night entertainment such as club music, R-rated comedy shows, or Las Vegas-style productions, this ship might not meet your expectations. However, if you're seeking a relaxed cruising experience with attentive staff, a variety of live music options, and good food, then the Holland America Line (HAL) might be a good fit. As a solo traveler in my late 40s, I found the cruise to be relaxing and exactly what I was looking for. There was no loud music on the pool deck, no screaming children, and no partying young adults. The entertainment options were geared more towards mature adults, with a focus on live music, although the same acts were performed every day. I spoke to other cruisers and found that most agreed that the ship lacked strong production shows. If HAL could add more entertainment options, it could be a great premium cruise line catering to adults who prefer to cruise in comfort without the excessive noise and chaos of the mega-ships.Embarkation
The embarkation and disembarkation process was seamless and rapid. The advantage of pre-filling out the necessary forms and uploading documents on HAL's website streamlined the check-in process at the terminal. The use of facial recognition technology automated the entire process, and I was onboard the ship within 30 minutes. At the terminal, I received a ticket with my group number and was swiftly boarded after my boarding pass was double-checked. It's recommended to have everything prepared electronically in advance for an even faster process. Upon entering the ship, the process was further simplified with a quick scan of the boarding pass or mobile pass. Room keys were conveniently attached to the room sign, making it easy for guests to find their rooms. The attendant was friendly, introducing himself and ensuring a comfortable stay by checking in on the guests. The disembarkation process was equally smooth and efficient, thanks to facial recognition technology. I was impressed with this cutting-edge technology and hope other cruise lines adopt it, as slow and cumbersome embarkation and disembarkation processes are a common grievance among travelers. Additionally, HAL's exemption from COVID test requirements likely contributed to the speed and ease of the process. I would give the whole experience a 5-star rating.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
My viewpoint on the entertainment options aboard the Nieuw Statendam may be debatable, but I believe they could benefit from a more varied offering. The Music Walk was a standout and the live music acts were outstanding, but after a few days, I yearned for different types of entertainment. While there were two comedy shows by a talented comedian (Jon Springer) and a dance performance by six skilled dancers, the main shows fell short compared to the high-energy productions I have seen on ships from Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. If you're seeking high-energy production shows or late-night comedy, the Nieuw Statendam may not meet your expectations.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
The Nieuw Statendam, a relatively new ship, impressed me with its ideal size. It has all the amenities a traditional cruiser would expect, yet it is not so big as to feel like a floating amusement park. Upon boarding, I was immediately struck by the understated luxury of its interior design. While those used to flamboyant atriums and exaggerated decor may find it underwhelming, I personally appreciated the sophistication of its style, which was a refreshing change from the sometimes tacky and garish interiors of some ships. Instead of massive open spaces, the ship offers a variety of comfortable, small, and charming areas. The music theme is prominently featured, with four different music venues located in the Music Walk on deck 2. The ship also boasts a spa, gym, promenade deck, multiple dining options, and bars, as well as a retractable roof over the main pool area, which came in handy during a sudden thunderstorm.
Cabin / Stateroom
As unusual as it may sound, I got the opportunity to experience two different classes of cabins on the same cruise. Initially, I had booked an oceanview solo cabin, the only single cabin option available on the ship. I intended to use the cabin mainly for sleeping, changing, and showering and spend the majority of my time outside. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the cabin. In comparison to the minuscule solo cabin I stayed in on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, my stateroom on Nieuw Statendam was quite spacious with ample floor and storage space. The bathroom was one of the largest I have ever encountered, with a large shower and well-ventilated mirror that never fogged up during hot showers. Everything was modern, functional, and well-maintained. Unfortunately, one morning I woke up to a wet carpet due to a leak in the cabin, but the guest relations desk kindly offered to relocate me to a verandah stateroom. This second cabin had all the same features as the oceanview solo cabin, with the bonus of a larger, queen-sized bed and a small couch. The balcony was also a highlight, offering ample space with two chairs, footstools, and a small table. I would rate both types of cabins 5 stars, as they were the best in their respective classes compared to any cabins I have stayed in on previous cruises.
Ports of call
After hearing rumors about Jamaica's safety for tourists, I opted for a beach shore excursion for added security. Although the journey to the beach club took around 45 to 50 minutes each way, the beach itself was pleasant. Our host, Kaycia, was excellent and attentive to our needs. However, with the arrival of two ships at the port, the beach club buses were constantly bringing new visitors, causing them to rush us back to the port after just a few hours on the beach. Despite this, the experience was mostly positive. Upon returning to the terminal, I took a walk around the local shops in town. While I encountered a few questionable characters, I never felt completely unsafe.
Thumbs Up
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In Bimini I purchased a pass to experience The Beach Club, and I was thoroughly impressed. I had previously visited the location a year prior with Virgin Voyages and was eager to return. The shuttle ride from the pier to the beach took only 10 minutes and the beach itself was impeccably set up with cabanas, beach chairs, umbrellas, and more. The facilities were newly built, spotlessly clean, and featured bars and food for purchase. The club also boasted two pools and a DJ playing lively club and electronic music. With not all passengers from the ship choosing to visit the Beach Club, it was pleasantly uncrowded, enhancing my overall experience. I would highly recommend The Beach Club to anyone looking for a top-notch beach day.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
The private island of Half Moon Cay was a standout for me. Our vessel was the sole one there that day, resulting in a serene and uncrowded beach experience. The beach chairs were abundant, but if you're seeking shelter from the sun, there are no beach umbrellas available. The water was stunning, with the clearest and bluest hues I've ever seen. HAL provided a tasty lunch, and there were several bars to choose from, with the pirate ship-themed bar being the most well-known. Unfortunately, the absence of beach umbrellas left limited options for shade, but cabanas were available for rent. I took refuge in the shade of one of the beach houses. If you're willing to venture down the beach, there are some trees that offer shade. The facilities were well-maintained and civilized. The food served by HAL was decent, and the restrooms were clean, albeit with a few empty soap dispensers. As the ship was a smaller one and not all passengers went ashore, the beach was not overcrowded. It's worth noting that the ship doesn't dock directly at the island, and tenders must be taken to and from the shore. The first tender was fully packed with people squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder, a clear indication that the pandemic is no longer a concern.
I took a shuttle to Seven Mile Beach, which is widely regarded as the finest on the island. Due to its popularity, however, it became very crowded with passengers from HAL and Carnival ships that were in port that day. Despite this, I still had a great time, spending time sunbathing and swimming. After returning to the port, I strolled around, purchased a few mementos at the local shops, and snapped a few pictures. It's worth noting that Grand Cayman is a tender port, so our ship did not dock directly there.
Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida