Live Review Koningsdam Feb 17-March 23, 2024. Hawaii/Tahiti

[BermudaBound2014]

Came back to the cabin to find more flowers! Overwhelmingly, the people on this cruise are simply the best!!! 
 

Back at the pier in Moorea, I noticed an elderly lady who was clearly very confused. She was really struggling to find the right HAL tour bus (it was confusing). Poor thing almost had tears in her eyes so I did what any decent human would do and found her bus and then escorted her to it. Took all of 5 minutes.

 

She found me in the hall a few days ago and thanked me again (wasn’t necessary). Then she asked my room number and I gave it to her not thinking too much about it. 
 

 

 

[BermudaBound2014]

On 3/17/2024 at 1:55 PM, yellowjacket_cruiser said:

They do not record the port talks or the presentations/speakers and have them on the stateroom TV. This is really inconvenient since for the port talks there were no seats available and they were in the afternoon before our pool time was over. And the prerecorded port overviews are not very accurate for the less visited ports. Anyway, this seems an easy upgrade that is already available on most other cruises I have been on. 

 

On 3/17/2024 at 5:28 PM, Shears5055 said:

I agree…also the World Stage Productions…not always convenient to attend but wouldn’t mind watching at my convenience let alone those that are quarantined to their stateroom.

 

You two are preaching to the choir. The lack of information repeated on the tv is one of my biggest niggle of this cruise.

 

It is possible that step one production is copyrighted, but there is absolutely no way that the cruise directors port talks can’t be repeated on the tv. She doesn’t even have a slide show (just a single map). Every other cruise line manages to repeat things on TV so we can watch at our leisure. Whatever the obstacle, I have faith that HAL could figure it out if they really wanted. 

[BermudaBound2014]

3 hours ago, pa_snowbird said:

@BermudaBound2014 how much do they charge you for a spa day pass?

 

$49.99

[ljgordon54]

@BermudaBound2014 you just don’t know how much a little thing like helping that woman means; not only to her but to the people who love her. I haven’t gotten to the “frustrate/confused old lady” yet, but my mother who loves to be out among people has. Her children cherish that there are people who take a minute to ensure she is ok. Bless you.

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

 

$49.99

@Snowbird and that fee can be deducted from the spa full cruise rate if you decide to upgrade, so you're not paying $xx + $49.99.

[danogg]

@Riversedge what is the itinerary for the 28 Coral Triangle cruise?

[Riversedge]

36 minutes ago, danogg said:

@Riversedge what is the itinerary for the 28 Coral Triangle cruise?

Here you go

 

[BermudaBound2014]

Rhonda asked me to send out one more reminder. 
 

Slot Pull

10:30 am

Tomorrow

Wednesday 20th

 

please bring $15 in exact change. 

[AryMay]

5 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:

You are correct about the activities schedule. Doodling is better than the Dam Dots they have twice a day. It’s literally connect the numbered dots on a sheet of paper 🤣. I think many people go for socializing but these activities are definitely low budget.  🤣😃

Not sure if the “art instructor” is the same gal that was on the previous cruise, but she did very little instructing (she sat and read a book during one watercolor class.) I went to the Dam Dots session out of curiosity and couldn’t believe it when she handed out dot-to-dot sheets with literally about 300 numbered dots to connect! The numbered dots were so tiny I couldn’t even begin to see them let alone connect them! 
 

I was a bit surprised however when I went to the Adult Coloring class and sat next to a guy who was a professional colored pencil artist! I felt very self-conscious and tried my best to color inside the lines! 😆

[bennybear]

On 3/15/2024 at 6:57 PM, BetsyS. said:

Canadianbear - Thanks for your reports and great pictures! 😊

       Are you and bennybear related?

Great question!  Only by country and love of bears! 
 

@BermudaBound2014 loving your reports!  

[yellowjacket_cruiser]

My husband and I were invited to a Mariner lunch today. We are only 2 stars so we were surprised. There was champagne, filet mignon and sea bass. The captain and other officers were there. It was very nice. I recommend attending if you receive an invite. Also the crew talent show this morning was really nice. I enjoyed it very much, mostly I enjoyed how much fun the crew was having doing the performance. 

[Haljo1935]

2 hours ago, AryMay said:

....I was a bit surprised however when I went to the Adult Coloring class and sat next to a guy who was a professional colored pencil artist! I felt very self-conscious and tried my best to color inside the lines! 

That might be more pressure than I can handle during vacation.🙄🥴

[00649]

On our recent Antarctic cruise they had the same issue with the lectures and no seating. They then recorded them and we could watch on our room tv any time.Worked out perfect.

[BermudaBound2014]

22 hours ago, ljgordon54 said:

@BermudaBound2014 you just don’t know how much a little thing like helping that woman means; not only to her but to the people who love her. I haven’t gotten to the “frustrate/confused old lady” yet, but my mother who loves to be out among people has. Her children cherish that there are people who take a minute to ensure she is ok. Bless you.

Thank you. Very sweet of you to say. I do my very best to operate from a place of kindness (not to be mistaken for weakness, because after all, this girl was born in Detroit 💪). 
 

IMO- Empathy is the key to connection and connection is they key to living one’s best life and i am hell bent to live my very best life!! When it’s all said and done we are all in this together-

 

Edited March 20 by BermudaBound2014

[BermudaBound2014]

Not much to report other than there was dishwasher on fire in the middle of the night!! Apparently an

Announcement was piped into the cabin just after midnight. It was quickly extinguished and the whole thing was over in about 5 minutes but so much for my quick reflexes and keen senses and as I didn’t hear a thing and slept right through all 3 announcements 🤷‍♀️

 

Last night they had another “fun night” at the lido. Very low budget carnival type games (ladderball, corn hole, ring toss, etc…). You played against a fellow passenger and whomever won got a ticket and chance to win HaL swag. Music was playing on speakers. Even though it was low budget, we had some laughs and I’m glad they did it. Now, if they could just play the music and instead of bringing out the games leaving the deck open for an open air dance floor at night that would be perfect (and wouldn’t cost a dime). Lord knows they don’t show movies outside every night and we’ve spent 35 days looking at a drop of water on “unused” big screen. 

 

Permission to dance class is filled everyday at 10 am. MaNY of us would come to another dance later in day. My one complaint on this ship is lack of fun/active things to do. How many times can a girl listen to a talk on Einsteins theory of relativity? For me, the answer is zero; but my understanding is that those talks were standing room only.  Again, should be repeated on the TV.  But given the numbers at dance and tai chi- I suspect  things for those of us who want to be active would also be well attended. If HAL ever wants to rid themselves of their “cruises for nearly dead” reputation, they really do need to up their game. 

 

 

Oh- We know that the technology is possible to stream on the tv because today they are repeating the crew show all day (it broadcast with no sound yesterday).  

 

The sea is still glass but It is significantly cooler outside. Not at all cold, but we are obviously no longer in the tropics. We are still a full 3 days before San Diego and I expect it will continue to cool off. Current weather for Saturdays arrival 63 and rain (boo hiss). 

 

This trip has been one of extreme temp changes. It was cold first few days out of San Diego (high 50s and a very brisk wind). I needed a zip up hoodie and long sleeves to comfortably be outside. The FP islands were hot hot hot! I will not be booking any land tours next year as French Polynesian has a heat index set at “take off all your clothes.” As always, Hawaii was just right (said in my best three little bears impression). 

 

I’m officially sick of eating. Yesterday I ate a croissant for breakfast, grilled cheese w tomato from the deli for lunch, and three spicy chicken wings from the deli for dinner. TMI but my point is I ate in entirety from the deli menu (outside where I have less chance to come in contact with covid). 

 

I had reservations for Tamarand but cancelled them. The last thing I need to do  is spend $42 for food that I just don’t want. Like any super responsible financial planner, I’m going to dump that cash into a slot machine instead and see how long it lasts. 

 

Side note, the spicy wings from the deli served after 9 pm are super good! I still have the gut of a teenager (to go along with a palette of a toddler). I can eat anything at anytime as evidenced by my ability to suck down 3 xtra spicy wings at 10pm sleep through a fire alarm at midnight. 

 

They have had three ice cream socials. It takes place at the gelato station but do not be fooled, it’s regular ice cream. However there is a plethora of toppings and dipped cones to choose from. The line wraps around the deck so get there early (or just walk inside and get a bowl from the lido with no line) :).

 

I did speak with the next cruise guy and we talked about all the things they have done for us due to this being a legendary voyage. Apparently the food budget was increased for us. Things like the ice cream social, lobster at the lido, etc… are supposedly all due to legendary voyage status. I do think that the quality of food has been exceptional. The best I’ve experienced post covid and some of  the best compared to precovid cruises too. 

 

Next year I am doing a 22 night (non legendary) Antarctica cruise in January, immediately followed by this 35 night legendary voyage so I will be able to make a direct comparison of things you can expect on legendary vs non legendary itinerary. For now, until you read of lobster tails being unloaded to the masses at the lido on the 7 day bus runs, it’s probably safe to assume this is a practice reserved for the “special” voyages. It is nice to be special. 

 

I just completed the very last dance class of the cruise. It was BY FAR my favorite activity onboard. Grant can’t do classes the next two days because it conflicts with a “life at sea presentation“ he is part of. WTH?? 

 

I’m just going to say it- whomever is making the activity schedule needs a new job. The dance class is VERY popular. It’s the only ship activity I look forward to and I suspect I’m not alone. Certainly the life at sea talk could be scheduled for anytime after 10:30 (when class finishes). There are wide blocks of time with nothing scheduled and then a bunch of “activities” all at 10 or 1 or 4 (and I use the term activities lightly). Having the orange party on a day when we all needed to get up for an excursion (and during the hottest part of the cruise), having a formal night before a port day when there are well over a dozen sea days to choose from, and canceling dance class with two full days left leads me to believe that whomever is making the schedule isn’t paying attention to guest feedback. Not the end of the world but absolutely room for improvement if Hal ever wants to shed the stereotype that their cruise are for the “nearly dead”. 

 

With that, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a little tear at the end of class today. Grant has single handedly saved me when it comes to onboard activities and I will miss him terribly. I won’t ever be able to do the electric slide without fondly remembering is open heart and good sense of humor. A true asset to HAL. He will make a fabulous cruise director one day!!

 

[BermudaBound2014]

Slot pull results from Rhonda-

 

36 people attended

$540 collected

 

Ended with $838 dollars!! 
 

Everyone got back $20 and the top 3 pullers got back $60!!

 

Had a great time, thanks to everyone who participated!!

 

Rhonda

 

 

 

Edited March 20 by BermudaBound2014

[Shears5055]

Just now, BermudaBound2014 said:

Slot pull results from Rhonda-

 

36 people attended

$540 collected

 

Ended with $838 dollars!! 
 

Everyone got back $20 and the top 3 pullers got back $60!!

 

Had a great time, thanks to everyone who participated!!

 

Rhonda

 

 

 

Thank you for stepping up and handling our slot pull.  Lots of fun and everyone became a winner!  

[ljgordon54]

@BermudaBound2014 I love your reports and I have to say that latest is the most negative. I do understand you still are happy enough to do it again. It never hurts to point out areas of improvement.

I wish I would get tired of eating—anytime anywhere!

I still can’t wait for our turn on that trip. Thanks for the information, enjoy deck 10.

Janet

[BermudaBound2014]

@ljgordon54 shoot- didn’t mean to come across as negative Nelly! I need to be more careful w my words. I don’t want to seem ungrateful for every moment of this amazing adventure. 
 

I try to point out areas w/room for improvement in all of my live reviews. I have never thought that glowing reports help anyone. They set unrealistic expectations for passengers and don’t give the cruise line a chance to improve. As with every other cruise sailing, there are areas that could be improved on the Koningsdam. Mostly entertainment options and in particular higher energy activities; but these are just little niggles in the grand scheme. And, of course, ymmv.

 

The food quality and service levels have been fabulous. I have not one suggestion to improve either of those categories (and those are two BIG categories). Of course, the islands are off the charts. I do believe we will have an incredible cruise next year :). 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 20 by BermudaBound2014

[Riversedge]

I would be extremely suspicious of anyone who only had wonderful, glowing things to say.  We all know the world is not perfect so I appreciate hearing both the negative and positive things.  I’m hoping that your posts will nudge all of us into pushing HAL for better entertainment opportunities.  It’s easy to tell that you are “living the life” right now.  Enjoy your last couple days.  And thank you for keeping us all informed and entertained!

[gourmetnotgourmand]

@BermudaBound2014 and others.

Thank you very much for all your information, updates, pictures, etc.

Where are my lobster tails?

Really enjoyed the cruise without being on it.

Regrettably I had to cancel due to my recent total knee replacement.

Recovery has been slow with a slew of Physio. Now finally able to walk some.

I loved all the comments.  Brightened many of my days.

Again, THANKS to all.

Ursula

[canadianbear]

@gourmetnotgourmand

just for you, photos of the lobster I’ve had during this cruise!  Some from dining room, Canaletto & Pinnacle.  
(sorry you had to cancel-I developed a knee problem on this cruise but could still snorkel thankfully). 

[crystalspin]

Hello to my erstwhile comrades!

Especially hand-crafters and @Homer88. Already thinking about next year's cruise...

 

How did the Hudson 1 & 2 work out? Did people continue to show up on sea days, especially the latter 7 or 8 days, whatever it was...

[Homer88]

@crystalspin for games- definitely worth reserving Hudson 1 now.  We had 12 people first couple days, then down to dedicated 6 Hand & Foot players for 2/3 of the trip. An increase of 4-6 on some days in last leg- but nice to have the option. The coffee, tea and water were nice, but not utilized fully and stopped when the Noro virus became significant around Hawaii time.  They offered it back for last 6 days, but I declined.  I had 70+ names, but I think Covid/Noro virus/ and other activities kept people concerned and occupied.  I don’t think anyone caught anything in the Hudson room.  I like to play bridge and ended-Up playing/attending the classes 10-1130 and 2-4 after the first 5 days.  Thanks to Kathy for bringing the games (H&F, Sequence & Rummikub) that I brought to share.

Lani handled the crafters, and doesn’t have internet- I’ll ask her to comment after she gets home.  I think we only need Hudson 1.  Easy to request, no charge.  We offered to give up Hudson 2, HAL didn’t need it, I guess.

Edited March 21 by Homer88
Clarify

[canadianbear]

Nice to come back from breakfast & find these on our bed.  They are larger than the other tiles we received previously.