Great food and whale watching in Alaska? Sign me up!
Nieuw Amsterdam is an older Holland America ship that launched in 2009 and, honestly, has aged like fine wine. By today’s standards, it’s considered a mid-size ship and comes with fewer features compared to the newer Pinnacle Class ships like Rotterdam.
Does that make it worse? Nah, even if the premise of Nieuw Amsterdam is slightly different. This is a ship that still focuses heavily on music and great food, but it’s more suited for families who want to relax in a cozy atmosphere and explore the West Coast, visiting places like San Diego, Vancouver, and the beautiful Alaska.
What we like about Nieuw Amsterdam
Can we say that we love the price options and itineraries?
A lot of cruise ships nowadays focus heavily on Europe and the Caribbean, especially the huge, brand-new juggernauts. Older ships are usually left to cover lesser-known destinations. In this case, Nieuw Amsterdam comes out as a winner.
This is a ship for just over 2,000 guests, and it focuses on the West Coast, with tons of itineraries departing from San Diego, Vancouver, and Alaska. It even features some very unique 17-day sailings from Vancouver and San Diego that explore Hawaii in depth, something you don’t see every day.
It’s funny that this ship also does some traditional Caribbean cruises, but that big focus on Hawaii and Alaska really helps it stand out. And let’s not forget the pricing: a 7-day Alaska cruise from Vancouver starts at around $970, making it a great value, especially if you’re a foodie or simply want a more peaceful experience compared to lines like Disney.
Music Walk is also present here, with a few changes. This is the area on most Holland America ships dedicated to live music, where you can hear everything from Beethoven to classics from the ‘70s. It’s a bit smaller compared to what you’ll find on the Pinnacle-Class ships, but it still gets the job done. You won’t find B.B. King’s Blues Club on Nieuw Amsterdam, but there’s a similar venue called Third Avenue West. If you’re into piano bars and good live music, you’re going to have a great time onboard.
The food also delivers, as Nieuw Amsterdam has some of the best restaurants in the fleet. You’ll find Pinnacle Grill, Morimoto by Sea, Tamarind, and Canaletto onboard. That’s great news for fans of pasta, seafood, and upscale dining. These are all specialty restaurants, but considered pretty good by most guests, and even some restaurants like Canaletto aren’t that expensive as they cost $25 per guest. While the ship doesn’t have as many restaurants or snack spots as the newer vessels, that’s expected for a ship that’s smaller and over 15 years old.
What we don’t like about Niew Amsterdam
Nieuw Amsterdam is a bit of an older ship, and Holland America has shifted to a newer class of ships in recent years. That means some areas onboard do feel a little dated. We’re talking about parts of the layout, an atrium that doesn’t really wow, and some public spaces that could use a refresh. It still gets the job done for a cozy cruise, especially on itineraries to Hawaii and Alaska, but a touch more class and elegance to match Holland America’s newer offerings would definitely be welcome.
The staterooms, in particular, could really use a refurbishment. They feel small by today’s standards, measuring around 155 square feet. That’s a bit of a letdown, especially when some newer ships have standard inside cabins starting at 174 square feet. The bathrooms also feel compact, and it’s not uncommon to see guests complaining about peeling wallpaper and an overall sense that the staterooms just feel old.
Conclusion
Nieuw Amsterdam does feel like a smaller version of the newer Pinnacle Class ships. It has fewer music venues and slightly fewer restaurants, but it actually delivers where it counts: keeping the best dining venues Holland America is known for and still offering excellent service. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska or want to explore Hawaii at a fairly reasonable price, this is a great ship.
Niew Amsterdam FAQ
How much does a cruise on Niew Amsterdam cost?
Prices vary depending on the date and stateroom category, but fares typically start at around $900 for a 7-Day Alaska Cruise.
What are the main destinations for Niew Amsterdam?
Niew Amsterdam focuses on itineraries in Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
Is Niew Amsterdam good for children?
It’s okay. The ship does have a Kids Club, but it lacks a waterpark or a waterslide for the little ones, and it also doesn’t have any crazy entertainment option for them.
Does Niew Amsterdam visit Half Moon Cay?
Yes, Niew Amsterdam does visit the private island of Half Moon Cay in select Caribbean itineraries.
