Alaskan Dream, Average Accomodations

Koningsdam Cruise Review

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

3.1 out of 5
Koningsdam

7 Night Alaskan Inside Passage (Vancouver Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 20, 2024

Ship: Koningsdam

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6164

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 month ago

Review summary

Overall the cruise was average. It was nothing more than that, which was disappointing given the Holland reputation and the cost of the cruise in comparison to other Alaskan cruises with the same itineraries.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
Took about 45 minutes to complete embarkation at noon. I was told by family members, who embarked at 2, that they just walked on.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

The Dining Room

2 out of 5

Food was subpar. Extremely inconsistent both from to night and just dish to dish. A family member had a sea bass dish that I also had ordered on the same night. Her dish was great, yet mine was super greasy and did not taste the same. The staff assured me it was, and when I asked for a new one I was told it would come out as the same as my previous. Additionally the service was also inconsistent. Was supposed to assigned dining on deck three and was told I would have the same service on deck 2 due to an internal error. We only had a handful of waiters who gave us the experience that was promised by Holland maitre’d and set by other cruise lines. Whether this was a miscommunication between the front and back of the house, or what is to be expected by Holland America Line you are better off eating in the Lido Market buffet for a consistent meal.

New York Pizza

2 out of 5

Do not let a New Yorker see that the pizza being served here was “New York” pizza. It was ok at best. Additionally average wait time was 45 min.

Explorations Café

5 out of 5

Great place!

Lido Market

5 out of 5

By far the best cruise buffet I have encountered. Many different choices, always fresh, and easy seating.

Dive-In

5 out of 5

Great burgers and fries.

Tamarind Restaurant

5 out of 5

Tamarind held up to Holland’s reputation when it came to food. It was spectacular and our waitress provided equitable service to boot. I wanted to eat there each night. Words cannot describe how highly I recommend this for specialty dining.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Inconsistent experience across activities. Some were great, and some were not.

Casino Action

5 out of 5

From bingo to the raffles and the actual casino itself, everyone was great.

Signature Shops

2 out of 5

While the jewelry store staff, and shopping ashore young lady, went above beyond there traditional shops staff left my party and I not wanting to make a purchase. I encountered on many times staff being blatantly rude to guests. One time I had asked if a staff member was busy or if I could go across the hall to make a purchase, as the shops are not all connected. I was then told “does it look like I am busy because clearly I am”, to which the employee continued stocking the table. Keep in mind he was the only staff in this specific shop and they had security preventing me from going across the hall to make my purchase. Another time a family member of mine dropped a towel on the ground of his hands to then be told by staff anything he breaks will be charged to his room. Mind you he was inline to make a purchase and had only dropped a towel he was intending to purchase. Again inconsistency and rudeness as its core.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
It wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad. In general it was lacking as they had a comedian and music, nothing more.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5
Staff provided inconsistent experiences across all departments. Nothing was remarkable.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
While it was clean and well maintained this was the smallest balcony room I have ever stayed in. Be aware if you are 6’ or taller you will not be able to use the toilet in the bathroom. I am 5’11” and I had to sit crooked or perpendicular /sideways in order to use it. It was not comfortable whatsoever.

Ship tip

Beware of the stateroom bathrooms if you are tall. Book your excursions early. Beware the staff experiences you get one day will not necessarily be the same the next.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
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