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Nieuw Statendam Officers Detailed

Posted on September 27, 2018 Author Chris Owen

When Holland America Line’s  Nieuw Statendam  sets sail in December, the ship’s senior staff officers will bring a combined 80 years of company loyalty and experience. The cruise line announced that Captain Sybe de Boer, Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Don Habets, Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen, and Environmental Officer Dolf Kramer will lead  Nieuw Statendam ’s shipboard teams.

nieuw statendam cruise director

99,500-ton currently is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard at Marghera, Italy. During its inaugural year,  Nieuw Statendam  will explore the Caribbean in winter and then move to northern Europe, Iceland and the Mediterranean in summer.

A company like Holland America Line, with 145 years of history, has a tremendous breadth of experienced officers and staff to ensure a successful launch of a newbuild, and we’re thrilled to have Captain de Boer, Don, Eric, Kevin and Dolf leading  Nieuw Statendam ’s shipboard teams -Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president.

nieuw statendam cruise director

For the past three years, he represented Holland America Line as a Fleet Captain at Maritime Quality Assurance, Carnival Corporation Plc. In this role, he advanced the Bridge Resource Management policies and procedures across the Carnival Corporation brands.

Hailing from the Netherlands Captain de Boer resides in The Hague. He enjoys going to concerts, visiting museums, flying light aircraft (he holds a commercial pilot’s license), sailing, photography and bicycling. He graduated from the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz in Terschelling, the Netherlands, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Navigation.

nieuw statendam cruise director

Kramer came to work for Holland America Line as an environmental officer, and he has worked on all classes of ships except Pinnacle Class. He has served on  Statendam ,  Ryndam ,  Maasdam ,  Rotterdam ,  Volendam ,  Zaandam ,  Amsterdam , Prinsendam ,  Zuiderdam ,  Oosterdam, Westerdam, Eurodam  and  Nieuw Amsterdam . Launching  Nieuw Statendam  — the second Pinnacle Class ship — will round out his class experience.

When he’s not on board, Kramer lives in Aruba with his wife where he spends time riding his Harley Davidson and working to restore his classic 1957 Chevrolet.

nieuw statendam cruise director

Nieuw Statendam Fun Facts

  • Namesake: Holland America Line’s first ship to be called  Statendam  sailed in 1898.
  • Six:  This will be the sixth ship in the company’s history to carry the name.
  • Tradition: Combining the Dutch word for “new” with the classic “Statendam,” Holland America Line celebrates the company’s past, present and future.
  • Websites: All Holland America ships & Nieuw Statendam
  • Pinnacle-Class design:  Grand, light-filled spaces; visual drama; and sumptuous interiors inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments.
  • Designers: Hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany and designer and architect Bjørn Storbraaten.
  • No Carbon Copy:  While much of the ship’s design will be similar to  Koningsdam , the first Pinnacle Class ship,  Nieuw Statendam  will have exclusive public spaces
  • Not So Big:  2,666-guest, 99,500-ton ship
  • Booking: Contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL  (1-877-724-5425 ) or visit  hollandamerica.com .
  • CruiseMapper
  • Holland America

ms Nieuw Statendam

ms Nieuw Statendam cruise ship

Cruise line Holland America

  • Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida)
  • Rotterdam (Netherlands South Holland)
  • Dover (England)
  • Piraeus-Athens (Greece)
  • Amsterdam (Netherlands North Holland)

ms Nieuw Statendam current position

ms Nieuw Statendam current location is at North East Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 33.96535 N / -16.06625 W) cruising at speed of 18.1 kn (34 km/h | 21 mph) en route to NL RTM > PT FNC. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of ms Nieuw Statendam

ms Nieuw Statendam current cruise is 28 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam . The itinerary starts on 07 Apr, 2024 and ends on 05 May, 2024 .

Specifications of ms Nieuw Statendam

  •   Itineraries
  •   Review
  •   Wiki

ms Nieuw Statendam Itineraries

Ms nieuw statendam review, review of ms nieuw statendam.

The 2018-built MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship is the second Pinnacle-Class vessel in the Holland America fleet, with sisterships the fleetmates Koningsdam (2016) and Rotterdam (2021) and also Cunard's Queen Anne . The new Statendam is HAL's 16th vessel built by Fincantieri. Pinnacle-Class are the newest and largest liners in HAL's fleet.

The vessel (IMO number 9767106) is currently Netherlands- flagged (MMSI 244140580) and registered in Rotterdam .

History - construction and ownership

Holland America Line (HAL) is a Seattle -based cruise company owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Between 1873-1989, HAL was a Dutch cargo and passenger shipping company operating regular Transatlantic crossings between Holland and the Americas. HAL was founded in 1873 as "Dutch-American Steamship Company" headquartered in Rotterdam Netherlands . In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation for around EUR 530 million. Among the company's assets are the Westmark hotel chain (Alaska-Yukon), Worldwide Shore Services (warehouses-logistics) and Half Moon Cay (Caribbean private island).

Holland America MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship

The 2700-passenger ship Nieuw Statendam was scheduled for delivery in November 2018. The vessel's name (translated from Dutch as "New Statendam") was announced on May 23, 2016. It honors MS Statendam (now Vasco de Gama ) - the 5th Statendam-named liner since the company's establishment. HAL's other "new" named ship is Nieuw Amsterdam (2010).

Decks and Cabins

MS Nieuw Statendam staterooms (1331 total, in 35 grades) include 164 Suites, 748 Balcony, 147 Oceanviews (including 32x Family Oceanview and 12x Studios/single cabins), 280 Inside. Most cabins as sized ~180 m2 (17 m2). Most cabin balconies are sized 50 ft2 / 5 m2. Nearly 70% of the ship's passenger accommodations have private step-out balconies. Wheelchair-accessible cabins are 27. The largest accommodation is the Penthouse/Pinnacle Suite (970 ft2 / 90 m2, with terrace sized 320 ft2 / 30 m2 and fitted with an outdoor Jacuzzi).

The boat has 13 passenger decks , of which 8 are with cabins.

Club Orange is an exclusive (Suite-only) venue integrated into HAL's "Club Orange" program providing exclusive amenities to passengers booked in the Suite categories Neptune and Pinnacle. Bonus perks by the Club Orange program include:

  • priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
  • 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations)
  • exclusive dining venue (Club Orange Restaurant/deck 2) serving complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus exclusive dishes
  • dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
  • room service (a la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet dishes - including smoked salmon, steak and eggs)
  • sparkling wine (embarkation day), Club Orange tote bag, premium bathrobes (cabin use, available for monogramming and purchasing)

Club Orange Restaurant occupies the area of the former "Culinary Arts Center". Culinary Arts Center was a premium dinner-only restaurant (cover charge $39 pp, unlimited wine included) via partnership with the “Food & Wine Magazine”. This open-kitchen/show-kitchen venue was used daily for professional cooking shows, culinary classes and workshops (cooking and cocktail) presented in demonstration kitchens. In the evenings, the venue transformed into “Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center”. This specialty dining concept ("America's Test Kitchen") provided a top-quality gourmet experience - the ship’s chefs prepared dishes in the demonstration kitchen while the guests enjoyed each course with wine pairing. At the entry, there were 9 interactive TV displays allowing guests to explore personal lives, special recipes, cooking secrets and tips from famous food and wine industry celebrities. By Holland America Line’s partnership with Koppert Cress (microgreen specialist), the Culinary Arts Center had a live garden to grow fresh ingredients. This enabled the guests to enjoy farm-to-table items from the dinner menu (veggie fare, 5 choices, dessert, cheese plate). The ingredients were displayed in a glass-enclosed garden area and harvested just before being served. Once sown, the seedlings grew for up to 2 weeks. The list of microgreens integrated in the recipes included garlic, mustard, licorice.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Ship's 2-level main restaurant venue serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, as well as a blend of flexible and set-seating restaurant-style meals at dinner. Breakfast hours in the MDR vary but start as early as 7 am on port days and 8 am on sea days, wrapping up by 9:30 am. Breakfast fare includes bread, cereals, French toast, blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, egg dishes and yogurt parfaits. Portions are on the smaller side, so better opt for a second pastry. Lunch in the MDR is typically limited to an hour per day (from noon to 1 pm on sea days; closed when the ship is in port for an entire day). If you see a line of guests waiting to be seated, do not be deterred as the line moves fast and the tables are plenty. Lunch fare includes sandwiches, soups, light salads, fish and heartier entrees.

Holland America MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship

Holland America is famous for its exceptional dining experiences on every voyage, but the line’s newest ships ms Koningsdam and ms Nieuw Statendam boast even more culinary options. Dining Room is a 2-deck high restaurant featuring an airy and sophisticated ambiance, floor-ceiling windows, curved architectural pillars accentuating the high ceiling, modern glass lighting, chic furnishings (custom-made for the liner). The restaurant's centerpiece is a copper sheath surrounding the 2-story wine tower showcasing an impressive premium wine selection. On the menu are HAL's classic selections, signature dishes, regionally inspired cuisine, Culinary Council recipes from the world-renowned chefs who compose the group, including Council Chairman and Master Chef Rudi Sodamin and international chefs David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Jacques Torres, Jonnie Boer and Mark Best.

In addition to Dining Room Restaurant, Nieuw Statendam offers fine dining in alternative restaurants, including redesigned Lido Market (with themed food stations), a new French seafood brasserie Rudi’s Sel de Mer, suite-exclusive dining (Club Orange Restaurant), Canaletto (Italian), Tamarind (pan-Asian/sushi bar) and Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse/seafood restaurant).

BLEND is a glass-enclosed winery room (capacity 10 seats) where are hosted daily wine blending sessions. These are reservations-only events (90 min sessions, $129 cover charge) with sommelier service. The BLEND venue is via partnership with the winemaker Chateau Ste Michelle Winery (Woodinville Washington). Wine-tasting events are seminar-like (led by a wine expert). Each session includes a sampling of 5 red wines (single-vineyard) later combined with different vintages into a personal blend. After the event, you can bottle and take your newly created wine and consume it at the ship’s restaurants or in the stateroom. At the BLEND room all guests are allowed to see the wines offered in the Pinnacle Grill and Sel de Mer, and also to choose their vintage from the impressive selection of premium wines.

Follows the complete list of ms Nieuw Statendam restaurants and food bars.

  • Pinnacle Grill (reservations-only seafood/steakhouse restaurant with fine wines selection; free for passengers under 12 yo). The venue transforms into “De Librije” (US$69-89) from time to time, inspired by the land-based Dutch restaurant De Librije with two Michelin stars. A wine tasting is included with the meal (four 2 oz. pours). A wine pairing is also available for an additional US$20 per person (four 5 oz. pours).
  • Rudi’s Sel De Mer is dinner-only specialty restaurant serving French seafood. In comparison to Koningsdam's original Sel De Mer (upgraded during drydock 2018), the restaurant on Nieuw Statendam is by design larger (54 seats) but retains the curving shape and walnut wood-made, accordion-like column structure. The back wall is decorated with porcelain plates, all of which are decorated with Chef Rudi’s Food Faces culinary pop art (via a partnership with Bernardaud - French porcelain masters). The food plates are arranged from classic ingredients (caviar, fruits, root vegetables, peppers, etc). In January 2018, HAL released the coffee table book "Food Faces" - available for purchase on the ship. Signature dishes in the a la carte menu include Rudi’s Seafood Tower, Fruits de Mer, Broiled Lobster Tail, Whole Dover Sole Meuniere, Clams au Beurre, Duck Cassoulet, Steak Tartare, Steak Frites, Souffle au Fromage, Salt Crust Baked Branzino. Signature desserts include Rudi’s Face to Face Chocolate, Rudi’s Souffle, Crepes Suzette, Profiteroles with Hot Chocolate Sauce, Apple Tarte Tatin, Artisanal French Cheese Plate.
  • The Dining Room (aft Dining Room; features open seating Breakfast and Lunch, two Dinner options – 2 fixed seatings or “Any Time” dining between 5:15-9 pm)
  • Canaletto Restaurant (Lido Restaurant annex; operates as an Italian restaurant for Dinner, reservations required)
  • Dive-In (complimentary fast-food bar)
  • New York Deli (fast-food bar)
  • Gelato (ice cream parlor)

Lido Market (capacity 386 seats) is the ship’s self-service buffet restaurant open for Breakfast (6-11 am), Lunch (11:30-2 pm), Afternoon Tea (3-4 pm) and Dinner (5:30-8 pm). Food is complimentary and displayed at 5 themed stations. The Lido Buffet is designed as a modern marketplace, with numerous on-the-go or made-to-order food choices. Differently themed food stations (walk-up service) offer fresh-made sandwiches, grilled food, International fare, salads, fruits, desserts, daily specials. The food stations are named Breadboard (fresh-baked bread, pastries, sandwiches), Wild Harvest (salads, fruits, healthy food bites), Homestead (comfort food, including egg dishes and grilled meats), Distant Lands (themed cuisine specialties, including from the current cruise itinerary’s regions), Sweet Spot (desserts).

Tamarind (aft on Deck 10) is a reservations-only Asian restaurant open for complimentary lunch and at-fee dinner (at surcharge per person). Tamarind Bar serves the restaurant with cocktails and other beverages. Part of the Tamarind is the Japanese food bar Nami Sushi (capacity 7 seats only, also serving popular Asian spirits). Nami Sushi is open for lunch and dinner but both are at surcharge PP. Tamarind's sushi menu is created by chef Andy Matsuda and additionally includes 4 of his signature rolls.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The World Stage is the main theatre, featuring 270-degree LED screens for multiple stage configurations. Lido Pool (one of the ship's 2 swimming pools) has an outdoor movie screen, 3 whirlpools and 2 levels of cushioned lounge chairs. The central pool area (Magrodome) is on 2 levels to create a glass-enclosed space. The lower level has traditional poolside elements, while the mezzanine level offers more seating, a huge LED screen for poolside movies, Deli and Pizza (complimentary fast-food bars).

Onboard live musical entertainment is concentrated in the Music Walk area (forward-midship on Plaza Deck 2) housing the music-themed venues Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

The 2-tiered Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King's Blues Club (fka Queen's Lounge/decks 2-3) is a grand ballroom/concert hall/nightclub with two grand pianos (on floor 1), HAL fleet's biggest dance floor (floor 1), its own bar (floor 1), balcony seating (floor 2) and has a resident 8-man band (2 vocalists, 1 drummer, 1 pianist/organist, 1 bassist, 1 guitarist, 1 saxophonist, 1 trumpeter). The lounge hosts live musical performances (concerts, classical pieces, blues, popular hits from the 60s, sing-alongs) as well as a daily enrichment program (guest speakers, seminars, special events). Lincoln Center Stage is a collaboration with "Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts" (NYC) featuring classical/chamber music with a quintet combining piano and strings.

Rolling Stone Rock Room is a classic rock club (via partnership with Rolling Stone Magazine) where are offered live 5-piece band performances. Rolling Stone Rock Room debuted on MS Nieuw Statendam.

Billboard Onboard is a signature sing-along bar with live performances (pianists, guitarists, DJ) in a variety of genres (including pop, rock, classic, country). There are 3 programs per night (each lasts 45 to 60 min). The music bar hosts dynamic evening shows, has a central stage (with two grand pianos), wood-paneled walls, three large-size TVs, comfortable seating (plush sofas and chairs, round tables).

Other amenities include: complimentary 24-Hour Room-Service, supervised Kids Program ("Club Hal"), cruise ship weddings, Internet/WiFi access, Laundry Rooms (Laundromats). Ship's laundry rooms are not self-service (no passenger-use laundrettes). Laundry services are offered via hotel staff and at an additional charge.

Follows the complete list of ms Nieuw Statendam lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • Atrium (3-deck high midship open-floor area with live performances. The Atrium features a stainless-steel sculpture emulating the sense of being inside and encircled by a musical instrument. The experience changes as passengers move around and through it, with no two perspectives being the same. The atrium is capped by Skylight (glass roof) which serves as the backdrop for HD video projections or live view of the stars.
  • Stuyvesant Room (multi-purpose, used for cards playing, group meetings, presentations, “Club HAL” kids program)
  • World Stage (theatre/main show lounge; also serves Holland America’s enrichment program (via a partnership with BBC Earth)
  • Lincoln Center Stage & B.B. King's Blues Club (fka Queen's Lounge) is a 2-deck grand ballroom/concert hall (with two grand pianos and a large dance floor) hosting live musical performances (classical/chamber music, blues).
  • Digital Workshop/Microsoft Studio (powered by MS Windows)
  • Photo Gallery & Shop; Art Gallery
  • Shore Excursions Desk; 4 Meeting Rooms
  • Signature Shops (boutiques for duty-free tobaccos and liquor, perfumes, watches, clothing, HAL logo merchandise, souvenirs); Marabella Luxury Shop; Dive-in (scuba and diving equipment)
  • Club Orange (suite-only restaurant)
  • Ocean Bar (fka Explorer's Lounge & Bar) is an Atrium bar lounge with dance floor, stage (for live performances), wine tastings.
  • Billboard Onboard (sing-along bar with live music performances)
  • BLEND (glass-enclosed winery room)
  • Grand Dutch Cafe is a Holland-themed a-la-carte-priced patisserie bar for traditional Dutch snacks/sweets and beverages (including coffees and Heineken draft beer) as well as premium European beers.
  • Neptune Lounge (club venue for Deluxe Suite and Pinnacle guests only)
  • Sport Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer); Sun Deck; Promenade Deck, Walking/Jogging Track
  • Club HAL (kids lounge, complimentary youth programming)
  • The Loft (teens club lounge area, with Video Games Arcade, computers, PlayStations; teen disco)

The wellness complex (forward on decks 9-10) consists of Fitness Center (gymnasium with a separate Aerobics Room for classes) and Greenhouse Spa & Salon (Therapy Rooms, Treatment Rooms (for massages), Hydrotherapy Pool with heated seawater, Thermal Suites, Relax Lounge with heated ceramic loungers, Sauna Room, Aroma Steam Room, Relaxation Area, Beauty Salon/manicure-pedicure, barber services).

Spacious sundecks spread over 3 floors (decks 9-10 midship and aft, deck 11 aft) and are fitted with 2 swimming pools and 5 outdoor Jacuzzies (deck 9). The Lido Pool area (midship) is served by Lido Bar (beverages), Gelato (ice cream bar), Dive-In (fka Terrace Grill), New York Delly & Pizza (fast food) and Panorama Bar (beverages). The Sea View Pool area (aft) is served by Sea View Bar.

“Movies by the Pool Deck” is a 2-deck outdoor Cinema served by the New York Delly & Pizza (deck 10) with light snacks (including popcorn, sandwiches, pizza, fresh chips, nachos). During movie nights, loungers and blankets are provided, as well as chair-side waiter service from the food bars (Gelato, NY Deli & Pizza, Dive-In/Terrace Grill) and waiter service for drinks at the Lido Bar.

The Retreat (deck 12) is an adults-only sundeck/relaxation zone with private cabanas available for rent. Daily rent prices are inclusive of a massage tent, lunch, concierge service.

Explorations Central & Cafe (fka Crow’s Nest & Explorations Cafe/forward on deck 11) is an indoor observation lounge with panoramic windows (270-degree views), its own Bar (beverages), Cafe (patisserie, specialty coffees/teas), and a large dance floor. The lounge is also used for pre-scheduled events by HAL's enrichment program (daily dance classes, trivia games, card playing, karaoke, live grand piano and HAL Cats performances/8-piece party band in the afternoons and evenings). Explorations Central doubles as a disco/nightclub (with live DJ music, dancing contests) and a Library (1000+ volumes, resident librarians). Here are additionally offered multimedia series of interactive videos and guides related to the current itinerary's destinations. Explorations Central also provides digital media (videos, ebooks, maps) accessed via Wi-Fi (during the voyage) and also online (before and after the voyage). At Explorations Central, there are also paperback books and paper maps for the visited regions/destinations and ports of call.

The Casino is a large gaming lounge fitted with gambling tables, 140 slots and video poker machines, a PokerPro digital touchscreen table). It is served by Casino Bar and has a separate non-smoking area. In 2023, HAL conducted 5 wet-dock refurbishments to expand the casino space on its vessels in the Pinnacle-class (Nieuw Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam) and Signature-class (Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam).

Since 2023, all HAL ships have pickleball courts (installed on the top deck) operated via an exclusive partnership with PPA-Professional Pickleball Association. HAL also offers complimentary beginner lessons (led by onboard instructors), sells branded pickleball starter kits (at the ship's retail shops) and Play Pickleball tutorial videos are included in the cabin TV programming.

Itineraries

Initially, there were some speculations about the ship's deployment in the world's booming cruise travel destinations - Australia and Asia. However, HAL decided to operate the liner in the Caribbean and Europe, with seasonal Transatlantic repositioning cruise crossings.

MS Nieuw Statendam itinerary program is based on Caribbean roundtrips from homeport Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades, Florida) on 7-day Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Most voyages can be combined (booked together) as B2Bs ( back-to-back cruises ). All Caribbean itineraries visit HAL’s private island in Bahamas Half Moon Cay .

In Europe, the ship operates seasonally (during summer) Norwegian Fjords and Baltic Sea cruises (to ports in Norway, Scandinavia and Russia) leaving roundtrip from homeport Amsterdam Holland . From Amsterdam are offered some voyages to the British Isles and Iceland. The ship also operates Western Mediterranean and Greek Islands cruises leaving from homeport Civitavecchia-Rome Italy .

ms Nieuw Statendam - user reviews and comments

Photos of ms nieuw statendam.

Holland America MS Nieuw Statendam cruise ship

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Other Holland America cruise ships

  • ms Koningsdam
  • ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • ms Oosterdam
  • ms Rotterdam
  • ms Volendam
  • ms Westerdam
  • ms Zuiderdam

ms Nieuw Statendam Wiki

Holland America Line's newest ship is sister to Koningsdam - a new class vessel launched in May 2016). The "Nieuw Statendam" ship name (translated from Dutch as "New Statendam") was announced on May 23, 2016. It honours MS Statendam (now Vasco de Gama) - the 5th Statendam-named vessel since the company's establishment in the distant 1898. HAL's other "new"/"nieuw" named ships are Nieuw Amsterdam (2010 - the 4th Amsterdam-named HAL liner since company’s establishment in 1898) and Nieuw Rotterdam (2021).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera Yard number 6244) is powered by four MAK marine diesel engines (model 12V43C) with combined power output 50,4 MW. The propulsion system is based on two ABB Azipods (azimuth thrusters) with combined output 28 MW.

Like Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam ship design is by the companies "Tihany Design” (New York, USA) and "Yran Storbraaten Architects AS” (Oslo, Norway). The vessel features a 2-level theatre (named "World Stage"), 3-decks high Atrium, "Digital Workshop" (powered by Microsoft), numerous dining options (including some new for HAL), signature lounges and bars, expanded kids and teen facilities "Greenhouse Spa" (fleet's largest), the adults-only retreat "Sea View".

On May 23, 2016, HAL officially announced the name for its second Pinnacle-class vessel - the company's 6th to carry the name "Statendam". On July 12, 2016, was the steel-cutting ceremony at Fincantieri's Palermo shipyard, where the first block was built before moving it to Marghera where the ship was actually constructed (assembled).

On March 20, 2017, at Marghera Shipyard (near Venice Italy ) was held vessel's keel-laying ceremony. Its first building block (length 11,3 m, width 34,8 m, weight 260 tons, part of the midship section) was placed.

On December 6, 2017, the vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) at the shipyard. The special event also included the traditional coin ceremony, during which a silver dollar coin was weld on the ship. Launching ceremony's godmother was Anne Marie Bartels (HAL "President’s Club" loyalty program member). The event was attended by Keith Taylor (HAL's Fleet Operations EVP) and Antonio Quintano (Marghera Shipyard's Director).

On June 13, 2018, HAL announced ship's godmother - Oprah Winfrey (US media tycoon, talk show host, producer and philanthropist). The official christening ceremony was on February 2 (2019) held in Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) . The event was attended by ~1000 people and watched online by nearly 1 million.

Sea trials were in 2 sets (August 10-12 and Aug 18-22) - both completed successfully. During sea trials were tested performances on machinery, engines and all systems.

The cruise liner was officially delivered to HAL on November 29, 2018. The ceremony was attended by Edoardo Rixi (Italy's vice minister of transport and infrastructure), Micky Arison (Carnival Corporation chairman), Arnold Donald (Carnival Corporation's President and CEO), Stein Kruse (Holland America's CEO), Orlando Ashford Holland America's President), Giampiero Massolo (Fincantieri chairman) and Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO). Nieuw Statendam was Fincantieri's 87 cruise liner (built since 1990), with another 53 on order or under construction .

Ship's senior officers are Sybe de Boer (Ship Master / Captain, Dutch, with HAL since 1994), Kevin Beirnaert (Staff Captain, with HAL since 2006), Don Habets (Hotel Director, with HAL since 2002), Eric van Loenen (Chief Engineer, with HAL since 2002) and Dolf Kramer (Environmental Officer, with HAL since 2004).

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2018

The following tables show the ship's inaugural cruise itineraries as ports of call sequences and port times. Prices are in USD - indicative and per person (pp / double-occupancy inside cabin rates)

(repositioning) 13 nights / 14 days "Inaugural Cruise" (maiden voyage) Transatlantic from Civitavecchia-Rome to Fort Lauderdale Florida USA (prices started from USD 1200 pp)

11 nights / 12 days Inaugural Caribbean cruise (themed "The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean Collector", prices from USD 1800 pp)

4 nights / 5 days Inaugural Bahamas and Key West cruise (prices from USD 500 pp)

7 nights / 8 days Inaugural Western Caribbean cruise (prices from USD 1400 pp)

All Things Cruise

7 Nights Aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam in the Eastern Caribbean

As our Uber arrived at Port Everglades’ Terminal 26, Pam and I felt an air of both excitement and anticipation — that feeling you get when you experience a new cruise line for the first time.

In front of us was Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, the second of their Pinnacle-class ships launched in December 2018, with Oprah Winfrey named as the ship’s godmother. We learned it’s actually the sixth iteration of that name, which isn’t that unusual when you consider Holland America is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.

There was already a long line of guests waiting to check-in, no doubt because we learned later this cruise was totally sold out (capacity is almost 2,700). Over the next seven days, we are scheduled to visit Grand Turk, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Holland’s private island, Half Moon Cay. With the weather turning cold and windy in Florida, we were happy to be heading to warmer climes.

Doing some homework beforehand, we had read guests can bring a bottle of wine or champagne to consume in their room without a corkage fee. Not so, we learned. At check-in, you have to surrender your bottle and a $20 corkage fee would apply, which is more than most of the wines brought aboard cost. Like us, most people just elected to pick it up at the disembark.

Ours is a verandah balcony room on deck 5 (the Gershwin Deck ). There’s a small sofa and desk, and the bathroom features a walk-in shower. Best of all, there’s lots of storage space, including roomy, pull-out drawers under the bed. While there are a generous number of plugs, it’s still a good idea to bring your own power strip. We have one that has three plugs and three USB ports.

7 Night – Eastern Caribbean – HAL Nieuw Statendam

After settling in, the next thing is watching the safety video on your TV. This is actually so much better than the old school muster drill, where you stand for what seems like forever at your muster station, elbow-to-elbow with other passengers (not the best idea in this age of Covid). After the video, you go to your assigned muster station, where they scan your room key, and that’s it. If you haven’t done it the old way, you won’t appreciate the difference.

The first day of a cruise is devoted to getting your bearings, so we’re off to explore and, of course, find lunch.

The ship itself is beautiful, with artwork worth millions placed around her 12 decks. Much of the public spaces are located on decks two and three, where you’ll find the two-story World Stage, the Music Walk, featuring venues named for blues legend B.B. King, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Lincoln Center, shops, the casino, specialty restaurants and the two-story main dining room.

We head for Lido, deck 9, where the Lido Market has a variety of food choices available. Pam opts for fish and chips while I choose a pulled pork sandwich. This is a good time to review the day’s activities, which you can do from their Navigator app or a daily printed agenda in your room. I recommend downloading the app prior to the cruise — you can use it to complete the check-in and health assessment, as well as customize your agenda, find deck plans and reserve dining and shore excursions.

Coming up is a “Welcome Aboard Steak Dinner” in Lido, a Mass celebration in the blues club, a PRIDE meetup and a trivia contest. We elect to continue exploring, and wander up to the Crow’s Nest on the Observation Deck, 12. With its wraparound, panoramic windows, it’s the place to be for the sailaway, where every seat was taken.

With all the wind and weather, the captain tells us it will be a bumpy ride at the start, evidenced by the water sloshing out of the pools and people trying to maintain their balance in the hallways. But we’re hopeful it won’t last too long.

Later, in the beautiful World Stage theater, is a presentation titled “Origin Story,” tracing the 150-year-history of the Holland America Line. Hosted by the ship’s cruise director, Gage, it proved a fascinating, multimedia history lesson, chronicling how Holland survived through world wars, the Depression and most recently, a world pandemic. We learned how the owner’s son, on a scouting mission, was tragically among those lost on the Titanic.

Dinner was in the elegant main dining room, where you can opt for anytime dining or make reservations. We had heard Holland prides itself on their food, and that was evident in the meal we had. We started with the ham and cheese croquette, which was marvelous, as was my main course, herb-roasted chicken.

For a late night snack, we always like to find pizza, and Statendam has just the ticket at the New York Deli and Pizza on deck 10, the Panorama Deck, where the cheese pizza was great. They are open daily until 10:50 pm, and also serve breakfast.

Tomorrow is a sea day as we set course for Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos islands. Tonight we’ll let the ship rock us to sleep and then see what tomorrow brings.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • Our verandah room on Deck 5
  • Cruise Director Gage relates the history of Holland America

Highlight: After dinner, we head for the World Stage auditorium to catch tonight’s show, “Humanity,” presented by the One Step Dance Company, where “technology and dance come together to awaken the human spirit.” It really did deliver on both counts, as the talented dance troupe blended modern dance with jaw-dropping visuals projected on wraparound screens. I for one don’t think cruise ship shows like this one get enough credit for delivering innovative productions and cutting-edge entertainment. They deserve their own award show, like the Grammys and Tonys.

It’s day two of our seven-day cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, and we’re still bouncing over the waves. But the captain tells us calmer conditions are up ahead, and that’s good enough for us.

Today is a sea day, with numerous activities to choose from throughout the ship. But before that, there’s breakfast, and after sleeping late, we just make last call in the main dining room. We are joined by four fellow travelers, and after the obligatory “Where are you from?” swap stories about past cruise adventures and the dubious joys of flying these days. We have found meeting interesting people as one of the side benefits of cruise travel.

Speaking of people, the demographic on this cruise is predominantly older. We have seen a few children, and Statendam does have a teen club (Club HAL), but other than the music venues, it is definitely more suited for adults.

We continue to be impressed by the food quality. At breakfast Pam had one of the best Eggs Benedict she can remember, and my Swedish pancakes were divine.

One of the hallmarks of a Holland America cruise is the opportunity for learning new things. For example, The Studio on deck 2 hosts art classes, as well as a class on “How to Fold Origami.” Pam decided to attend a class on flower arranging, hosted by the ship’s resident florist, Noven, from the Philippines.

She learned Noven, now in his seventh contract with Holland, arranged all 136 floral arrangements on Statendam, and how, despite the ship’s Dutch heritage, you won’t find any tulips onboard. The reason? Since we are sailing in the Caribbean, he only uses tropical flowers. That does make sense.

By the way, she also learned this tip: To keep lilies from being too overpowering, put a little vodka in the water. Shaken, not stirred? She didn’t ask.

After lunch in the main dining room (Pam had the Croque Madame; I went with the Mexican Street Tacos) it wasn’t long before it was time to have more food. The Afternoon Tea service started at 3 pm in main dining, where white-gloved wait staff poured tea and delivered finger sandwiches, pastries and scones on tiered serving dishes. Unlike most tea services, the tea was already prepared instead of making your own selection. I won’t tell the King if you won’t.

Tonight the dress code is “dressy,” which is the green light for Pam to look her sparkly best. While I didn’t pack my tux, I did bring a suit jacket for the occasion. While most cruise guests seem to enjoy formal nights, the majority on this cruise seem to prefer casual wear, which we found somewhat surprising.

We have reservations at one of Statendam’s specialty restaurants, Tamarind, which features Southeast Asian cuisine ($29 surcharge). Located on deck 10, it sets the right mood as soon as you enter: Dark, soft lighting and Zen-like vibes.

For starters, Pam ordered the Thai Citrus Scallops, with cilantro, plum sugar and shallots, while I had the Chinese Five Spice Baby Back Ribs, with masago, pineapple and red chili. Both dishes were excellent, and artfully presented. For our entrees, Pam chose Sweet and Sour Vegetable Tempura while I had the Panang Red Curry Coconut Chicken. Again, the chef’s presentations were amazing. We finished our meal with two desserts: Mango Posset, a coconut macaroon with mango sorbet, and the Passion Fruit Cloud, a light egg white souffle.

Adjacent to Tamarind is Nami Sushi, where lovers of raw fish and vegetable rolls can order their favorites a la carte and watch as they are prepared.

After dinner, we head for the World Stage auditorium to catch tonight’s show, “Humanity,” presented by the One Step Dance Company, where “technology and dance come together to awaken the human spirit.” It really did deliver on both counts, as the talented dance troupe blended modern dance with jaw-dropping visuals projected on wraparound screens. I for one don’t think cruise ship shows like this one get enough credit for delivering innovative productions and cutting-edge entertainment. They deserve their own award show, like the Grammys and Tonys.

As we stroll by the pool area, where guests in loungers are watching a movie on a giant screen under the stars, day two is rapidly coming to a close. Tomorrow morning we should be docked at Grand Turk, our first port of call. More about that coming soon.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • The dance show, “Humanity”
  • Panang Red Curry Coconut Chicken at Tamarind
  • Afternoon Tea in the Main Dining Room

It’s day three of our 7-day voyage on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam and, just as the captain promised, calmer seas are prevailing. The morning is bright and sunny, and we have arrived at our first port of call, Grand Turk, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The waters surrounding the ship are crystal clear and turquoise blue against the nearby white sand beach. Add in swaying palm trees plus warm trade winds and you have a picture-perfect postcard from paradise. Another bonus is we are the only ship in port today.

The last time we visited here was Christmas, just before the Covid pandemic broke out. Although small (close to seven square miles), the cruise terminal area features many shopping options as well as Margaritaville, where you relax on a sandy beach, dine or swim in one of several pools.

Pam and I have opted for The Rainbow Calypso Tram tour, a two-hour excursion around the island in an open-air tram. We learn Grand Turk has several ties to America. The language here is English, and the currency is the dollar. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. Navy utilized the island’s location for undersea surveillance, and the island also gained fame as the landing spot for John Glenn’s Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft in 1962. A replica of his space capsule is displayed at the entrance to their airport.

During our tour, we saw many of the salt ponds leftover from when Grand Turk supplied salt throughout the world, starting in the 1600s. We also had an up close and personal encounter with some of the protected donkeys that roam freely across the island. We even had a chance to feed them carrots when the tour stopped at a lighthouse built in 1852.

Unlike some islands, Grand Turk is mostly flat and arid, getting less than 40 inches of rain yearly. Still recovering from recent hurricanes, we learned a gallon of milk costs $11, and eggs $7. Living in paradise isn’t cheap.

Back onboard, we grab lunch in the Lido Market and take a look at the afternoon’s activity schedule. For the sports-minded, there’s a pick-up game of pickleball scheduled in the Sports Court on deck 11, as well as a basketball free throw challenge. Art lovers can attend a lecture on Peter Max, while the Lincoln Center Stage is hosting a string quartet playing “Masterworks by Brahms.”

From pickleball to classical music, I would say there’s something for every taste.

Midship on deck 3 is the Grand Dutch Cafe, offering coffee, tea, snacks, pastries and other beverages. We both order a cappuccino and what has to be the world’s largest cream puff, the size of a small, chocolate-covered cake that could easily feed a family of four.

In search of a bar for a pre-dinner drink, we see most of our usual haunts are crowded, so we decide to pay a return visit to the specialty restaurant Tamarind on deck 10, where we dined the night before. Their bar is intimate, dark and best of all, almost deserted. Plus the mixologist there knows her way around a martini. Highly recommended if you seek quiet by candlelight.

Dinner tonight is in the ship’s Italian specialty restaurant, Canaletto ($19 A person), adjacent to the Lido Market on deck 9. Our waitperson, Shelia from the Philippines, was marvelous, and gave us great advice on selecting a bottle of wine to pair with our meal.

In truth, we almost filled up on the Italian olive bread and pesto — so good we had to have more. For the meal, you choose from a selection of Small and Large Plates. We opted to share the Antipasto Plate and Mozzarella Di Bufala (grilled eggplant). For entrees, Pam chose Grilled Branzino while I had the Tomato Risotto. Dessert was Pam’s favorite, Tiramisu, and I went with a gelato trio.

Needless to say, you won’t leave this restaurant hungry.

At night, a lot of the action shifts to the Music Walk on deck 2, and that’s our next stop, where the B.B. King Blues All-Stars are playing Motown hits and blues. Just down the way, a piano-playing duo is entertaining in Billboard Onboard, and later, we hear Fleetwood Mac coming out of the Rolling Stone Rock Room. No one is dancing just yet — maybe they need a few more drinks to get their party started.

Tonight’s show in the World Stage again features the Step One Dance Company, this time highlighting a variety of musical instruments. While it had its moments, and we loved their energy, overall it didn’t measure up to their “Humanity” performance the night before.

While the music would continue at B.B. King’s and Rolling Stone Rock Room until almost midnight, we called it a night. Tomorrow we dock in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and my editor at All Things Cruise is waiting for this post. That’s my cue to sign off.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • Canaletto Italian specialty restaurant
  • We share a large cream puff at the Grand Dutch Cafe
  • Gerry feeds a carrot to a donkey on Grand Turk

There’s nothing like mornings at sea. Waking up, opening the curtains and seeing the endless blue water as your ship moves through the waves. All Pam needs to complete the picture is a steaming cup of coffee.

It’s already Day 4 of our week-long cruise on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, and today we are heading for a noon-ish arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If it seems later than we think, that’s because it is. Overnight we have lost an hour, and our iPhones are still in the previous time zone. Technology — it’s great when it works.

Of course, the first order of business is find that coffee, so we opt for the main dining room, where we are joined by two seasoned travelers from Colorado. They have tried a number of different cruise lines, but prefer Holland because they feel more relaxed and find the size of the ships ideal — not too large but not too small.

As we approach San Juan, Cruise Director Gage informs us they are opening the “Staff Only” door to the bow on Deck 5 so guests can get a great view of the harbor entrance and its imposing Spanish fortifications. It’s definitely what they used to call a “Kodak moment.”

Having spent time on a previous cruise exploring Old San Juan and the fort — roaming its charming cobblestone streets and shops is a must-do — we have opted to see the island’s natural wonders on the El Yunque Rain Forest Drive. There are already two other ships in port: Oceania Riviera and Sky Princess (both of which we have cruised on), so we expect the terminal area will be busy.

We meet in the World Stage, where the various tours are dispatched. Kudos to Holland for having everything so organized. Staffers are directing us every step of the way, including the large terminal building, where hundreds of guests are grouped according to their assigned excursions.

We board a modern mini-bus for the nearly one-hour ride to our destination, which we learn is the only rain forest that’s part of the U.S. National Forest system. As we climb through the thick vegetation, including bamboo and enormous fern trees (who knew ferns could be trees?), fog and mist cling to the slopes around us.

We make three stops. starting at the Yokahu Tower, a 69-foot observation tower built in 1963. As our bus came to a stop, the rain started to fall (what else might one expect visiting a rain forest?). But it didn’t last long, and we enjoyed wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, all the way to the ocean.

The second stop was at Baño Grande (big bath), a swimming pool built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Fed by the La Mina River, you can take a set of stairs to an overlook ringed by lush, tropical foliage. Saving the best for last, we stopped to admire an 80-foot waterfall just off the road. Pam and I make it a point to see waterfalls whenever we travel, and this is certainly one we’ll add to our memory book.

Navigating rush hour traffic back to San Juan, we get back to the ship in time to regroup and get ready for the evening.

We start with cocktails at our new favorite bar, Tamarind, then have reservations at another of Nieuw Statendam’s specialty restaurants, Rudi’s Sel de Mer, featuring cuisine inspired by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, a culinary consultant for Holland.

With a surcharge of $49 per person, we were expecting a top-of-the-line dining experience, and that’s just what we got. Every dish was a literal work of art, both in presentation and taste.

For starters, Pam ordered the Hot Smoked Salmon, while I opted for the Marinated Lobster. While waiting, the chef prepared an amuse bouche of salmon pate on a small, fish-shaped cracker. It was divine. Pam’s salmon appetizer came under a glass dome, which our waiter slowly raised so she could watch the smoke escape. Theater and culinary art collide — applause, applause.

For our entree, we both went with our absolute favorite fish, Dover Sole. It was prepared tableside, with the bones artfully removed, and served with a side of mashed potatoes and young green beans. Every bite was heaven.

And then dessert. Pam chose Profiteroles, little cream puffs, and I ordered Crepes Suzette. But before they arrived, our waiter surprised us with a dessert tree of tasty bites, including chocolate-covered strawberries and assorted goodies. All we can say is well done, Rudi.

Since we arrived in San Juan midday, the ship wasn’t departing until 11 pm, giving us a chance to see the city by night. As we strolled along the waterfront, Nieuw Statendam looked like a jewel sparkling in the harbor’s waters, while overhead a full moon added to the evening’s magic.

It was a perfect ending to our day in Puerto Rico.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • Nieuw Statendam in San Juan harbor
  • A waterfall in El Yunque rainforest
  • Yokahu Tower in El Yunque
  • Serving the Hot Smoked Salmon at Rudi’s

DAYS 5 AND 6

Outside our balcony we see familiar green hills dotted with red tile roofs, and beside the ship, a harbor filled with sailboats, catamarans and yachts, including a superyacht purported to be the largest in the world.

The Nieuw Statendam is docked at St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a port we have visited on many occasions. In fact, it’s where Pam and I spent our honeymoon, so we know it well and always enjoy its natural beauty and warmth of its people.

It’s Day 5 of our cruise to the Caribbean, and since we have been here so often, we have opted to strike out on our own in lieu of an organized tour. Walking the streets near the terminal, we spot some cable cars traveling toward the top of the island. That’s looks like something we need to check out.

It’s the “St. Thomas Sky Ride,” and for $24.95 per adult, you can get a roundtrip ticket to Paradise Point, at the top of the island. Okay — sign us up.

At the ticket booth they ask if we are from a cruise ship. We tell them which one, and are issued a green wristband which is good for an all-day pass. Soon enough, it’s up, up and away. The ride lasts about five minutes, and the bird’s eye views of the harbor and surrounding area are drop dead gorgeous.

Once at the top, there’s a restaurant, gift shop and several viewing areas where you can take photos and selfies to your heart’s content. Pam hits the gift shop — of course — and afterwards we order drinks and an appetizer, happy to just sit and soak up the scenery. With four other cruise ships in port, business is booming, so there’s something of a wait on the return trip.

By the way, we learned the significance of the color-coded wristbands when they announced “anyone wearing a red wristband should return to their ship.” Great idea. And now we have a new memory of one of our favorite islands.

The big event on today’s calendar is The Orange Party. As you may know, the color orange is significant to the Dutch via ties to the Dutch royal family, whose members are from the House of Orange. Cruise Director Gage told me they stage an Orange Party on every Holland America cruise.

Guests are invited to wear orange and gather at B.B. King’s Blues Club on deck 2. If you don’t have something orange, they are selling everything from orange belts to boas at the shops, and even have a display of orange libations. Servers wearing orange ties are coming through with appetizers while someone else is passing out glowing orange wristbands and necklaces.

All it takes is for the band to launch into Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” and the dance floor is filled with guests ready to get the Orange Party started. Let’s face it — partying on a cruise ship isn’t a hard sell.

Next door at the World Stage, the scene is very different. There’s a showing of “Seven Worlds, One Planet,” produced by the BBC. Amazing views of earth’s natural beauty fill the multi-media screens as the ship’s classical musicians perform the soundtrack. It gives you a new appreciation for this planet we call home.

Statendam is heading back to where we started our cruise, and Day 6 is a sea day. One of the morning highlights is a 5K walk, with proceeds going to support Ukrainian refugees. Afterwards, the ship’s captain, Eric Barhorst, is hosting “The Captain’s Talk” in the World Stage, along with the cruise director.

There’s a full house on hand as Capt. Barhorst provides a fascinating, behind-the-scenes tour of the Bridge, the ship’s technology and everything it takes to run what is virtually a city at sea (the captain even referred to himself as Statendam’s mayor).

I learned, among other things, the ship’s anchor weighs over 13 tons, and is attached to a chain that is 1,064 feet long. Also, the ship stands 174 feet above the water, with another 27 feet below the water. What about fuel consumption? He said the ship gets about “60 feet to the gallon — I wouldn’t recommend buying one,” he said.

But the burning question everyone wanted to know: Why is the captain wearing one red sock and one green sock? “So I can identify starboard and port,” he said. I really like this guy.

In the afternoon, the cruise director is hosting two “Explorations Central” talks in the World Stage. Designed to “deepen your understanding of the places you visit,” the topics today are “The Deep Blue,” about the ocean, and “Islands of the Mind,” with a focus on the impact and legacy of Jimmy Buffett, Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming. I attended the latter, and enjoyed the mix of history and multimedia.

Later, it’s announced tonight’s dance show performance has been canceled over safety concerns due to the sea conditions — the high wave action we left behind when we started this cruise is back. But the show will go on, with a comedian filling in for the dance troupe. Down the hall, the weather doesn’t affect B.B. King’s All-Stars, who rock out with a sizzling set of rhythm and blues in B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Tonight we have reservations at the Pinnacle Grill ($39 surcharge per person), the specialty restaurant famous for its steak and seafood. Beautifully appointed in bold, dark tones, it lives up to its five-star billing. For starters, Pam ordered the Jumbo Crab Cakes while I go with the Shrimp Cocktail. Both are artfully presented and perfectly prepared. We both have the Jidori Chicken Breast, served with artichokes, cremini mushrooms, chili caramel and roasted yellow beets. For dessert, Key Lime Pie and Not-So-Classic Baked Alaska.

I have to say all the specialty restaurants we have tried on Nieuw Statendam have hit the mark.

Hard to believe, but tomorrow is our last full day on this cruise. Weather permitting, we’ll anchor off Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay, and then head for home. Keep your fingers crossed the sea cooperates.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • View of St. Thomas from Paradise Point
  • The captain’s socks
  • Cruise Director Gage Griffin at the Orange Party
  • Dinner at the Pinnacle Grill

DAY 7 and Wrap-Up

What day is this? All you have to do is look at any elevator floor, where the day of the week is posted. And according to the elevator, it’s Friday. It’s so easy to lose track of time on a cruise, where the days seems to run together. But that’s part of the joy of cruising — forgetting everything and just getting lost in the moment.

It’s also Day 7 of our Caribbean voyage on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam, which means our time on the ship is quickly coming to an end. But we’re not going to look at our green luggage tags on the desk, or think about packing just yet — especially since what we see outside stateroom is a front-row view of paradise.

We are anchored off Half Moon Cay, Holland’s private island in the Bahamas, also known as Little San Salvador Island, located between Eleuthera and Cat Island. I’m happy to report Mother Nature has blessed us with sunny weather and calmer seas, so the tenders won’t have a problem getting us ashore. The ride itself takes less than 10 minutes.

Some guests have signed up for shore excursions, such as horseback riding in the surf, while most, like us, will explore on our own. The beach loungers go quickly, and the lines are already long at the bars. Since there are no umbrellas to be found, I take a quick wade into the stunning turquoise waters so Pam can snap a photo, and afterwards, we find chairs under a thatched-roof bar to admire the scenery.

It really is a little slice of paradise, watching the palm trees sway, the occasional sailboat go by and off in the distance, Nieuw Statendam awaiting our return. We linger until it’s time to find the Island BBQ lunch. When you see a long line, you know you’ve found it. As we inched closer, some guests came back and informed us there are actually multiple lines available. It would have been nice for Holland personnel to let all of us know.

At any rate, the food was excellent, and after some more photos, we caught the tram to the dock for the tender ride back. Later today, we’ll try and catch another show by the One Step Dance Company and have a farewell dinner in the Asian specialty restaurant, Tamarind.

As the cruise comes to an end, here are some observations about our first cruise on Holland America:

— The service has been excellent. Pam loved how the wait staff would trade banter and joke with her. Our favorite bar was in Tamarind, and we quickly became “regulars” to the friendly staff there. Many of the guests onboard have physical challenges, and we observed how well they were treated and accommodated.

— Two thumbs up for the cruise director, Gage Griffin. While he looks 16, and could pass for even younger, he commands the stage during the educational talks and kept us entertained and informed throughout the week. I did find out his real age, but I’ll let him tell you when you’re onboard yourself. And also kudos to Captain Eric — we loved his dry sense of humor and he never steered us wrong.

— Try the specialty restaurants — they are worth the extra cost. A meal at Rudi’s is like dining in a five-star restaurant anywhere in the world. They are all exceptional, but our favorite was Tamarind, with its dark tones and Zen-like vibe. And while it’s not a specialty restaurant, don’t miss New York Deli and Pizza on deck 10. It was our go-to place for late night dining.

— While some of the shows were canceled due to weather, we found the One Step Dance Company, paired with dramatic, multimedia visuals, provided some electric moments on the World Stage. Music lovers will also find a wide variety of entertainment along the Music Walk, from B.B. King’s Blues Club to Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Rock Room. The action here goes to midnight and sometimes later. Special mention goes to B.B. King’s All-Stars Band — if you can’t get your groove on with them, get your pulse checked.

— During the day, you have a wide range of activities to choose from, with a special emphasis on learning, like “Coloring for Adults,” “Learn to Fold Origami” and “Flower Arranging.” There are a lot of opportunities for bingo and trivia, as well as pickleball if you are so inclined.

— We also like how well organized the shore excursions were. Holland personnel were on hand to guide you to where you needed to be. That’s a big plus, especially if there are multiple cruise ships in port.

— Here’s a shoutout to their Internet service. We had four devices connected and had very few issues throughout the voyage.

— The Crow’s Nest on deck 12 is ideal for chilling, having a drink, playing games or generally just hanging out. In fact, it was so popular on our cruise we seldom could find a seat.

— Pam, a big music lover, had fun with the ship’s musical theme. They have four decks named “Beethoven, Gershwin, Mozart and Schubert.” On those decks and all around the ship, there is artwork depicting musical themes, plus carpeting featuring musical instruments. She made it a point to photograph all the art and display them in a gallery on her Facebook page. Take a look if you get a chance.

— Pam also said to mention the stateroom toiletries were the upscale Elemis brand. She approved.

In summary, consider the fact Holland America is celebrating their 150th anniversary this year — you certainly don’t survive 150 years without doing something right. And after our first cruise on Holland, we can say they’re doing a lot of things right. If your idea of a cruise vacation is a medium-sized ship that’s easy to get around and offers great food and service, consider giving Holland a try.

nieuw statendam cruise director

  • Guests enjoying Holland America’s private island, Half Moon Cay
  • Staff cook for guests at the Half Moon Cay Island BBQ
  • Gerry shows the life of a travel writer is hard work

All Photos by Pam and Gerry Barker

Cover photo: Nieuw Statendam docked at Grand Turk

7 Night – Eastern Caribbean – Nieuw Statendam (cruisecompete.com)

Holland America Nieuw Statendam Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

All Holland America Line Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

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Holland America Announces Senior Officers for Nieuw Statendam

  • September 26, 2018

nieuw statendam cruise director

Holland America Line has announced its senior officers for the Nieuw Statendam, which will be delivered on Dec. 1 from Fincantieri.

The cruise line announced that Captain Sybe de Boer (pictured above), Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Don Habets, Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen, and Environmental Officer Dolf Kramer will lead Nieuw Statendam’s shipboard teams. 

“A company like Holland America Line, with 145 years of history, has a tremendous breadth of experienced officers and staff to ensure a successful launch of a newbuild, and we’re thrilled to have Captain de Boer, Don, Eric, Kevin and Dolf leading Nieuw Statendam’s shipboard teams,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Not only have these skilled leaders been dedicated Holland America Line team members for decades, they have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our guests, and I’m confident they will set the standards on Nieuw Statendam to deliver the service and quality we are renowned for.” 

Captain Sybe de Boer

Captain Sybe de Boer will be the master of the new ship, having been with the company since 1994 when he joined the former Nieuw Amsterdam, de Boer rose through the ranks from second officer to captain.

He has been master of Statendam, Zaandam, Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Eurodam, and served on Maasdam, Ryndam, Noordam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Koningsdam, according tot he company. 

For the past three years he represented Holland America Line as a Fleet Captain at Maritime Quality Assurance, Carnival Corporation Plc. In this role he advanced the Bridge Resource Management policies and procedures across the Carnival Corporation brands.

Hailing from the Netherlands Captain de Boer resides in The Hague. He enjoys going to concerts, visiting museums, flying light aircraft (he holds a commercial pilot’s license), sailing, photography and bicycling. He graduated from the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz in Terschelling, the Netherlands, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Navigation. 

Hotel Director Don Habets

Don Habets

Since joining Holland America Line in 2002, Hotel Director Don Habets has sailed on all of the company’s ships, including the former Ryndam and Statendam, His first ship was Maasdam, and most recently he served onboard Koningsdam. Habets began as an assistant maître d’ and worked his way up to hotel director through various hotel department positions.

A native of the Netherlands, Habets graduated from the Hoge Hotel School in Maastricht, the Netherlands, with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. He enjoys life and everything it brings, as well as making Holland America Line guests and crew happy.

Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert

Staff Captain kevin Beirnaert

Nieuw Statendam’s Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert joined Holland America Line in 2006 and has worked on Rotterdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Koningsdam. He was also a member of the senior team to introduce Koningsdam.

From Gent, Belgium, Beirnaert studied at the Hogere Zeevaart school in Antwerp, Belgium, and worked for freight company Ecuadorian Line and on dredging ships in Dubai, U.A.E., on the Palm Jumeirah Project before joining Holland America Line. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Meet Environmental Officer Dolf Kramer

Dolf Kramer

Dutch native Dolf Kramer went to Nautical College in Den Helder, the Netherlands, and studied to be a shipboard engineer. Prior to joining Holland America Line in 2004 he worked on cargo ships and in a steel factory.

He has served on Statendam, Ryndam, Maasdam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam, Amsterdam, Prinsendam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam, Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam. 

When he’s not onboard, Kramer lives in Aruba with his wife where he spends time riding his Harley Davidson and working to restore his classic 1957 Chevrolet.

Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen

Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen joined Holland America Line in 2002 as a second engineer after working on container ships, cargo ships and chemical parcel tankers. He began his career with Holland America Line on Amsterdam and has served on several ships, including Maasdam, Ryndam, Volendam, Zaandam, Oosterdam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam, the company said. 

Prior to being named to the Nieuw Statendam team he was chief engineer on Koningsdam.

Van Loenen graduated from the Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz in Terschelling. He and his wife live in Makkum, Friesland, in the Netherlands with their three children.

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Nieuw Statendam

Holland america line, at a glance.

  • Public Areas
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What's Included

Modern touches such as bedside USB ports, exclusive Family Ocean-view Staterooms that can accommodate up to five people, and specially designed single staterooms for solo travelers.

Not Included

Spa and Salon Services, Casino, Beverages, Specialty Dining, Journey's Ashore, Internet Access, Shopping Onboard, Hotel Service Charges, other items of a personal nature

Ship Overview

Reviews and recommendations for nieuw statendam, of 99 guests recommend.

nieuw statendam cruise director

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All reviews are from confirmed guests sharing exclusive insights, sort reviews by, beautiful new cruise ship, by: gene and joan, reviewed on: 30 dec 2018, fully satisfactory experience, reviewed on: 26 dec 2018, post cruise review, december 2018, big but not too big..., reviewed on: 28 dec 2018, maiden voyage, by: crackerjack, reviewed on: 13 jan 2019, by: koshman, reviewed on: 19 jan 2019, a different kind of holland american ship, reviewed on: 27 jan 2019, review for timmy ann russell, reviewed on: 08 mar 2019, smooth seas, by: arubabob, too big no. too many guests no. would i sail on her again, reviewed on: 10 feb 2019, great time on the statendam, reviewed on: 13 feb 2019, by: traveller789, too crowded, by: shirlene elkins, reviewed on: 07 feb 2019, terrible experience, by: workingjoe, reviewed on: 23 apr 2019, luxurious and relaxing, by: doris and mel, reviewed on: 06 apr 2019, ship surprise, reviewed on: 13 apr 2019, two weeks on nieuw statendam apr 2019, by: deepsouth, reviewed on: 28 apr 2019, atlantic cruise to europe, by: teddy bear, reviewed on: 16 may 2019, great but big, reviewed on: 17 may 2019, reviewed on: 26 may 2019, by: nebgirl, reviewed on: 20 may 2019, new dam ship, reviewed on: 10 jun 2019, reviewed on: 03 jun 2019, baltic cruise on the nieuw statendam, reviewed on: 04 jun 2019, friendly, well organized crew, voyage to amsterdam, reviewed on: 17 jun 2019, a new class of ship for us and a good experience., reviewed on: 29 jun 2019, new statendam, reviewed on: 30 jun 2019, holland america. nieuw statendum, reviewed on: 07 jul 2019, norway cruise, by: etraveler, reviewed on: 08 jul 2019, what a cruise, reviewed on: 13 jul 2019, mostly good, by: selderelp, reviewed on: 20 jul 2019, voyage of the mid night sun, reviewed on: 06 aug 2019, one of our favorite cruise lines, by: califaloha, reviewed on: 16 aug 2019, by: nanirva, reviewed on: 30 jul 2019, a beauty of a ship the nieuw statendam, by: leetraveler, reviewed on: 31 aug 2019, great ship despite some problems with hal, reviewed on: 24 aug 2019, iceland/norway cruise, reviewed on: 17 sep 2019, can it get any better, reviewed on: 15 sep 2019, nieuw statendam, by: honeybunch, reviewed on: 14 sep 2019, shipboard life, reviewed on: 16 sep 2019, baltic sea cruise, by: maui dutchman, reviewed on: 19 sep 2019, reviewed on: 26 sep 2019, holland america, reviewed on: 22 sep 2019, september mediterranean cruise, by: kathleen, reviewed on: 16 oct 2019, reviewed on: 21 oct 2019, great look to nieuw ship, by: windmills, reviewed on: 24 oct 2019, by: humberto cruz, reviewed on: 02 dec 2019, want to be spoiled, by: gene & fred, reviewed on: 08 dec 2019, nice new ship, by: susanne, 1/20 cruise, reviewed on: 19 jan 2020, beautiful ship, by: curly1961, reviewed on: 26 jan 2020, reviewed on: 27 jan 2020, by: snowmageddon causality, pleasant cruise, by: sunshine, reviewed on: 15 feb 2020, caribbean cruise feb 2020, reviewed on: 15 mar 2020, by: patty lee, reviewed on: 16 mar 2020, ruined our trip, reviewed on: 20 oct 2021, cabins too small, reviewed on: 19 jan 2022, by: tennessee traveler, reviewed on: 06 feb 2022, southern caribbean wayfarer, reviewed on: 21 feb 2022, our favorite cruise line, reviewed on: 02 mar 2022, by: timbre_hosiery0r, reviewed on: 10 aug 2022, reviewed on: 07 sep 2022, too small a ship, reviewed on: 04 sep 2022, holland america - 8/27-9/7/2022, reviewed on: 13 sep 2022, yyc cruiser: eastern canada/usa, by: yyc cruisers, reviewed on: 04 nov 2022, 2 weeks of relaxation and fun, reviewed on: 26 nov 2022, holland american cruise, by: lezliam, reviewed on: 11 nov 2022, cruise ship review, by: mickey20, reviewed on: 05 jan 2023, cruise review, reviewed on: 01 jan 2023, generally very good, by: content, reviewed on: 14 jan 2023, holland america nieuw statendam, reviewed on: 13 jan 2023, lovely atmosphere, by: beth holthaus, reviewed on: 31 jan 2023, northern caribbean, reviewed on: 27 jan 2023, caribbean cruising, reviewed on: 04 mar 2023, reviewed on: 11 mar 2023, innovative ship, reviewed on: 24 mar 2023, trans atlantic cruise, reviewed on: 08 may 2023, holland america review., by: traveler, reviewed on: 22 may 2023, nieuw statendam in norway, reviewed on: 04 jun 2023, holland america cruise experience, reviewed on: 27 jun 2023, helpful crew, by: pickleball lady, reviewed on: 28 jul 2023, baltic excursion, reviewed on: 26 jul 2023, reviewed on: 06 aug 2023, cruise rhino is happy, by: cruiserhino, reviewed on: 16 aug 2023, reviewed on: 12 nov 2023, great cruise, by: happy traveler, reviewed on: 05 nov 2023, the holland american experience, by: joe and bebe, reviewed on: 28 dec 2023, holiday trip, reviewed on: 15 jan 2024, cruise sailing, reviewed on: 21 jan 2024, family cruise, by: lifeisgood, reviewed on: 22 jan 2024, great travel experience, by: joe.wise, reviewed on: 03 mar 2024, caribbean cruise, reviewed on: 11 mar 2024, mediterranean cruise, reviewed on: 08 apr 2024, nieuw statendam, reviewed on: 07 apr 2024, reviewed on: 19 apr 2024, forgot your password.

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Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam cruise ship.

Nieuw Statendam

975 ft. length

114.8 ft. width

Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make the Holland America  Nieuw Statendam  a modern beauty. The second in the line of our Pinnacle Class ships, her design draws inspiration from the elegant curves of musical instruments. When not relaxing in well-appointed suites or staterooms, guests will have many innovative dining and entertainment options—from Rudi’s Sel de Mer to Nami Sushi to the Rolling Stone Lounge, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and the visually stunning two-level World Stage.

award of gold , best mid-sized ship, nieuw statendam, 2020 travelpulse travvy awards

Cruise Activities Onboard

Billboard Onboard

ENTERTAINMENT

Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

World Stage

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam  bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Fitness Center

Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Holland America Line Navigator

Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool.

Personalize your cruise experience once you’re on the ship with our free mobile-friendly tool. Plan your daily activities, browse and purchase shore excursions, view restaurant menus, make dining reservations, check your account balance and more. 

Movies On Board

Enjoy recent-release films in the movie theater on select ships or in the comfort of your stateroom.

Screening nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships) are recent-release films and perennially popular classics. You can also watch movies any time in your stateroom or suite. And aboard  Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam  and  Rotterdam , watch your favorite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.

Pickleball at Sea

Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments, and courts with amazing top-deck views.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Kids ages 3 to 17 can enjoy an array of activities. Registration required for children under 13.

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Kids Club, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties. Note: Kids Club is not offered on cruises of 25-days or longer, including all Legendary and Grand Voyages. We will offer a selection of children’s activities throughout these longer voyages for any children who may be onboard.

Dining Experiences On Your Cruise

Pinnacle Grill

The ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of Prime steaks, seafood and wine.

Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.

Explore traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan with cuisine praised by Condé Nast Traveler as rivaling the top restaurants on land.

Rudi's Sel De Mer

Master Chef Rudi Sodamin’s award-winning, lively brasserie offers a modern twist on classic French dishes and seafood.

Grand Dutch Cafe

Enjoy a savory snack, a pint of lager or a traditional Dutch coffee in a space that exudes Dutch heritage from the moment you walk in.

Lido Market

A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack.

This casual poolside grill serves up the best burgers at sea, Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dogs, golden French fries and more.

New York Pizza

Our poolside pizzeria has fresh Italian salads and authentic thin-crust personal pizzas with savory toppings.

24-Hour Room Service

Enjoy breakfast in bed or an early dinner on your verandah — entrées and more are available whenever you wish.

Explorations Cafe

Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening.

Dine on delectable sushi and sip Asian-inspired spirits at Nami Sushi, a sushi bar within Tamarind offering stunning ocean views.

With many flavors to choose from and ingredients like Sicilian pistachios and amarena cherries, each frozen spoonful transports you to Italy.

Club Orange Program Benefits

Club Orange offers an added level of luxury on Holland America with expanded dining menus, special events and priority access. Learn more about Club Orange.

The Dining Room

Our flagship dining experience is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.

Please select your stateroom or suite type and room category from the available options.

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Complimentary 24-hour room service
  • Elemis Aromapure soap, lotion, shampoo
  • Luxurious bathrobes
  • Generous storage
  • Fresh fruit upon request
  • Ice service
  • TV with On Demand movies, programming

Two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads and a host of amenities are featured in these comfortable staterooms.

  • Hair dryers, makeup mirrors

These expansive staterooms include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our Signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, premium massage shower heads, a host of amenities and an ocean view.

Filled with light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these staterooms include a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and shower with premium massage showerheads.

Vista Suite

With a verandah, floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable sitting area, these comfortable suites are filled with light. They include two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, plus a shower, mini-bar and refrigerator.

Signature Suite

These large, comfortable suites feature a spacious sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, two lower beds convertible to one queen-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses, and one murphy bed for one person. The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall.

Neptune Suite

  • Premium bathrobes, slippers
  • Fresh flowers
  • One-Touch concierge service
  • Whirlpool bath (suite dependent)
  • In-suite coffee, espresso
  • Complimentary laundry
  • Pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres served in suite
  • Welcome glass of sparkling wine
  • Priority boarding for tender ports, priority dining/seating requests, special disembarkation service
  • High tea in suite on request
  • Exclusive tote bag

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private verandah, these spacious suites are flooded with light. They feature a large sitting area and two lower beds convertible to one king-size bed—our signature Mariner's Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses. The bathroom comes with a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, plus additional shower stall. Amenities include use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

nieuw statendam cruise director

Nieuw Statendam FAQs

What entertainment options are available in my stateroom?  Each room includes a flat-screen TV with interactive menu of programming including; on-demand movies, music stations, as well as both live and pre-recorded television. Additionally, guests can access ship information, dining options, an onboard activities schedule, shore excursions, and port information through this interactive media console. There are no external inputs available such as A/V or HDMI. Does my stateroom have a mini-fridge?  A mini-fridge is included with all staterooms. Guests who need to refrigerate medication should store it in the ship’s infirmary, as mini-fridges aren’t cold enough for that purpose. What's the cost for mini-fridge rentals?  Unnecessary as all staterooms include a mini-fridge. Are the balconies partitioned? All can be opened upon request. Does my stateroom have an alarm clock?  No, but guests can request a wake-up call. Is there a hairdryer in my room?  Yes. Is there a safe in my room?  Yes. Are there coffee makers in the room?  Only Neptune and Pinnacle Suites feature in-suite coffee and espresso machines. Does my stateroom have WiFi?  All ships are outfitted with wireless Internet. However, we cannot guarantee that each stateroom will receive a signal, as signal strength varies depending on the location of your stateroom.  Lanai Staterooms:  No. Family Rooms:  Yes. Single Rooms:  Yes.

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IMAGES

  1. Meet Holland America's Nieuw Statendam Cruise Director, Gage Griffin

    nieuw statendam cruise director

  2. Nieuw Statendam Captain, Ship's Officers & Cruise Director (4K)

    nieuw statendam cruise director

  3. Meet the Captain and Senior Staff on board Nieuw Statendam

    nieuw statendam cruise director

  4. Nieuw Statendam

    nieuw statendam cruise director

  5. Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam Cruise Ship 2024 / 2025

    nieuw statendam cruise director

  6. NIEUW STATENDAM, Passenger (Cruise) Ship

    nieuw statendam cruise director

VIDEO

  1. #travel #entertainment #MS Nieuw Statendam Cruise ship 😍at St. John’s NL , Canada

  2. Nieuw Statendam leaving Bermuda via the North Shore Channel towards the Atlantic Ocean

  3. 4K. 360° video, Holland America line, Nieuw Statendam cruise ship, Open Ocean, Veranda Balcony

  4. Nieuw Statendam, stateroom 6169, repositioning cruise April 2024

  5. Nieuw Statendam in port #cruisedestination #trending #travel

  6. 4K. 360° video, Holland America line, Nieuw Statendam cruise ship tour

COMMENTS

  1. Meet Holland America's Nieuw Statendam Cruise Director, Gage Griffin

    February 21, 2023 by Gerry Barker. During a recent cruise on Holland America's Nieuw Statendam, a number of guests had gathered around the ship's cruise director, Gage Griffin. The topic of conversation wasn't the evening's entertainment, or when the next bingo or trivia would start. Instead, they were all trying to guess his age.

  2. Nieuw Statendam Captain, Ship's Officers & Cruise Director (4K)

    Holland America cruise ship captain is Noel O'Driscoll for the Nieuw Statendam. He was introduced on by the cruise director, and greeted the passengers at t...

  3. Nieuw Statendam Officers Detailed

    When Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam sets sail in December, the ship's senior staff officers will bring a combined 80 years of company loyalty and experience.The cruise line announced that Captain Sybe de Boer, Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Don Habets, Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen, and Environmental Officer Dolf Kramer will lead Nieuw Statendam's shipboard teams.

  4. MS Nieuw Statendam

    MS Nieuw Statendam is a Pinnacle-class cruise ship operated by Holland America Line (HAL), a division of Carnival Corporation & plc.Her name, Nieuw Statendam, alludes to the five previous ships in HAL's fleet named Statendam. She is the second of three Pinnacle-class ships built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri after Koningsdam (2016) and before Rotterdam (2021).

  5. Seasoned senior officers will lead Nieuw Statendam

    When Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam sets sail in December, the ship's senior staff officers will bring a combined 80 years of company experience. Nieuw Statendam will be led by Capt. Sybe de Boer, staff captain Kevin Beirnaert, hotel director Don Habets, chief engineer Eric van Loenen and environmental officer Dolf Kramer.

  6. Nieuw Statendam Cruises

    The Nieuw Statendam cruise ship is Holland America Line's second in the line of Pinnacle-class cruise ships. Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make it a modern beauty. ... exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance ...

  7. ms Nieuw Statendam Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    ms Nieuw Statendam current cruise is 28 days, one-way from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam . The itinerary starts on 07 Apr, 2024 and ends on 05 May, 2024 . Date / Time. Port. 07 Apr 15:00. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida hotels. 10 Apr 08:00 - 15:00. Kings Wharf, Bermuda. 17 Apr 11:00 - 20:00.

  8. Nieuw Statendam Reviews, Ship Details & Photos

    Nieuw Statendam is an extra large ship, carrying 2666 passengers and 1036 crew, and sails from Amsterdam, Netherlands and Barcelona, Spain. ... Nieuw Statendam Cruise Reviews 4.4 (383 Reviews) Photo Gallery Photo. Photo Gallery Photo. Photo Gallery Photo. View all 1474 Photos. Close. Follow ...

  9. Nieuw Statendam Returns To South Florida Cruising Today And Marks

    Click to Tweet: .@HALcruises' Nieuw Statendam returns to South Florida #cruising today, kicking off its #Caribbean season.The Pinnacle Class ship marks fifth for the cruise line to reenter service.. Seattle, Wash., Nov. 21, 2021 — Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, today on its first cruise since the industrywide pause last year.

  10. Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review by westbrook110

    Read the Nieuw Statendam review by Cruiseline.com member westbrook110 from February 04, 2024 of the 14 Night Western/Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) cruise. ... The cruise director, entertainment director and sports coordinator were very good. We found the staff with this cruise to be superior in every way. We very happy with all ...

  11. 7 Nights Aboard Holland America's Nieuw Statendam ...

    Hosted by the ship's cruise director, Gage, it proved a fascinating, multimedia history lesson, chronicling how Holland survived through world wars, the Depression and most recently, a world pandemic. ... It's already Day 4 of our week-long cruise on Holland America's Nieuw Statendam, and today we are heading for a noon-ish arrival in San ...

  12. Holland America Announces Senior Officers for Nieuw Statendam

    Holland America Line has announced its senior officers for the Nieuw Statendam, which will be delivered on Dec. 1 from Fincantieri. The cruise line announced that Captain Sybe de Boer (pictured above), Staff Captain Kevin Beirnaert, Hotel Director Don Habets, Chief Engineer Eric van Loenen, and Environmental Officer Dolf Kramer will lead Nieuw Statendam's shipboard teams.

  13. Nieuw Statendam Review

    Holland America Nieuw Statendam Reviews: Read hundreds of Holland America Nieuw Statendam cruise ship reviews. Find great deals, tips and tricks on Cruise Critic to help plan your cruise.

  14. Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review by Brian1958

    Read the Nieuw Statendam review by Cruiseline.com member Brian1958 from December 10, 2022 of the 7 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) cruise. ... Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review ... Contributor Level: Cruise Director 191 Days Till Next Cruise Cruises: 7+ cruises. Reviews: 20. Helpful Votes: 233. Overall rating: 3.8 out of 5. 7 ...

  15. Behind the Scenes Photos: Nieuw Statendam, Before and After

    Holland America debuted its second Pinnacle-class ship, Nieuw Statendam, in December 2018 with many of the same features as sister ship Koningsdam, but some unique and new-to-the-line spaces, as well.

  16. Virtuoso

    Stay at the luxurious Nieuw Statendam in Holland America Line, and work with a Virtuoso travel Advisor to receive your free upgrades and amenities. Search. Wanderlist. ... Clare, our cruise director, was friendly and personable, presented wonderful topics and was a fun person to meet all over the ship. Our dining steward, Eko, was attentive and ...

  17. Ship Guide: Nieuw Statendam

    About the Ship: Nieuw Statendam is one of Holland America's extra-large-sized vessels. The ship is in the Pinnacle class. Nieuw Statendam features a 'Music Walk', a staple area for guests on ships of this class. This section of the ship features a number of venues centering around live music of a variety of genres.

  18. 5 Things You'll Love About Holland America's Nieuw Statendam Cruise Ship

    Here are five things to look forward to onboard Holland America's Nieuw Statendam. 1. Rolling Stone Rock Room. Holland America's Music Walk sees the addition of a new live music venue on Nieuw ...

  19. Nieuw Statendam Review

    As Director of Sales for Cruise Specialists, I've had the good fortune to be with the company since 2005, and I have worked in the cruise industry since 1984. ... 2,000 other women and myself—and a few men—set off on a 3-Day Girls' Getaway Cruise aboard the Nieuw Statendam led by the ship's godmother, Oprah Winfrey!

  20. Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review by edabich

    Sail date: June 22, 2022. Ship: Nieuw Statendam. Cabin type: Balcony. Cabin number: 6040. Traveled as: Couple. Reviewed: 1 year ago. Crew worked hard to make all passengers feel at home. Food was very good with a good variety of choices. Pinnacle Rest. was worst dining experience on the ship--over rated!!!

  21. Nieuw Statendam Cruises

    The Nieuw Statendam cruise ship is Holland America Line's second in the line of Pinnacle-class cruise ships. Fluid lines and dramatic spaces make it a modern beauty. ... exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance ...

  22. Nieuw Statendam Reviews from Travelers

    Also miss the staff encouraging passengers to was there hands in MDR. Embarkation and debarkation was organized and done well. Just a great experience. Browse 383 Nieuw Statendam reviews from real travelers. Read verified reviews covering Nieuw Statendam cruise ship cabins, dining, features and more.

  23. Nieuw Statendam Cruise Review by Bonniebarndt

    Read the Nieuw Statendam review by Cruiseline.com member Bonniebarndt from January 07, 2024 of the 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) cruise. ... But compared to other Holland ships I felt the management was lacking. We rarely saw the cruise director. The friendliness of the bartenders and the cleaning of the common areas.