During the 22+ years that we’ve been cruising on Holland America Line, the Crow’s Nest has always been an ideal place to watch the ship sail in and out of port, or to enjoy the sunset at sea.
On Holland America’s latest ship, the ms Nieuw Statendam, the space on Deck 12 has been re-imagined to serve broader purposes. Here’s a look around the EXC Explorations Central & Cafe at the Crow’s Nest.
On the Nieuw Statendam, the Crow’s Nest still has comfy chairs facing the floor to ceiling windows. These are quite popular; finding one empty during sunset may be a challenge.
From the Crow’s Nest, one can get a great view of where the ship is docked or sailing (similar to the view from the bridge four decks below.)
What’s new in the Crow’s Next is the EXC, short for Explorations Central, the on board programming created to help guests make their journey “more engaging, vivid and meaningful.”
One component of EXC are various tables and video screens with interactive displays for guests to learn more about the destinations they are visiting.
There are books — many travel and destination related — for guests to to borrow while on their cruise.
Behind this bookcase there are chairs for about 90 people to listen to EXC Talks, destination presentations usually presented by the EXC Guide. Unfortunately, this location is too small for these popular presentations, so guests need to arrive early to grab one of the limited seats.
Explorations Central at the Crow’s Nest is also the place to book shore excursions while on your cruise, or to ask questions if you pre-booked excursions through the Holland America website prior to your cruise.
Finally, there is a bar in the Crow’s Nest called the Explorations Cafe. It is a place to get espresso-based coffees, or a glass of wine or a cocktail. There is no evening entertainment in the Crow’s Nest, so evenings are quiet and the bar closes by 9 pm or earlier.
Have you sailed on Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam cruise ship? How do you like the Crow’s Nest?
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Check out these other posts on the Nieuw Statendam: