My wife and I took a cruise of the Western Caribbean, on the Nieuw Amsterdam, from December 12 to December 19, 2010. We were in cabin 4178, all the way aft. This is a chronicle of the trip and my review.

First, let me say that this was our fifth Holland America cruise, so I feel we've become quite accustomed to HAL, and know what to expect. We enjoy HAL's mature, elegant style. It suits us just fine.

A little about us: My wife is in her mid-30's, and I am in my early 40's. I am a computer professional, and wife is a social worker. We have no kids, and tend to cruise about twice a year. Read more