MS Nieuw Statendam

The ship that you always need to Google the name is as awesome as Rotterdam

MS Nieuw Statendam is the second Pinnacle Class ship, debuting three years before MS Rotterdam in 2018. It shares much of the same DNA that made the Pinnacle Class such a success, including a strong focus on music, excellent food, and top-notch service. The ship mainly sails in Europe and the Western Caribbean and often comes with better prices compared to Rotterdam. While there are a few small differences between the two, they have a lot in common, and it is safe to say that Nieuw Statendam is also a fantastic option for your next cruise.

What we like about MS Nieuw Statendam

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Food is always a highlight onboard Holland America, and that holds true for Nieuw Statendam as well. The ship features the restaurants that helped make the cruise line so popular over the past decade, including Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, and Canaletto. The buffet at Lido Market is also top notch, offering far more variety than what you’ll find on many other cruise lines. If you enjoy good food (and who doesn’t?) you’re going to love it here.

The things that make Holland America great are also found on this ship. The staff is top notch, always ready to greet you with a smile and help with anything you might need. I should also mention that the Navigator App is one of the best cruise apps out there. You don’t even need Wi-Fi to use it, and it lets you check the daily itinerary, show schedules, news, and even send messages to other passengers. Best of all, it actually works… something that can’t be said for many cruise apps that love to crash in the middle of the Atlantic.

Prices are also pretty attractive on Nieuw Statendam. You can find a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise for as low as $630, which is an amazing deal for a premium cruise line, and it’s noticeably cheaper than sailing on Rotterdam. The Have It All package is also a great bonus. For a cruise priced at $630, adding the package - which includes a shore excursion, drink package, and Wi-Fi - brings the total to around $1050. That’s a solid value considering what’s included.

There is also a strong focus on music onboard, with venues like the Rolling Stone Lounge, King’s Blues Club, and the World Stage featuring some fantastic performances. You can hear everything from Beethoven to classic hits from the 70s and 80s. It all adds to the ship’s charming and classy atmosphere.

What we don’t like about MS Nieuw Statendam

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Entertainment onboard can feel a bit limited. Keep in mind, this is a cruise designed more for music and food lovers who appreciate a charming, laid-back atmosphere. There’s no waterpark, and definitely nothing wild like a roller coaster or ice rink. The ship has only two swimming pools, and they can get pretty crowded at times. For families with children, this may not be the best option, even though there is a Kids Club available. But if you enjoy live music and low-key performances, you’ll still have a great time.

Other than that, the ship is very similar to Rotterdam. Rotterdam does have an extra bar, a library, and a few layout updates, but none of these changes significantly affect the overall experience onboard.

Conclusion

Nieuw Statendam is an amazing ship with great prices if you’re looking to explore Europe and the Caribbean. It offers everything that makes the Pinnacle Class special, from a strong focus on music to excellent restaurants and outstanding staff. If you want to experience what Holland America is all about, this ship is an excellent choice for your next cruise.

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