Just Back from Nieuw Amsterdam, July 24th Sailing!

[idiebabe]

I haven't done a Review in many years so bear with me and hope you enjoy!  I haven’t read Lisa’s “Live” yet (looking forward to reading it) and following along with Brett-M’s and plan on catching up later.  Saturday was a long day of travel and spent yesterday catching up with emails, doing Laundry and moving slow!  

 

My Husband, Daughter and I flew in the afternoon before the Cruise and arrived in Seattle around 4:00 pm.  We had decided to book the Hilton Conference Center through the Ship (first time since we normally do Independent) but thought since first Cruise it would be easier.  The HAL Rep met us in the Baggage Claim and was there waiting for us (very nice Lady).  When my Daughter went to take her Bag off the Carousel the Bag fell apart.  Delta had banged it up pretty bad and somehow broke the Zipper.  The HAL Rep took us over to a Delta Room to fill out paperwork.  When she saw the condition of the bag she said hold on and went in the back and came out with a beautiful, brand new hard-shelled suitcase.  She apologized and said we didn’t have to fill out anything and just transfer her belongings and give her the damaged Case.  From there we headed to get the Hilton Van, Checked-in, etc.  We were given a Letter upon Check-in with instructions to have the bags going to the Ship ready between 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and inform the HAL Rep at the Meeting Place how many Bags.  Leave the Bags inside the Room and someone will pick them up for Transport.  Meeting Time for Transfer was 10:45 outside the Conference Center.  

 

Embark Day:

 

We woke up early excited that the long awaited day was actually here!!!  We met at 10:45 and boarded the bus around 11:00.  When we arrived at the Pier the Bus Driver asked us to remain seated and then a HAL Rep came on and reminded us to have Passport, Boarding Pass and Vax Card ready.  Outside the Terminal there was an “S” Line which we all went in and they were allowing approximately 10 Passengers at a time.  It went fast and we weren’t in the Line but five minutes.  After entering the Terminal they had Independent Counters set up for the Health Check.  Walked right up and the man asked us a few Health questions, showed him our Vax Card, etc. and he checked us off and said we are “cleared to Sail”!   Then we went through Security which had no lines and then proceeded to Check-in (again no lines).  We went up to the 4 & 5 Star Counter and she took our Pics, checked our Documents and we headed to the Ship.

 

I have to say I got teary-eyed when I saw the “Welcome Home” Banner and everyone clapping and shouting “Welcome Home”.  Seth was there and we hugged and the feeling of excitement that this is finally happening was emotional!  We were Onboard and eating lunch in Lido by 12:10 pm.   After Lunch we went to Deck 3 they checked us off and another Crew Member pointed to our Lifeboat and away we went.  Embark & Muster was very easy!

 

The last time we were on Nieuw Amsterdam was in 2016.  After Lunch we decided to walk around and explore the Ship which looked great!  We then headed up to Lido Aft for Sail Away.  There was a lot of excitement in the air and they were handing out Holland America Flags and Orange Bandanas as well as Champagne.  What a feeling of excitement and emotion as the Ship got underway!  We then went to unpack and met our Room Attendant who asked if we wanted the once or twice a day Service.  We opted for both.

 

We started our Evening off by going to Trivia in Billboard at 6:30 pm and staying for the music in Billboard and having a pre-dinner drink.  Nick and Jackie were awesome and one of the best Duo’s we have seen.  This became our nightly routine.  Our Dining Time was 8 pm – Fixed Seating.  I had requested a Table by the Window and we had a very nice 4-Top toward the Aft with an Excellent Waitstaff.  Catur was our Head Waiter and Alit his Assistant.  We normally do Wine Packages but this Cruise we had the Have it All.  Our Server took our drink order and we were given Menus.  After the drinks came we then ordered.  There was no QR Code and the Menus were just automatically given to us.  We asked about the QR Code and our Server told us they were doing that on Deck 2 in Open Seating.  Dinner was very good and the Service was excellent!  After Dinner we went to the Casino and then called it a night.  Great first day Onboard!  Life is Good!

[1ANGELCAT]

@idiebabeDo you know how many 5 star were onboard. ?

[idiebabe]

1 minute ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

@idiebabeDo you know how many 5 star were onboard. ?

I don't but I don't believe it was too many.  We went to the first Mariner Reception on the first Sea Day and it was on one side of the Ocean Bar only and that was for 4 & 5 Stars.  We're 5 Star and invited to the 2nd one on the last Sea Day but we never made it and sorry we missed it. We always like to go and help recognize those who receive their Medals.   We had to move the clocks forward and we woke up later than we should have and would have had to rush to attend.  Guest Services called us the afternoon before the 2nd one and mentioned it was for the higher Mariners but not sure how many were there.  

[Torquer]

Very interesting differences with the MDR experience, compared to other posts.  It is hard to imagine why HAL is using QR code menus for open seating but traditional paper menus for fixed seating.  Did you have any problems with getting coffee and tea after dinner like others have said?

 

Great info...thanks...please add any other info where your experiences were different than what others have posted.

[grsnovi]

Sounds like you had a great cruise. Although we've been to Alaska many times, I've got cabin fever so bad, I feel like driving up on a Saturday and just getting on the next ship with an open cabin.

[idiebabe]

18 minutes ago, Torquer said:

Very interesting differences with the MDR experience, compared to other posts.  It is hard to imagine why HAL is using QR code menus for open seating but traditional paper menus for fixed seating.  Did you have any problems with getting coffee and tea after dinner like others have said?

 

Great info...thanks...please add any other info where your experiences were different than what others have posted.

Thank you!  We had no problem at all with Tea or Coffee.  I drink English Breakfast and Hubby drinks Coffee.  After the first night they would automatically  bring us the Tea and Coffee without us asking for it.  

[idiebabe]

1 minute ago, grsnovi said:

Sounds like you had a great cruise. Although we've been to Alaska many times, I've got cabin fever so bad, I feel like driving up on a Saturday and just getting on the next ship with an open cabin.

We did and didn't want to get off. Go for it!   If we lived within driving distance, we'd book for September!  😀

[LAFFNVEGAS]

24 minutes ago, Torquer said:

Very interesting differences with the MDR experience, compared to other posts.  It is hard to imagine why HAL is using QR code menus for open seating but traditional paper menus for fixed seating.  Did you have any problems with getting coffee and tea after dinner like others have said?

 

Great info...thanks...please add any other info where your experiences were different than what others have posted.

I agree, I think every server and section were doing things differently. We had to do the QR the first night early seating fixed deck 3 but by the second night handed us a menu. Then eventually was given a Club Orange but it was identical to the regular menu and did not have the special for the evening for Club Orange. So not sure why they bothered to even print it out. What our server did have to do is pull out his phone each night to shoe us his phone with an email listing the entree for CO Day 1 - 7 but it did not state what came with it.

[idiebabe]

Day 2 – Sea Day:

 

We woke up to some fog and Room Service.  We usually do Room Service daily for Breakfast.  The Service was excellent (they were actually early) and everything served hot (including my hot water for Tea).  When I booked this Cruise it was the Friday after they opened up the Bookings.  On Saturday we were at work and I said to my Daughter why don’t you come, too.  She put a hold on a Room on Deck 8 and we were on Deck 7.  I called my PCC on Monday to see about moving to Deck 8 next to Steph but she was in a VA and we were in a VB and the price jumped up $800 since Friday and Saturday so Yikes!  We stayed where we were since we were in the same area by Aft Elevators but one floor apart.  We spent a lot of time on Lido Aft and would meet up there most of the Cruise.  I popped up to Lido and joined Steph for awhile before getting ready to go to the Mariner Reception.    We met back up for lunch and had a lazy afternoon sitting out on Lido Aft and hitting the Casino now and then.  The weather was beautiful and the Seas so calm.

 

At one point I don’t remember what time  (maybe early afternoon).  Steph told us that 5 or 6 Rooms up from hers there was something going on.  There was a very “official” Man standing outside the Room who told the Crew Member who was cleaning the rails, etc. not to come down this way.  Later on she said some Passenger was freaking out sitting by the glass Elevators yelling at anyone who walked by that someone has Covid, they took him out and everyone had all sorts of Masks, etc. on and we all need to demand answers.  She ignored him and we thought if there was something to it we'd all be notified so not to worry!  Just washy, washy!    

 

Tonight was Gala Night!  We went to Trivia dressed for Gala and had a pre-dinner Drink and listened to Nick and Jackie before going to Dinner.  There were not many dressed up at least judging by who was going into the 7 pm Show which was Humanity.  Although a very good Show we didn’t go since we’ve seen it a couple of times.  We like the Guest Entertainers better than the Shows and will comment on that at the end of my Review.  We missed the Captain’s Toast! We left Trivia and went into the Show Lounge for the Toast with Vino from Billboard and Valerie the CD/Travel Director was talking and then introduced the Show.  We missed it!  Oh well, back to Billboard!  Dinner was very good and again our Server is getting the drinks.  This is not going to work with a full DR for sure!  After Dinner went to Billboard and the Casino before calling it a day.  Great to be back!

 

Just want to note that Billboard's Drink Menu had a Wine on Menu that was listed for $12 and the DR had it for $10.  We ordered it that night in the DR and was billed for it.  Mike went down to Guest Services the next day and they apologized and took it off our Account and Steph's.  They are in process of making changes and I guess there will be a few hiccups at the beginning.  Guest Services did tell him if we want the Wine just tell them to give it to us at the $10 and any issues to call them but we rolled with it and ordered other Wines.  

[idiebabe]

1 minute ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

I agree, I think every server and section were doing things differently. We had to do the QR the first night early seating fixed deck 3 but by the second night handed us a menu. Then eventually was given a Club Orange but it was identical to the regular menu and did not have the special for the evening for Club Orange. So not sure why they bothered to even print it out. What our server did have to do is pull out his phone each night to shoe us his phone with an email listing the entree for CO Day 1 - 7 but it did not state what came with it.

Our Server told us that they are all still learning and that they have been going for 20 minute Classes.  It's all going to take time for them but he did mention if a Passenger wants a physical Menu they will supply one.  My Daughter was talking with an Officer who told her that 30 days before the Cruise they didn't know for sure it would happen.  They didn't know if they would have enough Staff, had to order Product and wasn't sure how many would actually be Onboard, etc.  They pulled off an amazing task of getting this Cruise up and going!  

[tompeter]

Great review.....Thanks!

 

[Radbooks]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!!

[Himself]

I am following your post with great delight.  I am enjoying it very much.

[Florida_gal_50]

47 minutes ago, LAFFNVEGAS said:

I agree, I think every server and section were doing things differently. We had to do the QR the first night early seating fixed deck 3 but by the second night handed us a menu. Then eventually was given a Club Orange but it was identical to the regular menu and did not have the special for the evening for Club Orange. So not sure why they bothered to even print it out. What our server did have to do is pull out his phone each night to shoe us his phone with an email listing the entree for CO Day 1 - 7 but it did not state what came with it.

That’s so odd.  Your scallop dish looked good but I believe you said that it came with polenta.  I can’t eat corn in any form so polenta would not work.  I’d hate for them to bring a dish to waste it.

[TiogaCruiser]

8 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

That’s so odd.  Your scallop dish looked good but I believe you said that it came with polenta.  I can’t eat corn in any form so polenta would not work.  I’d hate for them to bring a dish to waste it.

You should be able to order it with something else. I normally substitute carby stuff (rice, potatoes, noodles) with something more appropriate for me that is being served. Just ask.😁

[aliaschief]

As someone who will be on-board next week I’m very appreciative for your great and thorough review.

[Florida_gal_50]

Just now, TiogaCruiser said:

You should be able to order it with something else. I normally substitute carby stuff (rice, potatoes, noodles) with something more appropriate for me that is being served. Just ask.😁

Yes and I have done that when I’ve known what it comes with.  Never a problem.  If they don’t know it becomes more of an issue.  If I forget to ask and they bring it, it will be a waste.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to know that information at the ready?

[idiebabe]

Day 3 – Juneau

 

Clocks went back an hour!  Yay! I’m not a morning person so appreciated the extra sleep.  Beautiful sailing morning and we  started off the day again with our Room Service.  Met my Daughter up on Lido and went to the Sidewalk Sale.  They had some really nice zip up sweatshirts in Dark Blue with Alaska on them and I bought us each one.  Anyone with an upcoming AK Cruise they are also in the Gift Shop.  No real bargains at the Sidewalk Sale (that I could see) and the Sweatshirts are $75 each but have some pockets, etc.  so couldn’t resist.  We had lunch and hung out enjoying the sail and scenic cruising into Juneau.

 

We had booked the Dog Sled Summer Camp excursion through the Ship which was at 4:15 pm.  We walked around Juneau before meeting up at 4:00.  We normally book Privates but with this being the first Cruise we played it “safe”.  There were two Vans and a total of 15 ppl for the tour which they broke into the two Groups.  We were in a Group of 7 ppl.  When we arrived at the Camp we were greeted by our Musher, Shaynee Traska, who completed the Iditarod  in 2018.  It took her almost 13 days and she finished 48 out of 52.  She’s a young Woman and was 28 yrs old when she did the Race.  What an accomplishment and how lucky we were to have her as our Musher.  Three of the Dogs that were in the Race were on our Team.  This is a fun and very interesting Tour and the bonus at the end we were able to hold the Puppies. OMG, how cute!  There is an interesting movie about Lance Mankin called Alsaska Alone” and if anyone is interested in this Tour, it is definitely worth watching before doing it.  We did one a couple of years ago when we did the two weeks on Amsterdam but it was not the Summer Camp Tour and was not as good!  Highly recommend this one! 

 

After we returned back to the Ship we went and changed for dinner and met up for a drink and went to Tamarind for Dinner at 8 pm.  We had a very nice Window Table and dinner as usual was very good except for the Rib Appetizer.  Ribs were very grizzly but flavors were there.  First time ever and wondering if a problem due to Product shortages that they aren’t getting the better cut of Baby Racks.  Service was excellent and we had no problem getting the Wine by the Glass with the Have It All. We were actually surprised because we were talking to a Woman who said it took them 45 minutes to get a drink in Pinnacle.  Yikes   Billboard didn’t start up that night until 8:30 pm so we went after dinner for a little bit and also hit the Casino again.  I was curious as to the new “Happy Hour” with “Up to 50% off” so asked Michael our Server in Billboard just to clarify.  You buy one and the 2^nd is up to 50% off. 

 

Another wonderful day! 

[idiebabe]

While fresh in my mind just a few Notes:

 

I love the Navigator App  and the new Enhancements.  We ordered Dive-In and NY Pizza on it and some days just ordered Fries from Dive-In to go with our lunch on Lido and it worked!  YAY

 

There is also a "At Your Service" on the App if you need extra towels, need ice, etc.  

 

If you stay at Hilton Conference Center, there is a 7 Eleven within 5 minute walking distance from the Hotel.  My Husband and Daughter went and my Daughter picked up a 12 pak of Red Bull to bring on.  No problem bringing it on!  

 

The Rooms now have an Elemis and Soap Dispenser next to the Sink.  No more little Elemis bottles or bar soap.  

 

If you want Room Service on Debark Day, order either the night before or call early.  They have a cut off time in the a.m. on taking orders.  All other nights there was a Door Hanger Menu in the Room to order.

 

Also, Internet was horrible!  I hardly went on and just enough to check my email now and then.  My Husband was able to do some business stuff and we were also able to check on our Pups and Son-in-Law sent Pics of them, etc.  My Daughter was able to get Payroll done but it was real hit and miss.

 

 

Edited August 2, 2021 by idiebabe

[summer slope]

Are sweet n low packets available in the lido?

[idiebabe]

31 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Are sweet n low packets available in the lido?

They had everything as usual in Lido that I could see but I don't use Sweetener so can't say 100%.  All the different brands of Tea, etc. were there.   During the peak hours of Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner they have it set up like "Code Orange" with Servers pouring the Tea and Coffee.  Once the Peak Hours are over it's Self-Serve. 

[idiebabe]

Day 4 – Glacier Bay and Icy Straight Point

 

We were up early and enjoyed the day in Glacier Bay.  We went all over the Ship and then settled down on Lido Aft and had lunch in Lido and back out on Lido Aft.  Weather was beautiful but needed to dress warm. 

 

We booked the 6:30 pm Whale Watch in ISP.  Around 4 pm we had some Pizza knowing we would miss Dinner.  It was a little drizzly now and then and the boat we were assigned to was not even half full.  Very nice boat and run by Allen Marine.  They had Hot Chocolate, Tea and Coffee at no charge.  We headed upstairs and once under way headed outside.  Weather started to improve and it was a nice ride out to where they were taking us to see the Whales (about ½ hr).   We probably saw about 10 or so and were able to get great pics of the Tales.  We saw two Breach but, of course, they breached when all three of us didn’t have our Cameras ready. Go figure!  The scenery was beautiful and we took some great pics on the way back including some of the Ship in Port.   

 

We decided to do Room Service for “Dinner”.  I ordered a Back Flip chicken sandwich from Dive-in, Daughter ordered a Burger and Mike ordered a Club Sandwich plus we all ordered Dive-in Fries plus some Cheesecake and Cookies.  We went up to Lido Bar and brought back some Vino and it took about 35 minutes for the food to arrive.  Everything was very good!  First time I had the Chicken Sandwich and would definitely get it again.  At that point we decided to just call it a night and not go out.   

 

Another great day on the Nieuw Amsterdam!

 

PS:   These Boats had three Bathrooms on it and an Upper and Lower Heated Cabin.  Outdoor Viewing out back and a Upper Level area for Viewing.

[Boytjie]

Thank you for your review!

 

I was wondering what we would do for dinner after our ISP excursion, so it is good to know the Dive In was open and delivers!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

52 minutes ago, idiebabe said:

Day 4 – Glacier Bay and Icy Straight Point

 

We were up early and enjoyed the day in Glacier Bay.  We went all over the Ship and then settled down on Lido Aft and had lunch in Lido and back out on Lido Aft.  Weather was beautiful but needed to dress warm. 

 

We booked the 6:30 pm Whale Watch in ISP.  Around 4 pm we had some Pizza knowing we would miss Dinner.  It was a little drizzly now and then and the boat we were assigned to was not even half full.  Very nice boat and run by Allen Marine.  They had Hot Chocolate, Tea and Coffee at no charge.  We headed upstairs and once under way headed outside.  Weather started to improve and it was a nice ride out to where they were taking us to see the Whales (about ½ hr).   We probably saw about 10 or so and were able to get great pics of the Tales.  We saw two Breach but, of course, they breached when all three of us didn’t have our Cameras ready. Go figure!  The scenery was beautiful and we took some great pics on the way back including some of the Ship in Port.   

 

We decided to do Room Service for “Dinner”.  I ordered a Back Flip chicken sandwich from Dive-in, Daughter ordered a Burger and Mike ordered a Club Sandwich plus we all ordered Dive-in Fries plus some Cheesecake and Cookies.  We went up to Lido Bar and brought back some Vino and it took about 35 minutes for the food to arrive.  Everything was very good!  First time I had the Chicken Sandwich and would definitely get it again.  At that point we decided to just call it a night and not go out.   

 

Another great day on the Nieuw Amsterdam!

 

PS:   These Boats had three Bathrooms on it and an Upper and Lower Heated Cabin.  Outdoor Viewing out back and a Upper Level area for Viewing.

I was also on one of the 630 whale watch, were you on the St Maria?

I was able to catch one of the two breaches in video, it’s near the end of this video.

[Radbooks]

Oh, we're going on the whale watch in ISP too!! I've gone out with them before and it's a good experience with Allen Marine.