ms Nieuw Statendam deck 12 plan (Crows Nest-The Retreat)

Explorations Central (formerly Crow’s Nest) is a fore-located observation lounge with panoramic windows, its own bar and a large dance floor. The lounge is also used for pre-scheduled events by the Holland America Line's enrichment program, which includes daily dance classes, trivia games, cards playing, karaoke, HAL Cats (8-piece party band) performances, live grand piano performances (in the afternoons and evenings). The lounge becomes a disco (dance club) at night, with live DJ music and dance contests. The bar lounge Explorations Central additionally offers multimedia series of interactive videos and guides related to the visited destinations part of MS Nieuw Statendam's itinerary program. Explorations Central (abbrev EXC) provides digital media (videos, ebooks, maps) which passengers can access via Wi-Fi during the current cruise, but also online (before and after the voyage). At Explorations Central, there are also paperback books and paper maps for all the visited by the ship destinations and ports of call.

Explorations Cafe (capacity 113 seats) is the ship’s patisserie and specialty coffee bar. It also doubles as Library (with 1000+ volumes, resident librarian) offering daily guest lecturers, board games playing, book discussions. The Explorations bar also serves as the ship’s Online Centre (Internet computers room /via partnership with “The New York Times” magazine). Internet prices are per minute ($0,75) and 100 min ($55). The Cafe serves specialty coffees/teas and has plenty of comfortable chairs.

The Retreat is the adults-only sundeck/relaxation zone with private cabanas available for hire. Cabanas rates are per day, with different prices depending on the Nieuw Statendam ship’s itinerary/location (portday or seaday). Daily rent prices are inclusive of 1 massage tent, lunch and concierge service.

Along with its indoor lounge and outdoor relaxation options, the ship’s top deck also provides some of the best vantage points to take photos and enjoy the port- and sea views along the cruise itinerary route.