For more than 150 years, Holland America Line has been delivering remarkable voyages, taking passengers from the stunning sights of Europe to the tropical Caribbean. I was fortunate enough to sail aboard the Nieuw Statendam from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Copenhagen, Denmark, with several stops in Scotland, each offering its own unique allure and rich cultural heritage. This voyage was a testament to HAL’s commitment to creating unforgettable travel experiences.

The Nieuw Statendam is one of HAL's newest cruise ships, making it the second in its contemporary Pinnacle Class collection. This 2,666-passenger ship cruises to a variety of destinations depending on the season.

The ship offers different types of lodging, from standard inside staterooms to suites, ranging from 141 to 1,357 square feet. For this cruise, we stayed in one of the Verandah staterooms. It was outfitted with two single beds that could be converted into a queen-size bed. The stateroom also had a sitting area and furnished balcony that offered beautiful views. 

There was plenty of storage space between the dresser, underbed storage and closet space. I loved the daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service. Each room also has a stocked mini fridge of beverages like wine, beer, soda, and water. Pro Tip: Items in the cabin are a la carte and may not be included with drink packages. And at your request, you can have a complimentary fruit basked delivered. 

Onboard Entertainment and Attractions

During the day, we participated in a wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, cocktail-making classes, tea time, art classes, trivia and wellness seminars. There were also meet-up groups for hobbies like knitting and scrapbooking. Guests can enjoy gambling in the casino. For sports enthusiasts, there were sporting courts for pickleball, basketball and volleyball. There’s an outdoor walking/jogging track, gym, and complimentary fitness classes for those who want to keep up with their at-home fitness routines. Of course, guests can also get cozy with a good novel in the library or relax by one of the pools. The Lido Pool is in the middle of the cruise ship and has a retractable roof, while the open air Sea View Pool is aft offering amazing sea views. 

If you want to embrace self-care fully, The Nieuw Statendam has a full-service spa that offers services like massages, pedicures, manicures, facials and more. There is also a thermal spa, sauna and steam room. You can embrace wellness on a deeper level with services like acupuncture.

When night falls, the ship transforms into a hub of excitement and energy. Guest can dive into the rhythm at B.B. King’s Blues Club, rock out at the Rolling Stone Rock Room, or catch a dazzling array of performances at the World Stage, featuring everything from theatrical shows and comedy skits to mind-blowing magic. HAL has a knack for bringing top-tier talent on board, like Franc West from Season 15 of The Voice, ensuring your evenings are nothing short of spectacular.

Grab A Fork…Let’s Dig Into The Food Options

Dining is a highlight of any cruise, especially on those leisurely days at sea. Your cabin price covers access to the main dining room, where you'll enjoy meals from a set menu. For a more casual experience, head to the Lido Market, a buffet-style venue where the staff serves you from various stations. Here, you'll find everything from sushi and comfort foods to pasta, sandwiches, a salad bar, and an array of desserts—making it the most diverse of the included dining options.

For a quick bite by the indoor pool, The Dive-In serves up burgers, hotdogs, and fries. If you're craving coffee and light snacks, The Grand Dutch Café is your go-to, while New York Pizza has you covered for late-night cravings. Room service is also available, though it’s a bit more limited after hours. While the complimentary dining options are fantastic, don’t miss the chance to indulge in a premium restaurant or two. My top pick was Tamarind, which offers an elevated dining experience with exquisite dishes from Southeast Asia.

Self-Exploration and Excursions 

On this cruise, you'll find a variety of excursions designed to enhance your journey. The ShoreEx (Shore Excursion) platform used by HAL offers a thorough way to plan your adventures at each port of call. Since excursions can book up quickly, it's best to make your choices as early as possible. You'll find a variety of excursions at each port, including bus and walking tours, boating adventures, distillery tastings, ATV rides through lava fields, glacier explorations, castle visits and more. Note that many excursions are rated as moderate or strenuous and are primarily geared towards adults. Families or travelers with physical limitations or specific needs should consult a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent for suitable recommendations.

Iceland

In Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland, we embarked on a Circumnavigation of Heimaey tour, a dream come true for nature lovers. The island’s picturesque terrain is easily explored on foot. History enthusiasts will appreciate the museum dedicated to the dramatic 1973 volcanic eruption in the harbor. I found the tour's highlight to be navigating through sea caves on a small boat, where we were treated to the sight of lively puffin colonies. With an estimated 6-8 million puffins in the region, these charming seabirds are a standout attraction.

Scotland

While in the port of Kirkwall, on the Orkney Islands of Scotland, we were amazed by the abundance of prehistoric sites dating back to the Stone Age, reflecting a long and complex human history. Not to miss sites include Skara Brae, Neolithic village that dates back to around 3100–2500 BCE and the Ring of Brodgar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Kirkwall is also home to the St. Magnus Cathedral, one of two pre-Reformation cathedrals still intact throughout the country.  Built in the 12th century by the Viking Earl Rognvald, it is dedicated to St. Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney. If you do nothing else in Kirkwall, seeing this splendor is a must.

The South Isles Panoramic excursion took us to the Island of Lamb Holm and visited the beautifully hand-painted Italian Chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.

Of course, you will also have the option to explore cities on your own once you get to port. Inverness, located in the Scottish Highlands, was a short bus ride ($15 for a round-trip fare) from the port Invergordon. Known for its stunning beauty and historical significance, Inverness is a bustling city with street music, local markets, castles and cathedrals. 

Holland America Line’s Approach to Sustainability 

On a ship of this scale, it might be easy to overlook sustainable travel initiatives, but HAL continues to utilize innovative practices and technologies to minimize their environmental impact and encourage responsible travel. Some of these changes are quite subtle: for instance, they use refillable wall-mounted dispensers for bathroom toiletries instead of single-use products and promote the use of cloth hand towels over paper towels to reduce waste.

Other efforts are on a larger scale. Earlier this year, HAL achieved a major milestone by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications. This signifies that the fish served on board comes from fisheries that have been independently evaluated for their impact on wild fish populations and their ecosystems. As highlighted by MSC’s website, these certifications complement HAL’s Global Fresh Fish Program, which sources seafood from local ports and features them in their restaurants across the ship. This approach not only helps reduce food waste but also enhances the dining experience with fresh, local flavors. If you're fortunate, you might even spot the chef hand-picking seafood and produce at the markets.

Another way HAL embraces sustainability is by serving food selections to guests, even in the buffet and grill areas, to combat food waste. The culinary team closely monitors guest preferences and adjusts meal preparations based on dining habits. For example, they might increase the availability of popular items while reducing or eliminating dishes that aren't well-received, ensuring that food is both enjoyed and efficiently utilized.

The Bottom Line

Holland America Line and this itinerary stand out in remarkable ways, distinguishing them from other cruise options and fueling my enthusiasm to set sail with them again. After exploring behind-the-scenes operations, I was thoroughly impressed by the meticulous attention to detail and dedication that ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for every guest. Plus, AAA Members enjoy exclusive Holland America Line member benefits and perks — only available when you book through AAA.