Nieuw Amsterdam Review

Early snafu but great cruise. Cabin 6113

Review for the Western Caribbean Cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam
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ScottandAlison
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Feb 2020
Cabin: Superior Verandah Suite

This was our 12th cruise but the first in 10 years. 4 previous cruises on HAL. It began somewhat ominously. Check in took forever because they reassigned us to a different cabin-same category (Signature suite) but a deck lower at the very front of the ship with a handicap accessible bathroom that only had one sink. We were told our original cabin (SS mid ship) had a technical issue that could not be fixed. Our luggage was delivered to the original cabin and sat there until an hour before sailing. Jonah, from guest services worked tirelessly to find us another cabin and did just before departure. The final cabin was an SY signature suite at the midship jog which gave us a must larger-angled balcony which we loved-so much so we booked another cruise on Eurodam with the same SY suites. Overall a better suite then we originally booked but considered a lesser suite (by the cruise line) compared to the SS.

The overall service was what he had come to expect from HAL-excellent. Our only complaint was with the Pinnacle Grill (specialty dining) The maître'de was rude and unaccommodating. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to our reservation and even though the place was 1/4 full we were told we would have to wait until our assigned time as not to stress the kitchen. By the time we were seated the PG was still only half full. The food was so so.. I ordered the 23 ounce porterhouse medium rare. It looked like a steak from Bonanza when it arrived and was cooked well done.. Not worth the extra money. The other specialty dining venues were wonderful. Tamarind and Canaletto were both outstanding both in food quality and service. We were assigned anytime dining because we booked late. Never had an issue getting into the dining room when we wanted and the food was pretty good.

HAL caters to an older crowd so it was relatively quite and the lines for everything were easy and manageable. The only entertainment venue we visited was the BB King Blues lounge and considering the average age of our fellow cruisers it was hopping and fun.

Cabin Review

Superior Verandah Suite

Bigger, angled balcony then a normal SS suite. Plenty of room to stretch out. Double sink vanity with seperate tub and shower. Queen bed that felt like a king and very comfortable.

Consider the SY suites on the midship jog. Avoid the Sy's at the front of the ship unless you need handicapped accesable.

Port Reviews

Half Moon Cay

Love Half Moon Cay.. Tendering on and off the island cane be slow. In the past HAL used lifeboats to tender passengers ashore. Now they use tenders based on the island. Because they wait for the tenders to fill up before moving it can be a long wait. Rented a clamshell tent but not sure I would again.

Falmouth

Nice shopping area right off the ship. Did not venture into town. The excursions didnt interest us. We have done Dunns River Falls in the past.

Cozumel

Booked a snorkling tour but it was cancelled because of windy conditions. Cozumel is one of the top snorkle and scuba destinations in the western hemisphere so if thats your game its well worth the stop.

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