Nieuw Statendam Review
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As an avid cruiser with over a dozen cruises under my belt, I've sailed with a variety of cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, and NCL. My cruising adventures took place primarily between 2001 and 2012, with one additional cruise in 2016. When my children grew older and lost interest in cruising, I ventured into solo cruising and took my first solo trip with Virgin Voyages on the Scarlet Lady in December of 2021. While I appreciated many aspects of Virgin Voyages, I was eager for a more traditional cruise experience similar to what I experienced 20 years ago. So, I booked a solo cabin on the Nieuw Statendam with Holland America Line (HAL) for a seven-day Caribbean cruise. Here's a rundown of what I liked, what I wasn't as fond of, and what I would change.
What I liked:
- The cabins. As unusual as it may sound, I got the opportunity to experience two different classes of cabins on the same cruise. Initially, I had booked an oceanview solo cabin, the only single cabin option available on the ship. I intended to use the cabin mainly for sleeping, changing, and showering and spend the majority of my time outside. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the cabin. In comparison to the minuscule solo cabin I stayed in on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, my stateroom on Nieuw Statendam was quite spacious with ample floor and storage space. The bathroom was one of the largest I have ever encountered, with a large shower and well-ventilated mirror that never fogged up during hot showers. Everything was modern, functional, and well-maintained. Unfortunately, one morning I woke up to a wet carpet due to a leak in the cabin, but the guest relations desk kindly offered to relocate me to a verandah stateroom. This second cabin had all the same features as the oceanview solo cabin, with the bonus of a larger, queen-sized bed and a small couch. The balcony was also a highlight, offering ample space with two chairs, footstools, and a small table. I would rate both types of cabins 5 stars, as they were the best in their respective classes compared to any cabins I have stayed in on previous cruises.
Cabin Review
As unusual as it may sound, I got the opportunity to experience two different classes of cabins on the same cruise. Initially, I had booked an oceanview solo cabin, the only single cabin option available on the ship. I intended to use the cabin mainly for sleeping, changing, and showering and spend the majority of my time outside. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the cabin. In comparison to the minuscule solo cabin I stayed in on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady, my stateroom on Nieuw Statendam was quite spacious with ample floor and storage space. The bathroom was one of the largest I have ever encountered, with a large shower and well-ventilated mirror that never fogged up during hot showers. Everything was modern, functional, and well-maintained. Unfortunately, one morning I woke up to a wet carpet due to a leak in the cabin, but the guest relations desk kindly offered to relocate me to a verandah stateroom. This second cabin had all the same features as the oceanview solo cabin, with the bonus of a larger, queen-sized bed and a small couch. The balcony was also a highlight, offering ample space with two chairs, footstools, and a small table. I would rate both types of cabins 5 stars, as they were the best in their respective classes compared to any cabins I have stayed in on previous cruises.
Port Reviews
Bimini
In Bimini I purchased a pass to experience The Beach Club, and I was thoroughly impressed. I had previously visited the location a year prior with Virgin Voyages and was eager to return. The shuttle ride from the pier to the beach took only 10 minutes and the beach itself was impeccably set up with cabanas, beach chairs, umbrellas, and more. The facilities were newly built, spotlessly clean, and featured bars and food for purchase. The club also boasted two pools and a DJ playing lively club and electronic music. With not all passengers from the ship choosing to visit the Beach Club, it was pleasantly uncrowded, enhancing my overall experience. I would highly recommend The Beach Club to anyone looking for a top-notch beach day.