Contemplating Nieuw Amsterdam Cruise

[MIGGI]

Never been on HAL, but heard good things
Anyone know about the cabin layouts on their newest ship and which veranda we ahould aim for ?
We're thinking about a TA in October. Do hurricanes present a big problem if we hit one?
Were there any problems on the Inaugural Cruises previously?
Thanksso much for your input.
Myrna aka Miggi

[RuthC]

October is nearing the end of the hurricane season, so it is unlikely you will hit one. Even if there is one in the Atlantic, the ship will (literally) go out of it's way to avoid it.
I've done many trans-At's---both on the northern route, and across to Florida. I've passed a couple of hurricane remnants on the northern route, and it was bumpy for a day or two.

I was on the inaugural voyage of the E-dam. It was not a smooth-running operation at that point. The crew did not yet have their rhythm working as a team. There were many things about the ship itself that weren't in perfect working order.
Based on that, I would not recommend an inaugural voyage. But the trans-At of the Nieuw Amsterdam will not be it's inaugural voyage, so it may be better.

[LDS4me]

Ruth,
have you had the opportunity to cruise on the Celebrity Solstice? We are contemplating doing a 7-day Western Caribbean on both the Nieuw Amsterdam or Solstice and we are leaning toward the Solstice, but would like your input if possible.

Thanks, Mark.

[RuthC]

No, sorry. I haven't sailed Celebrity since it was Chandris---a long, long time.