Nieuw Statendam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
My last Translatlantic being five years ago, I decided to one again. The previous one was to Rome, which is a far better route. By heading for a Mediterrranean final destination you stay in the good weather zone. After Ponta Delgado we have increasing cold with a hail storm in Brugges in a freezing cold city. HAL better go to Rome or Barcelona first, do some cruises in that part of the world and than do a one way to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Copenhagen.
I found the quality of the service at all levels and in any place outstanding. Very friendly, helpful dedicated staff that seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Excellent team spirit,
The interior is beautiful. Nothing garrish, instead everywhere subtle hints to the musical theme. And no faux paintings, but modern interesting art pieces. Cabin is slightly smaller than on other HAL ships. A wardrobe has gone missing. Instead there is an air vent there, which is a good idea. As single traveller I do not need all that space, but I can imagine that others will miss that wardrobe. Well there is always your suitcase under your bed. After all it all fitted in there, didn't it?
Cabin Review
Verandah Stateroom
Nice cabin very much like all HAL cabins. Elegant and functional. Of course everything brandnew. So much like a shower more than those small bath tubs on the other ships. Lots of creaking of the window frame because of newness. Be aware that on a Transatlantic there is sunny side and shade side. Room cleaning and room service were excellent. Truly outstanding.
Port Reviews
Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
Just stayed for the night in a hotel HAL offers. Efficient transfer service.
Ponta Delgada
Arrived there on a Monday. Every museum closed. It rained all day. Charming little city. Drank coffee in a nice place and used the internet. People who paid a lot of money to see the green lake were very disappointed in discovering it hidden by a thick fog.
Brugge (Bruges)
You can a busservice for 20 euros return ticket. That is more than the public transportation by tram and bus, but saves a lot of hassle. The bus drops you of at a bus parking lot, where a lot of other busses are parked as well. So look at for your own bus. It may be parked somewhere else than when you arrived. The distance from the parking lot to the city may be too much for disabled people. Especially as you are then in the middle of the mass tourism. Just continue to the market square and then continue to the canals. You will be there just with few people, and you can appreciate the charm of this beautiful quiet city. Do not forget to pay a visit to the Groeningenmuseum, which has some very famous Flemish masters. Worth the detour.