Nieuw Amsterdam Cruises

Like her predecessor, the current Nieuw Amsterdam spends the northern hemisphere’s summer either cruising the straits of Alaska or navigating the enchanting waters of the Mediterranean.  In Alaska, seven night cruises depart from Vancouver and give you the opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay and Tracy Arm inlet as well as the frontier towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. While in the Mediterranean don’t miss out on cruises along the Adriatic coastline or to Greece.

As the weather starts to cool in the north, Nieuw Amsterdam makes her way to the Caribbean, where she spends the winter months chasing the sun in the tropical waters and sandy beaches of the Caribbean islands.  Nieuw Amsterdam‘s cruises in the Caribbean depart from Fort Lauderdale.  You can either chose to complete a seven day eastern Caribbean getaway, a seven day western Caribbean escape or book one of their back-to-back 14 day eastern and western Caribbean holidays.

Launched from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice on July 4, 2010, the 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam, with its inspired interior design and art collection.

Holland America Line has installed an array of works valued at over $3 million, ranging from antiques by traditional Dutch masters to creations by renowned contemporary artists. Some pieces reflect the Dutch Golden Age while others, such as the spectacular centrepiece in the atrium, express a contemporary curiosity. Adorning the ceiling of Nieuw Amsterdam is an eye-catching abstract sculpture of the inverted New York skyline made from clear translucent blocks that hang upside-down. The sculpture was created by husband and wife Italian artists Gilbert Lebigre and Corinne Roger of Creazioni Lebigre & Roger. The significant collection, which includes works by celebrated artists Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein, continues with astounding displays throughout the ship.

A complimentary self-guided iPod art tour is available for guests wishing to view the entire collection. The iPod art tour is also available to download at no charge at www.hollandamerica.com and on iTunes®.

Nieuw Amsterdam joined the Eurodam to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand with new concepts such as the innovative pan-Asian Tamarind restaurant and Silk Den lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer’s Lounge Bar, a premium wine-tasting lounge, an elegant luxury jewelry boutique, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured The Showroom at Sea, and a new photographic and imaging centre.

The new ship continues several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe — a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. In addition the ship will feature the family-style Canaletto Italian restaurant.

The current Nieuw Amsterdam is actually the fourth iteration of Nieuw Amsterdam ships with Holland America.  The first Nieuw Amsterdam was launched in 1906 and used both a full set of sails and steam engines. She was 17,149 tons and carried 2,886 passengers, 2,200 of them in third class. She sailed in regular service through World War I and then through to 1932.

The famed Nieuw Amsterdam II joined the fleet in 1938 as the company’s flagship. The silhouette of this ship can still be seen today behind Henry Hudson’s Half Moon in the company’s logo. At 36,287 tons, “the Darling of the Dutch,” as she was known, was decorated in great style and was launched by Her Majesty Queen Wilhemina of the Netherlands. Nieuw Amsterdam II served proudly in World War II completing 44 war time voyages carrying nearly 400,000 passengers (mostly troops). Following the war she was rebuilt and, as the queen of Holland America Line’s “spotless fleet,” hosted countless well-known figures among her guests, including Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Spencer Tracey and Albert Schweitzer.

Nieuw Amsterdam III was launched in 1983 as one of the most elegant ships of her time. At 33,900 tons, Nieuw Amsterdam III sailed in Alaska in the summers and in the Caribbean in the winters.

With innovative design and guest offerings, Nieuw Amsterdam IV continues the proud tradition of her name and evolution of Holland America Line’s sophisticated mid-sized ships.

Ship Summary

The second of Holland America’s Signature-class ships, Nieuw Amsterdam celebrates the glamour and history of New York City, formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam, with its inspired interior design and art collection valued at over $3 million, ranging from antiques by traditional Dutch masters to creations by renowned contemporary artists including Andy Warhol, Richard Estes and Roy Lichtenstein throughout the ship.

While on board, choose from an array of onboard activities that allow you to pursue new interests or relax and rejuvenate. Learn how to edit, display and share your vacation videos and photographs through our Digital Workshop powered by Windows®. Enjoy onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen. And explore the wonders of our world through exclusive BBC Earth natural history content through onboard activities, concerts and films.

Nieuw Amsterdam guests enjoy dazzling entertainment options from their very first night on board. As part of the updates coming December 2017, two new music venues will be added: Lincoln Center Stage, featuring world-class musicians performing chamber music, and Billboard Onboard, rocking the house with 50 years of chart-topping hits. These venues will join the already popular B.B. King’s Blues Club, which brings the best of Memphis blues to sea, and completes our new “Music Walk” experience.

Features

Tamarind Restaurant and Silk Den Lounge: our new Pan Asian Restaurant and lounge with panoramic views of the ocean and Lido Pool area.

Canaletto Restaurant: Named for a famous 18th-century Venetian artist, Canaletto is your destination onboard for an intimate Italian dinner. The evening begins with the chef’s selection of antipasti with a taste of the delicious fare and personal, polished service to follow.

Cabanas: Introducing our new private cabanas are available to reserve by the day or by the cruise. Available on two decks, they are tastefully decorated, filled with amenities and provide an exquisite poolside retreat.

Cabana Club: Your own private oasis located high above the rest…our exclusive Cabana Club is the ultimate place to relax surrounded by healthy refreshments and luxurious amenities.

Spa Staterooms: Relaxation…privacy…serenity. These are the hallmarks of the Nieuw Amsterdam‘s spacious new Spa Staterooms, located on the Panorama and Observation decks include special spa amenities.

The Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows: Guests will be able to “show and tell” their vacation memories, learning how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking – so friends and family can see where they’ve been cruising even before they return home. Free workshops taught by Microsoft-trained “techsperts” make it easy and fun, even for novices

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine: our state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by our own Master Chefs or culinary guests

Greenhouse Spa & Salon: features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.

Manhattan Dining Room: features impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Five-course menus include continental cuisine, vegetarian and low-carb options

Pinnacle Grill: This intimate reservations-only venue offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience. Featuring premium Double R Ranch Beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated “Excellent” by Wine Spectator – as well as distinctive Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens

Lido Restaurant: offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties

Explorations Cafe, powered by The New York Times: a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email or simply read the morning paper.

The Showroom at Sea: features talented vocalists, dancers, illusionists, comedians and variety acts

Crow’s Nest: offers sweeping 270 degree views during the day, and a hip, fashionable nightclub each evening

Club HAL: our dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 to 12; activities are supervised and age appropriate

The Loft: designed exclusively for teens to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age, includes our new video editing facility for teens.

Activities

Each New Day, a Wealth of Cruise Activity and Indulgences

Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many – or as few – as you please.

• BBC Earth Experiences:
  Enjoy exclusive BBC Earth Natural History content on board. Learn about the ocean and natural world through amazing concerts, films, shows, children’s activities and featured cruises.
• Club HAL:
  Club HAL provides a wide variety of exciting youth and teen-friendly activities for guests ages 3 to 17, supervised by full-time staff with degrees in education, recreation, childhood development or related fields.
• Digital Workshop, powered by Windows:
  Digital Workshop powered by Windows, offers fun, free and informative technology advice and instruction. These small-group sessions, designed for all abilities, are conducted by our Microsoft-trained “Techsperts” who translate the latest technology into useful tips everyone can use.
• Greenhouse Treatment Room:
  Features heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial, hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite and have your hair and nails done for a special evening.
• Fitness Center:
  For rejuvenation through exercise, we offer fitness classes in yoga, Pilates and more, as well as a professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Two refreshing outdoor pools also await, along with basketball and volleyball courts on deck.
• Signature Shops:
  Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in the Signature Shops such as Merabella, a luxury jewelry boutique featuring high-end watches and pieces from noted designers.
• The Loft:
  For teens ages 13 – 17, they will have their own places to hang out in The Loft for late-night sporting competitions, yoga and dance classes, cooking demos and teens-only nightclub events.

Entertainment

Spectacular Shows, Live Music, Diverse Lounges, Movies and Casino Gaming

Evenings on board glitter with choices. Arrive in a lounge to the strains of a lively dance band. Take in a thrilling show on stage. Share a martini flight in Mix; sing along in the Piano Bar. Stay up late into the night.

BB King’s Blues Club

Direct from Beale Street, the B.B. King’s All-Stars Band brings the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, this eight-piece band performs nightly in the Queen’s Lounge.

Casino

From perennially popular slot machines and blackjack tables to the latest in sophisticated gaming, our casino is well-equipped and staffed with professionals eager to help guests learn new skills.

Movies in the Screening Room

Complimentary films and popcorn are waiting for you in your ship’s movie theatre. Movies can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your own stateroom or suite.

Ocean Bar

Enjoy cocktails and ocean views while listening to live string music.

Pinnacle Bar

 

Showroom at Sea

Talented performers take to the stage nightly in the ship’s magnificent theatre or in The Showroom at Sea, a contemporary take on a classic nightclub featuring state-of-the-art theatre technology.

 

Services

On Holland America Line cruises, your every wish is our pleasure to fulfill

Always at the heart of the Holland America cruise experience is our warm and award-winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. We sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the intuitive, gracious service that has long defined classic cruising. Our extensive onboard services, from special dining requests to full service laundry and dry cleaning services, are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Our specially trained crew takes pride in anticipating and fulfilling your every wish. From our waiters and bartenders to our chefs and wine experts, our spa technicians and fitness instructors to our officers and housekeeping staff, everyone is dedicated to providing you with the gracious and personalized service that will make your cruise vacation memorable. On board the ships of Holland America Line you’ll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh and appealing – in an ambiance that is timeless and refined.

Dining

Enjoy exquisite dining across a range of venues on Holland America Line cruises

We invite you to dine “As You Wish” To savor Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next. To take your place in the Dining Room at a specific seating time or be spontaneous, following your desires. On board, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose the dining style you prefer.

The Pinnacle Grill
Refined and luxurious, romantic and intimate, the Pinnacle Grill represents the pinnacle of exceptional dining. Make reservations for an intimate meal graced by luxurious appointments such as Bvlgari china, Riedel stemware and Frette linens.

Canaletto Restaurant
“Spartire” is the Italian word for sharing; our new menu is designed around this authentic Italian experience and offers a variety of dishes to enjoy and share with family and friends.

Tamarind Restaurant
Aboard the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, enjoy the Tamarind for food evoking the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asian, China and Japan.

Sel de Mer
Sel de Mer (“sea salt,” in French) is an intimate seafood brasserie offering a contemporary twist on French seafood classics, with à la carte dishes ranging from fresh oysters to salt-crusted whole fish to bouillabaisse.

Lido Market
Lido Market provides a fresh, new approach to casual dining for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a panoramic view of the sea. A modern marketplace with different themed stations, the Lido offers a curated selection of delicious options to grab on the go or to have quickly made to order.

Dive-In
Dive in to a grilled burger on brioche or a Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog. For alfresco dining by the pool, Dive-In has it all, including lighter fare like our grilled chicken breast sandwich and vegetarian-friendly portabella mushroom stack.

New York Pizza
Served up poolside: crisp Italian salads and personal pan pizzas made with a thin crust and a sauce so savory it does New York-style pizza proud.

Facts

• Ship’s Registry: The Netherlands
• Passenger capacity: 2,106
• Crew members: 929
• Gross tonnage: 86,700grt
• Length: 936 feet
• Beam: 105.8
• Maximum speed: 23.9 knots
• Dedicated: July, 04, 2010, by HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands