This Nieuw Amsterdam was built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and entered service for Holland America line in 1983. At 34,000 tons, she has a capacity for 1,350 passengers.
Between 2000 and 2001 the ship sailed as the Patriot for United States Line. In 2002 Holland America line repurchased the ship and chartered her to Louis Cruise Lines. Currently, the ship sails for Thomson Cruises as the Thomson Spirit.