7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise (Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale)

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Nieuw Amsterdam July 14-26, 2010

Mediterranean - 7/2010

I was on the second sailing of the new "Nieuw Amsterdam" and sincerely expected to find some flaws but no matter how hard I tired, I could not.  I was told by several staff members that the very best personnel had been chosen to serve on this new ship and it definitely showed. 

My  cabin was category GG (outside with view obstructed by lifeboat) on the Upper Promenade deck.  The cabin had plenty of closet space and more than enough hangers.  The beds and pillows were wonderful. The bathroom was very comfortable for one person at a time.  The hot water was plentiful and the shower pressure very good.  My clients who were also on board had a deluxe verandah suite and it was extremely large and tastefully decorated. 

The cabin service was impecable and of the service personnel in all areas of the ship went out of their way to be friendly and helpful.  The Lido dining room is laid out very nicely and there were always plenty of servers available to assist you with anything  you might need.  The dishes were removed immediately and the Lido was always neat and clean.  I had "open dining" which meant that I dined in the lower level of the dining room while those with assigned times dined on the upper level.  However, one evening we were seated on the second level as they had space.  On nights we did not have a reservation, we were given a beeper and never waited long.  I had lunch and dinner in the Pinnacle Grill.  It was very good and the service flawless.  I also dined in Tamarind and found the food to be exceptional and once again the service was good.  The Silk Den lounge across from the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous although I rarely saw people in it.  All of the lounges are very attractive and welcoming.  The Crows Nest was very popular.  The adjacent library and computer center were also popular but I never had difficulty finding an available computer.  I was surprised that the Explorations Cafe was not open in the evenings. 

There were many nationalities on the ship and many families.  The ship was totally full and never seemed overly crowded.  There was space for everybody.  The ship has two pools, the Lido in the center of the ship and the Sea View is aft and adults only.  The lounge chairs are more comfortable and attractive at the Lido pool whereas the adult pool has standard, non padded lounge chairs.  Towels were plentiful and so was the attending pool staff. 

The front desk was always opened and the staff always cheery and chipper.  The people working the shore excursion desk were very knowledgeable and helpful.  Disembarkation for the shore excursions was handled very efficiently.  Our itinerary was very port intensive so I did not have the opportunity to take advantage of all of the various activities offered.  There was always something interesting going on day and night. 

The spa was very popular and was always brimming with activity even in the evenings. 

Everyone I spoke to on the cruise seemed to be having a wonderful time.  Prior to boarding the ship, I met several people at my hotel who had just disembarked and they had nothing but rave reviews for the first voyage as well. 

The evening shows were very good.  There were 2 shows each evening each lasting one hour.  They do not have huge Broadway type shows but the entertainers were varied and talented.  The showroom is very high tech so the shows feel very modern and upbeat. 

I hope that the Nieuw Amsterdam maintains this wonderful level.  I feel extremely confident recommending this ship to all age levels.  With the fine service and the various levels of accommodations, this ship is definitely attractive to all levels of age and income.

Pros: Service level, beautifully decorated cabins and public areas

Cons: None

Reviewer Recommended? y