Alaska - Koningsdam vs Noordam

[Strikes]

Hi all! You helpful Cruise Critic members helped me decide on an Alaska cruise and currently HAL best suit our timing and itinerary. 

 

I thought I was ready to book on the Koningsdam then noticed that there was an identical itinerary for Noordam that departs a day later. 

 

I understand the Koningsdam is a larger and newer ship, although the larger entry level suite size and cheaper cost are tempting me on the Noordam. 

 

I'd really value any opinions on people who have travelled on one or both of these ships and would care to share their thoughts. 

[bennybear]

We’ve spent over three weeks on both ships.   Noordam last time was in need of a dry dock which Is happening right now.  Koningsdam is beautiful and has more restaurants, including one of our favourites the Tamarind.  Noordam Is more traditional with a beautiful promenade which Koningsdam lacks.   Overall,  both should be great, just a matter of classic or modern?  

 

My next question are they one way or round trip?  

Where do they sail from?  I prefer the cruises out of Vancouver,  the scenery is better and seas calmer.  

Edited October 15, 2019 by bennybear

[CruiserBruce]

We have spent around a month on each ship...a little more on Noordam, slightly less on KDam.

 

bennybear has hit on some good points ( I will not comment on need for drydock). As we don't know ANYTHING about you, your interests or anything about the route involved,  hard to make any recommendations. Noordam was our favorite ship until KDam came along. But I absolutely agree you can't go wrong on either.

[Strikes]

Thanks for feedback so far. It's in September 2020 and the cruise that is a Vancouver round trip. We are a couple (late 30's) taking our Mums (late 60's). We've done a Mexico cruise before on Royal Princess which we  really enjoyed. Not too phased about live entertainment, but enjoy food and wine and will probably spend some time in the casino.

 

It's good to hear the Noordam might have had a bit of a refresh during the dry dock! The two ships look very different from the pictures I've seen, but that's not such a bad thing. 

Edited October 15, 2019 by Strikes

[Nang]

6 hours ago, Strikes said:

Thanks for feedback so far. It's in September 2020 and the cruise that is a Vancouver round trip. We are a couple (late 30's) taking our Mums (late 60's). We've done a Mexico cruise before on Royal Princess which we  really enjoyed. Not too phased about live entertainment, but enjoy food and wine and will probably spend some time in the casino.

 

It's good to hear the Noordam might have had a bit of a refresh during the dry dock! The two ships look very different from the pictures I've seen, but that's not such a bad thing. 

If $s are not a major issue its hands down the Koningsdam all day every day for us. More live music (including the Rock Room), more dining options including the excellent Tamrind and New York Pizza and you will be hard pressed to notice the extra passengers.