Nieuw Amsterdam Review

4.5 / 5.0
964 reviews

WORST Internet of the high seas!!!

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam
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Smiling_Cruiser
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2018
Cabin: Large Outside Stateroom (partial sea views)

WORST Internet of the high seas!!! In this day & age of technology, I find this absolutely unacceptable! I tried paying for their "PREMIUM" internet and it was so atrocious. It's embarrassing that they even dare to charge for the "service". I've been on Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Crystal & Disney all in the last few years & none of their internet has been this pathetic. Seriously, there is no excuse for such terrible internet access when the other cruise lines can provide cruisers with far, far superior internet. I have to admit, it did REALLY hinder my enjoyment of the cruise since I do like my internet access.

So, if you or your family members want the internet like I do (contacting kids/family at home, accessing websites of tour operators, streaming, opening emails & the links, etc.), I strongly advise against booking with HAL until they re-vamp & fix their "SHIP" internet ... pls replace the "P" with "T" as was so jokingly emphasized by one of their own employees.

Another item that I do NOT like about HAL is their beverage package requirement that EVERYONE in the same cabin MUST get the same beverage package. This is absurd to me as not many people I know have the exact drinking habits. For example, I do not drink soda but one of my girlfriends did; also, my other girlfriend drinks wine while the other 2 do not ... so really, it forces everyone to order drinks a la carte just because we have different drinking habits. I find that as a big CON to cruise with HAL with friends and even with my spouse since we also have different drinking habits. However, HAL does try to compensate by allowing cruisers to bring their own wine, soda & water as carry on but I prefer purchasing beverage packages while cruising and not worrying.

Cabin Review

Large Outside Stateroom (partial sea views)

Cabin G

We were 3 ladies traveling together & the only option was 2 twins pushed together as a King & a sofa bed. The twin beds really couldn't be separated due to the limited space. When the sofa bed was opened up, it was right up against the stationary desk & others had to climb over it to get to the bathroom or closets.

So, I really wouldn't suggest this room for 3 friends. It was a bit of a hassle when the sofa bed was opened every night.

The view was obstructed by a large lifeboat & people walking on the outside deck on the level 3 could technically see you if you stood by the window by the bed. It wasn't a problem for us but just something for others to note.

Port Reviews

Half Moon Cay

The beach was beautiful. The lunch buffet served on the island was good but it's much better on the boat. There are plenty of beach chairs as long as you don't mind walking a little further down the beach along the shoreline.

The women's restroom did get DISGUSTING with one backflowing water up to 1/2" in half the stalls. We ended up waiting for the single restroom available on the Ship Bar.

Ocho Rios

We got there before the crowd & it was a fun experience. Loved having our own private driver for the same cost of a regular excursion without the crowds & our own itinerary to Scotchies & the supermarket.

Grand Cayman (Georgetown)

The seas were rough and made the tenders very rocky & somewhat dangerous for those not stable on their feet. We cancelled our excursion with Capt Marv bcs the waters were so rough they were recommending only "strong" swimmers which our group was NOT.

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