We have done many cruises with other companies but all were over 10 years ago. If this is what the cruise industry has gone to it is down hill. We used to be pampered and you could have high expectations that would be exceeded. Now, not so much. The value is there since everything is covered and you can choose whether or not you want to spend more. Just don’t have high expectations and it will probably be good.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
They are very quick and smooth.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
It has been a few years since our last cruise. Back then the food was exquisite, now just Ok. Nothing bad but nothing great either.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Good fitness center. Many people walk the upper deck in the morning and on the second day at sea they chose to close that deck to clean it right while several were walking. Not very customer centric in my opinion.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
If this is what all ships are doing now I am unimpressed. All of our previous cruises had at least 2 nights with broadway quality entertainment. There was nothing special any day on this one. The dancers were pretty good the second time we saw them.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Overall no complaints.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
This was perfect for us. Great size and all the features we needed,
Ship tip
Don’t expect too much and you will be fine. It was a good cruise just nothing too exciting.
We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in March of 2018. Loved the ship and the food was absolutely delicious. No, the shows were not great but that’s not why we cruise. We go for the ship, the food and the ports. We loved the ports. The staff in the buffet was also the most friendly out of the 10 cruises we’ve been on. Always smiling and ready to help. Our cabin steward also always greeted us by name and asked how our days at port were. He was fantastic. We will be going on the Zuiderdam in March to Panama Canal and hope we love it as much as Nieuw Amsterdam.
Holland America is not known for their entertainment and onboard activities. Try one of the newer ships from Royal Caribbean or NCL if you want top-tier entertainment.
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