Which makes it ideal for cruising the Hawaiian Islands. With a dark blue hull and white superstructure, Patriot, the former Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam, has the comfortably familiar lines and d cor typical of ships designed in the 80s. It's not a glitzy ship with sports decks, shopping malls and rock-climbing walls. Instead, it's a more graceful, tranquil ship that appeals to older passengers. Graffiti's, a vibrant new teen center, includes video games, booths, music video screen and dance floor, computer terminals and a high-tech motif.
None have balconies.
The best choice and value may be the Superior Ocean View staterooms with 219 square feet, two lower or one queen-size bed, sitting area and bathtub shower. Menus include wine recommendations, plus vegetarian choices, sugar-free desserts and light cuisine suggestions complete with calorie, fat and sodium counts. Plus an ice cream bar to top it all off. With a relatively inexperienced crew on a learning curve during Patriot's early inaugural sailings, food preparation and service has been inconsistent. But the line is working hard and improvement is clearly obvious.