February 7 – 14, 2016
Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam
The thrill of the Caribbean gets better than ever in 2016 as RSVP returns to one of our most popular gay cruise ships of all time – Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam! You're invited to explore three beautiful Caribbean islands as we sail from convenient Ft. Lauderdale. Connect with friends old and new in an intimate, welcoming environment as we create the perfect blend of legendary RSVP entertainment, fabulous parties, and true relaxation. With fares from $899, there's never been a better time to join the RSVP family.
From gay-friendly Ft. Lauderdale we'll start with an idyllic day on our own private island. It doesn't get any better than this when your only decision is whether to simply bask in the warm sunshine on a perfect white sand beach or join a few friends in the crystal blue waters for a game or two. The chic and inviting island of St. Barths offers every indulgence from designer boutiques to secluded beach coves, and our late stay gives you plenty of time to enjoy it all!
Finally, there's no port in the Caribbean with more to offer than St. Thomas, the crown jewel in the Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie's quaint historic district, powder sand beaches, and endless duty-free waterfront shopping are ours to enjoy, and right now it looks like we might be the only ship in this vibrant port!
Legendary Stars and a Few Rising Ones
RSVP legendary entertainers are far from what you'd expect to see on a cruise ship. We search the world over for gay and lesbian entertainers who excite the senses, challenge the sensibilities, and push all the right buttons. From our main stage celebrity performers to our cozy piano bar and Queens Lounge cabaret acts, you'll find the perfect blend of classic performers and new stars ready to dazzle you! Throw in Holland America's award-winning production shows, B.B. King's All-Stars Band, and a host of surprises and you'll be thrilled around every turn.
Award-Winning Culinary Wonders
There's no better way to spend time with friends old and new than over a meal prepared by Holland America's award-winning chefs. From our inviting 2-story main restaurant to the casual Lido Buffet, you'll find a cornucopia of culinary wonders at every meal. All in an inviting and casual setting with no set dress code and no assigned dining times. It's the modern, friendly way to meet your fellow RSVP guests.
And that's just the beginning, with additional options ranging from the classic Pinnacle Grill steakhouse to the rustic Italian charms of Canaletto. You'll find authentic pan-Asian cuisine at Tamarind, and even some of the best pizza at sea! No matter what you enjoy, we'll make each meal a unique delight.
Fabulous and Fun Parties for All
Our DJs play all your favorite hits as our themed evening parties and celebrated afternoon T-Dances bring everyone together under the Caribbean sky. Our theme parties range from a single color and the truly silly to the RSVP Costume Contest -- a tradition that brings out everyone's creative best. There's even a party where you get to choose the theme with your fellow guests. So start thinking of the possibilities!
New Ways to Refresh and Reconnect
You're on vacation, after all, and RSVP makes it easy to relax any way you choose. Our signature spa invites you to pamper yourself with the latest treatments or simply relax in the inviting hydrotherapy pool. Refresh yourself with a workout in the state-of-the art fitness center, or learn something new at one of our unique classes.
If you're sailing with a spouse or partner, you'll find the perfect setting for romance along with amazing ways to make new friends. And for our many single guests, we'll host nightly events from special dinners to casual mixers offering plenty of ways to bring everyone together.
Amazing Value Where You Belong
If you've never been on a cruise with RSVP, you might not realize how much you get for your vacation dollar. Virtually everything, from comfortable accommodations and world-class meals to our stellar entertainment and fabulous parties, is included at one low price. You'll never have to pack or unpack to visit these magnificent places and you'll never find a better group of friends to share the experience with. When you add it all up, there's simply no better value in the gay travel world than an RSVP cruise. We make it easy and want to welcome everyone to our family. Join us in 2016 and discover where you belong.
Nieuw Amsterdam is Holland America's newest and most refined ship. This magnificent 2100-passenger vessel will impress you with her panoramic ocean views, striking modern design, innovative dining, unique entertainment venues, and spacious accommodations.
Outstanding and Flexible Dining Choices
Nieuw Amsterdam offers an exciting blend of delicious options for all tastes and styles in an incredible choice of venues. As with all RSVP cruises, there is never an assigned table, dress code (that's right…no formal nights), or dining time – you're always free to dine whenever, wherever, and with whomever you like.
The Manhattan Dining Room boasts an impressive 2-story setting, including impeccable service and an extensive wine list. Sumptuous multi-course menus include a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Casual options abound, starting with the indoor/outdoor Lido Restaurant offering an ever-changing selection of freshly-prepared dishes to suit any appetite. From grilled paninis to sushi, from barbecued chicken to fresh salad options – you'll find whatever you're in the mood for. For simply indulgent poolside burgers and more, check out Waves Grill. Slice Pizzeria offers a perfect slice of pizza on the go.
If an entire day of RSVP activities leaves you wanting something more, you can always order room service, too – available 24 hours a day.
Specialty Restaurants
The Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience in an intimate venue. Featuring premium Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes, and many select wines rated "Excellent" by
Wine Spectator – as well as distinctive Bulgari® china, Riedel® stemware, and Frette® linens. Before or after dinner, meet friends in Pinnacle for a glass of wine or the perfect martini.
The award winning Canaletto Restaurant serves rustic Italian fare in an upbeat family-style setting, focusing on fresh made pastas and other regional specialties.
Tamarind Restaurant and Silk Den Lounge offer spectacular pan-Asian cuisine with panoramic views of the ocean and Lido Pool.
Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through an extensive library, surf the Internet and check email, or simply read the morning paper.
Please note that an extra charge applies for The Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind Restaurant, and Explorations Café.
Healthy Options & Special Needs
For our guests with special dietary needs, RSVP and Holland America offer "Light and Healthy" menu items featuring meals low in sodium and cholesterol, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, fat-free, diabetic, or other special dietary needs meals, as requested.
Nieuw And Unique Places to Relax
Whether you want to enjoy some private time outdoors or spend the week in a spa stateroom, Nieuw Amsterdam offers an amazing array of options for total pampering and relaxation.
The striking and modern main pool features plenty of space to relax, swim, and play, with comfortable chairs and cabanas everywhere you turn. There's even a full "magradome" roof that can be closed to create an indoor pool space. Private cabanas are available to reserve by the day or by the cruise. Available on two decks, they are tastefully decorated, filled with amenities, and provide an exquisite poolside retreat. There's even a separate oasis called "The Retreat" located above it all in every way!
On the aft deck of the ship the inviting Lido pool provides the perfect place for sunning, relaxing, and taking in endless ocean views.
The Greenhouse Spa & Fitness Center is the place to go for heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Enjoy a facial or hot stone massage, steam in a thermal suite, soothe away your tensions in the relaxing hydro pool, or make time for a workout in Nieuw Amsterdam's state-of-the-art fitness center.
Entertainment and Enrichment Venues
There's no better ship for the RSVP style of entertainment than Nieuw Amsterdam offering a stunning variety of venues in every size and style. The two-story main theater seats 1000 guests and features our signature entertainers, as well as HAL's spectacular production shows and variety acts.
The intimate Queens Lounge is simply the perfect showroom for original RSVP cabaret entertainers, singers, and so much more. By day, it's known as The Culinary Arts Center, featuring a demonstration kitchen offering interactive gourmet cooking lessons taught by HAL's own Master Chefs or culinary guests.
On the top of the ship you'll find the Crows Nest, a stunning lounge with sweeping 270° views during the day and music by night.
There's even a modern nightclub called Northern Lights, which hosts RSVP's late night parties; an authentic Piano Bar; and a screening room, featuring the best of gay cinema. And of course, no modern ship would be complete without a world-class casino – this one more Monte Carlo than Vegas, with a sophisticated setting to try your luck.
Spacious and Modern Staterooms
When you do finally return to your stateroom, you'll enjoy a quiet, elegant retreat, with rooms larger than many in the industry. Most offer a private verandah and feature modern staterooms amenities including flat-screen televisions with DVD players, large bathrooms with tubs, luxurious beds featuring Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and finely woven cotton linens, and 100% Egyptian cotton towels.
Nieuw Amsterdam's luxurious suites offer in-room whirlpools, spacious rooms with sitting areas, access to the private Neptune Lounge (suites SC and above), and much more.
And should you need anything, Nieuw Amsterdam's pampering staff is just a phone call away. Let Holland America's legendary service staff take care of your every need.
Onboard the ships of Holland America Line, you'll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh, and appealing – in an ambiance both timeless and refined.
Embarkation begins at noon on February 7, with all-aboard at 3:30 pm.
Disembarkation begins at approximately 8:00 am on February 14 and RSVP does not recommend flights before 11:00 am.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - February 07, 2016
There's no better place to kick off the fun of an RSVP vacation than on the beaches of gay friendly Fort Lauderdale. The city has rolled out the rainbow carpet to welcome us, with favorites Hunters, The Manor, and Village Pub ready to entertain you!
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas - February 08, 2016
Our own private island is also known as Little San Salvador Island, a 2400-acre paradise that's all ours for the day. The nickname "Half Moon Cay" comes from the island's 2.5-mile crescent-shaped beach. With three on-island sports centers, you can either get really active or while away the hours under the sun. The choice is yours!
At Sea - February 09, 2016
Today, you'll finally discover the magic of a day at sea with RSVP onboard Nieuw Amsterdam. Indulge in all she has to offer – from the Greenhouse Spa to her stunning Lido Pool. Or gear up for Sister Helen Holy's first round of bingo. No matter how you spend your day, you'll quickly understand what makes the RSVP experience so special. Tonight, we'll celebrate Mardi Gras on the upper decks!
Gustavia, St. Barthélemy - February 10, 2016
It's been over 10 years since RSVP last visited the playground island of St. Barths. This tiny island boasts more mega-yachts (although Nieuw Amsterdam is still bigger), and designer fashion boutiques than St. Tropez. As French-speaking waiters bring you cocktails in Gustavia's famed waterfront cafés, it's easy to imagine yourself in another world – paradise.
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - February 11, 2016
Fabulous St. Thomas boasts some of the Caribbean's most bountiful duty-free shopping, along with her beautiful and seductive beaches. Start your day lounging under a palm tree on Megan's beach, take in a little snorkeling, and wrap up with some world-class power shopping. It's easy to do it all on this welcoming and compact island.
At Sea - February 12, 2016
Now that the islands are all past, you can really settle in to your vacation! No doubt you'll still want to explore Nieuw Amsterdam, but regardless…this day is totally yours. Enjoy the warm weather, see a matinee performance of one of our signature entertainers, enjoy a lick at the Bear Ice Cream Social, or just lounge in your deck chair until the sun sets. It's all up to you.
At Sea - February 13, 2016
This is the culmination of our entire week together. Old friends. New Friends. Gold friends. Blue friends. It's time for our biggest T-Dance of the week! This afternoon, our traditional Color T-Dance – violet, Violet – lets us loose in a world of pure imagination as the Atlantic Ocean turns purple under the all-seeing gaze of Cruise Director Brad "Everlasting Gobstopper" Loekle!
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - February 14, 2016
Valentine's Day brings us back to where it all started – beautiful Fort Lauderdale. With President's Day Weekend in full swing and with most people off work Monday, the stage is set to enjoy the long holiday weekend. Our favorite Sunday Funday thing to do? Brunch and afternoon drinks at Rosie's Bar & Grill!
Port fees of $270 are additional per person. Prepaid gratuities per person based on double occupancy - $99
Rates: All rates are per person based on double occupancy.
In addition to the initial deposit of $500 per person at time of booking, a second deposit is due on August 11, 2015. Final payments for this cruise are due on November 9, 2015.
Cancellation penalties start at the time of booking.
All staterooms have private bathroom, vanity area, hair-dryer, television, safe, and phone. Stateroom and verandah sizes are approximate.
Yacht Club rooms are in a private deck and include complimentary concierge services, private dining room, private lounge, a private pool deck, and all drinks in Yacht Club areas.
Share category available for single travelers on a smoking/non-smoking basis
Single Supplement - A single traveler pays the full rate of a cabin based on double occupancy (100% fare supplement applies). Single guests in their own stateroom are responsible for Port Charges (x1) and Gratuities (x2).
If the category you'd like to book is waitlist only, you have two options:
(1) Confirm another category and waitlist for the category you desire. If that category doesn't come available you will be responsible for the category you confirmed.
(2) Put in a waitlist-only request. Simply complete the RSVP Reservation Request form, which can be downloaded from our website. Fill in all the information including the payment section. Submit this to your travel agent.
All reservations are subject of RSVP Terms & Conditions please read them before booking request!