Nieuw Amsterdam Review

Grateful to be Cruising Again

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam
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Receptionist
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

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Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Sail Date: Feb 2014

In 2010 we had a great 7th cruise with family and friends on Eurodam. Then, in June of that year, my husband and many others were downsized at the company we work for. Being in our late 50's in a community hard hit by plants and businesses closing and tens of thousands of jobs lost, our lives changed forever, as did so many other families in our city. I kept my job at the same company and it was tough after my DH was let go after 38 years to go in and do my job and be positive. Cruising again was the last thing on our minds. Then this past fall, our friends approached us to do one more cruise to celebrate our respective 35th wedding anniversaries. We said yes and scrimped and saved and came up with the money. We felt conflicted until we lost some former coworkers to passing away. Then we understood that we HAD to experience this and enjoy every moment. You never know what will happen in life. So we went, enjoyed each moment, treasured each meal and show, took part in everything and gave special appreciation to each and every crew member we came in contact with. In short, we made it the best cruise - as if it was the last cruise. So we had a great cruise director, Eric Dowis, wonderful cabin stewards in our forward steel balcony (A good 3 feet deeper than a regular balcony) cabin. I had breakfast in my cabin each morning, brought on time and arrived hot. Musical offerings were so good all over the ship. MDR meals were beautifully presented and perfectly portioned. Wonderful service too. As a diabetic, I had no problems with healthy choices at any venue. We enjoyed the Tamarind one night - great informative staff and lovely food. Embarkation and debarkation were flawless as were our flights arranged by HAL. Our friends were chosen for the DWTS at Sea event which really enhanced our cruise! The excitement! We had brought 2 bottles of wine on board, as allowed and purchased liquor ahead online to be delivered to our cabin, which it was. There were no issues with mechanics or weather or anything. We got what we paid for and it really beyond our expectations. I realized that what I care most about is the cruise experience onboard. I care little about where we go as long as I can sail. I used to be more selective but now we are just grateful that we had that experience again and hope to cruise in the future. Thanks to the staff and crew of Nieuw Amsterdam!

Cabin Review

Nice size, roomy for us, lots of storage. We were above the showroom balcony and we did hear every show for the second time each night, but it didn't keep us from sleep - even when the percussion group did the late show! We didn't mind that at all. Others might. Steel balcony was a good 3 feet deeper than regular balconies we have had. It was great and we could still see the horizon and sea when sitting., No extra noises or any issues at all. We were very comfortable. We were far aft, so we got lots of exercise getting around the ship. BUT we were directly below the fitness area which we used daily, and above the show room which we attended every night. We always got a good sound sleep as the beds are great! The price was right and we had no issues at all.

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