We recently set sail on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam ship for a week-long Eastern Caribbean adventure roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale! Our itinerary included sunny island ports and relaxing sea days aboard this elegant, family-friendly ship. Each day brought new experiences—from exploring historic forts and beaches to enjoying gourmet dining and live music. Keep reading to learn about my highlights, from memorable ports to the comforts of our Veranda Suite…

Veranda Suite Experience

Our home for the week was a Veranda Suite on Deck 5, a comfortable balcony stateroom perfect for a couple, like us, or even a family of four. The cabin felt bright and roomy, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to a private verandah. Every morning, we stepped out to enjoy the salty breeze and sunrise. Inside, we had a queen bed with a memory-foam mattress, a convertible sofa, and writing desk.

The bathroom was sleek, with a glass-door shower and premium Elemis bath amenities. Thoughtful touches like plush bathrobes, a mini-fridge, and a flat-screen TV made the stay extra comfortable. We loved the complimentary fruit basket service, allowing us to request fresh apples, bananas, and oranges throughout the cruise. Housekeeping was outstanding, with towel animal surprises each night that would delight a person of any age! Having a private balcony made all the difference. We often enjoyed pre-dinner cheese and crackers there, watching the ship sail away from each port. The Veranda Suite provided the perfect balance of space, comfort, and breathtaking views.

Eastern Caribbean Port Highlights

Grand Turk – Island by buggy:

In Grand Turk, we rented a buggy right at the cruise center and set off to explore. We loved the ride as we made our way to the Grand Turk Lighthouse, a historic 1852 beacon perched on a scenic cliff. Along the way, we passed salt ponds (home to pink flamingos) and spotted a few wild donkeys. The island’s slow pace and open roads made for a relaxing outing. We wrapped up our tour with a stop at beautiful Governor’s Beach, where we cooled off in the crystal-clear water before heading back to the ship.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Old San Juan Stroll:

Arriving in San Juan, we wandered the colorful streets of Old San Juan on foot. Our first stop was Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the 16th-century Spanish fortress guarding the bay. Exploring its ramparts and dungeons felt like stepping back in time. Next, we strolled down Calle de la Fortaleza, famous for its vibrant shops and cafes. I highly recommend popping into Barrachina restaurant to sample a piña colada at the drink’s birthplace! In the afternoon, we walked along Paseo de la Princesa, a tree-lined promenade leading to the Raíces Fountain. Old San Juan offered something for everyone—for kids marveling at the fort’s cannons to the adults appreciating its rich history and architecture.

St. Thomas – Skyline & Snorkeling:

While I spent a relaxing day in St. Thomas, my husband enjoyed an adventurous excursion that included hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling! His day in St. Thomas started with breathtaking views at the Mountain Top, the island’s highest lookout. From the expansive observation deck, he enjoyed a postcard-perfect view of Magen’s Bay and the *15* surrounding islands. At the summit, tourists can also visit the lively Mountain Top shop and tried its legendary banana daiquiri—even kids can order virgin versions.  Afterwards, my husband enjoyed an exciting afternoon of kayaking and snorkeling where he saw some amazing sea life.

Half Moon Cay – Private Island Paradise:

Our final stop was Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas. This was the ultimate beach day. We tendered ashore to find powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear water. We spent hours swimming and soaking up the sun. The roaming beach bar service was a delightful surprise! Sipping a fruity rum punch while watching the waves felt like pure bliss. While the island offers activities like horseback riding and a kids’ playground, we were content simply relaxing in our own slice of paradise.

Nieuw Statendam’s Highlights 

Spa & Relaxation:

For those looking to unwind, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon offers indulgent treatments. I treated myself to an aromatherapy massage that melted away any travel soreness. The spa’s Thermal Suite, with a hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms, and heated loungers overlooking the ocean, became my personal sanctuary.For fresh air relaxation, the ship has plenty of deck chairs and even private cabanas for rent. We found a quiet nook near the aft pool to read and nap. My spouse hit the fitness center, which boasts great ocean views to keep you motivated, as well as the tennis courts at sunset.

Dining Delights:

One thing we never worried about on Nieuw Statendam was finding great food. The ship offers everything from upscale specialty restaurants to casual eateries. My husband and I enjoyed a date night at Pinnacle Grill for steak and seafood, while Tamarind’s pan-Asian cuisine and sushi bar were fantastic. Those two restaurants were definitely our favorites! They had a great pop-up restaurant on board too. Additionally, Canaletto’s family-style Italian dining was a hit with families. For a couple nights, we dined in the main Dining Room, where the multi-course menus impressed us with their variety and quality. The service was top-notch, and the dedicated children’s menus keeps everyone very happy.

By day, we often grabbed lunch at the Lido Market buffet or enjoyed poolside burgers from the Dive-In grill. New York Deli & Pizza was perfect for custom sandwiches and late-night cravings. The variety of complimentary dining means even picky eaters can find something tasty at any time. And for quiet nights in, 24-hour room service was a convenient perk too!

Entertainment & Onboard Activities:

Nieuw Statendam excels in entertainment. The heart of the nightlife is the Music Walk, featuring live venues for every taste. We started at B.B. King’s Blues Club, where a soulful band got everyone dancing. Next, we enjoyed singalongs at Billboard Onboard’s dueling pianos and classic rock at the Rolling Stone Rock Room. For a cultural touch, Lincoln Center Stage offered classical music performances.The World Stage theater left us in awe with its 270° LED wraparound screen, making production shows and BBC Earth nature films completely immersive. We caught an evening performance combining live singing with stunning ocean visuals—a mesmerizing experience for both kids and adults.

During sea days, we stayed busy with trivia contests, bingo, and digital workshops. Kids are sure to have a fun time at Club HAL, where they can enjoy arts and crafts and video games under supervision. The ship has two pools: the Lido Pool with a retractable roof, perfect for any weather, and the quieter Sea View Pool at the aft. We often relaxed at the Lido Pool, where poolside movies and easy access to burgers and ice cream kept everyone content. A definite highlight for me was getting to visit the ship’s bridge and meet the captain!

Lastly…

Our 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam was an unforgettable journey filled with rich culture, natural beauty, delicious food, and family fun. From driving a golf cart around Grand Turk to dancing to live blues music on board, every day offered something special. Holland America’s blend of classic cruising and family-friendly amenities shined—the kids are entertained, the adults are relaxed, and everyone is creating lasting memories. If you’re seeking a cruise that balances enriching adventures with luxurious comforts, Holland America Line is a fantastic choice. We returned to Fort Lauderdale feeling refreshed and already dreaming of our next voyage!

Disclosure: I was a guest of Holland America Line but all opinions are my own.