Alaskan Dream, Inconsistent Experiences by Staff

Item: Koningsdam
Rating: 3.3
Author: sdupont6897

Koningsdam Cruise Review to Alaska - Inside Passage

sdupont6897

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 11

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5

Verified Review

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: 4 months ago

Review summary

Overall it was good cruise. Comparing other cruises and the price paid for this one, in addition to Holland America Lines reputation, left me wanting a lot more. Moving forward I would sail on Holland America again, but I would not seek it out as a cruise line. I would be very weary of in the future.

Embarkation

3 out of 5

Easy, but long. 45 minutes and a maze of walking.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

Buffet (the lido market) was the best cruise buffet I have ever had in my 10+ years of cruising. The drinks on the boat/overall beverage team were some of the best I have ever had. The specialty dining was breathtaking and remarkable. The dining room was inconsistent with their food and service. Some days the food was great while others it was just simply bad. Sometimes it varied between dishes. One evening a party member of mine got the same fish dish as myself and the two tasted drastically different, one being delicious and the other being oily and extremely fishy in comparison. Additionally the service in the dining room for the most part was bad. Many mistakes made my staff without fixes, and staff were short and rude more times than not.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

2 out of 5

Children's Programs

No kids

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

The service from staff was very different from day to day and person to person. Most staff interactions involved a staff member being short and rude for no reason. An example would be when I asked a service member in the shop if he was busy and if so where I should purchase a model ship, as there was no one at the cashier stand, to which I was told “does it look like I am busy because clearly I am”. Many of my experiences were as such, but the few that weren’t made me feel very welcomed.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5

Cabin was the smallest cabin I have ever stayed in, comparing all previous balcony rooms. The room was well maintained. Be aware the bathroom is also tiny. Anyone 6’ or taller will not be able to use the bathroom toilet properly/comfortable.