to the 50-plus age of most passengers. The adjacent Queen’s Lounge, on the other hand, attracted late-night guests with cabaret-style shows performed up-close and personal.


When it came to entertainment, though, the real star was the three-deck, red and black Showroom at Sea. Shows, produced by Stiletto Entertainment of Los Angeles, favoured experienced performers, several with Broadway credits. As many as six singers (up from the usual four) belted it out in the entertaining ‘NYC’ and ‘Garage Band’ productions. Dance, displaying a wide variety of steps and lifts, was highlighted and exceptional. Last, but far from least, I was impressed to


discover a full breakfast available from room service on disembarkation day. “We want to keep you in a positive mood until you step off the ship,” commented hotel manager, Marco Van Belleghem. A hot meal and not being rushed out of our stateroom certainly did the trick.


No doubt about it, Holland America enthusiasts will feel at home aboard Nieuw Amsterdam. Tweaking the ship has enhanced, rather than upstaged, familiar venues and decades of cruising tradition. 


NIEUW AMSTERDAM FACTFILE


Maiden voyage: July 2010 Tonnage: Length: Beam: Draft:


86,273 936ft


105.8ft 26ft


Speed:


Passengers: Crew:


24.5 knots 2,106 933


Passenger decks: 11 Registry:


The Netherlands


ITINERARIES: Mediterranean sailings April through October; Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) in winter. MORE INFO: In the UK, call 0845 351 0557; in the US, 1877 932 4259; or visit www.hollandamerica.com.


Summer 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING 55


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