We have been a week on board of the Nieuw Statendam now, and all the time the aft of deck 11 has been closed for all passengers. “Team members or staff only” This was also the case in May last year. We thought this was a one off, but how wrong were we…. Deck 11 is the only place on the aft of the ship were you have an unobstructed view from port to starboard-side to take pictures. It is also the only place on the aft of the ship to walk easy from port to starboard side. So at departure deck 9 is the only (crowded) option. Asking for the reason, we were told by guest services this deck is only for crew members. An officer told us it is “because of the construction of the ship” (sic!) (please take you passengers more serious!) We have no problem with crew members on passenger decks, but there is never a crew member to be seen there, they are always on port side. So close port side for us like on the Zuiderdam. Four weeks ago we were on the Rotterdam for 3 weeks and deck 11 was accessible all the time! Next year we will sail to Hawaii and French Polynesia on the Koningsdam: will deck 11 also be closed??? This is the only issue we have, food quality and choice are excellent. Friendly crew members, stateroom and ship overall excellent.