By Matthew Spencer, Cruise Consultant at Cruise Specialists
At Cruise Specialists, our team of Cruise Consultants brings personal experience and honest insight to help our clients find their perfect vacation at sea. Many of our consultants are avid cruisers themselves—and today, we’re excited to share a first-hand account from one of our own: Matthew Spencer, who recently sailed with Holland America Line for the first time.
As someone who’s enjoyed quite a few cruises over the years, I’ve developed a solid idea of what makes a great cruise experience. That said, every cruise line brings its own flavor, and this past sailing aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam exceeded expectations in all the right ways.
This 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary included calls in Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk, and Key West. While high winds caused us to miss Half Moon Cay (Holland America’s private island), the rest of the cruise made up for it in spades.
Setting Sail: What Made Me Choose Holland America
This trip came down to timing and the right experience. My partner had never been on a cruise before, so I wanted a relaxed experience, but I also wanted to try something new for myself. Holland America’s reputation for genuine service and a variety of onboard experience appealed to me, and Nieuw Amsterdam delivered on all fronts.
Pre-Cruise Ease with the Navigator App
Holland America’s Navigator app was an unexpected highlight. It simplified everything from check-in and boarding passes to browsing excursions, checking daily schedules, chatting with fellow guests, and even managing dining reservations. It was intuitive, seamless, and honestly one of the best cruise apps I’ve used to date.
Stateroom Life & Days at Sea
We opted for a verandah stateroom because once you’ve cruised with a balcony, it’s hard to go back. The layout was efficient and comfortable, and the verandah gave us the perfect place to read, sip coffee, and watch the sea roll by. Even being located toward the forward part of the ship, everything was easy to access thanks to Nieuw Amsterdam’s manageable size. Those with mobility concerns might prefer midship, but for us, it was smooth sailing.
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Three Favorite Features of Nieuw Amsterdam
Crow’s Nest: Tucked away and peaceful, with sweeping views and cozy seating. An ideal spot to unwind or connect with other travelers.
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High Score: A surprisingly fun and lively retro arcade, great for a bit of whimsy and friendly competition.
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Tamarind Restaurant: Elegant Pan-Asian cuisine with an intimate setting and top-notch service. The lamb dish I ordered was outstanding.
Dining & Service: High Marks Across the Board
Service was a standout across the ship. Every interaction felt warm, thoughtful, and sincere from our stateroom steward to the restaurant staff. You could tell the crew took pride in their work, and it made a lasting impression.
While the main dining venues offered solid variety, Tamarind was the culinary highlight. Small plates packed with flavor, artful presentation, and a quiet ambiance made it a memorable evening. Definitely worth the specialty dining fee.
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Entertainment & Activities: Fun Over Flash
Compared to larger cruise lines, the entertainment on Nieuw Amsterdam leaned toward relaxed rather than high-energy. Where Holland America shines is in its daytime programming — think movies in the theater, art workshops, ping pong tournaments, and classic cruise fun like bingo. If you like to keep busy, you’ll have no trouble filling your days.
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Exploring Ashore: A Port Highlight Reel
Key West was my favorite stop. Full of charm, easy to walk about, and plenty of history, Truman’s Little White House and other historic buildings gave the day real depth. Lunch at DJ’s Clam Shack (amazing chowder and clam strips) was a delicious bonus.
Grand Turk offered beautiful, clear water and a peaceful escape during our private beach house excursion. A locally inspired lunch and a smaller crowd made for a perfect low-key day.
Amber Cove was clean, modern, and well-developed — it has great views and an easygoing vibe.
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Why I’d Sail with Holland America Again
Despite being new to Holland America Line, this cruise felt like a perfect match for me, and a fantastic introduction to cruising for my partner. The ship offered a balance of sophistication and comfort, with excellent service, flavorful dining, and enough to do without overwhelming you.
As someone who’s cruised with several lines over the years, I can confidently say that Holland America brings something special to the table. It’s a quieter atmosphere — less flash, more finesse — and I’m already thinking about where we’ll sail with them next.
Whether you’re new to cruising or just new to Holland America, Nieuw Amsterdam offers a refined and relaxing way to explore the Caribbean that is not to be overlooked.
Ready to cruise with Holland America Line? Contact Cruise Consultant, Matthew Spencer today.
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