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Our First Mexican Riviera Cruise: What Nobody Tells You | Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam Review

Life Well Cruised
Life Well Cruised
πŸ…Authority
πŸ‘οΈ 55K viewsπŸ“… 7 months ago⏱️ 20:11

Key Moments

Editorial Summary

The creator provides a detailed review of a Mexican Riviera cruise aboard the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam. After traveling from Los Angeles to San Diego, the creator evaluates the midsize ship, noting that while it is older than the newer Pinnacle class vessels, the public areas appear refurbished and well-maintained. The review covers various aspects of the onboard experience, including the buffet options at the Leo Marketplace, the retractable roof over the main pool, and the quality of specialty dining such as the Pinnacle Grill and Morioto by Sea. The creator notes that while the ship offers classic traditional cruising, the entertainment layout differs from newer ships, with some venues feeling more disjointed. The itinerary includes stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, with the creator highlighting the beauty of the sailing areas and the safety of the ports. Ultimately, the creator concludes that the ship is ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing, less chaotic environment rather than a mega-ship experience. The cruise is recommended for those who appreciate traditional service and a more mature atmosphere.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.

How This Review Compares

This review's score for Nieuw Amsterdam
Seriously Tasty
All-time creator consensus for Nieuw Amsterdam
A Nibble

This review is more positive than the all-time creator consensus.

What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsFull Ship ReviewπŸ…Authority CreatorSponsored
❀️ Best for CoupleOther · 7 nightsFrom San DiegoVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

Even though this cruise ship is about 15 years old, they have refurbished it and the public areas look, I would say, very close to new.

I hate to say it, but Morioto by Sea. What an innovative menu, beautiful atmosphere, and the food. The experience and service really was out of this world.

I just didn't love that space cuz it always felt almost a little bit overstimulating.

We actually never felt unsafe. But I do think that when you take a tour, it helps you to sort of stay in the tourist area.

Creator's Tips & Advice

βœ“Check for happy hour specials at the ocean bars.
βœ“Use the Navigator app to find all ship activities.
βœ“When visiting Mexican ports, consider taking a tour to stay within tourist areas.

πŸ†•New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Safety in Mexican ports β€” Take a tour to help stay in the tourist areas.
Ship age and condition β€” Even older ships like the Nieuw Amsterdam can feel nearly new if they have been refurbished.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam ship dated?
QIs it safe to visit Mexican Riviera ports?
QHow does the food on a Holland America cruise compare to other options?
QWhat is the atmosphere like on a mid-size Holland America ship?

Topics Covered

Itinerary Route4 Happy BaconPort Destination4 Happy BaconService Crew4Β½ Happy BaconDining Buffet4 Happy BaconDining Room Service3Β½ Happy BaconShip Condition4 Happy BaconDining Specialty4Β½ Happy BaconEntertainment Nightlife1 Sad Bacon

Port Highlights

Cabo San Lucas4Β½ Happy Bacon
Top: Catamaran excursion with snorkeling
Mazatlan4 Happy Bacon
Top: Walking and city tour
Puerto Vallarta3 Happy Bacon
Top: All-inclusive resort day
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon β€” creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon β€” creators took issue with this
Meh β€” no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = β€œmeh”, 5 = β€œbacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology

Video content sourced from the creator's original upload. Watch on YouTube