The Ultimate Guide to the MS Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise Ship
If you are looking for classic elegance, exceptional culinary experiences, and an unforgettable vacation at sea, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam by Holland America Line delivers on all fronts. Launched in 2010 and recently refitted in 2024, this magnificent Signature-class ship perfectly blends modern premium cruising with the glamorous history of New York City (formerly called Nieuw Amsterdam).
Whether you are planning a scenic cruise through the glaciers of Alaska or a sun-soaked Caribbean getaway, here is everything you need to know about the MS Nieuw Amsterdam.
Technical Specifications
The MS Nieuw Amsterdam was built to offer a mid-sized ship experience. It is large enough to offer world-class dining and entertainment, but small enough to avoid the overwhelming crowds of mega-ships.
86,700 GT
Gross Tonnage
2,106 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
929
Crew Size
2010
Year Built
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Home Port
Accommodations: Cabins & Suites
After a long day of exploring ports of call, you need a comfortable retreat. The ship features 1,053 staterooms, designed with premium amenities like the signature Mariner's Dream™ beds, plush bathrobes, and massage showerheads.
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Interior Staterooms (156 cabins): The most budget-friendly option, offering 150–233 square feet of comfortable, windowless space.
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Ocean-View Staterooms (105 cabins): Enjoy natural light and a view of the sea through a large window.
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Verandah Staterooms (678 cabins): The most popular category on the ship. These feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor balcony.
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Signature & Neptune Suites (114 cabins): For ultimate luxury, suites offer vastly expanded floor plans, oversized balconies, and exclusive perks like access to the private Neptune Lounge and a personal concierge.
World-Class Dining Options
Holland America Line is renowned for its culinary program, and the Nieuw Amsterdam is a foodie’s paradise. You will find a mix of inclusive dining and premium specialty restaurants.
Included Dining venues
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The Dining Room: The elegant multi-level main restaurant serving multi-course breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
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Lido Market: A curated, modern buffet featuring global food stations—from fresh salads and sandwiches to international hot dishes.
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Dive-In: Often rated as one of the best burgers at sea, located poolside. Don't skip their signature secret sauce and crispy fries.
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New York Pizza: Made-to-order thin-crust pizzas served overlooking the Lido pool.
Specialty Dining (Reservations & Cover Charge Required)
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Pinnacle Grill: The ultimate steakhouse experience featuring premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list.
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Tamarind: Praised by Condé Nast Traveler, this venue offers phenomenal Pan-Asian cuisine with stunning panoramic views from the top of the ship.
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Canaletto: Authentic, family-style Italian dining perfect for sharing hearty pastas and classic meat dishes.
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Morimoto By Sea: Select sailings feature an exclusive pop-up dining experience created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.
Onboard Entertainment & Activities
The MS Nieuw Amsterdam is designed for travelers who appreciate refined entertainment, live music, and enriching activities.
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The Music Walk: This is the beating heart of the ship's nightlife. It includes B.B. King's Blues Club (an 8-piece band playing Memphis R&B), Billboard Onboard (dueling pianos playing chart-topping hits), and the Rolling Stone Lounge.
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World Stage: The main theater features incredible visual effects, comedy shows, and exclusive BBC Earth in Concert presentations.
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Greenhouse Spa & Salon: A sanctuary at sea. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage, a facial, or buy a pass to the thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool.
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Explorations Central (EXC): Holland America's destination programming helps you connect deeply with the culture, history, and food of your itinerary before you even step off the ship.
Why Choose the MS Nieuw Amsterdam?
f you want an elegant, art-filled environment (the ship boasts a stunning $3 million art collection celebrating the Dutch heritage of New York) combined with phenomenal service and food, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam is a top-tier choice. It is perfectly suited for couples, multi-generational families, and adult travelers looking for a premium cruise experience without the go-karts and waterslides found on larger, louder vessels.
6 Insider Tips & Secrets for the MS Nieuw Amsterdam
To get the absolute most out of your Holland America sailing, keep these expert hacks in mind before you board.
1. Avoid the Lifeboat Block
When booking a Verandah stateroom, aim for Deck 5 or higher. Many of the balconies on Deck 4 offer views that are partially or fully obstructed by the ship's lifeboats. Elevating your cabin selection guarantees clear, sweeping ocean views.
2. The "Secret" Crew Menu
If you strike up a friendly rapport with your servers in the Main Dining Room or Lido Market, politely ask if any "Crew Food" is available. The international culinary team often prepares authentic, off-menu Indian or Filipino dishes for the staff, and they are sometimes happy to share these highly flavorful meals with guests upon request.
3. Prime Cruise Ship Spotting
For incredible panoramic views of other vessels in port or passing scenery, head directly to the Crow’s Nest on Deck 11 forward. It is the ultimate indoor vantage point for cruise ship spotting, offering 270-degree windows, comfortable loungers, and easy access to the Explorations Café.
4. The Unlimited Laundry Hack
Instead of paying per-item washing fees or overpacking, purchase the Unlimited Laundry Package on embarkation day. For roughly $70 on a 7-day cruise, you can send out a laundry bag every single day. It is a massive space-saver that allows you to travel with a smaller suitcase and return home with a clean wardrobe.
5. Utilize the Magnetic Walls
Like most modern cruise ships, the cabin walls on the Nieuw Amsterdam are entirely metal. Bring heavy-duty magnetic hooks to stick to the walls or ceiling. They are perfect for hanging lanyards, daily itineraries, damp swimsuits, and light jackets, which drastically frees up surface and closet space.
6. The Late-Night Chocolate Surprise
Holland America rarely advertises this, but keep your eyes peeled late at night. On select evenings, waiters will quietly circulate through the main entertainment venues—like the Rolling Stone Lounge and B.B. King's Blues Club—passing out complimentary, decadent chocolate treats to guests.
Nieuw Amsterdam Rooms
Nieuw Amsterdam The Dining Room
Nieuw Amsterdam Tamarind Bar
Nieuw Amsterdam Music Walk
