MS Nieuw Amsterdam’s inaugural cruise took place in July and I joined journalists and travel industry representatives from around the world for a four-day round trip from Venice to Dubrovnik. The cruise was packed with ceremonies and behind-the-scenes tours of Holland America Line’s newest ship, the line’s 15th and an almost identical sister to the Signature Class Eurodam, which launched in 2008.
To date the trip has been amazing on many levels, and while I do want to talk about the destinations we've visited, there are a few things from the last blog about the ship which I want to share with you.
It's been a long time since I took a cruise during such a high-anticipation time as the Christmas holidays, and I guess you could argue it was risky to embark attempt it on a ship and a new line.
The spa experience, afloat on a ship, takes relaxation to the next level. Imagine drifting into bliss with a full-body massage, soothed by the real-life sounds of the ocean instead of a recording.
From giggling at comedians to putting your feet up by the pool, there’s never any shortage of activities to make your sea days memorable without spending a dime.Â
When picking a cabin, it is crucial to pick one that fits the type of experience you envision yourself having. Having the wrong cabin on a cruise can greatly impact the attitude you carry around for the rest of your vacation. It is important that you pick both a location within the ship and a style that will suit all of your needs.
Like packing for any holiday, packing for a cruise can be daunting. But getting the right mix of items for all your port calls, themed nights, and even time zones, and judge how much storage space you’ll have in your cabin needn’t be a hassle with these packing tips.
Tallis Borne Marcus reveals why 2025 is set to be a standout season for cruise enthusiasts, with new destinations, itineraries, and ships making European getaways more exciting than ever.
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.