Nieuw Amsterdam Review
Rating by category
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First time on Holland America after many Princess Europe and Caribbean cruises. Chose this cruise to travel before the heat of summer began.
We usually get a mini-suite with Princess, so was concerned about booking a regular balcony cabin. It was beyond expectations, had a rear facing balcony. Plenty of storage space, some we only discovered days later after we were already unpacked. Liked the fact that a regular room had a bathtub/shower combination. The chairs on our deck were better grade than Princess, we had wicker chairs with cushions.
Really enjoyed to Lido food stations. We never ate in the main dining rooms, so will not comment on regular dining. Found the variety of food to be better than most cruises on Princess. When beef items were offered at the carving station, they were nicely medium rare, and could be cooked further on the grill if you asked. Always had nice moist fish entree's along with lots of Lamb that I enjoy.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
Lots of storage space, great bathroom. Liked the red light feature in bathroom so did not have to turn the main light on at night. Storage drawers under the bed and under the sofa. High quality deck chairs on our rear facing cabin.
Port Reviews
Venice
Always love Venice, easy shuttle ride to St Marks Sq and wander the streets. Glad we had been there a few times, as many main areas were covered in scaffolding.
Kotor
Had been there before, and had taken private boat tour to Persat and the church on the island. This time it was raining when we got there, but did clear up after about an hour. Enjoyed taking pictures in the misty rain, and the town was probably less crowed than usual because of the weather.
Dubrovnik
Had been there last year, but was too hot in August to attempt the wall climb.
This year in April it was much better. Bright sunny 60 degree day made the walk very pleasant.
Taormina (Messina)
Loved this port, had a great day wandering the streets of Taormina. Had our sandwiches in the park that overlooks the sea, and later stopped at café for free wifi and desserts near where the taxi's pick you up for the return trip.
Naples
Unfortunately it was poor weather that day, and we cancelled our planned trip to Isle of Capri. No big deal as we had been there last year. Wandered into town, but nothing worth noting.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
After having been to Rome 5 times, the latest time a year ago where we spend 4 nights in apartment, we decided to stay on ship this day. Would have been very easy to catch train into Rome if we had wanted to.
Florence (Livorno)
Took train to Florence on our own, very easy day. Train station in Florence right in the middle of town. Shopping was great at the kiosks on many of the side streets. Had a nice lunch before catching the train back to port.
Monaco (Monte Carlo)
Had great success going to Aquarium, Palace tour on our own, and out in time to see changing of the guards. Had brought our sandwiches from the ship and ate in the park in front of the royal chapel. Very nice day.
Saint-Tropez
Really nothing there! People were wandering around wondering where to go, what this stop was all about. Would go to Port Grimaud if ever had to stop here again.
Barcelona
Stayed in apartment off Las Rambles for 2 nights pre-cruise. Highly recommend Airbnb for short term apartment rentals. We stayed in Madrid for 4 nights prior to going to Barcelona to catch the cruise using apartment again. Have not stayed in hotels in many years.