QuattroRomeo

What was disappointing to us was the lack of deep cleaning and disrepair of some things. The handles on the drawers, for example, were obviously not wiped down, and the drawers and closets not emptied properly. I found paperwork and an empty bag from previous occupants. The cloth couch and chair were not really clean and the couch cushion was completely sunk in on one side! The shower room had the lotion dispenser missing with just a lid stuck there, so I removed the lid. The tub had some wear and tear, too. 

I pre-ordered the Panna Acqua water pkg. and it was waiting in the room, no problem. I wish they had Pellegrino available that way, but no dice. There were 2 Mariner Cocktail vouchers on the desk that I didn't get to try last year on the KDam, as they told me back then that it was a specific drink only at certain bars. Apparently I was at one of the wrong bars.. this time I found it at the Ocean Bar, just behind the restaurant reservations podium. I watched him put in some elderflower liquid, a bit of sparkling wine and 4 ice cubes, all in a martini glass!!...certainly nothing to write home about..

Earlier this year on RDam, it was good for ANY cocktail. 

Happy Hour shows on Friday as well; we didn't partake so not sure what happened on the other days.

Pre-cruise I ordered some flowers in the narrow rectangular vase, as I had already bought one of the bow vases on the Rotterdam and wanted a different shape to complement it. What we got was 2 bouquets, both in bow vases! At least they all have a different motif on them. They were quite nice and fragrant. But the eucalyptus and roses really only lasted 6 days, so wouldn't be ideal for a longer cruise.

Officers: 

You're welcome - I always save a lot of the paperwork so it's nice to have a use for it post-cruise!

Dailies:

Laundry info sheets.

We did the same cruise on the same ship last year, about 3 weeks earlier than this one. It was far from full capacity then. Although early in the season, the weather was fantastic then, sunny, clear, and even hot at times. Interesting to compare this year at full ship status. It didn't seem overly crowded, though. A few lineups of course but not terrible. Weather was definitely cooler, foggy, raining etc. 

Some paperwork to get started:

We are just off our 7-day Inside Passage cruise on the Koningsdam, June 24- July 1. Thought I would share some photos (mostly food!!) and thoughts, as I always enjoy reading others' reviews and there is always some little nugget of info that proves useful to somebody else.

Thanks for your comments! Your upsell offer sounds pretty good. A few CO questions to compare with Pinnacle ships: Were you offered an additional entree at dinner? Or cappuccino? Fresh orange juice at breakfast? At guest services, was there a CO line? In the stateroom, were you given the thicker bathrobes?

There are tables, chairs, couches and armchairs(patio furniture) on the aft deck 9. Plus Seaview Bar.Smoking side is starboard (side where the bar is). Loungers are around the pool, and extreme aft. Tables, chairs and couches are covered overhead.

We are on a 7 day on Koningsdam. Escargot was on the menu last night. Only time I remember seeing it. 

Yes, on Kdam this week. There are at least 6 armchairs in the new library. (Photos when I get home).

There was a comedian once on World Stage and he did a set on the Music Walk, too. There is a new act on the WS, a group called Major Fourth. 3 guys and 1 gal singing hits. They are okay. Humanity was on the other night. 

We'd love to see a jazz music station on the stateroom tvs!  The current selections aren't the greatest..

• We're on the Koningsdam now so I asked the host at Canaletto about the menu. Still using the old one,  and changing over to the new one July 29.

Absolutely fantastic review! Thank you for sharing. Do you think you have become addicted to cruising?!? 🚢

On 6/15/2023 at 10:13 AM, fastandhappy said:

I appreciated your review as we are sailing on the 7 day Nordic cruise July 26. We did the Alaska cruise on Princess in 2009, which we enjoyed, but otherwise travel to the tropics or Europe on our own. The only cruise I expect to take in the future would be a European river cruise. This is a last minute cruise with son and family and the price was very reasonable, $2900 for veranda. We are "old" 78 and 81, but active and really do not know what to expect.

 

It took awhile to figure out all the abbreviations (HIA, CO, MDR, etc). The information on the HAL website and other sites seems to be more for experienced cruisers and my questions are not being answered.

 

For example, we like a glass or 2 of wine with dinner but do not drink alcohol during the day and I can't decide whether we need the HIA. We drink lots of water and tea. Do we have to pay for them? I saw orange juice listed on the HIA beverages. Really???? Do I have to pay for orange juice at meals? 

 

I use a CPAP machine and need  distilled water. I know I can bring it on board in "Checked Baggage" but how am I supposed to get a gallon of distilled water in my suitcase?

 

Is the pool just walk around deep? Is the Lincoln Center venue gone? We are classical music people and that is a main attraction.

 

I could go on with my questions but don't want to bore. I would really appreciate being directed to a more informative site for HAL and this ship, Nieuw Statendam. 

 

Many thanks,

Joyce

Hi Joyce- welcome to Cruise Critic! You have many good questions, so I suggest you start a new thread and then you will attract lots of members who have been on Nieuw Statendam before. Just go to the main page of the Holland America board and click on "Start a New Topic".

From what you are saying, it does not seem to be worth it for you to buy the HIA (Have it All package). You are better off just paying as you go. (Just gets charged to your stateroom). You can buy a glass of wine. Or you could get one of the wine packages, for 4 or more bottles.(You can buy the package online in advance, or when you are on board). If you don't finish the bottle they will store it for your next meal.

Have you registered yet for your Holland America online account? There you will find the online pre-purchasing options for your cruise. Under Beverages, you can browse the wine options. As Cruise Suzy said, you will also find distilled water there.

It is near the bottom of the page. $2.95 gallon.

If you order online, it will be waiting for you in the stateroom.

You do not have to pay for plain water or tea. You can get juice with your breakfast. 

If you want mineral water or tins of water then there is a charge. You can get iced tea and lemonade free in the common eating areas. 

The Lincoln Centre Stage (LCS) feature ended recently, unfortunately. But maybe others can help tell you what music has been available on this ship recently. Same for info about the pools. They are not all completely shallow but I don't know how deep. Somebody will know!

Here is a link to information about Nieuw Statendam dining, entertainment etc on HAL's main website: 

   https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/cruise-ships/ms-nieuw-statendam/1.html