Holland America Line's Nieuw Statendam: Everything You Need to Know

Nieuw Statendam is Holland America Line's second Pinnacle-class ship, delivered by Italy's Fincantieri in late 2018 as a sister to Koningsdam. It blends the line's traditional strengths – attentive service, good food and a focus on destinations – with a more modern design and one of the best live-music programmes at sea. This guide explains what the ship is like, the cabins, restaurants and entertainment, where it sails and who it suits.

Nieuw Statendam at a glance

The ship

1. Design and atmosphere

The interiors were designed by Adam D. Tihany and Yran & Storbraaten, with a musical theme running through the ship – curves inspired by instruments, warm woods and soft lighting. The atmosphere is relaxed and grown-up rather than loud: you'll find quiet corners to read, a big library-style lounge and plenty of outdoor deck space.

Calm, elegant spaces with art everywhere and soft lighting – the atmosphere is relaxed rather than loud.

2. Cabins and suites

Most cabins have a balcony. The range runs from inside and ocean-view cabins through verandah cabins to Signature Suites, Neptune Suites and the Pinnacle Suite. Some cabins are designed for solo travellers, and family ocean-view cabins sleep up to five. Neptune Suite guests get access to a private lounge with concierge service. Tip: midships cabins on lower decks feel the least motion.

3. Spa, fitness and pools

The Greenhouse Spa has a thermal suite and hydrotherapy pool, and the gym looks out over the sea. There's a main Lido pool with a retractable roof – useful on cooler European or Alaska sailings – and a quieter adults-oriented area.

Swim under the retractable glass roof of the Lido pool, or relax in the hydropool with the sea all around.

Dining

4. Included restaurants

The Main Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a changing menu, and the Lido Market buffet has been redesigned with smaller, made-to-order stations. Casual options include Dive-In for burgers, New York Pizza and the Grand Dutch Café, a nod to the line's Dutch heritage with bitterballen, pastries and coffee.

5. Speciality restaurants

For an extra charge, the Pinnacle Grill is Holland America's signature steakhouse; Tamarind serves pan-Asian cuisine with a sushi bar; Rudi's Sel de Mer is a French seafood brasserie; and Canaletto offers Italian family-style dining. A speciality dining package is good value if you plan to try several.

Entertainment

6. Music Walk

Music Walk is the heart of the ship's evenings:

• B.B. King's Blues Club – a live band playing blues, soul and Motown.
• Billboard Onboard – dueling pianos playing chart hits, with requests.
• Lincoln Center Stage – chamber music concerts in partnership with New York's Lincoln Center.
• Rolling Stone Rock Room – a live rock band playing classics; the venue debuted on Nieuw Statendam.

Move from the blues of B.B. King's to the duelling pianos of Billboard Onboard, rock classics at the Rolling Stone Rock Room and chamber music at Lincoln Center Stage – the music never stops.

7. World Stage and more

The two-storey World Stage hosts shows and films on a 270-degree screen, and BBC Earth-style nature presentations bring the destinations to life. During the day there are cooking demonstrations at the culinary arts centre, talks and wine tastings.

A 270-degree LED screen wraps around the stage, with shows and documentaries projected all around you.

Where it sails

8. Itineraries

Itineraries change by season, but Nieuw Statendam has typically spent winters in the Caribbean, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, and summers in Europe, with Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages. Holland America's European sailings often start or end in Amsterdam or Rotterdam – a nod to the line's history. Always check the current schedule before planning flights. If you're cruising in Spain, see our guide to Spain's cruise ports.

Who it suits

9. Is Nieuw Statendam right for you?

Choose Nieuw Statendam if you want good food, live music, attentive service and a calmer atmosphere than the biggest ships. It's popular with couples and travellers over 50, but also works well for multi-generation families. If you want water parks, go-karts or a party vibe, a line like Royal Caribbean or Carnival suits you better – see our beginner's guide to picking a cruise line.

Tips for your cruise

• Book speciality dining early on popular sea days.
• Dress code: smart casual most nights, with "Dressy" nights where many guests wear a jacket or cocktail dress – read our cruise dress code guide.
• Drinks: consider a drinks package only if you'll really use it – see our guide to drinks on board.
• First cruise? Read our 21 tips for your first cruise.