Great entertainment, but poor dining service

Koningsdam Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 41

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5
Koningsdam

7 Night Mexican Riviera (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 10, 2022

Ship: Koningsdam

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 6126

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Love sailing the California Coast, but not impressed with Mexican ports of call.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
Mobbed embarkation. Multiple groups called at the same time and not required to use designated lines.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5
Staff was very inattentive. Long wait just for a glass of water. Drink orders also took too long. It was also difficult to get someone's attention to order second one. Often told a common item on menu was not available. Chose a substitution, but "unavailable item" was delivered. Food not very tasty, but service was far below standards.

Tamarind Restaurant

3 out of 5

Food and service did not meet our expectations. Dining area was small and cramped compared to other HAL ships. Preferred Royal Caribbean's Izumi with great view, service, and food

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
The music venues were excellent, but the other activities could use some improvement. Love trivia games, but unable to attend. Scheduled times conflicted with shows and other activities, but all seats was occupied by people attending the previous event. Went to an origami class that was absolutely terrible.

Entertainment

5 out of 5
The shows and singers/musicians on the Music Walk were excellent.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Room stewards were excellent. Some bars were too, but not near the Lido pool. The person working the Gelato stand was rude. Made a shake for me with only milk, no Gelato. It was terrible and so was his attitude.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
No complaints.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
Better than a regular Veranda. Not sure it was worth the extra price, but had the room had plenty of closet and drawer space.

Ship tip

I chose the Konningsdam because it featured The Rolling Stone Rock Room , but my cruise on the Eurodam was more enjoyable.

Ports of call

San Diego, California

4 out of 5
Small terminal with lots of traffic, but also has lots of staff to get you where you need to be.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

3 out of 5
Went on Hotel California shore excursion. Long bus ride across desert. Few free bathroom opportunities with insufficient sanitation. Many restrooms in Mexico charge $10-$20 to use them.

Mazatlan, Mexico

3 out of 5
Went on another long shore excursion. Had to leave group to find restroom in City Hall.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

4 out of 5
Another long and strenuous shore excursion to see Gringo Gulch. Best of the port cities in Mexico. BEWARE! All shore excursions take you to jewelry stores for a bathroom break. If you don't like to bargain for prices, you won't like being there.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Disembarked in last group. No problems.
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