Overall Score
| BERLITZ'S RATING |
| |
Possible |
Achieved |
| |
| Ship |
500 |
432 |
| Accommodation |
200 |
165 |
| Food |
400 |
281 |
| Service |
400 |
273 |
| Entertainment |
100 |
78 |
| Cruise |
400 |
316 |
| |
Amsterdam, a close sister ship to Rotterdam, has a nicely raked bow, as well as the familiar interior flow and design style. It was the first ship in the Holland America Line fleet to feature an azimuthing pod propulsion system (see page 29 for details). The pods are powered by a diesel-electric system.
The decor retains much of the traditional ocean liner detailing so loved by frequent Holland America Line passengers, with some use of medium and dark wood panelling. However, some color combinations – particularly for the chairs and soft furnishings – are rather wacky. Much of the artwork reflects Holland America Line’s glorious past, as well as items depicting the city of Amsterdam’s history.
The interior focal point is a three-deck high atrium, in an oval, instead of circular, shape. A whimsical “Astrolobe” is the featured centerpiece in this atrium. Also clustered in the atrium lobby are the reception desk, shore excursion desk, photo shop and photo gallery.
The ship has three principal passenger stairways – so much better than two from the viewpoint of safety, flow and accessibility. There is a magrodome-covered pool on the Lido Deck between the mast and the twin funnels, watched over by a sculpture of a brown bear catching salmon.
There are children’s and teens’ play areas (token gestures by a company that traditionally does not cater well to children). Popcorn is available at the Wajang Theater for moviegoers, while adjacent is the popular Java Cafe. The casino, in the middle of a major passenger flow on one of the entertainment decks, has blackjack, roulette, poker and dice tables alongside the requisite rows of slot machines.
Amsterdam is an extremely comfortable ship, with some fine, elegant and luxurious decorative features. However, these are marred by the poor quality of food and service and the lack of understanding of what it takes to make a “luxury” cruise experience, despite what is touted in the company’s brochures.
Holland America Line also provides cappuccino and espresso coffees and free ice cream during certain hours of the day aboard its ships, as well as hot hors d’oeuvres in all bars – something other major lines seem to have dropped, or charge extra for.
The onboard currency is the US dollar. Perhaps the ship’s best asset is its friendly and personable Filipino and Indonesian crew, although communication can prove frustrating at times.
With one whole deck of suites (and a dedicated, private concierge lounge, with preferential passenger treatment), the company has in effect created a two-class ship. The charge to use the washing machines and dryers in the self-service launderette is petty and irritating, particularly for the occupants of high-priced cabins.
Communication (in English) with many of the staff, particularly in the dining room and informal buffet areas, can prove frustrating. The room service menu is limited, and room service is very basic.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008
