Nieuw
Amsterdam
The "Nieuw-est" in Holland America Line's
Signature-class
Excellence
Part Two
Public
Areas
Nieuw Amsterdam's modest triple deck atrium is
"crowned" by the lighted, rotating sculpture of the New York skyline
pictured here.
From the decks above it’s right-side up; however, the view from the
lobby below is upside-down, as though it is a reflection seen from
New York’s harbor. Most public rooms are concentrated on Promenade and
Lower Promenade decks, from the three-deck Showroom at Sea
forward to the exquisite two-deck Manhattan Dining Room aft. In
between are the Ocean Bar with cozy seating and Explorers Bar and Lounge, Northern Lights
Nightclub, an intimate Piano Bar,
Casino and lively Casino Bar, Pinnacle Grill,
and Queen's Lounge. New additions to the Signature Class are the
Pinnacle Bar, a minimalist Scandinavian-modern wine bar adjacent to the Pinnacle Grill
restaurant, and Silk Den, an intimate bar/lounge with a Far East
motif adjacent to Tamarind Restaurant and overlooking the Lido Pool.
There is something missing, though. The lobby bar, an underutilized
feature on other ships, has been eliminated on Nieuw Amsterdam. In
its place is comfortable seating where passengers can meet and
relax.
The Crow's Nest and Explorer's Lounge are perhaps
the most traditional of the signature public rooms on board Nieuw
Amsterdam. Subtle
variations in decor between port and forward-facing areas of the
Crow's Nest make it the ideal setting for watching the ship approach
ports of call or to enjoy an after dinner brandy. While both lounges are large,
they have distinctive, intimate seating areas for cocktails and
inlaid wood floors ideal for dancing. At one end of Explorer's
Lounge, an actual bar is a new addition first introduced on Eurodam. Adjacent to the Crow's
Nest, the Explorations Cafe is a combination library, Internet
center, and specialty coffee bar.
The Greenhouse Spa boasts a full menu of salon
services and spa treatments. A hydro pool and thermal suite are
extra-tariff indulgences for complete relaxation and the aroma-steam
room is a rare treat for sinus sufferers. Don't overlook your
exercise regime while on board; Nieuw Amsterdam has a fully equipped fitness
center with state-of-the art equipment and a wide range of classes.
After a power walk around the teak Promenade Deck (three laps equals
a mile), take a refreshing dip in
one of the two pools or select one of the hot tubs to soak sore
muscles.
Children haven't been overlooked in the expanded
indoor and outdoor facilities for Nieuw Amsterdam's "Club HAL" Program and
they will enjoy their own cruise cuisine from special menus designed
to appeal to young passengers. Club HAL features play areas, computer center, a small stage for youthful
performers, and an honest-to-goodness real New York City taxicab for
them to play in and "drive." Teens, always difficult to please, can participate in a
wide range of sports, dance parties, and entertainment options. Even
"doing their own thing" with new-found pals is completely safe at
sea.
The Art of the Nieuw Amsterdam Experience
Why go on a cruise if you don't see expansive views
of the sea? Like her Signature- and Vista-class sisters, Nieuw
Amsterdam presents those sea
views and more in unexpected ways. For instance, four scenic
elevators carry guests from Deck 1 to Deck 11. While you are
waiting, take a good look at the etched glass doors—they mirror the
1920's motif of the interior elevator doors done in cast aluminum.
Every ship in the Holland America Line fleet is
graced with a priceless art collection and Nieuw Amsterdam is no
different, with much of its artwork honoring the historic glamour of
New York City. Some of the most intriguing art is found in the
accommodations passageways where the walls are lined with historic
photographs of Holland America ships, their passengers, officers,
and crews, and the scenes in the port of New York. Don't miss the
paparazzi-style celebrity photos that give the Piano Bar a definite
Manhattan vibe and the "Rockette" sculptures that greet guests in
the Showroom at Sea.
Art, craft pieces, and historical artifacts documenting New York’s
Native American history and Dutch influences, along with the history
of Holland America Line’s 138-year association with the Big Apple,
are displayed throughout Nieuw Amsterdam’s public areas. To gain
insight into the pieces on display, and so you won’t miss anything,
there are art tours available onboard. A trip to the Explorations
Café for an iPod with the preloaded narrative gets you started. It’s
so engrossing that you’ll be surprised when it comes to an end. Do pass up the elevators now and then and take the
stairs where you will find captivating paintings and sculptures on
the stairwell landings.
 |
| Digital Workshop |
Enjoy the priceless antiques and artwork, but don't
overlook the opportunities for "performance" art as well. Introduced
on Eurodam, and now offered fleet-wide, is the Holland America Line Digital Workshop Powered by
Microsoft Windows that offers a series of free lessons focused on
taking better vacation photos, editing them, and using them in
creative ways to preserve and share your memories. The interactive
classes are guided by a "techspert" who is on hand to answer
questions after each session.
Even more food
for thought is showcased in the Culinary Arts Center where Nieuw
Amsterdam's enthusiastic chefs share their expertise during cooking
demonstrations and classes for adults and children. It’s not just
about food, though. Nieuw Amsterdam’s Party Planner presents
sessions on entertaining, such as how to host a wine and cheese
party, and even the ship's florist takes the stage to offer tips and
tricks in the art of flower arranging.
 |
| Retreat Cabana |
 |
| Poolside Cabana |
The Art of Relaxation
It's not uncommon to hear laments about the lack of
privacy aboard many ships these days. Accommodations with private
balconies solve the problem for many. However, others don't want to
be that isolated—they want to be near
the action, just not in the center of it—and Nieuw Amsterdam
has ideal options for everyone, even the most solitary types will
find a haven in Retreat cabanas and poolside cabanas.
Cabanas in the Retreat area offer a
spa-like private area where you can relax with refreshments and
deluxe leisure amenities. The tented cabanas are furnished with
modern woven chaise loungers, ottomans, upholstered settees, and
even art on the walls. All
include the use of bathrobes and plush towels, hand-held fans, an
Evian spray mister, and iPods preloaded with music. Chilled waters
are available and you can look forward to iced fruit skewers in
mid-morning and frozen grapes, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a
glass of champagne in the afternoon. An additional eight light and
airy cabanas with cushy wicker double-loungers are located around
the Lido pool.
Book your cabana per day or the entire cruise either
online at Holland America's web site or once onboard at Reception or
the Lido Pool Bar. The Retreat has family-sized cabanas that
accommodate four adults and two children (under age 16); all others
are for two adults
and two children (under age 16). Fees vary by size, location, and
sea or port day.
What
You WILL Find:
-
Delicious meals, creatively presented
-
Spa cuisine and other light and healthy food selections
-
Gracious service by a professional staff
-
Activities to suit a wide range of interests for
all ages
-
A rollicking late-night dance club
-
Stunning artwork and flowers
-
Duty free shops generously stocked with high-end
merchandise
-
Numerous triple and quad staterooms and suites
suitable for families
-
Attention to accessibility for the physically
challenged, including equipment for the hearing impaired
-
Spa services by the exclusive Greenhouse Spa &
Salon
-
Guest performers, production shows, and entertainers throughout the vessel
- Enrichment programs that range from culinary demonstrations to computer classes
- WiFi Internet access in public lounges and staterooms
What
You WON'T Find:
-
Glitz and flashing lights (except in the dance club/disco &
casino)
-
Boredom
-
Laundry rooms
Fast Stats
-
86,273 tons
-
936 feet long, 105.8 feet wide
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2,106 guests, double occupancy
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Nieuw Amsterdam
Preview, Part 1
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