The ms Amsterdam was custom-built in 2000. It has a maximum capacity of 1,388 guests which she can provide enough space as the popular trademark of Holland America Lines ships. There are 615 crew members. This cruise ship has a classic cruise liner ambience. This is not really a party vessel and the guests are quite of the mature cruisers yet children are welcomed and allowed on board. Formal parties or black tie evenings are held every two nights in a week. Passengers are not really obliged to attend the event. Furthermore, guests can dine in various venues where attendees are more expected to wear more casual attire.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

The staterooms on board ms Amsterdam are spacious and comfortable. The rooms are built with enough luggage and storage space. Smallest stateroom (around 16sqm) is equipped with desk, table and a sofa as well as flat screen television along with DVD player. For staterooms which are around 51sqm include free laundry services, a dinner with the high ranking officer of the ship through their hors d’oeuvres. Premium accommodations on board ms Amsterdam includes two Penthouse Verandah Suites (1,159 square feet) and 50 Deluxe Verandah Suites (556 square feet). Access to Neptune Lounge is given to passengers in those rooms which boast with concierge which can facilitate spa appointments and shore excursions and reservations at the Pinnacle Grill. In addition to that, there are 23 rooms onboard which are readily accessible with a wheelchair. The cabins are comfortable and warm and are decorated with earth tone colours. All rooms are equipped with flat screen which can swivel. Elemis provides all bathroom amenities for MS Amsterdam.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

The main restaurant of ms Amsterdam is La Fontaine. It serves open-seating breakfast and lunch. Dinner meals are served in a blend of flexible and set-setting arrangements. The restaurants menu includes 22 dishes as well as vegan-only menu consisting of starters, soups, salads and mains there are dishes like chipotle quesadillas, Vietnamese vegan spring rolls, garbanzos salad and Portobello mushroom steaks. Dinner time can be set at 5:45 pm or 8:00pm. Open seating in this La Fontaine restaurants main dining room must be between 5:15 pm and 9:00 pm. Set timers are located on top and the open seaters are on the first level. Guests can make reservations but can also walk-in.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

Passengers on board the ms Amsterdam can experience Greenhouse Spa and Salon. Their beauty and wellness treatments available for the guests on board. Facial therapy and massage therapy sessions are offered to ease muscle tension with the use of fragrant oils. The Greenhouse Spa and gym has bikes, weight and treadmills as well as Pilates reformer. They offer 50-minute Swedish and deep tissue massage at US$129, lime and ginger body scrub at US$199 price tag. There are special spa offers throughout the week. This could include hot-stone treatments, scalp massage and facials. Fitness and wellness enthusiasts could avail of circuit training sessions, aerobics, stretch classes, yoga and cycling.

[fa type=”group”] Families

ms Amsterdam has made changes with their kids program with their CLUB HAL. This is a program that caters to kids in three different age groups with separate activities, area designation and hangout zones for teenage guests. Onboard activities are free till 10pm. After which, an hourly rate of $5 per child are incurred. Kids from 3 to 7 years old (referred to as Club HAL Kids) can indulge in storytelling activities, indoor games and puzzles. For teens, (referred to Club HAL Tweens) ages 8 to 12, they can participate in scavenger hunts, basketball and pingpong matches. The Loft offers access to teens ages 13 to 17. This is a lounge area near the Sports Deck and the basketball court. There are karaoke machines, computers, games and snacks as well as drinks to keep the kids entertained at the Sky Deck.

Verdict

The ship is like a gracious old lady – very elegantly dressed with wonderful paintings,fresh flowers everywhere and a feel of the ships of yesteryear although thoroughly modern.

– Cruise Passenger

The food was very good to excellent, as usual. I especially like the way HAL works with vegetables; good variety and properly cooked. Nice portion control. I felt the nutritional value was good, as well as the taste. SANTA FE CONNIE

– Cruise Critic

I was overwhelmed at the speed with which this ship could accelerate through the water, but it always felt smooth, even when sizeable waves hit the side. We stopped at a number of places, but we were never tempted to leave and go on shore, we were having too much fun! - Burnett, Cheadle hulme on 3rd Sep 2016

– Berlitz