Nieuw Amsterdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We took a 26 Days Transatlantic Cruise after being on 14 Holland American Cruises - but this one was a real problem - it had just come out of dry-dock and not ready when we embarked in Ft. Lauderdale - there were maintenance - electrical - plumbing problems from the time we left Florida - they had installed new carpeting and the pile from this was everywhere - the strong odor from this was very strong - and was quite noticeable in the dining room -- there was no television reception for almost 3 days and some of the guests never got any for the length of their cruise -- the entertainment was not to Holland America standards -they had mechanical problems and had to cancel some of the shows--- being at sea for 5 days - you think this should have been resolved before departing Ft. Lauderdale.. we enjoyed the Flamingo Dancers - they brought on board from Alicante Spain ..the Pianoentertainer. the group fro Dubrovnik.. --- and the Band - that's it - the rest was below par... we really appreciated our room stewards and the dinning room staff - they were wonderful - there were noticeable cut-backs in dinning room menus - and staff - --- We are almost 4 stars Mariners but I will be thinking twice before booking another cruise .
Cabin Review
Superior Verandah Suite
Our Room stewards were excellent --- we never had to ask for anything - they made our trip wonderful .
Port Reviews
Dubrovnik
Took a local taxi - brought us to the top of the old town - amazing tour guide he was - told us about the war in 1991 - 1995 - how they were rebuilding the old fort - bring your camera - amazing view from the Fort - cannot be reached by bus- but this taxi driver was the best -... would go back again
Kotor
The day we were there was raining very heavily -- so a lot of people cancelled their walking tour - we waited out the rain at a local café ---- did a walk about the whole town --- managed to get in a local church during a service - beautiful people and great cookies ----
Venice
We got on the local transportation - Took about 30 minutes to get to St Mark's Square- being Sunday - it was very crowded - couldn't get into the Museums-- but managed thru the town and crossed over the Bridge of Si - tried to get a gondola ride was impossible - there were long line-up for them - great City but will try to see it on a week day on our next visit .
Taormina (Messina)
Took a taxi to Taormina - amazing town - lots of churches - the view from the hill was breathtaking - had a wonderful Lunch - Pizza and Local wine - and even filmed a wedding at a small local church ------wonderful day - Lemon cello was amazing
Gibraltar
We had been there before - but very interesting - where you see the coast of Africa and Gibraltar - going thru The Straits of Gibraltar was amazing - so many ships trying to go thru was something to see
Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)
Went to the church - good walking distance - --- magnificent churches - great people - willing to help you give direction - fine food and wines sampling - the famous Mallorca Pearls are worth buying - they are beautiful and so fine -
Saint-Tropez
Walked the length of the village - beautiful -- local café - lots of stores and shops where you can buy their local cheeses - fruits and white candies to die for - I wished I had bought more for my friends to taste -- very safe little town - and the view from the harbour is just beautiful
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
Took the Hop-on Hop-off bus - for 19 Euros - worth every penny - even saw the changing of the guards at the Palace - all those beautiful yachts in the harbour - the Casino Royale - The Royal Palace - even the race track for the Grand Prix - - all seen from the Hop-on Hop-off Bus -
Rome (Civitavecchia)
We had seen Rome before - so we just went on a Shuttle to local town -- lots of local shops - sample their local cuisine - very lovely town --- if you want to go to Rome - you can take a train there - and then transfer to a taxi when you get to Rome -