Lido Pool

The Lido Pool (midships - forward Deck 9 - Lido Deck) is the larger of the two swimming pools on the Nieuw Amsterdam (the other is the Sea View Pool aft on Lido Deck), and it has the virtue of being both an indoor and an outdoor pool because of its retractable roof. So, on warm, sunny days you can experience the fresh air and sunshine while on cold or rainy days, you can be warm and cozy as you swim indoors. And on those in-between days, the roof can be open, just a little.

In addition to the main pool itself, there are also three hot tubs. While the Lido Pool on most HAL ships features a large sculpture of marine creatures, the Nieuw Amsterdam instead has a large rectangular frame with the words for "water" in every language imaginable. The frame is also a fountain, with water coming from above and below also utilizing colored lights at night, to make a mini "Dancing Waters." Think the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas at about 1% scale.

                    

The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs. However, on sea days, the lounge chairs get snapped up very early in the morning, by passengers who leave personal belongings on them to "reserve" them as soon as they get up in the morning, and then come back after a leisurely breakfast to reclaim them. This is strictly prohibited, but people do it anyway. Some ships have started cracking down on this by having stewards remove anything from loungers abandoned for more than thirty minutes, but I haven't seen or heard of HAL doing this as of yet. Pity.

In addition, the Lido Pool has tables where you can sit and watch both the pool and the ocean, while enjoying lunch or dinner. In addition to the Lido Market restaurant, just forward of the Lido Pool, there is also the Dive In which serves burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken sandwiches, Portobello mushroom sandwiches, and fries. To quench your thirst, The Lido Bar is at hand to supply you with your beverage of choice. You can either order from a steward or stroll directly up to the Lido Bar itself.

Large beach towels are provided for your use at the Lido Pool. The stewards place them on each lounge chair first thing in the morning (and replace them whenever lounge chairs are vacated) as well as in dispensers around the pool area

      

Tucked away in the forward port corner of the Lido Pool area are two ping pong tables. Paddles and balls are provided for your use. Ask the stewards.

One caveat: If you want to actually swim, rather than just splash around and enjoy the water, I'd suggest doing very early in the morning, because it gets pretty full from about 9 AM on, at least on sea days. And if you'd rather be around fewer kids (this is a Holiday cruise, after all, so there are likely to be a fair number of youngsters present), try the Sea View Pool. As of this writing, it's officially adults only, and the Sea View Pool always seems to offer a calmer and quieter environment.