We chose this cruise because we really enjoyed our first cruise last year on the Nieuw Amsterdam, and wanted to take some close friends with us on the Nieuw Statendam. The ship did not disappoint us, the crew were very friendly and we even saw crew members from our previous voyage.

We had an ocean view cabin (as last time) which was a little different arrangement: European style shower instead of a tub, the desk and bookshelf were differently arranged as well.

Dining was as good or better than the Nieuw Amsterdam, but there were subtle differences: The Tamarind was not in as favorable place as on the Nieuw Amsterdam, Rudy's Sel de Mer, while beautiful, had awkward seating if you were near the windows facing out on the carpeted area and having foot traffic watching you. Read more