LIVE - Koningsdam July 3 - July 17 Norway B2B

[BKFlowerMound]

Have you noticed whether the Sip & Savor wine tasting before early dinner is listed on the daily program?

 

Have other, more formal, wine tasting events been offered?

 

In keeping with the appeal to younger cruisers, are there fewer Gala Nights?

 

Thanks for posting this thread. It has given me an excellent idea of what to expect from the K.

 

We are booked on the August 7 K'Dam cruise. Last night we received an "Important Notification about our Cruise" from HAL that the number of gala nights had been increased from 1 to 2. I guess that we had assumed their would be 2. Remember that even Gala night dress codes are now pretty relaxed.

[sldispatcher]

Day at Sea – A Soft Touch

 

With the change in port tomorrow due to weather and drizzly skies, we have had fun enjoying a progressive lunch. Appetizers in the Dutch Café, off to lunch in a busy Lido, then back to the Dutch Café for dessert. After losing just a few dollars in the casino, we all headed back to the rooms for movie, watching, reading, relaxing, and enjoying the day at sea.

 

Fortunately, we are not having to pack. Instead, we will arrive into Rotterdam at 630 now and sailaway tomorrow has been postponed by 30 minutes to 430pm local time. Another production show, this one entitled Frozen Planet, appears quite appealing by the description tonight as it will feature the screen with some musical performances as well in the World Stage. I really can’t say enough about the intelligent design of that theater. Difficult to describe. You just have to be there to appreciate the sight lines, intimacy, and acoustics.

 

There are various activities onboard today. I hope to spend a little more time paying attention to that next week especially in the Culinary Arts Center. I did swap over from a night at Sel De Mer back to CAC. You can actually ask which menu rotation is going to be presented on any given night. Right now, I would vote for Menu A, but that is because of the ribeye cap or deckle steak that appears there. I was also informed that management in some form or another is already aware that the combination of wine tasting and food in the price may be a deterrent for some and you may see a change in the future. I still say that one change, breaking the wine and food experience into two different price categories, could infuse the CAC with a boost. But until this ship sails into the Caribbean, I would not forecast any particular pattern of usage with any accuracy.

 

I have Dutch in my family. In fact, like the Force with the Skywalkers, it runs STROOONNNGGG in my family so I have some right to comment on the fact that the older Dutch population onboard today and a few years ago aboard the Rotterdam make for a different sort of cruise.

 

Apparently, at child birth they cut both the umbilical cord as well as all muscles related to smiling on these folks. Apparently the “my way or the highway” attitude runs deep. One of the Dutch staff onboard, when I inquired about the generational difference, acknowledged it as fact. The younger Dutch folks in Amsterdam and aboard the ship are as hospitable as anyone would be regarded in the South so it is not a slam against a country by any means. Apologists will jump to the older Dutch generation’s defense, but you’ll have to excuse me for not paying attention while I try to get the shoe marks of those folks off of my footwear. Apparently, Dutch tradition is to board the elevator BEFORE the people trying to get off on that floor have a chance to exit. Trampling is apparently a tradition.

 

(Again, tongue in cheek…breathe in and out).

 

Nice touches to the room include soft close drawers and closets. Look for extra space in storage drawers at the foot of the bed. Quite a bit can be stowed under the ice bucket shelfs in a cabinet at the base. The bathroom does lack a second set of racks on the opposite side of the mirror. Not sure if that was a functional or aesthetic choice. And for goodness sake, no the next ship, I would love to see a night light or ability to turn the bathroom light on or off built into the bathroom side. I also miss the tried and true dressing curtain in the small hallway. However, those curtains were something that could make noise and wear out.

 

I will note that some will point out the lack of variety from day to day in the Lido. I would take that as much of a positive as a negative. At least this way, one does not have to worry about trying everything at one time and can pace better. It also means reliable faves will be around. There is still enough variety around that you can pick and choose cuisine types and themes and still be quite satisfied. Besides, with so many other dining options, there was not any excuse to get “bored” with food selection.

 

For those who like “secrets”, as you board and make your dining choices for any specialty venues, you can make your Pinnacle Grill lunch reservations as well. Just ask what days it will be offered. Otherwise you will find out in the Daily Navigator and it will be too late.

 

I was informed today that all Pinnacle Grill Dining times are already booked for next week. The lunch today was booked up completely last night once people returned to their staterooms. Just FYI. It is very possible that a lunch in the CAC would also be a delight if they ever choose to open that up for the purpose of providing an alternative venue.

 

Today was the Mariner’s Brunch in the dining room with two seatings. 11am and 1pm. We reviewed the menu and although it was appealing to some, it was not appealing to all. We chose the route mentioned above.

 

Compared to so many others who have accumulated years at sea, my opinion counts as but a neophyte. But if I were contemplating a Transatlantic cruise and wanted a more genteel atmosphere, I would not hesitate to book the Koningsdam to make the crossing. There is just enough to do not to have any excuses while there is not so much going on that it is just an assault on the senses each day.

 

The Koningsdam is proving quite worthy of those wishing to cruise with desire for a softer touch.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you are enjoying your sea day.

Heard about the change in ports for tomorrow.

Thanks for the cabin description.

Love your mention of the Dutch people and some of their traits.

[Despegue]

Oh yes, the older Dutch...

 

Last month, I was Captain on a flight from Jeddah to Amsterdam, after which my airline kindly positioned me home to Krakow on a full fare Business Class ticket for my OFF days at home...so I was in uniform.

 

Comes an older Dutch " Gentleman", who saw me sitting in seat 1C, and VERY loudly shouted at his wife, "geez, the servants should sit in the back! They now let anyone in Business class!"

 

Manners seem to lessen with age in the Netherlands 😡😳

 

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

[freestyling]

Thank you for the great updates and your thoughts. Do you know the name of the PG manager? I've been trying to hunt down Alper Altan who was the PG manager 2 years ago on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Nice guy from Turkey.

[freestyling]

Oh yes, the older Dutch...

 

Last month, I was Captain on a flight from Jeddah to Amsterdam, after which my airline kindly positioned me home to Krakow on a full fare Business Class ticket for my OFF days at home...so I was in uniform.

 

Comes an older Dutch " Gentleman", who saw me sitting in seat 1C, and VERY loudly shouted at his wife, "geez, the servants should sit in the back! They now let anyone in Business class!"

 

Manners seem to lessen with age in the Netherlands 😡😳

 

Sorry for hijacking the thread.

 

Perhaps their very different sense of humor as well

[CruiseLady88]

I agree with the old Dutch comments. I can see the difference when cruising in Caribbean with retired North American fellow passengers vs. retired old Dutch fellow passengers.

[SilvertoGold]

We spent 28 days on the Rotterdam once with 65% Dutch one one half and 75% on the other half. We did notice a sense of entitlement.

 

Spoke with a delightful couple on a shuttle who, after learning we were Canadian, were very impressed with our fluent English. I switched to my (really halting) university French and explained the bilingual nature of the country. My DH added his bit in German and we had an interesting 3 language time with them for the rest of the cruise.

[sldispatcher]

Evening Update – Neo Classical

 

Poseidon is waking up this evening with wind and waves but doesn’t seem to be too disturbed. After all, the Koningsdam or King is here. Compared to how some freighters around us are faring, we seem to be just fine. Other than the occasional water pothole causing the familiar bump, we are not experiencing any pitching. Closing in on the entrance to the canal into Rotterdam, we do not have too much more of this weather ahead.

 

As far as another “secret”, the small white gaskets on the inside shower handle are used to help cushion the door against the shower wall if you accidentally forget to close it all of the way. (And you should keep your shower door closed to avoid noise.)

 

Tonight was the executive culinary team’s dinner which combined a brief crew parade to say thank you and a song. Apparently the crew show is gone on this ship and although it is treasured by many, I have to say I am thankful the crew is not called on to do even more than they already have to do during the week.

 

A sneak peek at tomorrow night’s menu look like a repeat of the dishes from last week but not all on the same night. That is more than acceptable to me as we will have the opportunity to get some of the ones we missed while hitting specialty restaurants. In fact, we have Canaletto, CAC, and Pinnacle Grill on the line up for this week.

 

The program in the World Stage speaks volumes about the old and new HAL. It was a presentation of several pieces from the BBC series, The Frozen Planet, with the music provided live by the HAL orchestra and band. I say this with respect to all cruisers, but there are some demographics on some cruise lines that would not have enjoyed one minute of it. Instead, the HALcentric crowd was wowed by the cinematography and editing while equally thrilled with the live music performance. The whole thing drew you in start to finish and displayed well on the large LED screens.

 

This was classic high brow HAL in a new form.

 

If this is a preview of what is in store in the future for HAL and Koningsdam, then long live the king.

[sldispatcher]

Cruise Review 101

 

When traveling landside, we tend to settle down in one spot with a vacation rental as opposed to moving from place to place in hotels. That’s just a choice we’ve made and a style my family prefers. In doing so, descriptions and reviews have keywords that make me automatically move on to the next home or condo. Words like “cozy”, “quaint”, “bungalow”, or “charming” make me click the NEXT button super-fast. Likewise, I’ve compiled a brief review of phrases that pretty much make me ignore a cruise review as I’ve learned to take most of them, including my own, with a grain of salt.

 

Here

 

We

 

Go.

 

 

#1. “I loved the art auction and they even gave us a free glass of champagne.”

 

#2. “There was no fun on the cruise like I normally enjoy. No sexy legs competition or belly flops.”

 

#3. “I’m not really sure why we have to have a mustard drill”.

 

#4. “Everybody gave me looks in the dining room when I was wearing t-shirts and jeans on formal night. They were my nice jeans.”

 

#5. “There wasn’t enough room in the cabin for both strollers.”

 

#6. “All they played were some old songs from the eighties.”

 

#7. “My whole cruise was ruined because we didn’t get towel animals.”

 

#8. “I kept looking for the lido on the lido deck but there was only food.”

 

#9. “We love 3 day cruises.”

 

#10. “There was never anything in the main dining room we wanted to eat.”

 

#11. Almost anything related to expectations of extremely high levels of service while only willing to pay for an inside cabin.

 

#12. “My cruise was nearly ruined because I always got 5 escargots at dinner and now they only serve 4.”

 

#13. “We didn’t find anything to do while onboard.”

 

#14. “My triple platinum gold elite silver plated status……..”

 

#15. “I had no idea Tanzanite was so rare.”

 

#16. “It is a must to get your inch of gold purchase at the shops.”

 

#17. “We had a blast collecting all of the free gems and charms we learned about in the shopping lectures.”

 

#18. “It was amazing that so many cruise ship personnel wanted to take our picture.”

 

#19. “We found it was so easy to reserve a chair by the pool if we just put a towel over it first thing in the morning.”

 

#20. “I never knew how much fun it was to feed seagulls off of the back of the ship.”

 

I’m sure you have a few of your own. I do not intend for this thread to turn into everyone chiming in with their own list. I also did most of these tongue-in-cheek, but I guarantee the permanently offended and emotionally injured class is already typing up a rebuttal and will not get this poor man’s attempt at humor.

 

How quaint, cozy, and charming of them.

[colonialinnkeeper]

Lol :d

[OceanPatter]

Sldispatcher, your comments are precious, your attitude is delightful, and we'll so miss you when your cruise is over. Thank you for balancing, and countering the negative Koningsdam reviews ...

[krusinkuple]

Day at Sea – A Soft Touch

 

 

 

With the change in port tomorrow due to weather and drizzly skies, we have had fun enjoying a progressive lunch. Appetizers in the Dutch Café, off to lunch in a busy Lido, then back to the Dutch Café for dessert. After losing just a few dollars in the casino, we all headed back to the rooms for movie, watching, reading, relaxing, and enjoying the day at sea.

 

 

 

Fortunately, we are not having to pack. Instead, we will arrive into Rotterdam at 630 now and sailaway tomorrow has been postponed by 30 minutes to 430pm local time. Another production show, this one entitled Frozen Planet, appears quite appealing by the description tonight as it will feature the screen with some musical performances as well in the World Stage. I really can’t say enough about the intelligent design of that theater. Difficult to describe. You just have to be there to appreciate the sight lines, intimacy, and acoustics.

 

 

 

There are various activities onboard today. I hope to spend a little more time paying attention to that next week especially in the Culinary Arts Center. I did swap over from a night at Sel De Mer back to CAC. You can actually ask which menu rotation is going to be presented on any given night. Right now, I would vote for Menu A, but that is because of the ribeye cap or deckle steak that appears there. I was also informed that management in some form or another is already aware that the combination of wine tasting and food in the price may be a deterrent for some and you may see a change in the future. I still say that one change, breaking the wine and food experience into two different price categories, could infuse the CAC with a boost. But until this ship sails into the Caribbean, I would not forecast any particular pattern of usage with any accuracy.

 

 

 

I have Dutch in my family. In fact, like the Force with the Skywalkers, it runs STROOONNNGGG in my family so I have some right to comment on the fact that the older Dutch population onboard today and a few years ago aboard the Rotterdam make for a different sort of cruise.

 

 

 

Apparently, at child birth they cut both the umbilical cord as well as all muscles related to smiling on these folks. Apparently the “my way or the highway” attitude runs deep. One of the Dutch staff onboard, when I inquired about the generational difference, acknowledged it as fact. The younger Dutch folks in Amsterdam and aboard the ship are as hospitable as anyone would be regarded in the South so it is not a slam against a country by any means. Apologists will jump to the older Dutch generation’s defense, but you’ll have to excuse me for not paying attention while I try to get the shoe marks of those folks off of my footwear. Apparently, Dutch tradition is to board the elevator BEFORE the people trying to get off on that floor have a chance to exit. Trampling is apparently a tradition.

 

 

 

(Again, tongue in cheek…breathe in and out).

 

 

 

Nice touches to the room include soft close drawers and closets. Look for extra space in storage drawers at the foot of the bed. Quite a bit can be stowed under the ice bucket shelfs in a cabinet at the base. The bathroom does lack a second set of racks on the opposite side of the mirror. Not sure if that was a functional or aesthetic choice. And for goodness sake, no the next ship, I would love to see a night light or ability to turn the bathroom light on or off built into the bathroom side. I also miss the tried and true dressing curtain in the small hallway. However, those curtains were something that could make noise and wear out.

 

 

 

I will note that some will point out the lack of variety from day to day in the Lido. I would take that as much of a positive as a negative. At least this way, one does not have to worry about trying everything at one time and can pace better. It also means reliable faves will be around. There is still enough variety around that you can pick and choose cuisine types and themes and still be quite satisfied. Besides, with so many other dining options, there was not any excuse to get “bored” with food selection.

 

 

 

For those who like “secrets”, as you board and make your dining choices for any specialty venues, you can make your Pinnacle Grill lunch reservations as well. Just ask what days it will be offered. Otherwise you will find out in the Daily Navigator and it will be too late.

 

 

 

I was informed today that all Pinnacle Grill Dining times are already booked for next week. The lunch today was booked up completely last night once people returned to their staterooms. Just FYI. It is very possible that a lunch in the CAC would also be a delight if they ever choose to open that up for the purpose of providing an alternative venue.

 

 

 

Today was the Mariner’s Brunch in the dining room with two seatings. 11am and 1pm. We reviewed the menu and although it was appealing to some, it was not appealing to all. We chose the route mentioned above.

 

 

 

Compared to so many others who have accumulated years at sea, my opinion counts as but a neophyte. But if I were contemplating a Transatlantic cruise and wanted a more genteel atmosphere, I would not hesitate to book the Koningsdam to make the crossing. There is just enough to do not to have any excuses while there is not so much going on that it is just an assault on the senses each day.

 

 

 

The Koningsdam is proving quite worthy of those wishing to cruise with desire for a softer touch.

 

 

Heading on the K at the end of this month, my husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts...question for you, if you don't mind...for the 7-day, which night(s) were the gala nights? For some ships it's usually the "at sea" day(s), but in others it's a guessing game.

 

We were married on the Westerdam 10 years ago and have not been on HAL since....in large part to your posts, we're looking forward to it very much...thanks again!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Karennella]

I agree with the old Dutch comments. I can see the difference when cruising in Caribbean with retired North American fellow passengers vs. retired old Dutch fellow passengers.

 

I am glad it was not just us! My husband, having been born in Italy and more pushy than me, was not prepared to put up with it and would let them know if they were pushing in. (He does the same in Italy but I feel they have a bit of charm there!)But I was really upset when a group talked loudly all through the American National anthem at the Christening, in the presence of the Dutch Queen. My teacher instincts very nearly overcame me. I had such itchy fingers, as we say here.

[sldispatcher]

The Lido was a madhouse at 815am. By 845pm, the ghost town appearance began. By 1015, the ship, now almost completely void of passengers, was an eerie ghost town.

 

It was surreal walking around and everything in its proper place on decks 2 and 3. Doing B2B, we were not required to leave the ship. Some did, and walked across the long bridge into Rotterdam (where most shops don't open until noon on Sunday).

 

The skies are partly cloudy with a high scattered ceiling at 77 degrees. We have a 430pm sailaway and will enjoy the industrial nature of the trip out to sea.

 

No secrets to report just yet, but will let you know if on the B2B 7 day turns if they are repeating the menus. I sort of wished they would not since they sale so many multi-segment itineraries.

 

Life is good. I feel like this particular stretch of the itinerary will be the more scenery intense which is the part of cruising I love.

 

Sorry for all of the "I's" lately, by the way.

 

There are indeed two formal nights during the week. Seems like it was day 2 and 5 last week, but will confirm this week.

 

Again, marketers have taken over what was simple and now call them "gala nights". This was probably the same brain trust that came up with "Journeys Ashore" since "shore excursions" must have been so confusing for everyone :rolleyes:

 

Crowd so far appears to skew younger this week. Interesting. More on the casual estimation of the demographic as we go along.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Great reporting.

[jvalentine]

I think the formal..err, "gala" nights were 2 & 5 when we were on. You're reporting on the Dutch seems fairly spot on...lol. Made me chuckle since we had experienced it ourselves as well. Enjoy the next leg of the cruise!

[uschisiggi]

As first time cruisers with HAL we like your live report too. We will embark next sunday, hoping it will be Amsterdam not Rotterdam. :eek:

[SAMMYR]

Thank you very much for your updates. Really appreciate it. We will be on the Koningsdam next January. Wondering if you had an opportunity to try the New York Deli as to how it is and what types of food besides pizza. Thank you in advance.

Edited July 10, 2016 by SAMMYR

[Florida_gal_50]

Op, your writing style is wonderful. I've enjoyed your thread very much. Looking forward to hearing more. Thank you.

[sldispatcher]

Rotterdam Sailaway – Stand and Deliver

 

1. Loved the sailway from Rotterdam. Lots of interesting industrial, residential, and recreational areas on both sides of the ship. Lots of waves from onshore well-wishers all along the route.

 

2. Ship has definitely skewed younger today. Not in a bad way. Just anecdotal observation and not one made just by myself.

 

3. Canaletto tonight was good and bad and started to bring about the general theme I’m reporting on….HAL laziness. You should not promote and offer “family” style and then bring out 5 raviolis for 6 people. Don’t offer a main dish for sharing with fish for 6 people and bring out..one..yes one…filet. Either that is lazy, standard ordering, or just portion control. Had to order two additional of the pastas as there wasn’t enough to go around the table. Get it right. If they ever wonder why that venue might suffer, that would be a reason. Yes, we are free to order more, but should we really have to? Is one ravioli going to break the bank?

 

4. Spa personnel told my wife that she was going to schedule hair appointments for my wife throughout the cruise and send the notice to the cabin door. 3 times. Not a single time has that list of appointments shown up at the door. Not really complaining, but a great way to lose business over what should be one of the simplest parts of the job.

 

5. If one sells this 14 day adventure as a single cruise (and yes, I knew it was B2B from the get go), then please act like it through the dining room and activities. Lazy says we’ll just repeat everything from the previous week. Guess what? Lazy must have talked the loudest as evidence is showing the menus, activities, and lectures will be a repeat from last week. That’s a little bit of a low blow. I’ll take it from the Lido, but not the MDR. HAL does plenty of 14 night cruises that are not B2B that I know doesn’t repeat.

 

6. With #5 info in hand, if one does a B2B under the current regime, then I would suggest staggering the selection of MDR nights and specialty nights so that you don’t have to have the repeat from one week to the next. Same for entertainment. On the bright side, had the guests known that ahead of time we might have planned differently HAL. So if you are doing B2B 7 day cruises, may I recommend you schedule your plans accordingly for dining and entertainment until someone says otherwise.

 

7. New guests are joining us today and so far think the ship is beautiful. They might could have been handled a little better in check in.

 

8. The difference in the bed from HAL and Oceania is a no contest. This HAL bed is firm and one pillow is super soft and the other super firm. The Oceania bed is like slipping into a cloud. Even the Celebrity bed beats this one pretty handily.

 

9. Miraculously, the air in the room feels cooler this evening as does the whole ship. Thanks to whomever straightened that out onboard the ship. I should be able to control the coolness or warmth in my own room, not some environmental wingnut making the decision for me.

 

 

In spite of the above rant, we are still having an enjoyable time. I am certain that if one looks over these posts you probably want to shout “make up your mind”! Do you love it or hate it?

 

Of course I’m enjoying the cruise. But cruise critic forums are about information. I think big companies are putting more marketing effort into trying to hook you into buying into a concept than simply using those same dollars to manage expectations. A little info at the very beginning would have kept me from ranting on about the sameness of menus and entertainment. But alas, marketing departments now run companies and not operations folks. The result is overpromise and under deliver.

 

HAL: With this ship and the one to follow you have the chance to choose your destiny. It is neither my right nor privilege to pronounce which way you should go. But once you decide which experience you want to offer your customers, we just ask that you be clear about it from the start. Let me manage my expectations through real and practical information and not through catchy videos.

 

With Koningsdam you have made a new sort of promise to a new generation.

 

All we ask is that you deliver.

[mame42]

My fall 2017 sixty-six day B2B2B on the K can be booked nine different ways; the shortest being 12 days. It will be interesting to see how the K handles that, activity/menu wise I chose 26-13-27 day segments, as that division gave me the best price.

[Karennella]

Yes our B2B was marketed here as a single cruise but we were aware it was B2B. But we're disappointed when the menus and the entertainment started to repeat.

As you said that was lazy. And much as I like the Lido not being self-serve, for health reasons, some of the staff there were lazy in how they served up the food. Just put a small amount on the plate, no concern if that was enough, no query if anything else was required, no attempt to keep track of who should be served next ( seeing that many guests just pushed in)

[cormike1]

I am really enjoying your review David. Love your sense of humour! We will be on a 24-day Med cruise in Sept. on the Oosterdam having done 2 other HAL cruises. We really enjoy HAL after sailing with Princess for most of our cruises. I just might look at the itineraries for the King and see what interests me as you have peaked my interest! Looking forward to your next posts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for keeping us updated on what is happening.

Can't believe that you got only 5 Ravioli and 1 fish for all 6 of you. Terrible HAL!!

I do not like the new beds. Our bed on the Westerdam was too low for me and my bad knees. Not comfortable at all.