Part 2 of my Amsterdam Nieuw Statendam Weekend.

As promised here is a quick summary of the cabins onboard the Nieuw Statendam and my thoughts on Amsterdam as a cruise departure destination.

Nieuw Statendam is the second in their Pinnacle-class ships.  85% of her staterooms (not cabins) have an ocean view and up to 68% a private balcony. All their staterooms have Euro-top mattresses, bathrobes and flat-screen TV’s.

The central area of deck Schubert is devoted to Neptune suites, the Pinnacle Suites have their own private concierge lounge. I found that they all had an elegant feel to them and would rate them on par to some of the luxury cruise lines out there.

Amsterdam is an easy port to depart from. Especially if you are from the northern parts of the U.K. It is easier to fly to Amsterdam than Southampton. Schipol Airport is modern and easy to navigate. The train into the centre of Amsterdam takes 15 minutes and costs Euros 4.50.

Once you arrive in Amsterdam you are spoilt for choice with accommodation. I stayed at the Movenpick hotel which is at the cruise terminal and only a 6-minute walk from the train station. It is a lovely 5-star hotel and very busy as it is also used by the river cruise companies for their guests. I had a room overlooking the where the ships dock and watch the sail away of Amsterdam (another HAL ship).

I personally would recommend a couple of days in the city pre-cruise. Other cruise lines that sail from Amsterdam are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. They visit mostly Northern European destinations like the Baltics.

Tomorrow I am cruising on Explorer of the Seas for 6 nights with my lovely wife – just the two of us! So guess what my next blog will be about?