This was our 1st Holland America Cruise. The Nieuw Amsterdam was a very nice ship and not too glitzy. The communal rooms and bars were all very nice but in general walking around the ship was cold and we required a sweater or cardigan. The stateroom was a reasonable size, plenty of storage with extra drawers under the bottom of the bed and plenty of room for the suitcases under there too. It was great having a bath and overhead shower and if I could take that and put it in a Princess Cruise ship that would be perfect.
We missed having the small café area where at lunchtime you could have a filled croissant or a small sandwich plus a nice cake. There were some available at the Library but on a much smaller scale. Our stateroom overlooked the top of the lifeboats and I would avoid the 5th floor verandah deck midship because of that. The service was good and the staff extremely mannerly and friendly, always a "Good Morning" etc as they passed you.
The entertainment programme was poor compared to Princess with only a three individual entertainers during the 12 days we went to see, and had it not been for Jeremy in the piano bar most nights would have been dull. The ships entertainment team were very loud and not suitable for the majority of guests. Embarkation/disembarkation was straightforward. The food in the Manhattan dining room was very good most of the time, not always as hot as it should have been but well cooked and presented. We used the Lido self service at lunchtime and there was always a good selection of salads and hot meals etc. We did not go to any speciality restaurants as they cost extra as did most things onboard. ie A tour of the ship was $119 dollars which was extortionate. That was a complaint among many guests we dined with that everything additional was very expensive. We did enjoy the cruise but to date Princess Cruises offer better value for money.
The cabin is well laid out with plenty of storage. Very narrow passage where the wardrobes are and had to dodge in and out when getting dressed and using the bathroom. The beds are very comfortable but the duvets very heavy and warm. No problem with extra pillow or change to firmer pillow. Cabin staff all helpful.
Extremely busy with traffic and a bit chaotic at the Acropolis. A bit too steep for us to climb and I was told quite slippy underfoot.
Weather damp and dull therefore only went up to see the Blue Mosque etc. A very dirty unkempt busy port. Enormous queues to get in so decided not worth the wait when it was so miserable.
Lovely town and nice promenade to stroll along and have a coffee. Lots of shops at the entrance to the port and people trying to get you to buy. carpets, jewellery etc. You just have to be firm and say !No!.