Live From Alaska Aboard Ms Nieuw Amsterdam - May 5-19, 2024

[Crew News]

1 minute ago, maggiev said:

Do you happen to know what tables are designed for Club Orange?

 

I was aboard this same ship last October and posed your question.  There were no designated CO tables, rather the CO guests could choose from those tables that were not reserved.  Only 50% of the MDR Deck 2 can be reserved so lots of options.  I will ask again to see if this has changed.

[Crew News]

2 hours ago, Lido deck main said:

Hi Roger, thank you for posting the daily programs we are on Nieuw Amsterdam in July for two weeks so really helpful.  I am sorry if I missed it, I didn’t see any reference for Happy hour drinks at 50 % off.  Do you know if there are any happy hours?

Thanks, Mary

MDR menus will also be the same:  Alaska 14-Day MDR Menus

[Crew News]

15 minutes ago, maggiev said:

@Crew News & @BaileyMJ

Thank You so much for taking a part of your vacation to post. 
I will be sailing on my first “dam” ship in August to Alaska.  Your insight, photos, & reviews have been a great help 

There are still a few more days to pose questions and get answers to help in your planning. 

[SilvertoGold]

4 hours ago, BaileyMJ said:

Explorations Cafe on Nieuw Amsterdam is on Deck 11 Forward.  It opens at 6am abd you can get coffee till 9pm - the bar section is open till 10pm.  You can get hot espresso drinks in lido but only during service hours for that day but exception is no espresso during that late night service 10:30 - 11:30pm. Espresso also available in Pinnacle Bar 7am to 4pm.

Any info about what edibles are available in this Explorations Cafe? I was asking Roger about brownies in particular.

[Crew News]

2 hours ago, Crew News said:

I was aboard this same ship last October and posed your question.  There were no designated CO tables, rather the CO guests could choose from those tables that were not reserved.  Only 50% of the MDR Deck 2 can be reserved so lots of options.  I will ask again to see if this has changed.

Confirmed at tonight's MDR dinner.

[BaileyMJ]

3 minutes ago, SilvertoGold said:

Any info about what edibles are available in this Explorations Cafe? I was asking Roger about brownies in particular.

They seem to have biscottis most of the day.  In the morning regular croissants and chocolate croissants.  Yesterday afternoon I had what looked like a mini muffin - the staff wasn’t sure so I went for it - it was too dense to be a muffin and it definitely was almond so think madeleine but in shape of mini muffin- it was very good!  I try to avoid pastries.  I only have had 1 cookie and that was on day 2 at the CC Meet & Greet.

 

What I can report on is desserts in MDR and for this cruise I am pretty sure they have a fruit crisp with scoop of vanilla ice cream - I have ordered it when on the menu - they are all good but they all needed more baking to have a crisp brown topping and then they would be great!  

[BaileyMJ]

Fruit Crisp I have had

Peach

Mixed Berry

Rhubarb

Cherry

Peach

Banana 

 

[cruiseaholic78]

2 hours ago, BaileyMJ said:

Fruit Crisp I have had

Peach

Mixed Berry

Rhubarb

Cherry

Peach

Banana 

 

I always ask for the Vanilla saus instead of the ice cream, usually request a double portion as they tend to put it in the small containers used for ketchup and mayonnaise. 
 

[Crew News]

Day 11 Endicott Arm

The day began with a chilly rain and ended in beautiful sunshine.

 

Breakfast in the Lido Market found the windows tables occupied by either those reading books or those looking for whales.  The buffet lines were long when I arrived two hours after opening time.  Again, I found a nice window table beside the indoor pool to eat my meusli (shortest buffet line).  Within a few minutes, all of the windows tables were occupied with whale and glacier watchers.

 

Unlike the brave passengers on the bow, I periodically stepped out on my aft balcony for pictures of Dawes Glacier without a rain jacket.  In fog and rain, the glacier was still impressive.

 

I was surprised with the frequent announcements by the Captain to include announcing harbor seals off the forward bow. He must be reading this thread as I posted earlier his lack of passenger announcements.

 

Lunch found many of the same passengers still filling the same Lido Market tables as they searched for wildlife or just read a favorite book. I joined the long line at the Sweet Spot to obtain my cookie sample.  After enduring several guest's lengthy ice cream flavor indecision, I surrendered and opted for a bowl of chowder.  Surprisingly, I found a spot at one of the partially occupied community tables for a quick lunch before rejoining the line at the Sweet Spot.

 

The peanut butter cookie was chewy, easily broken, and had lots of peanut pieces.  Similarly, so did the oatmeal raisin cookie with both cookies earning a "B+" rating.  The chocolate chip cookies was more crunchy than chewy and had a good amount of chips to earn a "B" grade.

 

When I arrive at my MDR dinner table, I found it occupied by two "anytime" diners who had been escorted by Deck 2 personnel without checking.  I was told by the Fixed Dining Host that a similar table would be found for me in another section.  As has been my policy for many years, I noted the elapsed time for my meal.  A new record was set!!!  48 minutes for a complete dinner service surpassed the previous 49-minute record set last year on the same ship.  Kudos will be posted on "let us know" and I will try to get my table switched permanently.

 

FWIW the ship closed all water service due to a leaking pipe (announced by the Captain) for about an hour during mealtime.  It will be interesting to hear stories of, "What were you doing when the water stopped?"

 

There are still a few questions for me to investigate.

 

Tomorrow is Wrangell and I have no plans ashore.

[maggiev]

On 5/1/2024 at 2:40 PM, Sandscout said:

 

On 5/14/2024 at 10:32 PM, Cruise Suzy said:

 

@Crew News are you on deck 7 by chance? Why did you choose the deck you did?  We will be sailing in an aft deck 7 cabin & I wonder about the balcony. Would there be room to invite friends over for coffee & glacier watching?  I’ve been on Princess and on some you can look over your baloney & into the one below - is this the case on NA?  Are there issues with smoke, noise or anything?

Sorry if these sound silly but I’ve read these are “issues” on some ships. 

Edited May 16 by maggiev

[SilvertoGold]

11 hours ago, BaileyMJ said:

They seem to have biscottis most of the day.  In the morning regular croissants and chocolate croissants.  Yesterday afternoon I had what looked like a mini muffin - the staff wasn’t sure so I went for it - it was too dense to be a muffin and it definitely was almond so think madeleine but in shape of mini muffin- it was very good!  I try to avoid pastries.  I only have had 1 cookie and that was on day 2 at the CC Meet & Greet.

 

What I can report on is desserts in MDR and for this cruise I am pretty sure they have a fruit crisp with scoop of vanilla ice cream - I have ordered it when on the menu - they are all good but they all needed more baking to have a crisp brown topping and then they would be great!  

Ah, thank you, BaileyMJ!   My DH will go for the muffin/madelaine for sure!  We do like the fruit crisps in the MDR but we ask for two scoops of ice cream as they are so small :) Favs are apple, peach and since we don't do desserts often we save it for those ones.  Thanks for your help: much appreciated:)

[wetterthanwater]

On 5/6/2024 at 11:47 PM, Crew News said:

Of special note for this ship is the addition of an espresso machine in the Lido Market.  Service was quick and continuous during my time of observation.  Prices were consistent at all locations board.  A tablet terminal was in use to process transactions.  This makes three sources for cappuccino now (Lido, Pinnacle Bar, and Crows Nest).  I predict a Lido Market revenue-generating espresso machine will be on all HAL ships very soon,

 

Although if one is a coffee snob, the bars/cafes that have barista made coffee should be preferable. The lido machines are automatic bean to cup machines.

[Crew News]

18 hours ago, SilvertoGold said:

Any info about what edibles are available in this Explorations Cafe? I was asking Roger about brownies in particular.

A search of the onboard menus showed no brownies in the dining venues.

 

Your brownie question prompted me to not only pose the question but take a large bite of a subject brownie when I discovered it in the Explorations Cafe glass-domed tray.  The top 1/3d of the 1-inch square brownie was creamy icing with a whole walnut on top and provided an instant chocolate and sugar surge.  At that moment, all was right in the world.

 

At opening, The Explorations Cafe has croissants available.  At 10:00 AM, and later at 2:00 PM, brownies, muffins, and biscotti are provided.  At 6:00 PM, various chocolates are provided.

 

When time permits, I will now start the "brownie" line at 10:00 AM at the Explorations Cafe for a daily chocolate "fix."

[Crew News]

Laundry service has slowed and there is now a shortage of hangers to return clothing.

[oaktreerb]

13 hours ago, Crew News said:

Day 11 Endicott Arm

 

There are still a few questions for me to investigate.

 

Tomorrow is Wrangell and I have no plans ashore.

I know that you are very busy with your research and I would have to assume that you have visited Wrangell in your prior cruises.  Wrangell is one of my favorite ports and one that can be easily seen without planning excursions, very walkable.  We will soon embark on our 28 day Alaska Solstice cruise which originally had us visiting Wrangell on July 4th.  For some reason HAL cancelled that stop and we were sooooo disappointed!  Love Wrangell!

[SilvertoGold]

8 minutes ago, Crew News said:

A search of the onboard menus showed no brownies in the dining venues.

 

Your brownie question prompted me to not only pose the question but take a large bite of a subject brownie when I discovered it in the Explorations Cafe glass-domed tray.  The top 1/3d of the 1-inch square brownie was creamy icing with a whole walnut on top and provided an instant chocolate and sugar surge.  At that moment, all was right in the world.

 

At opening, The Explorations Cafe has croissants available.  At 10:00 AM, and later at 2:00 PM, brownies, muffins, and biscotti are provided.  At 6:00 PM, various chocolates are provided.

 

When time permits, I will now start the "brownie" line at 10:00 AM at the Explorations Cafe for a daily chocolate "fix."

Perfect, Roger. Thank you!  One inch square is just right for me, but DH will require two of those 😉

[Crew News]

7 minutes ago, SilvertoGold said:

Perfect, Roger. Thank you!  One inch square is just right for me, but DH will require two of those 😉

I found the last brownie a bit after noon on a port day but learned that all items are refreshed at 2;00 PM. Some planning might be needed to satisfy your three brownie desires.

Edited May 16 by Crew News

[SilvertoGold]

1 minute ago, Crew News said:

I found the last brownie a bit after noon on a port day but learned that all items are refreshed at 2;00 PM. 

Excellent news!

Edited May 16 by SilvertoGold

[BaileyMJ]

6 hours ago, wetterthanwater said:

 

Although if one is a coffee snob, the bars/cafes that have barista made coffee should be preferable. The lido machines are automatic bean to cup machines.

In the lido it is one barista and he makes the espresso just like in explorers cafe - no self serve machine - I am convinced that the cappuccino in the MDR or if ordered via room service is from a Nespresso press the button machine - not worth the $$ plus from room servuce it arrives warm not hot!   Of note in lido the coffee menu is limited - no iced latte just the hot drinks!

 

Here is offering this morning in Explores Cafe/ Crows Next.

 

[BaileyMJ]

3 hours ago, oaktreerb said:

I know that you are very busy with your research and I would have to assume that you have visited Wrangell in your prior cruises.  Wrangell is one of my favorite ports and one that can be easily seen without planning excursions, very walkable.  We will soon embark on our 28 day Alaska Solstice cruise which originally had us visiting Wrangell on July 4th.  For some reason HAL cancelled that stop and we were sooooo disappointed!  Love Wrangell!

I can second Love Wrangell- what a beautiful place!  I rented a car and just was blown away by the views!  Also have to love a town with the most friendly dogs!  

 I also learned that skunk cabbage really does smell like skunk!

 

The Mariners Memorial was so moving snd peaceful place.

 

Just happen to run into Dominic our naturalist speaker at the petroglyphs beach.

 

 

[SilvertoGold]

49 minutes ago, BaileyMJ said:

In the lido it is one barista and he makes the espresso just like in explorers cafe - no self serve machine - I am convinced that the cappuccino in the MDR or if ordered via room service is from a Nespresso press the button machine - not worth the $$ plus from room servuce it arrives warm not hot!   Of note in lido the coffee menu is limited - no iced latte just the hot drinks!

 

Here is offering this morning in Explores Cafe/ Crows Next.

 

Much better and more abundant offerings than I have seen in any Crow Nest area. A few stale macrons from a box is what theKoningsdam had! Thanks for your help!

 

Thanks for this photo. If by chance you see anything there photo-worthy in the afternoon I would be thrilled to see it.

[SightCRR]

I thought that Wrangel was a great place to see black bears and it seems that this would be a good time of the year. Not from personal experience but just what I remember reading. 

[expattraveler]

Another thumbs up for Wrangell. Excellent stop!

[wetterthanwater]

5 hours ago, BaileyMJ said:

In the lido it is one barista and he makes the espresso just like in explorers cafe - no self serve machine - I am convinced that the cappuccino in the MDR or if ordered via room service is from a Nespresso press the button machine - not worth the $$ plus from room servuce it arrives warm not hot!   Of note in lido the coffee menu is limited - no iced latte just the hot drinks!

 

Here is offering this morning in Explores Cafe/ Crows Next.

 

 

 

There might be some fleet differences then. I'm sure on Koningsdam the bar "stations" had automatic bean to cup machines. 

[Crew News]

19 hours ago, maggiev said:

 

@Crew News are you on deck 7 by chance? Why did you choose the deck you did?  We will be sailing in an aft deck 7 cabin & I wonder about the balcony. Would there be room to invite friends over for coffee & glacier watching?  I’ve been on Princess and on some you can look over your baloney & into the one below - is this the case on NA?  Are there issues with smoke, noise or anything?

Sorry if these sound silly but I’ve read these are “issues” on some ships. 

As a hobby photographer, I try to sail only in aft-facing staterooms so that I can take photos of scenery on both sides of the ship while still in my pajamas, have a short elevator ride up to the buffet or down to the Main Dining Room, always hot Room Service food, no wind while the ship is moving, and little foot traffic in the hallway. 

 

I am currently in an aft Deck 5 stateroom but was in an aft Deck 7 stateroom on this ship last October through the Panama Canal.  Four people should fit comfortably at the railing.  Their are two chairs and two footstools for sitting as well as a 14-inch short table for coffee cups or a Room Service tray.

 

You can look down over the railing and see only those standing at their balcony railings.

 

In my many sailings, I once encountered a few pieces of what might be called soot. I cannot smell any smoke from the Deck 9 smoking area.  The noise of the wake makes for a very soothing nights sleep.

 

FWIW My aft Deck 7 stateroom is about two feet deeper than my Deck 5 stateroom.

Edited May 17 by Crew News