Nieuw Statendam: Embarkation

We woke up excited to be boarding the Nieuw Statendam today. Before heading down to the breakfast room, we had some coffee in the room.

The complimentary meal wasn’t great but sufficed as we knew there were lots of good meals to come. Steve did make a waffle while I had the scrambled eggs and andouille sausage (spicy).

We left the hotel around 10:30 am taking an Uber to the port. The hotel offers shuttles for $10 a person but the Uber ride was just $11 plus tip.

There are only four ships in port today so not as crazy as our Thanksgiving port ride. Other ships in port today were Celebrity Edge, the Zuiderdam and Regal Princess.

Boarding Nieuw Statendam

We left our checked bags with the porter and headed into check in. Our boarding group was 5 and we got beverage cards along with our stateroom Keys, a where and when for the day and the deck plan.

Click the deck plan image to enlarge.

The waiting area was half full at this point and only got more crowded (standing room only) before boarding finally started about 11:40.

Once it did, we got called pretty fast and after stopping for our photo opp headed onto the ship.

Embarkation Afternoon

We dropped our carryons in our cabin where I found a fresh flower arrangement (no note) and the bottle of Jack Daniels I had pre-ordered.

Embarkation Lunch

In the stunning main dining room, we asked for a table for two and were seated right away.

The waiter noted my food restrictions (gluten free and sugar free) and advised me on what I could have on the menu.

I ordered the salad with blue cheese dressing…

Followed by the bistro burger with no bun or fries.

Steve had steak sandwich and fries.

He enjoyed his favorite carrot cake for dessert afterwards.

I had sugar free ice cream.

It was a relaxing meal. I got a snap of the beautiful arrangement of flowers outside the dining room doors.

After lunch we explored the ship and really liked what we saw so far.

When we got to the lido deck it was hard to pass through the buffet area; it was a madhouse so we were really glad we didn’t eat there for our first meal.

Steve enjoying the view from the aft pool area

Unpacking and Muster

We went to the cabin after this and found our luggage had arrived and started unpacking. I had birthday balloons hanging up by the door along with notices of a birthday casino credit from my sister.

She solved the mystery of the flowers and balloons; it was part of the package she got me. So wonderful!

I found places for all our stuff and we put the suitcases under the bed. Had to call guest services twice; first about the distilled water I ordered in advance. It hadn’t been delivered so she left message for room service (I guess they deliver?).

Then the remote control for the television didn’t work and needed new batteries. Otherwise, the room was in great shape. Our room steward did introduce himself at some point and we told him we are out of the room early for cleaning.

Muster was scheduled for 3:45 pm. We went to the dining room only to have message to return to the cabin and watch the video. We weren’t the only people confused by the process but eventually everyone got into their cabins and when we were told to proceed to the muster station headed down. Once it got started, it was the fastest muster drill I’ve attended.

We went to the sea view pool for sailaway.

We had drinks…

Along with complimentary appetizers served.

It was gorgeous outside and we enjoyed the views.

Once we got out of the harbor we were ready for dinner so headed to the main dining room.

Embarkation Evening

Deck 2 is for anytime dining and there as a short line at 5:30 and had no problem getting a table for 2.

They asked if I preordered, which of course I hadn’t since it was my first night, and informed me the only gluten free entree on the menu was roasted chicken.

I also ordered farmers salad with blue cheese dressing.

Steve had soup, Caesar salad and short rib stroganoff.

He felt the soup needed more stuff in it but was tasty. He really enjoyed the entree. My chicken was very good and I was glad I asked for extra vegetables since I don’t eat quinoa.

For dessert I had the cheese plate without crackers (didn’t eat fruit either) and Steve had creme brulee.

In between courses, I picked what I would eat the next night (gala night).

After dinner, we managed to catch the sunset.

We went to our room for a while before heading to the Rock room about 10 minutes before the performance where we found a table that was partially obstructed view of the band and enjoyed the first set. Afterwards we headed to the Queens lounge to wait or the 9 am set of BB King Blues Band.

We even danced a few times tonight! Steve was ready to wait for the second set but I was tired so we headed to the cabin for the night. This guy awaited us!