12 Things I Like About Holland America Koningsdam – Plus Bonus Tip!
On a recent 14-night transatlantic crossing aboard Holland America Koningsdam, I had a chance to really get to know this new vessel stem to stern, top to bottom. It’s also the first ship in the Holland America Pinnacle Class of cruise ships.
It’s always exciting to cruise aboard a new ship. Cruise ships have gotten so large that it’s tough for many passengers to totally cover every square inch of their ship in the course of a week. Maybe that’s why longer cruises are getting more and more popular, especially on these larger cruise ships.
The top 12 things I really like about Holland America Koningsdam:
- Some of the nicest crew ever – but this seems consistent fleetwide and a Holland America trademark.
- Full room service breakfast selection, including eggs, on debarkation morning.
- Nice selections in Lido buffet –lots of cooked-to-order options available at different stations, especially at dinner with Italian and Asian selections.
- Well-designed staterooms, light color décor and plenty of storage, cubbies and closet space.
- Large centrally located flat TVs
- Free 24-hour room service with option for fee-based specialty restaurant items
- BBC Earth Experiences live show Planet Earth II in Concert.
- Sel De Mer – Rudi Sodamin’s newest specialty restaurant featuring of course, seafood, fish
- Afternoon tea in the Queen’s Lounge. To Cunard fans, this sounds familiar.
- Spacious-size walk-in shower with glass doors
- Actual real hangers that are not affixed to the closet rod.
- Finding several USB outlets in room; at the desk and each bedside!
Bonus tip and great for non-smokers
If you’re looking for some quiet outdoor space to relax, head up to Deck 11 aft. You’ll find two bed-like loungers plus lots of available lounge chairs. And no cigarette or cigar smoke wafting over from the designated smoking area on Deck 9.
Dedicated Holland America past passengers may at first be startled by Koningsdam contemporary design and décor. Older guests who are total HAL devotees commented on the loss of Holland America’s traditional dark wood and subtle yet elegant décor. The lack of a traditional library also was troubling for many of the older guests who prefer a paper book to an e-reader. I think the lighter, brighter look is very appealing and there are still books to lend.
In my opinion, these changes are necessary to attract younger passengers. Cruises and cruise ships must evolve in both itineraries and new ship designs. HAL enthusiasts who long for a more traditional cruise ship environment and design can still find it on the older, smaller and totally elegant Holland America cruise ships.
While HAL’s older cruise ships maintain their original “old world” ambiance, many if not all of Holland America’s newest features have been or will soon be added across the fleet. The best of both worlds for Holland America lovers.
Read next: My 14-day Holland America Koningsdam Transatlantic Crossing in photos
Is anyone going on the Koningsdam Feb 3rd 2019
Hi Joan,
Thanks for your comment. I’m convinced to arrive a day early if I have more than a 3-hour drive to a port. You just never know when an interstate is slowed or a segment shutdown. From other comments I’ve received, the HAL libraries were an important fixture. Libraries on ships are slowly becoming a thing of the past, especially with e-readers so common now.
Sherry
Just off the Zuiderdam, and thinking back to the Konigsdam. No library on the z as well! What a mistake HAL. Missed the NY deli and close location of entertainment venues. Sherry, sympathize with your harrowing trip to Get to the port. We came.two days early this time and it was.lovely to be well rested. We left early the morning after Thanksgiving-that was awful but avoided a lot of post Thanksgiving struggle flying.
No library is a deal breaker. Have sailed k. Twice. One week Carib and 30 day transatlantic and med. Told both times library is coming. Now I don’t believe them. The fact that I won’t sail k again because of the lack of a library makes no difference to HAL, but it is the only thing I can do beyond the complaining, which I have done. Wake up HAL.
Hi Nancy,
Good choice with Koningsdam! Be sure to go to the BBC Earth presentation in the main theatre…it’s fabulous. About the roll call on HAL FaceBook page – it seems to be working fine now. No one has started an event yet or checked in, so maybe that’s why you didn’t see any names on it? You can also try Cruise Critic’s Roll Call, too. Have a wonderful cruise! Happy Travels!
Sherry
I am going on the Koningsdam November 19, 2017 out of Ft. Lauderdale. Could you tell me if there is a roll call for me to check out? I have tried to click on the roll call on the facebook page and it gives me an error, says it may be under construction at this time. I contacted Holland and they keep saying it should be fixed and I should be able to get in. I do not know what else to do. I have been on many Holland cruises and always meet many friends prior to cruising. Any information would be appreciated.
Hi Joanne,
I think you’ll love Koningsdam! Unfortunately, I do not have my own photo of the accessible balcony cabin. But…as I looked up at the ship, it seemed like their accessible balcony cabins might be in the same location as it is on other ships…kind of in a “bump-out” angled corner with a somewhat larger balcony. I hope this is helpful. Enjoy your cruise!
Sherry
i am taking this ship on June 25th and looking forward to my new experience on HAL. I have sailed many times on them, and was wondering if you have any photos of the accessible balcony cabin? Thank you!