Nieuw Amsterdam is a ship whose name is associated with a rich and celebrated history for Holland America Line, and being on the ship gives you a sense of the classic age of cruising, back when Hollywood starlets graced the pool deck and dressing up for dinner was a time-honored ritual.

In December 2017, the ship underwent upgrades throughout, and several public spaces feel refreshed and contemporary. People who have previously traveled on Nieuw Amsterdam might breathe a sigh of relief to know that the ship has now banned smoking everywhere, except the outside Sea View Bar at the ship's aft. Carpeting has been replaced throughout the ship's public areas, and even the casino smells fresh and clean. The ship lacks the flashiness or overwhelming size of some mega-cruise ships, but its unique entertainment options make up for any missing bells and whistles. For example, Nieuw Amsterdam's Music Walk creates a three-punch hit list of rich musical venues all within a short walk of each other on Deck 2. From the symphonic orchestral beauty of the Lincoln Center Stage to the soulful, dance-floor-burning hits of B.B. King's Blues Club to the sing-along atmosphere of Billboard Onboard, you're guaranteed to find something your ears will enjoy. You might notice the small details, such as the cool towels provided at the dock before you return to the ship from a day at port, the wrapped silverware in the buffet restaurant and the way crew members and even passengers in the hallway are more likely to say, "Good afternoon" or "Good evening," rather than a more informal "Hi!" The whole effect is dignified and unrushed. Another feature that we greatly appreciated was Holland America's Navigator, an internet-based application that allows passengers to see daily scheduled events at a glance, book dinner reservations and shore excursions, and chat with any family and friends who are traveling with you -- all without paying for internet access. Uncover the best deals with a Holland America Line expert Heidi DesJarlais Specialities : Couples & Romance and Destination Weddings 90 reviews Contact Agent Barbara Lawrence Specialities : All Inclusive and Family Vacations 38 reviews Contact Agent Danny Fisher Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 33 reviews Contact Agent Jody Piotter Specialities : River Cruises and Luxury Cruises 27 reviews Contact Agent Debbie Sebastian Specialities : All Inclusive and Destination Weddings 24 reviews Contact Agent Lori Hischke Specialities : River Cruises and Honeymoons 16 reviews Contact Agent Rhonda Shumway CTC, ECCS, LCS, DS Specialities : River Cruises and Beach Vacations 16 reviews Contact Agent Ruth Daniel Specialities : Luxury Cruises and River Cruises 13 reviews Contact Agent Amy Stambaugh Specialities : River Cruises and National Parks 11 reviews Contact Agent Karen Copeland Specialities : River Cruises and All Inclusive 9 reviews Contact Agent Holland America's clientele skews more toward older adults, and this ship fits that profile, with retirees accounting for a large number of the population. Though there weren't many younger cruisers or families during our trip, a friendly atmosphere and ample opportunities for getting to know fellow passengers over meals or on shore excursions led us to meet many interesting people along the way. The biggest downsides of the ship were related to the number of people onboard compared to the size of the public spaces. For example, it was often very difficult to find pool chairs at either the main or the aft pools and waiting in line for meals or popular events was very much the norm. If peace and quiet is what you're seeking, the key is to find spaces of solitude wherever you can.

Inclusions Included with your cruise fare: Meals in the main dining room, Lido Marketplace buffet and at the poolside Dive-In grill Room service All main theater shows and musical performances at Billboard Onboard, B.B. King’s Blues Club and the Lincoln Center Stage Use of the basketball court and sports facilities Most daily activities unless otherwise noted Water, basic coffee and tea (including iced), and select juices in the Lido Marketplace buffet Complimentary fruit bowl, replenished daily, in staterooms and suites Use of the fitness center, but not most fitness classes Club HAL kids facility, for ages 3 to 17 In-stateroom movies-on-demand Breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill (Neptune Suites only) Access to the Neptune Lounge (Neptune Suites only) Not included with your cruise fare: Daily gratuities ($14.50 per person, per day for guests in standard rooms and $16 per person, per day for suite guests) Automatic beverage and Greenhouse Spa tips (15 percent for beverages, 18 percent for spa services) Meals in the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Canaletto specialty dining venues Spa treatments, personal training classes and most group fitness classes Use of the hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite at the Greenhouse Spa All beverages outside of water, tea, coffee and select juices in the Lido Marketplace buffet Shore excursions Wi-Fi access (though passengers can use the "Chat" feature on Holland America’s Navigator app free of charge to message other onboard guests) Photos taken by cruise photographers Art gallery and retail shop purchases Activities like bingo, and beer and spirits tasting events