Scenary on the Cruise in the Fjiords Was Awesome

Koningsdam Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

johncmuehlbauer

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 92

Overall rating:

3 out of 5

Verified Review

14 Night Voyage Of The Midnight Sun (Amsterdam Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 29, 2016

Ship: Koningsdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 7012

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The many waterfalls fed by the snow melting on top of the majestic mountains that rose almost vertically from the fjiords was a memorable sight. The food and entertainment were about average compared to prior cruises on Holland America, Princess and Royhal Caribbean. Having a Catholic priest onboard for daily mass was a characteristic strong point for Holland America cruises. The Koninsdam is a new ship that copied the airline trend of giving passengers smaller cabin spaces. As with many new vehicles, the ship had a development problem that was not solved during pour cruise; namely, the cabin door electronic lock rarely worked with the key card until the cover on the lock was manually removed. The onboard classes staffed by Microsoft personnel on the use of Windows 10 was a real plus although it was difficult to get into the overflow classes. While we had advance any-time dinner reservations for a table for two at 5:30 pm each day, we often had to wait for a table and never got the same table twice. The cabin stewarts were super friendly, helpful, and professional as were the staff in the medical center who helped us secure medicine that we had neglected to bring with us. The onboard shops are to be commended for the foresight in having some heaving coats available for sale when we encountered average temperatures of about 35 degrees

Fahernheit with a wind of about 25 mph for the northern part of the cruise - much loweer thqn what we anticipated or were equipped for.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The best activities were daily mass and the Windows 10 classes. There was very little activity beyond the usual spa and health sessions.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

The supporting band in the theater was very good and versatile in accompanying the headliners. Some of the Stars had some good talent but were not able to put on a really entertaining show.

Children's Programs

No comment. Did not use. There were almost no children onboard this cruise, just lots of old folks with wheelchairs, motorized carts, and other mechanical aids.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Out two cabin stewarts were a plus in their helpfulness and friendly attitude. A matre de named INTAN was a joy to see each day with her charming smile and sweet attitude in trying to get us a table for breakfast and dinner.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

This new ship copied the trend of the airlines in providing less cabin space than the earlier ships.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

See prior comment about the cabins being smaller on this new ship compared to older ships in the fleet.

Ship tip

We booked our excursions with non-Holland America providers at savings of about 35%. We also used the Hop-on Hop-off buses at Bergin ans Alesund for excellent city tours- options not offered by Holland America. We bought our train tickets at Flaam directly from the railroad at substantial savings.

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