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We were on the October 10th, 2021 sailing aboard Koningsdam....as her first sailing after the COVID cruise hiatus. The ship was sailing about 50% capacity and it was a wonderful experience for DW and I. The crew was incredible, and of course the ship was immaculate. Monterey was dropped, but that wasn't a surprise. I wouldn't hesitate to sail another California Coastal, and K'Dam is our new favorite BHB. It was great to be back to sailing again......the crew's mantra was 'Welcome Home'!

We are booked for the April 6th, 2024 sailing aboard Volendam. This will be our first time to sail through the Panama Canal. I am retiring in June of this year, and looking forward to longer cruises. I will be following along to hear Crew News thoughts about Volendam. Our first HAL cruise was in 1998 aboard Veendam, so looking forward to returning to a smaller HAL ship.

Thanks everyone for their thoughts and input. Looks like we will be sailing Volendam next year!

DW and I are looking to book a Full Transit Panama Canal Cruise for 2024. However, when I search for 2024 Panama Canal Cruises, I don't see any full transit cruises aboard Pinnacle Class ships. We are totally hooked on the Pinnacle Class ships. We love the dedicated Club Orange Dining Room, Grand Dutch Cafe, and New York Deli. Our first cruise was in 1998, aboard Veendam. Our first Alaska cruise was aboard Zaandam. We've sailed all 4 Vista Class Ships, and most of the Signature Class Ships. We've enjoyed all of these classes of ships, but, when we sailed aboard Koningsdam for the first time, it was like something clicked. We'd found the ship that fit us perfectly! Does anyone in the group have any inside information that might know if HAL is planning to offer any full transit Panama Canal cruises aboard a Pinnacle Class Ship anytime soon? Thanks, in advance, for your replies. Sam

I think the best drip coffee onboard HAL is the Rotterdam 1873 drip coffee in the Grand Dutch Cafe. And, the Heineken, on tap, is a good beer.

I think Pete hosts all of the Mixology classes and events. We saw him several time on Koningsdam during our Alaska cruise. He served us at the Whiskey tasting at 'Notes'. He's a really engaging guy!

Thanks Miss G, missed that. I guess there was some confusion about which ship the missing crew member was from. We appreciate the crew so much for their hard work and dedication to making sure your cruise is a memorable one.

There’s been another thread on CC reporting that a Koningsdam crew member has been reported missing and supposedly went overboard. Have there been any announcements, or talk among the other crew or passengers, to your knowledge?

We sailed aboard Koningsdam in June, and we docked at the Ore dock during our visit to Skagway.

Hello Steve4031, enjoying your updates....Erza is a gem! Please tell her that Sam & Cyndie say hello! We were aboard Koningsdam June 11 - 18. And if Kathy is still in the Neptune Lounge, you will love her, too!

Hey Pete, from what I'm reading on the Reykjavik Grapevine website, they are discouraging tourist from visiting the eruption site. They say that the hike in is very treacherous and long, and that the gasses from the eruption can be very dangerous...if not fatal.

Thanks for allowing us to follow along Pete! We had originally booked this cruise, but ended up cancelling and decided to do another land trip to Iceland instead. DW and I lived in Iceland in 1973, when I was attached to NAV STA Keflavik. You'll fall in love with Iceland. We've had the pleasure of returning to Iceland in 2018 and 2019.....then you know what happened after that. We're arriving in Reykjavik on August 27th and spending 14 days travelling around the country. You mentioned what foods to try on this trip, and we love the fish, lamb, and cheese in Iceland. But, it you want to really step out on a limb, try the hakarl....it's fermented Greenland shark. You can find it almost anywhere....and it's mostly tourists that try it......ONCE! Good luck on trip.....fair winds and following seas!

We arrived in Juneau June 13th aboard Koningsdam....had rain that visit, as well. From what I've viewed this season, Juneau seems to have had more rainy days that sunny ones....a little jealous, as we've been sweltering in 100+ degree heat and almost no rain since we returned home June 19th.

We traveled with a group of 6 in June, on Koningdam to Alaska. We had no trouble showing up for breakfast, or dinner, and getting a table for our group. However, I do believe that you can speak to the Club Orange dining room manager and they can reserve a table for your group, as well.

Only one?😝