Nieuw Amsterdam Review
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Our only previous cruise had been on Celebrity Solstice, so we had only that to compare this tour to. Overall, probably about the same, but with different strengths and weaknesses. While we enjoy cruises, we are not addicts. We enjoy being in new places and experiencing the locale more than the artificial -- though pampered -- world of a boat.
We selected this cruise because -- remarkably -- it was no more expensive than our other options for getting out of New England to somewhere warm around the new year, and we'd wanted to see Key West and Mexico. More on that in a moment.
Took advantage of the HAL-supplied pre-cruise hotel, Westin Ft. Lauderdale, and transfers. Perfectly nice hotel, but the transfer process was irritating. Although the hotel is only about 20 minutes from the airport, the entire process including bus and dropoffs took 90 minutes after our luggage appeared. Similarly, the following morning a large cattle call for all travelers into a single dining room, waiting for more info, and finally loading onto buses. I'm sure HAL provides this free transfer service to keep everyone on schedule, but it is only convenient for them and those groups who can't manage their own bookings. Frankly, we would have been considerably happier paying for a taxi both ways.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Spa Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
The cabin was a "Deluxe Spa Verandah," which we got by selecting the basic verandah "guarantee" price. The Deluxe part meant that we were on deck 11, much higher than the basic Verandahs. The Spa part meant very little: a yoga mat in our cabin, a few free flavored waters, and proximity to (but not free use of) the spa facilities.
The location was great: one level above the frequently used Lido deck, one floor below two excellent observation areas and bars. The view was excellent when in port. The verandah on the 10th level is in fact smaller than those on lower decks -- perhaps 3 or 4 feet deep rather than the 5 feet on a basic verandah cabin. it was impossible to get this information from HAL, who keeps floor plans close to the chest and provided incorrect info on the phone. Other web sites hint at this minor deficiency.
The size of the cabin was slightly smaller than our Celebrity Solstice room, but was perfectly adequate. Storage was sufficient in the three closets, and luggage easily slid under the bed. Everything was laid out well and functioned fine. As other have pointed out, room lights and outlets are turned off when you take your card out of a slot to leave the room. This wasn't a problem. When we returned to the room and put in our card, all lights turned on. If we had needed an outlet "live" for charging something, any piece of light cardboard would go in the slot.
Our cabin attendant was perfect. He introduced himself immediately on the first day, asked our names and had them perfectly memorized for the rest of the trip -- even when he saw us in other parts of the ship. He was friendly without being intrusive, listened to and observed our habits, and generally made the cabin experience as good as I can imagine.
Port Reviews
Grand Cayman (Georgetown)
George Town, Cayman islands was a place we perhaps should have had concrete excursion plans, though none appealed to use either for length, price point, or activity. The port town itself is all Rolex watches, jewelry, and T-shirts along a hot, crowded waterfront street. Local charm is invisible even on the desolate back streets. We wandered a while, had a sub-par meal, and returned to the ship.
This is also a tender port, meaning waiting for a boat to get you to the pier.
Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is the HAL-owned island; with a pre-ordered clamshell shade, we enjoyed the nice beach for several hours, had the supplied lunch, and returned to the boat. There's honestly not much else to do here, but it was a very nice beach.
Note that beverage packages do not work on this island, even though HAL operates it. The lunch was a tasty buffet of informal grilled and other options.
Having to ride a tender to the island is a nuisance. We waited until well after breakfast, and hit the island just before our 11:00 deadline to pick up our clamshell shade. By then the tender line was moving faster.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya, Mexico is a purpose-built faux village designed to serve cruise ships. While not as annoying as Georgetown, the artificially quaint shops were pointless.
We grabbed a cheap, quick cab ride to the tacky, rambunctious "fishing village" of Mahahual, soaked up the poverty, riotous decrepitude, and constant invitations to spend money. We had a tasty simple fish lunch under an umbrella on a crowded beach, stuck our toes in the warm ocean, and headed back to the boat.
Excursions offered included lengthy van rides to second-rate archeological ruins; having done similar long, low-yield excursions on our prior cruise, we did not regret skipping that, and feedback from other passengers confirmed our decision.
Key West
Key West, of course, was our favorite. We grabbed an independent van tour (for about half what HAL would have charged us) near the pier and got a great overview of the history of the island in 90 minutes, then walked Duval street for people-watching and lunch.
Fortunately, the boat lands a few short blocks from all the excitement; no waiting for tenders to carry you across the water, no hassle finding activities.