The MS Nieuw Amsterdam is the second vessel in Holland America Line’s (HAL) Signature class of ships. The 86,700t ship, which was delivered in July 2010, is the fourteenth ship built by Fincantieri for HAL.
The Nieuw Amsterdam is HAL’s fifteenth ship and the largest vessel in its fleet. The vessel sailed to destinations in Europe and the Caribbean during its maiden voyage in July 2010.
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The vessel will embark on a 12-day voyage from San Diego in December 2010.
In January 2011, the vessel will cruise for a 32-day grand world voyage beginning from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Design
The ship has been designed by NB Design Group.
The design was inspired by New York, with its interiors borrowing from the city’s style and Dutch influences.
The atrium of the ship features an LED-equipped chandelier, representing New York’s iconic skyline, which emits bright colours. The Nieuw Amsterdam also features HAL’s signature elements such as glass elevators.
Construction
The ship was built by Fincantieri at its Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy. The keel was laid in March 2009. Construction gained pace after a major section was pre-built at Fincantieri’s Sestri yard in Genoa. The section was then towed to the Marghera shipyard.
In November 2009, the Nieuw Amsterdam was floated out of dry dock and towed to the fitting-out dock for completion.
Staterooms
The Nieuw Amsterdam offers several types of stateroom, 67% of which feature private verandas. These include ocean-view staterooms, interior staterooms, veranda staterooms and veranda suites. The ship also features spa staterooms that include amenities such as aromatherapy bath salts and yoga mats. The spa staterooms are situated on the Panorama and Observation decks.
Facilities in the staterooms include king-size beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, flat panel TVs, DVD players and complimentary fruit baskets. Other facilities include make-up mirrors, hair dryers and fresh flowers. The veranda suites and staterooms feature additional facilities such as whirlpool tubs, refrigerators, microwaves, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Facilities
The ship offers two outside pools, one of which has a retractable glass roof. Meeting rooms include the Half Moon Room, Hudson Room, King's Room, Stuyvesant Room and Screening Room. The meeting rooms are equipped with audio/visual capabilities. The atrium is spread over three decks and features boutiques and gift stores. The ship also features a basketball and volleyball court.
Dining facilities
Dining options on board the Nieuw Amsterdam include Tamarind, the Canaletto Restaurant, the Pinnacle Grill, the Manhattan Dining Room, the Lido Restaurant, the Terrace Grill, Slice, Explorations Café and the Pinnacle Bar.
Tamarind is a pan-Asian restaurant at the top of the ship. The Canaletto is an Italian restaurant and the Pinnacle Grill offers fresh seafood. The Manhattan Dining Room offers a five-course menu of continental and vegetarian cuisine. The Lido Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining and serves meats, seafood, pasta and vegetables.
Slice is situated near the pool and serves fresh pizza. The Terrace Grill serves burgers, pizza, nachos and sandwiches. The Explorations Café has the ambience of a coffee house and features an extensive library and internet connection. The Pinnacle Bar serves wine menu and cocktails.
Entertainment
The Nieuw Amsterdam features several entertainment facilities such as the Showroom at Sea, the Crow's Nest, the Show Lounge, the Ocean Bar, the Loft, Club HAL and a casino. The Showroom at Sea features several acts, vocalists and comedians. The Crow's Nest, Ocean Bar and Show Lounge offer live music.
Club HAL offers activities for kids between three and 12 years. The Loft is a social space for teens. The casino is located on the lower promenade deck and offers blackjack, roulette, slot machines and table games.
Spa and fitness centre
The Nieuw Amsterdam features the Greenhouse Spa and Salon which offers various skin, hair and body treatments. The spa is equipped with a hydrotherapy pool, private treatment rooms and Turkish bath facilities. The spa also features a gymnasium equipped with various equipment for weight training, cardio, yoga, pilates and a teak deck for walking and jogging.
Propulsion
The ship is powered by six diesel-electric MaK M 43 C engines. The engines include four MaK 12 M 43 C and two MaK 8 M 43 C engines, which generate 64,000kW. The ship is propelled by state-of-the-art Azipod propulsion technology and includes advanced dynamic positioning abilities.
