Relaxation at it's Best!

Koningsdam Cruise Review to Hawaii

rbarnes06477

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 3

Helpful Votes: 97

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

18 Night Circle Hawaii (San Diego Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 30, 2024

Ship: Koningsdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 4053

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 3 months ago

Review summary

Our 1st time on Holland America was a great experience. The food quality and service are probably the best we've had at sea. The staff and entertainers were all extremely friendly and "happy". It was clear that the leadership starts at the top and filters it's way down. We had the opportunity to speak with the Captain during a vow renewal for some friends and he was a very down-to-earth guy who truly had the guest's interests at heart. Our 1st port was a disappointment. as the waves were too tall to dock. That being said, the captain petitioned for permission to sail around the other side of the island to view the amazing cliffs and turned the ship into an excursion...complete with narration so everyone could go to their balcony and listen for an hour...then turned around so everyone on the other side could enjoy as well. Really cool "Plan-B" move.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

No problems. Took about 35 minutes from arrival at port. Didn't have early on-boarding, just normal.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

In general, the dining room made it unnecessary to purchase too many specialty dining experiences. On an 18-day cruise, we found that three visits to specialty dining was perfect. Pinnacle Grill- Best on Ship, Filet was awesome. Try more than one app and indulge in the sides as well. Melted in your mouth. DESSERTS!! Canneletto- Very Nice Tamarind- Very Nice, Nicest "looking" restaurant on board. (Great romantic spot)

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

For us...there wasn't much outside of the pool deck. That being said, my wife and I are in our mid-fifties and we were arguably some of the youngest on board. We're not too privy to bingo, knitting, puzzles, board games or bridge. The flip side is if you are sun-lovers, there was NO WHERE NEAR the crowds trying to get chairs and loungers by the pool...which was awesome.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

To us...just "OK". Not into piano concertos or lectures. But, the Rolling Stone lounge and the BB King Blues club were both pretty lively and the bands were cool. Played a lot of 60's, 70's, 80's rock and blues. Our style.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff was clearly happier than ANY other cruise we've sailed. (More than 20) Service, in general, was excellent. The Lido Buffet is cool because 50% or so of the buffet is made-to-order on the spot. The lines were not crazy and moved along very quickly. SErvice in the main dining room could be slow, but that is to be expected. Give yourself 1.5-2hrs for dinner.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Love the ship, used to sailing on MUCH larger ships. Always clean. Guest to Staff ratio is nearly 2-1. Booked another cruise on the Rotterdam, sister ship for February 2025 for 21 days. That's probably the best testament that we could give.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Comfort and size were fine. Standard balcony size. Didn't mind the obstructed view...saved a bunch of money and we don't spend much time out there anyway. TV was spotty.

Ship tip

Don't bring teenagers. They will be miserable. Also, be VERY AWARE that the Pacific in February is often VERY rough. Get your Dramamine before you leave!! 15 foot waves on the 5 -day journey is not for inexperienced sailors!

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