LIVE: Off to Rome for the Nieuw Statendam Premiere Voyage

[travelinjones]

We're on our way to Rome, to spend a couple of days in the Eternal City before boarding the Nieuw Statendam for its 14-Day Premiere Voyage from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale.  We are excited to experience this new ship, and some of its new amenities like the Rolling Stone Rock Room and a new wine packages from James Suckling, Holland America's Wine Curator.

 

Tell us what you are curious about on the new ship.

 

As internet access allows, we plan to post regular updates along the way.

 

[rkacruiser]

If you try the restaurant, I am curious about your experience and the menu in the Sel de Mer Restaurant.

 

Also, the music being played in the Rolling Stone Rock Room:  examples of what you are hearing would be appreciated.

 

Have a wonderful Maiden Voyage!

[DeeniEncinitas]

All I can say is have a fabulous cruise👍

We did the inaugural cruise on The Nieuw Amsterdam and what a journey we had!!! Since than 7 more cruises on her and 3 more to Europe!!

looking forward to your journey!

Denise😊

[POA1]

Have a great trip! 

[Vict0riann]

Enjoy the cruise - we will be there, too, looking forward to a wonderful trip.

[aliaschief]

Bon Voyage!🛳🍾

[Krazy Kruizers]

Looking forward to your reports.

 

Bon Voyage!!

 

Have a great cruise.

[VMax1700]

Have a great cruise!

Would love to get information on the new wine lists!

 

[Cruizer Bill]

I would like to know what the "vibe" of the ship is like.  Also the decor and entertainment. 

[nimiq]

Following as we will be on the first FLL sailing December 19th.

[Dogstar]

Following!  Have a great time. Bon voyage. 🎉

[portofrome]

Bon Voyage!

[ski ww]

Bon Voyage, fair winds & smooth seas. Looking forward to your blog, please include pictures. 

[puppycanducruise]

Hope you have a fabulous cruise.

Looking forward to reading all about it.

Thanks.

[cat shepard]

Bon Voyage!

[0bnxshs]

Will be following along here too!  Bon Voyage!  Thanks for the effort I know this involves.  

[wdw1972]

Bon Voyage - looking forward to your updates!

 

Sue/WDW1972

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Have a great cruise..

[CineGraphic]

Enjoy your trip. We'll be on her 5th sailing....can't wait!

[travelinjones]

Saturday 12/1 — Getting to Rome

We flew from Kansas City to Rome on United Airlines, starting with a 6:10 am boarding time.  With such as early flight and questionable winter weather in Kansas City, we chose to spend Friday night at the Marriott Airport Hotel, allowing us to “sleep in” until 4:30am.

 

We bought our 1-way ticket to Rome via Holland America’s FlightEase as they have great deals for 1–way air to Europe (both in economy and business) that you can’t purchase directly through the airline.  At 6’6 and 6’1 tall, we appreciate extra leg room on flights, and went for the business class seats. 

 

Our first flight from Kansas City went smoothly, arriving into Newark early. With nearly 7 hours to kill before our flight to Rome,  we stretched our legs walking through all of the different terminals. Then we headed to the United Polaris Lounge (opened in June) which is a pleasant oasis for travelers in business or first class on Star Alliance international flights.

 

 

We enjoyed the food, comfortable seating, and fast wi-fi to finish work and download movies to our iPads for the flight. (Roman Holiday and Three Coins in The Fountain).

 

The flight from Newark to Rome was scheduled for about 8 hours but went by quickly with dinner wine and a movie before reclining our seats and going to sleep in the “flat beds.”

Our flight arrived into Rome about 30 minutes early and the customs and immigration was a breeze on Sunday morning.

 

We had pre-arranged transportation from the airport with Rome Cabs.  (We learned of Stephano from fellow cruise critic members 13-14 years ago, and try to use his company every time we are in Rome.)

 

Our driver met us outside and we were at our hotel in the Prati neighborhood by 8:30 am.

 

[travelinjones]

Sunday  12/2 Three days before boarding

 

We arrived at our Hotel the Le Meridien Visconti early but only had to wait an hour until our room was ready at 9:30

 

We used  the hour to explore near the hotel and we were very lucky in having a sunny postcard morning for our walk

 

 

Our room was ready as promised and we were able to refresh for a few hours (meaning a nice two hour nap)

 

We used Marriott’s Suite Night Awards (SNA) for our stay and were upgraded to a top floor terrace suite.  The suite was a nice surprise with a separate sitting room and a terrace to enjoy our expresso!

 

We had arranged an early evening food your in our neighborhood through The Roman Food Tour.   Our guide Luisa and the tour were excellent.  

 

 

It proved to be a perfect way to get acquainted with our area, get some great local knowledge of Italian food, stay up so we weren’t wide awake at 1:00am and of course sample some excellent food and wine. 

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you arrived in Rome safely -- flights went smoothly and not too long a wait for your hotel room.

[cat shepard]

Well you two are off to a great start! 

[DeeniEncinitas]

Flying business is the only way to go!! Makes for a comfortable enjoyable flight.

we fly United and do the same thing.

great pics and such nice weather for you.

take care and look forward to more if your blog.

Denise😊

[travelinjones]

Here are some preview photos from Club Orange.  Unfortunately just the menu cover 😉