Koningsdam Public Rooms

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

Mea culpa, mea culpa, maxima culpa. NOTES (the whiskey bar) was not mentioned as unpopular, it was BLEND (the wine bar). I edited my comment, above, but not fast enough. So sorry.

 

Thanks John - as you know I am going to be on the week after RSVP next February with my adult kids and my daughter and I were talking about Blend just yesterday. She and her husband love wine. And when I mentioned the price........she was quite surprised it was so high. But I will also add that here at least in SC, Chateau Ste. Michelle wine is good, but also not expensive. In other words, less than 20/bottle. And why pay this much money for one bottle of wine? Let alone the cost for a couple doing it together!

 

Being formerly in Marketing and understanding consumer desires and wishes, and at the same time trying to appeal to a new/younger customer, I commend HAL for taking a risk and creating the K'dam. We Americans also need to understand that HAL is an international company with international guests and just because we see that HAL is going a different way (from an American point of view) does not make it a bad thing. If anything, it gives us all of us "lovers" of HAL a new option - and thats never a bad thing.

 

dave

[teamflames]

CC is reporting directly from HAL that Pinnacle II will have modifications based on passenger reaction from only three Koningsdam sailings thus far: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2351198.

 

The grand stair that connects the casino on Deck 3 (Promenade) and Music Walk on Deck 2 (Plaza) may be eliminated to manage sound intrusion into the casino. Dinner at the Culinary Arts Center and Blend wine bar are apparently DOA--HAL folk don't know what to do with them. And, there will be a new mystery restaurant on Pinnacle II! All very exciting, especially because it's early confirmation of the existence of Pinnacle II, even though it currently exists only as an option. Now we just need word on more OO Single Outside staterooms. :D

 

this is hilarious, they have not even christened this ship yet and already admitting to failures?????

They mention the culinary arts centre has failed as they haven't marketed properly, I have said it before and I repeat it again here, what marketing???

I am on this new ship in less than 2 months, still can't book the spa, can't book this new restaurant - its a joke.

The reviews other than Brad have hardly been mind blowing, HAL has clearly treated passengers on the maiden voyage very poorly.

I am just hoping they have their act together by late June.

 

I have to say that the more I read on this HAL board the more amateur this company seems. Even the HAL enthusiasts seem to be constantly forgiving the poor state of things.

 

I really hope I am misinterpreting this cruise line.

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

this is hilarious, they have not even christened this ship yet and already admitting to failures?????

They mention the culinary arts centre has failed as they haven't marketed properly, I have said it before and I repeat it again here, what marketing???

 

I really hope I am misinterpreting this cruise line.

 

I retired from an international company that had a different Marketing dept on every continent. To say the least, it can be quite a challenge. Another thought also though......how much control does the Marketing group in Seattle (HAL) versus the Marketing group in Miami (Carnival)? My former company was forever moving Marketing people around the world to get the international experience - and sometimes, their ideas were good. Other times......we just all rolled our eyes and said, Nah......won't work here, or Europe, or South America.

[Cruiser Bruiser]

this is hilarious, they have not even christened this ship yet and already admitting to failures?????

They mention the culinary arts centre has failed as they haven't marketed properly, I have said it before and I repeat it again here, what marketing???

I am on this new ship in less than 2 months, still can't book the spa, can't book this new restaurant - its a joke.

The reviews other than Brad have hardly been mind blowing, HAL has clearly treated passengers on the maiden voyage very poorly.

I am just hoping they have their act together by late June.

 

I have to say that the more I read on this HAL board the more amateur this company seems. Even the HAL enthusiasts seem to be constantly forgiving the poor state of things.

 

I really hope I am misinterpreting this cruise line.

 

I'm willing to cut HAL a certain amount of slack and applaud them for being responsive (ie. admitting new venues aren't meeting expectations and preparing to make adjustments). Koningsdam is HAL's first new ship in six years; at the same time competing lines have been adding many new ships and doing plenty of experimentation. So after a comparatively long period of time, Koningsdam arrives with the dual mission of being an exciting destination in its own right, but also establishing HAL's new brand identity in a crowded market. Three weeks in and given the enormity of the task at hand, I think they're likely doing just fine. In another three weeks, I think they'll be doing even better.

 

From what I've seen, I think they've done a great job of fusing traditional and contemporary into a package that has me excited to sail with HAL more frequently. Since I have two HAL cruises and 23 nights booked, Koningsdam has already done its job, I think. But HAL's traditional passengers are old and set in their ways. Expecting HAL's existing passenger base to instantly fall in love with every new concept likely isn't realistic. Over time, however, older passengers will get used to the new concepts and less frequent passengers like me will become more frequent passengers. And HAL will likely earn brand new passengers who are excited about Pinnacle Class.

 

This is just a lot of new, and it needs time to solidify. It will all work out, and Pinnacle II will be even better, it would seem. And I'm super excited that we can start speculating about another new ship.

[Boytjie]

just saw it in another article on Seatrade a couple minutes ago. 667

 

That would be smaller than the theaters on the Vista and Signature classes, I think.

[teamflames]

I'm willing to cut HAL a certain amount of slack and applaud them for being responsive (ie. admitting new venues aren't meeting expectations and preparing to make adjustments). Koningsdam is HAL's first new ship in six years; at the same time competing lines have been adding many new ships and doing plenty of experimentation. So after a comparatively long period of time, Koningsdam arrives with the dual mission of being an exciting destination in its own right, but also establishing HAL's new brand identity in a crowded market. Three weeks in and given the enormity of the task at hand, I think they're likely doing just fine. In another three weeks, I think they'll be doing even better.

 

From what I've seen, I think they've done a great job of fusing traditional and contemporary into a package that has me excited to sail with HAL more frequently. Since I have two HAL cruises and 23 nights booked, Koningsdam has already done its job, I think. But HAL's traditional passengers are old and set in their ways. Expecting HAL's existing passenger base to instantly fall in love with every new concept likely isn't realistic. Over time, however, older passengers will get used to the new concepts and less frequent passengers like me will become more frequent passengers. And HAL will likely earn brand new passengers who are excited about Pinnacle Class.

 

This is just a lot of new, and it needs time to solidify. It will all work out, and Pinnacle II will be even better, it would seem. And I'm super excited that we can start speculating about another new ship.

 

Hi Bruiser,

 

I really hope you are correct. Ignoring all the usual hate around the change of ship my concerns are based more around the lack of marketing, lack of information for upcoming passengers and a perceived lack of professionalism by the line itself. There has been no shortage of problems reported both on K and other ships (notably O).

I am not an experienced cruiser but remember being seriously impressed with the staff on X. I had an issue where I was hosed while sitting on my balcony on consecutive days, immediately fixed and some compensation given. Crew around port information very good, specialty dining first class and managers and waiters that would impress in any Michelin restaurant.

However, what I am reading about HAL is way below 5 star service - and I am expecting 5 star. Problems with complaints not being addressed, poor sound insulation, breaking pipes, toilet issues etc. At almost $500 a day for a verandah cabin I have high expectations and would be very unimpressed if I experience any of these issues.

If you have read my past posts you know I was very positive and excited about our upcoming trip but my earlier concerns about the lack of good management at HAL seems to be coming to fruition daily on these boards and elsewhere.

[Despegue]

Teamflames,

 

500$ a night for a veranda cabin is pricewise Oceania or even Silverseas level.

I would never, ever pay so much for a mainstream line like HAL.

On HAL, service and food is good, in our opinion as good as on X, but certainly not 5 stars.

Maintenance wise however, HAL is disadvantaged having to cope with Fincantieri hardware,( thank Carnival corp. for that), whereas RCI invests more money in their hardware and has better quality ships made at quality yards.

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

Teamflames,

 

500$ a night for a veranda cabin is pricewise Oceania or even Silverseas level.

I would never, ever pay so much for a mainstream line like HAL.

On HAL, service and food is good, in our opinion as good as on X, but certainly not 5 stars.

Maintenance wise however, HAL is disadvantaged having to cope with Fincantieri hardware,( thank Carnival corp. for that), whereas RCI invests more money in their hardware and has better quality ships made at quality yards.

 

Despegue - I agree. I am booked on the K'dam in February and my daily rate is 185/night and that is for a Vista Suite. Now the rates are much much higher for the same category.

 

TeamFlames - I really dont care about the decisions made by Headquarters in Seattle. I want a comfortable nice sleep, a toilet that flushes (haha) and decent meals. My expectations are not great......and I don't expect a 5* experience. I feel like I am paying for a 5* experience. Actually, I am more concerned about weather which I have absolutly no control over. In February, I want sun and warm weather. That will make me happy. And for this particular cruise, I am taking my kids and their friends/partners, so its a family event. Its their first cruise and just hoping for a great time to be had by all.

[teamflames]

Sorry should have said its AUD$ and it is a Baltic cruise which are clearly more than the Med cruises.

Hope I haven't paid too much but Seabourn were double the price. I did check the price regularly on HAL and elsewhere and never saw less

 

 

Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[Host Anne]

WOW, Brad! I know how long it took you to upload all those wonderful photos so thank you very much. I'm sailing on Koningsdam in early 2017 with a group of family and friends. I'm a fan of Celebrity S class ships and knew Koningsdam would have a somewhat similar feel with the same interior designer (very similar main dining room look).

 

Your photos convinced me I've made the right move giving Koningsdam a try. We've always like HAL and know we'll have a great time on this ship in, too.

 

THANKS again for posting so many great photos. MUCH appreciated.

[catl331]

just saw it in another article on Seatrade a couple minutes ago. 667

That would be smaller than the theaters on the Vista and Signature classes, I think.

That means if they have two shows each night, at least half the people can't get in.

[CruiseLady88]

Just read this review about BB King Blue. From my last cruise at Nieuw Amsterdam, the BB King Blue sang and played the same music every night for my entire 14-day cruise. This seems to be the same on Kongingsdam. Oh boy! It means tha we just can't dance in the Queen's lounge. Sigh!

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=532398

[CruiseLady88]

Have a question for InTheWASide, please. I am packing up for our cruise soon. Inside the ship, I assume that we can wear T-shirt and do not need to wear sweater or long sleeve top? I know that the weather in Norway in late May is still cold and going out to the deck area may still be cold. But inside should be okay. Am I right? Thanks for your help.

[jtl513]

Inside the ship, I assume that we can wear T-shirt and do not need to wear sweater or long sleeve top?

That would depend on your preferred temperature. We, from Florida, often find that HAL ships are too cold inside for our liking, particularly in the large spaces like the MDR and main show room. You, from Ottawa, may have the opposite opinion.

 

Also, spaces tend to warm up when there are a lot of people in them. When we first enter the MDR for early seating it is too chilly for us, but by the end of the meal it is getting reasonably comfortable. Others like the cooler temperatures at first, and think the MDR gets too warm later.

[CruiseLady88]

Well, in which case, I will bring a light jacket. When the temperature gets warmer, the jacket can be off.

[InTheWASide]

Have a question for InTheWASide, please. I am packing up for our cruise soon. Inside the ship, I assume that we can wear T-shirt and do not need to wear sweater or long sleeve top? I know that the weather in Norway in late May is still cold and going out to the deck area may still be cold. But inside should be okay. Am I right? Thanks for your help.

 

 

The ship didn't seem very hot or very cold on the inside like most others have. I like cold and will have the window in the bedroom cracked even if it's snowing outside but Nieuw Amsterdam's show lounge was a meat locker.

 

Koningsdam on the other hand we didn't notice temps at either extreme. It's very subjective (I know some people probably think I'm insane about the bedroom window remark above) but I would say pack like you would for an Alaska cruise. If you haven't done Alaska before the general rule is light clothes that you can layer. That can be good for indoors and outdoors.

[CruiseLady88]

Thanks for the reply. I pack enough for port activities. I am more concerned about the temp inside since I would like to wear T-shirts inside the ship and hope that the ship is warm enough. An extra light jacket may also be good enough.

[BlueSea72]

Sel de Mer was quite frankly orgasmic and we ran some scenarios money wise and with the exception of that fruits de Mer item getting an app, entree, dessert and a side would likely be within just a couple bucks of the PG

 

Grand Dutch Cafe was just awesome. The coffee was super good, I hate split pea soup but am obsessed with HAL's and it's the same recipe there as on Alaska cruises and they have bitterballen in the evenings. (Granted when we went to Amsterdam after the cruise we got some amazing ones from a local place that are so much better but HAL's are really good). There was this thing called, if I remember right, Koningsbol which was a chantilly cream filled donut covered in a rich Dutch chocolate icing. THOSE are dangerous. [emoji2]

 

I am salivating!!

[nimiq]

WoW ! 

 

Those pictures are just beautiful thanks for capturing the elegance of this ship. Can’t wait to board here this November 11th.

 

thanks again

sea ya

Eric

[deck chair]

Hi 

 

NO real promenade deck is a deal killer for me.    Thanks for posting the awesome pictures.

Deck Chair

[mcrcruiser]

Thanks so much for all your picture taking . Makes us feel that we have already been on Koningsdam . Our  1st cruise on her is this March 17th  ,a 10 night southern caribbean cruise .Can't wait  . Then in April we board Rotterdam for the 7 night Western Caribbean .A mix of new & old 

[Nashna]

Thank you so much for the wonderful photos.  We board K on January 13th, 2019 for a 10-day Southern Caribbean Cruise.   Your photos really help to get the excitement level up!  I'll be sure to post soon after our return.

[InTheWASide]

Love that this thread is still alive and kicking.

I've tried communicating it a couple times before without success so I'll try again...

The folks that are on here that add material into HAL Facts... anything they would like to take from my photos here and place on there, by all means feel free!

To those sailing soon, have an incredible time! I'll be back on the ship on 12/10

[nimiq]

November 11th 2018  will be her first sailing back to the Caribbean after being in Europe all summer so if you don't mind I can come back here and do a few updates of pics or start a new one as well :-)

 

sea ya

 

Eric

[BJzink]

Thanks so much for this pictoral review, now I know to avoid booking on this ship as long as I can.  Too angular, industrial, not friendly décor.  Even the"art" is all modern. But this is just my opinion....."