7:00 am:
It’s an early start today, so fuel for the day is definitely needed. We head to the Grand Dutch Café on Deck 3 for a coffee and a pastry and watch the sunrise over the impressive Strait of Gibraltar. I would highly recommend one of the strawberry croissants.
8:30 am:
It’s time to disembark and start exploring! Today, we pre-booked a shore excursion to take a cable car to the top of the rock and visit the iconic monkeys. We meet at the World Stage and are escorted off the ship to be transferred to the rock.
9:00 am:
We take the cable car up to the top of the rock, taking in the incredible views of Gibraltar while looking for the beautiful Nieuw Statendam in the distance. Once we reach the top, we’re met by the famous monkeys.
It was fascinating to watch them roam in their natural habitat. The highlight for me was watching a baby monkey manoeuvre around the trees, jumping from branch to branch.
The excursion allowed us ample time to enjoy the views from the top, and to see the incredible peak of Gibraltar.
11:00 am:
After exploring amongst the monkeys, we took the cable car to the bottom of the rock and transferred back to the ship - just in time for lunch!
12:00 pm:
The most difficult decision you’ll have to face on Nieuw Statendam is where to eat. The Lido Market on Deck 9 was where we chose to settle so we could try a bit of everything.
Today, I decided on some fresh salmon, as well as a plate of Pad Thai and Kung Po chicken. It was the perfect pick me up from a morning of exploration.
2:00 pm:
At 2:00 pm, we left the stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, heading for Cartagena, Spain.
We had a cocktail mixology class booked, where we sampled a selection of cocktails. On the menu today was a Trader Vic’s Mai Thai, an Amaro Thai, an Old Fashioned and finally, an Oaxaca Old Fashioned.
The experience definitely set the tone for the rest of the day.
3:00 pm:
To soak up some of the alcohol, we headed to the New York Deli on Deck 10 for a slice of the best pizza I have ever had. The Bronx was my flavour of choice - it had a selection of meats with a tomato base and mozzarella.
We then found ourselves a sunbed by the pool to relax for a few hours.
5:00 pm:
Tonight was formal night! We got ourselves ready with our freshly-pressed shirts from the onboard laundrette.
6:00 pm:
We met a group of friends in The Crows Nest on Deck 12 for a cocktail or two before heading to the main dining room for dinner. The views from here were incredible as we cut our way through the sea.
7:30 pm:
The menu for formal night was on top form. I enjoyed a jumbo shrimp cocktail for starter, a steak with crab and asparagus for my main and a delicious dulce de leche and coconut tarte for pudding.
Our incredible waiter ensured we had everything we needed, making sure we had enough wine and water to accompany our meal throughout.
9:00 pm:
It was time to head to my favourite venue onboard, B.B. Kings Blues Club on Deck 2. This jazz and blues venue is home to the most incredible musicians on both sea and land. From the classics by Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Beyonce and more, it was night to remember.
The bar staff in B.B. Kings Blues Club are very attentive, ensuring you never go thirsty. I enjoyed a secret off menu drink called Wang Wang. I don’t want to give too much away, so you’ll have to ask for one the next time you’re onboard!
Once the B.B. Kings Blues Club set came to an end, we continued the night with DJ Ace, who supplied us with music to keep the night going.
Read next: Staff stories: Inside Nieuw Statendam’s entertainment
11:15 pm:
The night was coming to an end but after all the dancing I had certainly worked up an appetite. We headed back to our cabin where I ordered room service and put a film on from the wide selection available.
Room service was with me in 20 minutes, piping hot and so fresh. I would highly recommend the club sandwich!
