Review from a group traveling with 4 generations

Koningsdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

jchen139

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Alaskan Inside Passage (Vancouver Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 01, 2024

Ship: Koningsdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 4150

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 months ago

Review summary

We traveled with 4 generations across 11 people. The ship is definitely more geared towards the retirement crowd. The scenery was absolutely stunning but wish we had more information on self guided trails and nature walks at each port of call. I was quite disappointed by the amount of upselling throughout the entire cruise. I understand the need to make money but it was frustrating feeling like we paid for a trip yet were still being sold to every corner we turned. From the daily pamphlets in our stateroom pushing jewelry sales to the servers pushing beverages. If you're expecting more outdoor activities without going on excursions (we felt like the excursions were too long to take our toddler on), I'd highly recommend doing research about each port before your trip. We did end up getting some service in Skagway and found a few trails on Alltrails. For families with young kids, we traveled with our toddler (22months). We brought our own pack and play (guava lotus) and it fit in front of the loveseat after we asked to remove the coffee table (we were in a VA room on deck 4). We were still able to access our balcony without issue. The rooms have blackout curtains. In terms of activities, the kids club doesn't allow kids under 3. If your toddler is willing to be worn, I'd highly recommend a packable carrier (I got one off amazon from boba air). It was great for short hikes and naps on the go.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

I wish there was more detailed instructions for what to expect at embarkation prior to the day of the cruise. I found myself searched all over reddit boards trying to find more information.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Open seating reservations were terrible, confusing and over promised. You're better off just doing walk in and hoping for the best rather than attempting to plan it out and being disappointed. Lido buffet food was fine but gets a bit repetitive. We didn't do specialty dining.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The programing was definitely targeted towards more of the retirement crowd. Even the big screen movies were bit dated.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

There is nothing for kids under 3 which was super disappointing as we would've liked to at least let our toddler play in the kids club supervised by us.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Most of the service and staff were friendly but there were definitely more poor service than I expected. Some waiters were pushy when you didn't order a beverage or if you didn't tip. The reservation desk was consistently horrible. Their attitude was terrible and they acted as if I was a bother from the moment I said hello.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

The loveseat was in pretty poor condition. Overall the cabin was roomy and clean.

Ports of call

Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia

5 out of 5

Cruise Inside Passage, Alaska

5 out of 5

Juneau, Alaska

3 out of 5

Skagway, Alaska

5 out of 5

Cruise Glacier Bay

5 out of 5

Ketchikan, Alaska

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

7 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 5 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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Lawnboy1956 6 months ago

Trying to find a line that would suit 4 generations would be impossible. HAL is geared to an older crowd and therefore the service offering for children would be far less than say Disney. This must be your first cruise as upselling is ubiquitous across all lines.

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Gwbigdog 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 6 months ago

Thanks for the write up

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AuntPinkie 6 months ago

Appreciate your feedback. Your observation that Holland is geared for an older crowd is accurate. Also you learned that valuable lesson of research (something I often forget still). Glad you enjoyed your family and mostly enjoyed your cruise.

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cruising2004 6 months ago

Glad everyone had a wonderful time making fantastic memories!

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HeavySeas 6 months ago

Awesome......thanks for sharing your cruise experience and glad you enjoyed your cruise

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