Holland America Cruises MS Nieuw Amsterdam cruise ship is a Signature class cruise ship under construction for Holland America Line. The Nieuw Amsterdam will be the 81st ship to enter Holland America’s service and the second largest Holland America ship to date.
Like its sister ship, the Eurodam, the Nieuw Amsterdam will feature a Pan-Asian restaurant, an Italian specialty restaurant and a redesigned atrium and show lounge. 86% of the cabins are ocean view, and of those, 67% have balconies. Nieuw Amsterdam will feature 11 guest decks and staterooms will spotlight all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities of plush Euro-top Mariner’s Dream Beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, dvd players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets. The ship will also feature innovative spa staterooms with additional spa amenities.
The ship will continue several much-admired Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Explorations Cafe — a cyber-coffee house powered by The New York Times; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft. In addition the ship will feature the family-style Canaletto’s Italian restaurant.
On the technical side, Signature Class ships will feature the latest state-of-the-art navigation and safety systems including dynamic positioning abilities to hold the ship in a precise position. The vessels will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology.
The first Nieuw Amsterdam was launched in 1906 and used both a full set of sails and steam engines. She was 17,149 tons and carried 2,886 passengers. She sailed in regular service through World War I and then through to 1932. Nieuw Amsterdam II joined the fleet in 1938 and Nieuw Amsterdam III was launched in 1983 as one of the most elegant ships of her time.
