We are seniors who winter in Florida. This was our 10th Cruise since February 2010 and our first with Holland America. We were hoping that the HAL Nieuw Amsterdam would be “the one” and it did not disappoint.
It was a two hour drive to Ft. Lauderdale. The Park and Go Parking Lot is secure and reasonable at $61.29 for 7 days parking. (You can get a Frequent Parker card.) We arrived at 10;30 am and the shuttle was ready to take us to the pier. We never touched our luggage – they handled it all. The return trip was just as easy.
Embarkation was a breeze. We were onboard before noon. The Holland American staff, with crisp uniforms and white gloves, ushered us to the correct elevator and to our room. Very impressive. The ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas and Catholic Mass was offered every day.
Our cabin was a little small. The couch was just a love-seat. Lots of closet space and plenty of hangers. We had a bath tub/shower, but we only take showers, so felt the space was wasted. A small dressing table with an ottoman that stored extra blankets. A comfortable bed and nice bedding was much appreciated.