Embarkation in Dover & First Impressions

We boarded in Dover on Friday, starting with an initial ship visit before we officially set sail. Lunch was in the Pinnacle Grill, one of the speciality dining venues on board, which immediately set the tone for the standard of food and service. Afterwards we were free to wander at our own pace or follow the guided tour. With capacity for around 2,660 guests, Nieuw Statendam is a good‑sized ship, so there was plenty to explore and discover. That evening we departed Dover and dined in the main open‑seating à la carte restaurant. The atmosphere was relaxed;  ideal for guests who want good quality dining without needing to dress up every night. After dinner we headed up to the Lido Deck, where a large projector screen had been set up to show the football. We watched Spain vs Belgium under the evening sky with a drink in hand, and of course the following night we were back there for England vs Norway! It created a sociable, informal “evening in a bar” feel, just at sea.

Rotterdam & Kinderdijk

On Saturday we docked in Rotterdam and joined an excursion to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional windmills and historic water management systems. It was fascinating to learn how the Netherlands has dealt with water over the centuries, and stepping inside one of the windmills gave us a real sense of how families lived and worked there. After returning to the ship we spent the rest of the day enjoying the warm weather and relaxing on board. That evening we dined at Rudi’s Sel de Mer, a speciality restaurant with a seafood‑meets‑Mediterranean feel. Think burrata with prosciutto, escargots, tiger prawns, sea bass and lamb chops. Both the service and the wine felt like a clear step up from the main dining room, ideal for a special night on board.

Sea Day, Canaletto & Life on Board

Sunday was a sea day, which gave us time to properly explore Nieuw Statendam. As a Holland America Line ship, the overall vibe is casual and understated rather than flashy. Because the line is Dutch‑American, the guest mix was a nice blend of European nationals and Americans, which gave the ship an international feel. We particularly liked the Dutch Cafe, which was a lovely spot for a morning or afternoon coffee. In the evenings it became our go‑to place for a pre‑dinner drink, as you could sit at the bar. Food options around the Lido Deck were excellent and very convenient. There was a gelato stand, the New York Deli offering pizza, salads and sandwiches at different times of day, plus a burger and hot dog stand near the pool, so guests were never far from something tasty. There's lots for children to do onboard, including a kids club, games room and table tennis tables on the Lido deck.  In the evening we had a reservation at Canaletto, the Italian speciality restaurant. The food was excellent, including a beautifully rich beef short rib, and traditional Italian cocktails like spritz's and lemon drops. The scenery was great, as Canaletto sits on Deck 9, with views out to sea, so we enjoyed dinner while looking out over the water. 

South Queensferry & A Day in Edinburgh

On Monday we docked in South Queensferry and took a transfer into Edinburgh, a city I already know and love. We explored independently, wandering along Victoria Street and Cockburn Street, visiting Greyfriars Graveyard and Greyfriars Bobby, and taking in views of the castle. Edinburgh has strong links to Harry Potter, with Greyfriars Graveyard having inspired some of the character names, and the atmosphere of the narrow closes, old stone buildings and looming castle feels very reminiscent of the wizarding world. For history and book lovers like me, it is a fantastic city to explore, full of independent cafés, bookshops, vintage stores and tucked‑away corners that feel like stepping into a story. Back on board that evening, we opted for the Lido Market for dinner. This is the main buffet area, spread over a large space with different stations and a changing theme each night. There was always plenty of choice, which works very well for families or anyone who prefers a more casual, flexible dining option. Later on, we headed back to the Lido Deck and discovered they were screening the film “Michael” on the same outdoor projector that had shown the football. We had not noticed this on the daily programme, so it was a lovely surprise, and felt quite special to be watching such a recent film from a sun lounger under the evening sky, drinks in hand.

Disembarkation in Invergordon & The Journey Home

On Tuesday morning we disembarked in Invergordon, the port for Inverness, right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Because the flight times and routes did not work well for us, we travelled all the way back to Northampton by train instead. It was a very long day, but the scenery through the Highlands and down the country was beautiful, and the time passed much more quickly than we expected.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we had a very pleasant stay on Nieuw Statendam. It was helpful to see first‑hand how Holland America Line positions itself: relaxed, good quality and ideal for guests who enjoy a busier, more traditional cruise. With Holland America Line being such a key player in the Alaska cruise market, it was particularly useful to experience the kind of dining, service and onboard atmosphere my clients can expect on those itineraries too. If you are considering a British Isles sailing, or are curious about Holland America Line for destinations like Alaska, I would be delighted to share more insights and help you decide whether this style of cruise is the right fit for your next adventure.