After good experiences on the Westerdam we decided to try the Nieuw Amsterdam. Cabin service was average. Dining service was not good, top to bottom. Menu was not outstanding. One night I asked for "just a dish of chocolate ice cream" for desert. The answer from our waiter was; It's not on the menu so order something off the menu. What?? Every day the man sitting next to me ordered a vodka martini. He got a gin martini much of the time. Rarely did we see an officer on the ship. We were cruising with 4 star mariner friends and they agreed that we were not crazy, this ship had poor service. I noticed that your editor rated this ship at 4.5 but the customers rated it at 4.1. This was our third experience with Holland America and the first on this ship. The Nieuw Amsterdam should not be on a list of ships with spectacular service. They do not pay attention to detail and that makes a difference. There were a few bright spots but this cruise soured us from cruising Holland America for a while.