A blissful voyage began without a hitch, other than a short traffic delay in Fort Lauderdale. Embarkation was quick and easy. Holland America does not greet guests with a horde of smiling staff pushing shore excursions and beverage packages, just a simple walk on and directly to the stateroom.
This Nieuw Amsterdam is a classy and subtle delight, with neutral colors throughout, conveying a sense of old style cruising at its best. Although only a few years older, Nieuw Amsterdam somewhat lacks the dramatic scale and high-tech features of sister Koningsdam, on which we sailed only a few days earlier, but makes up for it with simple visual pleasures.
The cabin/stateroom was perfect. Huge by our standards, as we upgraded to a 'spa' stateroom on deck 10, whose very large window overlooks the nose of the ship. Sailing in to every port offers a perfect view from this room.
No verandah, but a huge window on Deck 10 at the very front of the ship. Spectacular views for sailing into and out of every port. This room was gracious, spacious and beautifully appointed, including a bath tub! There was generous hanging space as well as shelving in the closets and drawers in the vanity and nightstands. A small table and two chairs by the loveseat would have easily accommodated an in-cabin meal.
Great place for beach activities and walking.
Old San Juan is a wonderful walking town.
Love this place
The Boardwalk!
Great!