After more than 40 cruises, I finally took my first Mexican Riviera cruise—and it honestly wasn’t like the Caribbean at all. In this video, I’m sharing my honest review of a 7-night sailing on Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam. Holland America hosted us on a media trip, but as always, all opinions are my own, and I’m walking you through what surprised me, what I loved, and what I didn’t love as much. I focus on what it’s really like to cruise Mexico on this itinerary and on this specific ship class, especially because Nieuw Amsterdam is an older ship and I wondered if it would feel dated. I talk about the overall vibe onboard, what to expect with food and dining, entertainment, and the stateroom experience, plus how the ports and the feel of the cruise compared to the typical Caribbean cruise many of us are used to. If you’re considering a Mexican Riviera cruise (or you’re trying to decide if Nieuw Amsterdam is the right Holland America ship for you), this will help you cruise with confidence and set realistic expectations.