Launched in 2010, MS Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamor and history of New York City (formerly Nieuw Amsterdam) with its decor and art collection. The 86,700 tonne ship offers a traditional cruising experience with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and caters for families with specially designated areas for younger children and teenagers. Nieuw Amsterdam has 12 passenger decks and can carry up to 2,106 passengers and 929 crew.

[fa type=”bed”] Accommodation

There are 1,053 staterooms on Nieuw Amsterdam which include the Interior, Ocean-view and Verandah cabins and a selection of suites. All staterooms are provided with bathrobes, fresh fruit on request, flat-screen television, DVD player, hairdryer, telephone and toiletries by Elemis.

[fa type=”cutlery”] Food

The main restaurant on board is The Manhattan Dining Room where passengers can have breakfast, lunch and a five-course dinner. There are also a number of specialty restaurants, including Tamarind, which offers Asian-inspired dishes, and Canaletto for Italian cuisine. MS Nieuw Amsterdam offers “As you wish” dining where guests can choose the time and venue for dinner from 5.15pm to 9pm. Smart casual attire is suitable for dinner (slacks and collared shirts for men and blouse and skirt/trousers for women). Formal events require men to wear a tuxedo or suit and tie and women to wear evening gowns.

[fa type=”ticket”] Activities

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon offer a number of different treatments including body wraps, massages, acupuncture, facials, teeth whitening, water therapies and steam rooms. There is also a relaxation room with heated ceramic lounges. The salon provides services including waxing, facial treatments, hair cutting and styling, manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shaping. The fitness centre offers weight training and cardio machines.

[fa type=”group”] Families

Club HAL provides a wide variety of age-appropriate activities and facilities children aged three to 17 years. Three-six year olds can join activities such as pirate treasure hunts, storytelling, crafts, ice-cream sundae parties and a farewell pajama party. Tweens (seven-12 years) take part in Xbox tournaments, relay races, scavenger hunts and karaoke disco parties. The Loft for Teens (13-17 years) has mocktail mixology classes, late night sporting competitions, hip hop classes, scavenger hunts, tech classes and teen-only night club events. When there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show is offered. The Culinary Arts Center has cooking classes for kids and teens.

Verdict

– Cruise Passenger

When Holland America launched Nieuw Amsterdam in 2010, the line unveiled a fresh take on its successful style: a traditional cruising experience, which steers clear of rock climbing walls and waterslides in favor of timeless touches like fancy afternoon tea and elegant formal nights. Several years post-launch, the ship still focuses on continually growing entertainment, enrichment and dining options while still embracing the past. Nieuw Amsterdam lives up to the line’s standards with its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and attention to service. The ship also pays homage to its name with subtle New York-inspired elements in its art collection and design.

– Cruise Critic

The ship is designed to appeal to younger, more vibrant, multi-generational holidaymakers. Neat little tented cabanas on the aft deck provide private shaded space. They are filled with goodies such as Champagne, chocolate strawberries, bathrobes, fresh fruit, and chilled towels for two adults and two children.

– Berlitz