We are not frequent cruisers. We cruised in 2002, 2003, 2009 and, most recently on the Nieuw Amsterdam in February 2013. Since we don't cruise often, we choose to go with the cruise line that has regularly provided us with the style of cruise we want. We are in our mid-50's, a same-sexed male couple, and we enjoy casual relaxation as well as a splash of elegance. We are not into parties or gambling - but, when we are on a ship, we want space to relax, unwind, and an opportunity to get away from the demands of our daily work. We like to meet new people and visit new places - but we also like being able to steal away into a quiet refuge. HAL provides this nicely and the Nieuw Amsterdam did not disappoint.
For our last cruise (on the Oosterdam), we got an incredible deal on a Deluxe Veranda Suite. It was such a great experience, we decided we had to do it again. (Here I'll put in a pitch for the HAL Visa card. We use this card for everything - groceries, gas, take-out - and pay it off in full each month. In three and a half years we earned enough points to save $1500 on this cruise - making the splurge of a Deluxe Suite possible.)
Boarding was effortless. As a suite guest, you get priority boarding and as ushered to the gangway directly after expedited check in. (We aren't snobs for privilege, but who doesn't enjoy a bit of special treatment now and again!) From check-in to entering our stateroom was about 15 minutes.