Nieuw Statendam
This is a cruise ship for grown-ups — especially those who love music. Launched in December 2018 as Holland America Line's second Pinnacle Class ship (following 2017’s Koningsdam and followed by 2022’s Rotterdam), 2,668-guest Nieuw Statendam takes beloved old-school basics that appeal to mature cruisers (think formal nights, traditional afternoon tea, and live music you can dance to), and adds a sophisticated, modern polish. The result? An onboard experience that hits the mark with older Baby Boomers while also leaving room to grow with younger Boomers and older Gen-Xers in their late forties and fifties. Also appealing are the sleek and uncluttered décor, the two pool areas on deck 9 (Lido with its retractable roof and Sea View located aft and offering plenty of sun), The Retreat on deck 12 (only for guests who’ve rented cabanas), and art curated by Miami-based YSA Designs that’s refreshingly contemporary and music-inspired.
What We Love
Music Walk: This interconnected area on deck 2 is the place to be before and after dinner, as rotating sets spanning musical genres from classical to blues and rock fill it with an almost nonstop upbeat vibe. Guests can head to Billboard Onboard where a piano duo entertains with focused sets, such as the Sixties or Great Standards; a resident rock band plays classic hits from the Seventies to present day in the Rolling Stone Rock Room; and a multifaceted ensemble performs rhythm & blues favorites (from Motown to Muddy Waters) in B.B. Kings Blues Club.
Deck 4 Staterooms with Large Balconies: It’s one of the great conundrums of cruising: While cruise lines are offering higher percentages of balcony cabins on ships, most balconies have shrunk in size. If you’re a fan of stretching out in your own private outdoor space, the balcony staterooms located forward and aft on deck 4 (the Beethoven Deck) will feel luxe, with balconies that are two to three times the normal size.