Koningsdam Alaska cruise review 6/17-6/24

[bookmomoftwins]

After relying on the CC boards so much as I planned our trip, I want to pay it forward by sharing our experiences on our Alaskan cruise aboard HA's Koningsdam. We were a group of 6, ranging from 40-80 in age, and everyone had cruised before, although not with Holland America. Since it was our first trip to Alaska, we narrowed down the options to just those itineraries which visited Glacier Bay, and then chose the Inside Passage itinerary out of Vancouver with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a day in Glacier Bay National Park.

 

Before I go into detail about various aspects of the cruise, I need to say that I found my perfect cruise vibe on this ship!  I'm not sure if it was unique to this itinerary or if the same can be said of Holland America cruises in general, but for this educator in her late 40s, it was just what I was looking for.  Fellow passengers were adults and families with young adults from all over the globe, with a smaller number of younger children on board than I'd seen on other cruises. The young children we did see on board were enjoying time with their families and well behaved.  I would describe the passengers as friendly and intellectually curious.  Betty Ann, the cruise director, was warm and positive without being silly, which we appreciated.  It was a refined cruising experience without being stuffy.  

 

I will share our experiences in the comments by topic. Please feel free to ask questions and I'll answer them if I can!

[oakridger]

I feel the same as you do about the vibe of HAL!  I DO avoid those jam-packed holiday cruises that sound chaotic with many little kids unsupervised, but otherwise it's a nice atmosphere on board for me.

 

I'll watch for your review.

 

~Nancy

[bookmomoftwins]

Getting to Vancouver:  We opted to book our flights to Vancouver independently, and found our flights more direct than those in our group who used the cruise line to book their flights.  However, we were traveling from different parts of the US, so that may have also been a factor in our differing experiences. Those who made travel plans with HA used them to provide their transportation from the airport and their hotel and also to the cruise ship on sailing day and that went smoothly.  DH and I flew into Vancouver & took the Canada Line mass transit system to get to the port area. Be sure to hang on to your ticket so you can scan it to exit the transit hub. It was a bit rough pulling our suitcases a few blocks over uneven sidewalks through the crowds to get to our hotel, but that may be because we went the wrong direction at first, haha.  This trip was to celebrate my husband's retirement, so we splurged & stayed at the Pan Pacific. We booked the cruise package which included breakfast and delivery of our bags from our room directly to the ship. Our room was lovely, larger than my first apartment, and offered incredible views of the waterfront.  

 

Embarkation: Our hotel was attached to the cruise terminal and the hotel staff gave clear directions for where we needed to go to start the embarkation process.  We had a fairly early boarding time, 10:20, and despite my worries after reading others' experiences at the Vancouver port, it went very smoothly.  We moved through every step in the boarding process without pause until the final waiting area, where we sat on folding chairs for about 25 minutes until the ship could be boarded.  HA staff kept us notified of the wait time and where to find bathrooms, water fountains, etc during our short wait.  I think that we were cruising far enough into the season that staff was more experienced and that is why it went so smoothly.  Once on board, we had about 10 minutes before staterooms were ready and then completed the muster drill--SO much easier than the old days when you would crowd into your stations, you now simply watch the instructional video on your stateroom tv and then have your ship card scanned at your muster station.

 

Coming up next: ship and stateroom!

[bookmomoftwins]

Koningsdam:  This ship is light and bright; a nice departure from the dark woods and heavy fabrics found on our 2 previous cruises.  We liked the music-theming throughout and the abundant sitting areas which could accomodate our group of 6.  The two level lido pool area has a retractable roof and although we did not swim, we spent time in this well-appointed area to eat food from the Lido Market, play cards, read, and hang out.  Our other favorite hangout was the Dutch Cafe--nice seating and yummy snacks.  The Crow's Next at the top of the ship had great views and was consistently busy, although the adjacent art room was open when not being used for a class and was the perfect spot for a good inside view when we needed to come inside to warm up at Glacier Bay.  When I saw the brand new library onboard, it made me regret that I had packed my own books!  Far from a shelf with others' discarded paperbacks as I've encountered on cruises elsewhere, this full-fledged library was organized by genre and full of the latest bestsellers, books pertaining to our ports of call, and top rated books in several categories.  I'm a school librarian by trade, and I was very impressed.  The one area on board I didn't care much for was the aft pool deck.  I thought it would be a nice place for outdoor views, but smoking is allowed at the outdoor bar there, and not being a smoker, I found it smoky and unpleasant.

 

Stateroom: This verandah stateroom (5209) has ruined me for all other staterooms, haha.  It was so well thought out and nicely appointed with lots of closet space and storage, a large glass shower, a nice sized deck with 2 chairs and a table, and included bathrobes, an umbrella, blankets to wrap up in while on deck, vanity lighting at the desk, hairdryer, and a magnified makeup mirror.  The under cabinet lighting in our cabin would pop on at night when it sensed motion so we avoided stubbing our toes in an unfamilliar place and I liked the reading lights on either side of the bed.  We did bring magnetic hooks to have additional spaces to hang coats and bags, although there were some in the room as well.  We also packed an over the door shoe hanger, which we attached to the connecting door for additional organization space although we didn't really need it.  The curtains closed completely and were nice and dark for keeping out the early morning sun.  My only regret was relying on the included shampoo and conditioner.  My hair is very fine / thin, and it turns out the voluminizing products I use at home really do make a difference, haha.  

We booked our cruise only a few months in advance (way too late for the advance planner that I am) and so rather than getting a room midship like usual, our cabin was pretty close to the rear of the ship.  Because of this, I did feel more movement than usual as well as some ship vibration.  I already take motion sickness medicine when I cruise, and that was enough to keep me from getting sick, but I wanted to mention it in case it would be a factor for others.  We didn't hear any sound from the passenger cabins on either side of us, or above or below, for that matter. Because we were at the aft of the ship and some of our group were near the front and on different floors, we did a fair bit of walking, but that just offset the yummy food we were eating.

 

Tomorrow I'll continue my review with onboard activities, food, and ports of call, Thanks for reading!

[friendswithdave]

Reading, thanks for sharing!

[Crew News]

Thanks for a great start to your cruise review.  I look forward to more as I have yet to experience Alaska on a Pinnacle-class ship (April '24)..

 

Was there a taco bar near the Dive In as reported on the Rotterdam?

[bookmomoftwins]

On 6/30/2023 at 12:42 PM, Crew News said:

Thanks for a great start to your cruise review.  I look forward to more as I have yet to experience Alaska on a Pinnacle-class ship (April '24)..

 

Was there a taco bar near the Dive In as reported on the Rotterdam?

I did not see a taco bar on Koningsdam 😞

[bookmomoftwins]

Getting back to this a little later than I intended...it's a bummer that mundane household and bill paying tasks are still there when we return from a blissful vacation, haha.

 

Evening Onboard Activities / Entertainment:  One of the frequent criticisms I have heard about the HA line is a lack of things to do in the evening.  I must confess that I am not a "close the place down" sort of person, but I was never lacking in entertainment options on board.  There was entertainment at the World Stage each evening which we attended-- either the Step One dance group (the performance Humanity was absolutely incredible and not to be missed), a singing group, a comedian, a movie, or the one night we missed as we were still in port, a Tlingit speaker.  We were always able to find good seats near the front by arriving about 15 minutes early.  After that, we would head to the comfy seating in the Dutch Cafe or upper level of the Lido pool deck to play cards, or head down to Music Walk, which currently has 3 music venues--Billboard Onboard dueling pianos, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and BB King Blues Club.  The times of their sets were staggered, so you could float from one space to another if you wished, although to get a prime seat, you would want to be there in advance of the start of a set.  My favorite by far of these 3 was BB King's Blues Club, both because of the music selection and the fact that it had a dance floor.  I am not usually one to head straight for the dance floor, but it was a friendly space with people of all ages moving to fun music, and I couldn't resist.  The musicians also did a lot to interact with and encourage the audience, which was nice.  One member of our group did feel like this band was too loud and preferred the dueling pianos.  We caught an incredible sunset one night outside on deck 3, although the sun sets so late, it's hard to witness it if you have an early shore excursion the next day!  

We did not utilize the casino or the bars in the evening, so I don't have any input on that.

I'll be back later to cover the activites offered during the day.

 

[bookmomoftwins]

Daytime Activities Onboard:  There was more to do each day than we had time for!  Our group of 6 tended to splinter and try different things so I will report on what we tried.  

We really enjoyed the EXC multimedia presentations on the World Stage, which gave us more information about various aspects of what we would be seeing on shore.  We attended ones on an overview of Alaska, whales, Native people and their culture, behind the scence on how a cruise ship is run, the history of HA, and the ididarod.  We also attended a presentation called Fire and Ice given by the wildlife specialist about how glaciers and volcanoes shape the landscape, and also visited his drop in hours on board with questions we had during the trip.  Trivia was offered every day--sometimes general categories and sometimes with a theme, like food or sports.  We did the general trivia once and did not do too well, but it was fun.  We had no interest in the jewelry or shopping presentations, although one member of the group did attend the art auction and said she felt the starting bids were very inflated. My husband enjoyed a presentation / meet and greet with the comedian on board who spoke about his career and what it is like working on a cruise ship. We spent a lot of time just relaxing and enjoying the views, both from our verandah and the public areas of the ship. There is so much to see on an Inside Passage itinerary, even on sea days!  

Although we walked the promenade deck while still in port in Vancouver, it was quite windy while at sea, so we didn't utilize it as much as we expected.  One member of the group bought a day pass to the spa and really enjoyed the thermal spa and quiet lounge area.  Two others had an incredible couples massage there which was a highlight of the trip for them.  The pedicure experience, in contrast, was just so-so, overpriced, and marred by constant upselling. A few in our group enjoyed participating in the ballroom dancing offered before dinner on formal nights.

One issue we did run into several times was activities which were full so we couldn't partticipate, even when we arrived 10 or 15 minutes early.  This happened for the morning stretch class, a wine tasting, adult coloring, and a watercolors class, so if you are interested in those activities, be sure to show up really early to secure a spot.  

[bookmomoftwins]

Onboard Dining / Drink Packages:  We did not pay for Club Orange and only visited one specialty restaurant during our cruise, but none of us are big foodies, so that suited us just fine.

In our group, we tried the entire realm of drink packages.  One in our group did not get a package at all as she drank mainly water and tea.  One in our group bought the soda package.  She had to hunt down her refillable mug on embarkation day and did experience times when the Freestyle Coke machine was down, but at the bars, they could fill her mug with fountain drinks, if not with canned sodas, so it wasn't too bad.  DH and I bought the nonalcoholic drinks package and took advantage of it by getting lots of specialty coffees, smoothies, and fun mocktails available at the bars and pools.  It wasn't a necessity, but a fun extra for our vacation.  The other couple in our group opted for the "Have it All" package and enjoyed trying a large variety of wines and mixed drinks on board.

We ate in the Lido a few times, and it was decent food, but a bit chaotic trying to find a table for 6 and then pick up and bring food and drinks back to the table.  I like that the food was mostly plated by servers to limit the spread of germs, etc, and I took advantage of the fresh fruit at every meal.  When it was especially busy, we would bring our plates out to the Lido deck and use the ample and less busy seating there instead.

We used the advice read here and used the Navigator app when we wanted to order from the Dive in Burger place and the pizza place.  It was pretty seamless-- we didn't have to stand in line and the app told us when food was ready so we'd just go up and get it instead of waiting in line.  The online app doesn't have the full in person menu, but we still found things we liked.

We used the free room service option for a couple of early mornings.  It always arrived on time, although the quality was not as good as food in the restaurants, probably because it had to be carried across the ship to us.  Still a handy option for days with an early day in port.

The Dutch Cafe was our favorite snack place by far, both for the offerings and the cheery blue and white ambiance! DH would pick up specialty coffees and chocolate croissants there in the morning and we visited several other times for a snack or a drink.  

We ate in the MDR for most dinners and one lunch, and were very pleased with the service and timing of the courses.  It was neither rushed nor dragged out.  We had anytime dining and when I tried to book a reservation the first night, there were only very late times available.  However, I was advised that half the tables were reserved for walk ins and to just show up when we were ready to eat.  I had heard horror stories about long waits, but we didn't experience that at all.  We usually showed up between 5:30-6:00.  The first night there was a short line but we were seated within 5-10 minutes.  All other nights we were seated immediately.  There were always appealing options for the 2 in the group who did not like seafood as well as great choices for those who did. I have read that portion sizes have gotten smaller recently, but I felt they were just right.  You could actually eat an appetizer, main, and dessert, enjoy them and feel satisfied, but not overly full and uncomfortable. No one in our group felt the need to ask for seconds.

We ate at Tamarind for dinner one evening.  The ambiance was nice and although the menu was a little daunting for the less adventurous eaters among us, we all really enjoyed what we ordered.

Service in all the sit down locations was good, even though we didn't have a fixed seating time and therefore different servers each time.  Occasionally, there was a short wait for drink refills, but this was a very minor quibble in an otherwise enjoyable experience,

[NewCruiser-2023]

Thank you @bookmomoftwins for this helpful review!
We are first-time cruisers in our 50s setting sail in a few wks with our sons in their 20s. I'm encouraged by the demographics you mentioned. We should fit in nicely 🙂
I've been told that the only no-no in terms of dress code in the MDR is no shorts during the dinner hour. I assume then that jeans, sport pants, capri pants, etc should be okay?
Also, does anyone reading this know what the expectations are in terms of dress code in the Pinnacle Grill? We've got reservations there our first evening (ALL other nights were booked-even though I was checking months in advance. Whoa) and will not have had a chance to feel out the ship yet at that point.
Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

[Crew News]

32 minutes ago, NewCruiser-2023 said:

T.......I've been told that the only no-no in terms of dress code in the MDR is no shorts during the dinner hour. I assume then that jeans, sport pants, capri pants, etc should be okay?
Also, does anyone reading this know what the expectations are in terms of dress code in the Pinnacle Grill? We've got reservations there our first evening (ALL other nights were booked-even though I was checking months in advance. Whoa) and will not have had a chance to feel out the ship yet at that point.
Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

You are correct on jeans, sport pants, and capri pants are acceptable in the MDR.  On Gala Nights, the MDR rquires a collared shirt and slacks for males.

 

No shorts in the Pinnacle Grill but almost all other casual clothing is acceptable.  Many wear sport jackets but are not required.

 

Here is a link to your MDR menus:  Alaska 7-Day MDR Menus

[NewCruiser-2023]

21 minutes ago, Crew News said:

You are correct on jeans, sport pants, and capri pants are acceptable in the MDR.  On Gala Nights, the MDR rquires a collared shirt and slacks for males.

 

No shorts in the Pinnacle Grill but almost all other casual clothing is acceptable.  Many wear sport jackets but are not required.

 

Here is a link to your MDR menus:  Alaska 7-Day MDR Menus

@Crew News Thank you for the dress code guidance! That is helpful for packing. And, wow, thanks for sending the MDR dinner menus.  I have already checked the dessert options for every night, hee hee.

[Crew News]

48 minutes ago, NewCruiser-2023 said:

@Crew News Thank you for the dress code guidance! That is helpful for packing. And, wow, thanks for sending the MDR dinner menus.  I have already checked the dessert options for every night, hee hee.

Dessert does not need to wait until dinner on the Koningsdam.  Pick up a few free almond cookies, with almond past centers, at the Grand Dutch Cafe.  While there, grab a free giant, chewy, chocolate chip cookie for emergency sweet needs.  There is a Gelato Bar by the indoor pool on Deck 9 if you like cold desserts.

 

There is also a Late Snack Buffet in the lido Market at 10:30 PM with more dessert selections:  Lido Market Late Snack 7-Day Menus

 

[NewCruiser-2023]

Good golly! All these options. I will definitely be a regular at the Grand Dutch Cafe 😄 And the Gelato Bar sounds intriguing. So in places like that where prices are posted, those are for purchase and not "included," right? Also, I'm a sucker for a pile of hot french fries, so that Late Snack line-up is exciting too.

 

Thanks for this!!

[Crew News]

28 minutes ago, NewCruiser-2023 said:

Good golly! All these options. I will definitely be a regular at the Grand Dutch Cafe 😄 And the Gelato Bar sounds intriguing. So in places like that where prices are posted, those are for purchase and not "included," right? Also, I'm a sucker for a pile of hot french fries, so that Late Snack line-up is exciting too.

 

Thanks for this!!

That is correct. 

 

Here is a link to the free NY Deli & Pizza located up the steps on the balcony overlooking the Deck 9 indoor pool:  NY Deli & Pizza

[Jenhilmc]

Those little almond cookies are great with a cup of coffee 

[Crew News]

17 minutes ago, Jenhilmc said:

Those little almond cookies are great with a cup of coffee 

[canadianbear]

@Crew News  are the milkshakes at the gelato bar included in the HIA?  

[NewCruiser-2023]

Good question! I'd like to know the answer to that one too 😁 I'd rather have a milkshake than a drink from the bar.

[canadianbear]

10 minutes ago, NewCruiser-2023 said:

Good question! I'd like to know the answer to that one too 😁 I'd rather have a milkshake than a drink from the bar.

It’s been a few years since on the Koningsdam but their milkshakes were delicious!   

[Crew News]

50 minutes ago, canadianbear said:

@Crew News  are the milkshakes at the gelato bar included in the HIA?  

It depends on who you ask. 

[canadianbear]

2 minutes ago, Crew News said:

It depends on who you ask. 

Darn. Lol. Guess I’ll find out in November!  You’d think it would-cheaper than getting an alcoholic drink. 🤷‍♀️

[NewCruiser-2023]

Agree!!

[afdds]

On 7/29/2023 at 7:20 PM, Crew News said:

You are correct on jeans, sport pants, and capri pants are acceptable in the MDR.  On Gala Nights, the MDR rquires a collared shirt and slacks for males.

 

No shorts in the Pinnacle Grill but almost all other casual clothing is acceptable.  Many wear sport jackets but are not required.

 

Here is a link to your MDR menus:  Alaska 7-Day MDR Menus

Wow thank you so much for the MDR file . Everything looks yummy!  I didn’t realize that you could pay extra for certain items.   This may seem silly, but what month should I check back for Kogingsdam Alaska 2024?  I’m just a little excited! Thanks again for the great information.