Nieuw Amsterdam tips, suggestions, and recommendations please

Based on our Scandinavian journey aboard the Eurodam last year' date=' we will "Dive In" frequently when we board the NA in 24 days! Delicious, convenient (with the buzzer), and portable (to a deck or your veranda). How can you beat that? Only if you order a Blue Moon with your burger.[/quote']

 

Join our roll call if you have not :)

My mistake on posting the menu. Here is the Bento Box menu that was given out in the Tamarind:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Tamarind-Bento-Box.pdf

 

Thank you Crew News!

Appreciate it.

I will enjoy having this!

Denise :)

Sorry. Being about to retire' date=' I am technologically challenged. The pleasant person who takes your order will give you a hand-held device that buzzes (or maybe it rings?) when your food is ready. Sip the Blue Moon while you wait just outside on the deck, if you like.[/quote']

Oh that's nice! Thanks, for explaining.

My mistake on posting the menu. Here is the Bento Box menu that was given out in the Tamarind:

 

http://www.rogerjett-photography.com/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Tamarind-Bento-Box.pdf

 

Hmmm, that could make for a nice leisurely dinner in room! With the wine brought on board corkage fee free :)

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in March for our third sailing on the ship.

 

Here are detailed photos of the Tamarind lunch: (you do need to make a reservation the first day)

http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/06/a-look-at-the-dim-sum-lunch-in-holland-americas-tamarind-restaurant/

 

We tried having a Cabana for the first time. We thought it was nice, but not necessary if there are lots of port days or if you have a verandah. A relaxing place to hang out and read. Photos of our experience here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/09/the-cabana-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

While we aren't usually big fans of HAL entertainment, the BB King Blues Club was a new addition since our prior cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We enjoyed this entertainment on several different nights throughout the cruise.

Photos here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/16/the-b-b-king-blues-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Obviously, we enjoy this ship. Happy to answer any questions.

We, too, have thoroughly enjoyed both lunch and dinner in the Tamarind. You are also able to order complimentary cappuccino there, as well (I ordered this at both lunch and dinner hours in '13 & '14). I don't believe it is open for lunch the first couple days of the cruise. The Wasabi and Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin on the dinner menu is absolutely delicious, in our opinion!

 

Since you've previously sailed with HAL, you probably already know that complimentary hors d'oeuvres are available upon request in the lounges during cocktail hours. And of course, those delicious chocolates after dinner in the Explorer's Lounge!

 

If you enjoy HAL's lasagna, last summer it was offered daily in the Lido in the Italian area. Pizza is now served in the Aft.

 

If you're interested in the art on board, you can check out an iPod from the library that will guide you through an Art Tour of the ship.

 

Really loved this ship! Enjoy your cruise.

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in March for our third sailing on the ship.

 

Here are detailed photos of the Tamarind lunch: (you do need to make a reservation the first day)

http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/06/a-look-at-the-dim-sum-lunch-in-holland-americas-tamarind-restaurant/

 

We tried having a Cabana for the first time. We thought it was nice, but not necessary if there are lots of port days or if you have a verandah. A relaxing place to hang out and read. Photos of our experience here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/09/the-cabana-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

While we aren't usually big fans of HAL entertainment, the BB King Blues Club was a new addition since our prior cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We enjoyed this entertainment on several different nights throughout the cruise.

Photos here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/16/the-b-b-king-blues-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Obviously, we enjoy this ship. Happy to answer any questions.

On cruises I've had both a cabana and a veranda. I like to have both because it's really not practical to be sitting in the cabanas late at night. Also there is no smoking in the cabana area which is huge in my mind.

 

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

 

That looks fabulous! A group of us plan to book this on our upcoming cruise.

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Obviously, we enjoy this ship. Happy to answer any questions.

Thanks, I loved looking at all the pictures. The Master Chef's dinner looks amazing. I don't know how you packed after all of that and wine pairings. :D

 

Since you've previously sailed with HAL, you probably already know that complimentary hors d'oeuvres are available upon request in the lounges during cocktail hours. And of course, those delicious chocolates after dinner in the Explorer's Lounge!

I have terrible timing, I've never made it to the Explorer's Lounge when they had chocolates. :( I've gone there, but alas nothing. What time do they have them?

 

If you're interested in the art on board, you can check out an iPod from the library that will guide you through an Art Tour of the ship.

Thanks, I'll have to do this!

CruiseMob,

The chocolates are usually on a cart by the drinks and coffees. When I've gone by between 7:45-9pm, I've seen them but I'm not sure of the exact times. The Daily "Today On Location" program should have the evening hours for Adagio in the Lounge and I believe the chocolates are offered during those hours.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

What's the "buzzer"? I know its been a bit since we last cruised HAL (2012), but sheesh I feel like a newbie.:o I don't recall a buzzer at the hamburger place.

 

They now also give out a Beeper (buzzer) at NY Pizza on Lido Aft when you order your Pie. The pies are made-to-order and when ready the Beeper will let you know! :) The pizza was tasty and was never a long wait! :)

Speaking of my bad timing, our first cruise was Oosterdam and I stumbled upon the split pea soup in Glacier Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but wasn't able to catch it again on the Westerdam either Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm. Is it only the Oosterdam, or is it only Glacier Bay, or am I just not hitting the time and place right?

 

CruiseMob,

The chocolates are usually on a cart by the drinks and coffees. When I've gone by between 7:45-9pm, I've seen them but I'm not sure of the exact times. The Daily "Today On Location" program should have the evening hours for Adagio in the Lounge and I believe the chocolates are offered during those hours.

 

Enjoy your cruise!!

Thanks! I'll try again, hopefully I get it right this time. :)

 

They now also give out a Beeper (buzzer) at NY Pizza on Lido Aft when you order your Pie. The pies are made-to-order and when ready the Beeper will let you know! :) The pizza was tasty and was never a long wait! :)

Yum! Can't wait, thanks! :)

Speaking of my bad timing, our first cruise was Oosterdam and I stumbled upon the split pea soup in Glacier Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but wasn't able to catch it again on the Westerdam either Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm. Is it only the Oosterdam, or is it only Glacier Bay, or am I just not hitting the time and place right?

 

Thanks! I'll try again, hopefully I get it right this time. :)

 

Yum! Can't wait, thanks! :)

 

If you like pea soup, you should try the new updated menu for an Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill. I didn't think I'd like the pea soup but it was fantastic. Check out the photo (about halfway down) http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/17/the-updated-menu-for-an-evening-at-le-cirque-on-holland-america-cruises/

If you like pea soup, you should try the new updated menu for an Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill. I didn't think I'd like the pea soup but it was fantastic. Check out the photo (about halfway down) http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/17/the-updated-menu-for-an-evening-at-le-cirque-on-holland-america-cruises/

Thanks! I may have to give this a try. We received 2 Pinnacle Grill dinners with our booking and I also was considering Master Chef, so I'm not sure we'll fit it in this cruise or not, but if not there's always next cruise. :D

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Thanks very much for this ! We're on the Nieuw Amsterdam leaving Venice Sept 1, and this looks ideal for me - fine food and fine wine. Any other suggestions or tips for us ? :D

 

Also great to see smart casual clothing was ok, I don't really feel like packing a suit and tux into a suitcase to travel to the other side of the world.

What was the charge for the Master Chef's dinner?

We were on the Nieuw Amsterdam in March for our third sailing on the ship.

 

Here are detailed photos of the Tamarind lunch: (you do need to make a reservation the first day)

http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/06/a-look-at-the-dim-sum-lunch-in-holland-americas-tamarind-restaurant/

 

We tried having a Cabana for the first time. We thought it was nice, but not necessary if there are lots of port days or if you have a verandah. A relaxing place to hang out and read. Photos of our experience here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/09/the-cabana-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

While we aren't usually big fans of HAL entertainment, the BB King Blues Club was a new addition since our prior cruise on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We enjoyed this entertainment on several different nights throughout the cruise.

Photos here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/16/the-b-b-king-blues-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

The Master Chef's dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is a special event that you have to ask about; it is not really promoted and a minimum number of guests are required. If you like great food and wine, it is a terrific event. Photos of all of the menu items here: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

 

Obviously, we enjoy this ship. Happy to answer any questions.

 

Thank you for these photos. We are in 4032 next April. So it should be the exact cabin, except on the opposite side of the ship. We were a little concerned about the connecting room, glad you had no issue with it. Did having the TV in the corner over the desk cause any problems, like space issues? Thanks

What was the charge for the Master Chef's dinner?

I haven't done Master Chef, but I found the price in the below quote from HAL's website.

 

Available exclusively on the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, The Master Chef's Room is the ultimate culinary experience on board.

 

Designed by Holland America Line Master Chef Rudi Sodamin, the seven course set menu highlights his talents and culinary creations. Hosted by the Pinnacle Grill Chef and the Cellar Master, the courses are served on elegant Versace china atop Fretté Linens, and paired with premium wines in Riedel stemware.

Available select evenings in the Pinnacle Grill, reservations may be made once on board. The price to dine is $89.00 per person including wine pairings.

 

Hope this helps! :D

To anyone that has been on it recently. I heard when it dry docked before heading over to Europe to the summer there was some upgrades made to the ship. Specifically the in-room entertainment system and apparently you can now view your bill on the tv? Does anyone have an update on the upgrade?

What was the charge for the Master Chef's dinner?

 

 

$89 per person

Thank you for these photos. We are in 4032 next April. So it should be the exact cabin, except on the opposite side of the ship. We were a little concerned about the connecting room, glad you had no issue with it. Did having the TV in the corner over the desk cause any problems, like space issues? Thanks

 

 

The TV was a little inconvenient to watch in bed; there was very little drawer space but there was plenty of closet space with fold down shelves.

 

We heard that the TVs would be replaced with flat screens; perhaps someone can comment.

Are the Lido cabana's by the pool? I've been looking at pictures and I can't seem to figure out their location.

 

 

The person at HAL who booked your cabana can email the "map" of all cabanas...Lido and Retreat Cabanas....to you. He/she also tells you which one you've reserved.

 

A brief video (taken from Tamarind) of the Observation Deck/Retreat cabanas http://halfacts.com/nieuw-amsterdam-observation-deck/

and if you look down by the pool, the Lido cabanas are tucked in on the port and starboard sides.

Edited May 14, 2015 by Boatdrill

The person at HAL who booked your cabana can email the "map" of all cabanas...Lido and Retreat Cabanas....to you. He/she also tells you which one you've reserved.

I asked her when I booked it and she said they no longer are selected until I board. She said they used to reserve specific ones, but now it's done once onboard, so she couldn't tell me which one I have.

 

A brief video (taken from Tamarind) of the Observation Deck/Retreat cabanas http://halfacts.com/nieuw-amsterdam-observation-deck/

and if you look down by the pool, the Lido cabanas are tucked in on the port and starboard sides.

Thanks for the video!

There are indeed flat screen TV's in the cabins. Their positioning is a little strange on the wall inbetween the bad and the sofa. It's as if they couldn't decide whether passengers would want to watch TV in bed or sitting down so they opted for a compromise which doesn't quite work for either!

 

We liked the fact that movies and shows are on demand, so rather than a scheduled time, you watch them when you want. We did have to have the system rebooted a couple of times, but no big deal.

 

There is a real shortage of drawer space in the cabin, not even a drawer at the dressing table which we have never encountered before.

Other than that the cabin was okay

There are indeed flat screen TV's in the cabins. Their positioning is a little strange on the wall inbetween the bad and the sofa. It's as if they couldn't decide whether passengers would want to watch TV in bed or sitting down so they opted for a compromise which doesn't quite work for either!

 

We liked the fact that movies and shows are on demand, so rather than a scheduled time, you watch them when you want. We did have to have the system rebooted a couple of times, but no big deal.

 

There is a real shortage of drawer space in the cabin, not even a drawer at the dressing table which we have never encountered before.

Other than that the cabin was okay

 

Is there a swivel on the tv so that it can be turned toward the bed or the couch?