The Atrium is always the heart of any Holland America Line ship. It's physically in the center of the ship, spanning three decks and surrounded by some of the most heavily frequented spots on the Nieuw Amsterdam including Guest Services, the Future Cruises Desk, The Pinnacle Bar and Pinnacle Grill, and the Ocean Bar.
On the Nieuw Amsterdam it's also, without question, the most elegant and one of the most beautiful spots on board. At its center is a huge glass chandelier created for the Nieuw Amsterdam by husband and wife Italian artists Gilbert LeBigre and Corinne Roger. The piece is an abstract sculpture of the New York skyline made from translucent blocks.
People either love the chandelier or loathe it. Some have likened it to the Fortress of Solitude in the first Superman movie. Personally, count me among those who love it. Although I must admit, I always feel a little queasy walking directly beneath it wondering if it's going to pick that moment to come crashing down and impale me on its sharp points.
However, that hasn't happened yet, so fingers crossed. (However, don't be surprised if you find me taking a circuitous route when walking through The Atrium on Main Deck.)
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