Holland America Line’s newest pinnacle ship, the 99,500-ton Nieuw Statendam, is set to spend its inaugural season island-hopping throughout the Caribbean after setting sail at the end of the year.
A raft of exciting new adventures await guests as the ship spends its first winter, holiday and spring seasons cruising roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on three or four-day Bahamas sailings, seven-day eastern or western Caribbean cruises and one 10-day southern Caribbean itinerary.
A kaleidoscope of fish inhabit the 400ft-long Antilla shipwreck, above, and, below, water horseback riding on Half Moon Cay
Currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy, the 2,666-guest ship will have exclusive public spaces and its own style created by leading hospitality designer Adam D Tihany and designer and architect Bjørn Storbraaten, with interiors inspired by music.
Nieuw Statendam’s Premiere voyage will depart Civitavecchia (Rome) on 5 December, 2018, for a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.
Some of the experiences
Antilla Shipwreck, Aruba
One of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean, the Antilla was a German cargo ship deliberately sunk by its crew in 1939, at the beginning of World War II, rather than have it seized by Dutch authorities. Today, coral, lobster and a kaleidoscope of fish inhabit the 400ft-long freighter. It is best to explore with a guide who can lead you through the labyrinth of the ship’s decks.
Water Horseback Riding, Half Moon Cay
On Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private island, the horses are amphibious vehicles. A horseback riding adventure here starts with a short briefing so that even novice riders will feel comfortable once they saddle up. The guided excursion includes an ascent to the island’s highest point, with views of the entire cay, and a ride along the beach, and even into the surf, provides an unforgettable moment.
Ardastra Gardens, Nassau
About 10 minutes from downtown Nassau, this walkable property is home to both lush tropical gardens and the Bahamas’ first zoo. More than 130 creatures live here, but the star attractions, though, are the resident hordes of free-roaming, bright-pink Caribbean flamingos, who perform in several choreographed shows each day
Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico
Opened in 2009, the museum currently has a total of 500 sculptures submerged beneath the sea. The majority of the sculptures were created by Jason deCaires Taylor, whose Silent Evolution installation depicts positive and negative interactions between people and the environment. You don’t have to dive to see the museum; you can glide over the sculptures in a glass-bottom boat
Butterfly Farm, Aruba
Hundreds of species of butterflies flit among tropical flowers, groomed gardens and a Japanese pond, all set beneath a huge tent. Aside from the magical flutter of colour, one of the farm’s biggest draws is the hatching butterflies. Exhibits include all stages of the butterflies’ life, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis.
La Aurora Cigar Factory, Amber Cove
Three generations have helmed this Santiago institution that proudly hand-rolls a variety of puros (cigars). Founded in 1903, it also happens to be the oldest cigar factory in the Dominican Republic. You can interact with master rollers at work on a tour at this factory.
Fares for Nieuw Statendam Europe cruises begin at $1,199 per person, double occupancy.
You must be logged in to post a comment.