Seeking Nieuw Amsterdam & B2B experiences

[QuattroRomeo]

We are considering the Nieuw Amsterdam B2B Dec 4-18. Haven't done a B2B before, but now with retirement we can consider them! We recently sailed on Koningsdam; first cruise since covid. 

 

I see that Amsterdam doesn't have as many things as Koningsdam- no Dutch cafe or NY Deli for instance, both of which we enjoyed. Would Club Orange help a bit in the food choices? Is it available on Amsterdam ( I see there is no separate dining room).  Is there a good sandwich station in the Lido that might offer comparable NYDeli items?

 

What happens on turnaround day for B2B passengers mid-cruise? If you leave the ship in Lauderdale, do you get back on board through the same line as passengers just newly embarking?

 

We have been to all of the ports before, so know what to expect that way. Although good snorkelling opportunities always welcomed!  Our curiosity is more about the ship itself and the B2B considerations or recommendations.

 

Things that we like on board:

specialty dining and offerings like Chef's Table

specialty coffees

small lounges with music 

wine tasting

good promenade deck

interesting daytime activities that aren't just promos 

evening shows and music

 

Things we don't care about:

pools, loungers, hot tubs or spa

casino

drink packages

 

The fare on HAL website for OV is just guaranteed rate when I checked yesterday. How could Club Orange factor into this? 

 

If you have opinions or experiences to share about Nieuw Amsterdam or B2B, we would appreciate them! 🙂

[NCTribeFan]

I'm sure there are many on these boards with a lot more HAL experience than I, but here's how things were on NA this past December.

 

I booked a 12-night sailing.  It was available to book as a 7 night and/or 5 nights.  Two days before the turnaround day, those of us staying on for the next leg were given Covid tests.  Note:  I did a B2B on Zuiderdam in Alaska 6/1 and 6/8 and we were not tested, so that has probably changed.

 

I had Club Orange on Eurodam in November (sister ship to NA).  You're correct that there is no separate dining.  I'd read before that CO pax were all seated in a certain area but that didn't appear to be the case, at least not with Anytime Dining.  Perhaps they do that for fixed dining times.

 

You have one additional entree each night, except maybe on the night that is the Culinary Council menu.  I only ordered the CO entree a couple of times and, honestly, wasn't terribly impressed.

 

As for the ship, I really like that class.  For some reason, I liked Eurodam a little more.  Maybe because we only had about 500 pax on that sailing!  It was fabulous.

 

I did Rudi's Sel de Mer on Eurodam and really enjoyed it.  Tamarind was excellent, as was Canaletto.  And the Pinnacle Grill.

 

I tend to not go to the production shows, but did watch a couple.  No singing these days, just dancing which, imho, is an improvement.  I did not attend any talks.

 

My daytime activities involve sitting out on the promenade decking reading.  Evenings are usually spent in the casino and BB Kings lounge.

 

I sailed K'dam and really enjoyed her, too.  I'm booked on Rotterdam for the 16-night TA next spring and do look forward to having the extra venues, although I'd happily sail any HAL ship.

[Bubbleswvwa]

We did a B2B on the Nieuw Amsterdam in March this year and are booked to do so again next March. Ft. Lauderdale requires everyone to clear customs even if you are staying on the ship. Depending on how many people are doing B2B will determine if you have to go to customs or if they will come on board to clear you. If you have to get off the boat HAL will walk you to customs and back. 

 

If you want to get off the ship and wander around you can get back onboard anytime by showing the special card you will receive the night before.

 

If you are staying in the same stateroom you prob won't see the stewards unil later in the day (we had no morning clean up, but that was fine with us). If you are changing state rooms make sure you pack everything up, the stewards will then move everything to your new room (we  id that last September).

[DaveOKC]

We are considering a B to B on the NA as well, but for Feb.  One of things you asked about:

Club Orange is no big deal on this class of ship UNLESS you use it to upgrade your cabin within your Mega Category (like Verandah) - then it can be worth it for the cost savings.  We are thinking of booking Signature Suites, so not doing Club Orange.