This was our 42nd cruise and number 23 on HAL.

This was our first time on the newest HAL class. We drove the Port Everglades and parked at a lot right outside the gate. It was fine and 40 percent of the price inside the port. Embarkation was a breeze and we were in our cabin in 15 minutes (about 1:00PM). The modest Verandah cabin was very nice. HAL's usual wonderful beds, a desk, chair, loveseat and ample storage for this short cruise. The bath was compact and much brighter than on some of the Vista class ships because the shower curtain was translucent.

The Nieuw Amsterdam is beautiful with muted, sophisticated colors (browns and tans) except for the main dining room with its vivid red theme. All in all I loved the decor. It did remind me of the Big Apple -- 2012 style! The only fault that I found with the Nieuw Amsterdam (and it's a major one) was that it seemed crowded to me at times. The ship is the same length and width as the Vista class ships, but carries over 2,100, 200 more than the older Vistas, and at times the Lido facilities seemed crowded to me, primarily the Lido food facility and the rear pool. The cabanas make the covered pool area seem small, and on this trip the whole area was stuffy due to the rainy weather. Definitely would ;have preferred more space and less cabanas. Read more