On August 14, 2021, we embarked on our first Holland America cruise out of Seattle on the Nieuw Amsterdam (NA). We flew in the day before departure with the intentions of doing some sightseeing but some unplanned things got in the way and that did not happen. It was probably just as well since it was smokey due to fires near the Seattle area at the time. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites Seattle Downtown/South Lake Union the night before embarkation and had issues with the heating and air that woke us up in the middle of the night in a pool of sweat. We called the front desk and were moved to another room. There was just no getting through the rest of our stay in that stifling room. The next morning we booked an Uber to get us to the cruise port. Upon arrival it was a fairly quick process to check in and board the NA. We were booked in an obstructed ocean view, which was quite nice. Mrs. 7Seas really liked having a bath tub since she likes having a ledge to put her foot up onto for shaving instead of the dinky showers most cruise cabins usually have. This cruise we took the least amount of pics ever as I guess we were just enjoying our vacation and being in the moment instead of documenting every moment. I was kind of bummed to realize we did not get any pics of our cabin. Total rookie move!
Having been to Alaska previously and due to Covid (and Mrs. 7Seas was honest in saying she was just too cozy on the ship), we did not book any excursions except for one in Icy Strait Point which Mrs. 7Seas refers to as “The Death Drop”. Actually, it was the most amazing experience ever and I plan on doing it again when we go back in May 2022. The excursion is actually the world’s largest zip rider that consists of six 5,330′ ziplines dropping 1330′ that have you moving about 60 mph 300 feet above the rainforest below. I highly recommend that you experience it for yourself!
Being our first experience on Holland America we really enjoyed the entertainment and felt that it was excellent from the BB King’s Blues Club to the comedians. John Stringer was one of the comedians that Mrs. 7Seas really liked. We are music lovers and that meant we spent every evening that we could enjoying the sounds of the BB King All Stars Band and they were excellent.
Since we knew we were not going to be doing much in excursions on this trip, we found out that the NA had lido cabanas that were able to be reserved for the duration of the cruise and so we decided to try it out. Had it not been for the condensation on the glass, it would have been the perfect glacier viewing area. It was also a little cold even though the pool was completely enclosed the entire trip. On a different type of sailing with mild weather it could be quite nice. The amenities include wait staff that will bring you whatever you like from the buffet or other food venues on the ship (burgers and pizza). Mrs. 7Seas said she felt awkward at first having the servers get her food from the buffet. The staff were the same two gentleman each day and they were very friendly and very attentive.
Here are some photos from our trip of things we enjoyed..
Although we did not take any photos of the buffet, it was quite good and always had delicious offerings each day to satisfy us as we typically ate our lunch in the buffet. Breakfast and dinner were usually in the dining room as we enjoyed the service.
Our next trip is February 2022 on the Majestic Princess to the Mexican Riviera so stay tuned. For now, safe travels from 7Seas!
