Author: Gary Bembridge

Watch my video tour and thoughts on the ship: The first Nieuw Amsterdam ship was launched by Holland America LIne in 1906. The current one is the forth to take this famous name. Today,...

I never understood the fuss about towel animals. In fact I have to admit that I thought they were a rather tasteless and unfortunate nod made to please cruise passengers that lacked refinement and...

This is a Holland America review of Nieuw Amsterdam verandah cabin. I stayed in a Verandah Suite while cruising with Holland America on the Nieuw Amsterdam. I was in 8021 and this is my...

I had just got to my stateroom on embarking on Holland America LIne’s Nieuw Amsterdam when there was a confident knock on the door. A cheerful and smartly dressed man beamed at me. “Mr...

Marco Van Belleghem admits that he is both a performer and a recluse. This tall and imposing Dutchman talks with an engaging twinkle in his eyes and with a calming and careful accent that...

Darren David Lewis is having a lavish dinner party the evening that I met him. The menu sounded phenomenal and included Seared Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Mediterranean Seafood Chowder, Three-Peppercorn Crusted NY Strip Loin Steak...

The importance of community in cruising: Cruise Critic meet-up on Nieuw Amsterdam MrGrumps, MouseJive and StoryGirl were still to arrive. I had seen MissDoug, Panda56 and I was sure that I recognised Dave9087 from...

Embarkation day impressions and images from Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam Beep Beep. My mobile phone seemed startled that someone had the audacity to text me at 4.45am on a Sunday morning. It was the...