Tim and Anne’s Holland America Nieuw Statendam Western Caribbean Cruise (December 2019)

by Tim Larison, CLIA Certified Master Cruise Counselor

with comments by Anne Larison, Family Travel Gurus Travel Consultant

“One of the best ships we have sailed on!” was our opinion after sailing on Holland America’s newest ship, the Nieuw Statendam, in the Western Caribbean in December 2019.

While we enjoyed our last Holland America cruise Eurodam in 2017, the newer and bigger Nieuw Statendam was even more impressive.

Activities Onboard

One of the best features of the Nieuw Statendam was the unique main theater, with large screens surrounding the center stage.  While not quite a theater in the round, it was close.  I have never seen a cruise ship theater like this.

The theater was put to good use with entertaining shows and educational talks.  The one above was on the history of the Caribbean with colorful photos displayed all around.

Anne says:

The theater is not as large as some of the big ship theaters.  The cruise line created a setting that offers awesome visual screens and comfortable seats.  Rather than have a big production show, HAL presents a show with professional dancers.  The screen was used to enhance the show and it was amazing. 

Another feature we liked was the Music Walk.  We had experienced this on our Eurodam cruise but the Nieuw Statendam had even a bigger Music Walk, with a Rolling Stone Rock Room added to Lincoln Center Stage, BB King Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard as separate music venues.

While Holland America tends to attract an older crowd, many seniors were rocking out to classic tunes in the Rolling Stone Rock Room each night.

Billboard Onboard featured two very accomplished piano players performing pop hits and taking requests from the audience for other songs.

During the at sea days we liked reading a book, playing a board game, or just relaxing in this large lounge on the top observation deck.

This is just a small sample of the many activities offered onboard. 

Anne says:

The ship offers the usual activities with the pool, hot tubs, sports court, shuffle board and table tennis. There is a beautiful spa and exercise room as well.  To work off the extra calories I used the walking track on the upper deck. 

Dining

We thought the food and service in the main dining room was outstanding – we dined here every night.  Before the cruise we requested a table for two and our wish was granted.

For breakfast and lunch we ate in the ship’s buffet.  I liked the made to order omelet station shown above. 

New York Pizza poolside was a place you could pick your desired ingredients and have a pizza made fresh for you. We also liked Dine In with cooked to order hamburgers and hot dogs at lunch.

Anne says:
When you order the soft-drink beverage package you receive a refillable plastic cup that can be used at the self-serve coke machine near the buffet. There are also drink packages that include wine and well drinks for additional fees.
The Ports

Our cruise stopped at Falmouth (Jamaica), Grand Caymen, Cozumel, and Half Moon Cay above. We have been to these islands many times before so we did not take any special shore excursions. Half Moon Cay was the exception (shown above) – one of our favorite cruise line private islands!
Anne says:
Even in December the weather was warm and the water was cool. We try to get off the ship at the private island as soon as possible to get the best spot for enjoying the shade, the water and the view.
Summary

Our cruise on the Nieuw Statendam reminded us again what a wonderful experience it is to sail on a Holland America cruise.  We were so impressed we have booked a future Panama Canal cruise with Holland America!

Anne says:

We have cruised on many different lines and Holland America is one of our favorites.  From the smooth boarding process and delicious lunch on the first day, through every day of delicious meals and relaxing activities, to the final breakfast of the last day, we enjoyed every minute of our Holland America cruise.

Would you like to sail of a Holland America cruise of your own?  We can help!  Contact us for more details and a no obligation price quote.