Checking out the new wine list was one thing we were looking forward to when we sailed on Holland America’s 14-Day Premiere Voyage of the ms Nieuw Statendam last December.
Holland America Line’s new wine list was created in collaboration with James Suckling, acclaimed wine critic (and former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator magazine.)
Here’s a look at the new wine list — as it was presented on the Nieuw Statendam — in a laminated booklet divided into 5 sections:
- JS 90+ Wines By the Glass
- Holland America Line’s Popular Wines By the Glass
- “Light Conversation” Wines by the Bottle
- “Mealtime Favorites” Wines by the Bottle
- James’s Rock Star Wines
JS 90+ Wines By the Glass
First up are the JS 90+ Wines by the Glass, with prices listed for 5 ounce or 9 ounce pours. These are wines that James Suckling has rated 90 points or higher.
Holland America Line’s Popular Wines By the Glass
Some of our favorite red wines by the glass are on this list. While eating in the Canaletto Restaurant, we enjoy the Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti from Tuscany.
For drinking red wine when you have Holland America’s Signature Beverage Package, the McPherson Shiraz is a favorite that fits within the $9 or lower price point.
For a glass of red anytime, the Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir is a good choice. To accompany beef or lamb, we like the Sextant Zinfandel or the Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon. All of these are included in the Elite Beverage Package since they cost less than $15.
“Light Conversation” Wines
”Mealtime Favorites” Wines by the Bottle
James’s Rock Star Wines
If you want to drink highly-rated wines (and you don’t mind paying several hundred dollars or more for a bottle of wine) this “Rock Star” section of the list is for you.
Holland America Wine Packages
The Holland America Wine Packages were the same as we’d experienced on prior cruises, and detailed in this post. Called The Sommelier Suite, there are three different levels of wine packages — straight-forwardly named Cellar No 1, Cellar No 2, and Cellar No 3.
The advantage of the packages is that they come with a built-in discount compared to buying single bottles of the same wine.
Plus, if you are a 3, 4, or 5-Star Mariner, you get an additional significant loyalty discount when you purchase one of these packages.
Bring Your Own Favorites on Board
If the Holland America Line wine list is not to your liking, you can always bring you own wine on board — in your carry-on luggage — and pay an $18 per bottle corkage. (NOTE: each guest is allowed to bring one bottle on board without the fee, if you drink it in your cabin.)
Have you tried any wines on Holland America’s new wine list? Which are your favorites?
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