RoyalVisit

Carnevale great info for that cabin category as we were considering that deck....I think I will stick with deck 5 or 6 aft....

There is a photo on this review which might also assist. Note the Deck 4 extended balconies are partially covered, partially open. We've booked one of these for our upcoming cruise and I'm really looking forward to it because we prefer a quieter space than the crowded pool areas.

https://hideousjourneys.com/2016/12/28/holland-america-line-ms-koningsdam-ship-tour/#more-12280

A friend from San Diego and I are taking our second Holland America cruise on this ship, which leaves Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

 

Just wondering about other LGBT travelers coming along.

Hi Gary,

My husband and I are on this cruise. Really looking forward to it. Heading to Disney for about a week before the cruise. We haven't been to Disney in 10 years so it is about time :)

My second cruise on HAL, first for my husband.

Scott

My blog from our Dec. 4-14, 2016 Koningsdam Caribbean cruise. Had a fantastic time!

 

http://travelingwithsue.blogspot.com/2016/12/2016-dec.html

 

Lots of beaches and snorkeling. Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed living it!

Thank you for your informative blog! greatly enjoyed it and the photos were useful too! can't wait to get onboard now! :)

Medical emergencies happen on every line and frequently. My parents were on a Carnival cruise recently and a very young girl died in the ship's pool. What is truly disgusting is the stories I heard about how many passengers stood around, took photos and videos and watched the medical team trying to revive her. Instead of getting out of the way and area, they stood there like it was a car accident and watched. A child died for god's sake, some people have simply lost their decency.

Enjoy your cruise! May I ask you to post a review of the ship and your cabin when you return? Any information would be most appreciated. Really looking forward to our first Europe cruise!

Certainly will! I don't think I'll be reviewing "live" from the ship like some others do but after I return I will be. :)

We booked cabin 4020. The price was unbelievably appealing, even in Canadian dollars. I'm sure we'll enjoy this cabin and I'm also sure that we'll enjoy Koningsdam!

Good choice! we are in the same area for our January sailing. We purchased our cruise through Costco Travel Canada. Have fun!:)

We're considering one of these VF cabins with the very large balcony. 4015 to 4020 are available at a good price. If you've stayed in any of these cabins or if you have any photos of the balcony, I would so appreciate your advice.

 

This would be for a 14 night Med cruise and we are currently booked in a CQ and can upgrade for a total of $800.00.

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Those staterooms are the same as VB cabins on the same deck in regard to the balcony size which is 113sq ft instead of the regular 45 sq ft.

Have good pictures of the new 7 day menus, but can't post them properly.

Maybe try putting them in a Word doc and then save that as a PDF? not sure if this would work.

Do men still wear tuxes on gala nights? We have a 14-night Caribbean cruise coming up and are unsure about how dressed up people get. Any suggestions?

My advice: a dapper gentleman will never be out of place in a tux on a Gala Night. Better to be overdressed than underdressed. I own a tux but haven't traveled with one since my first cruise. For me it's more about luggage requirements and excess baggage fees. I do however always wear a suit on formal/Gala nights...except on Carnival...because wearing only a collared shirt seems somehow disrespectful to the crew who always look spiffy and the other passengers who make an effort and want the classy experience. A collared shirt is ok on Carnival because of the diversity among the guests but on a higher price point, I think a little effort goes a long way. Go ahead call me a snob...I'll wear it proudly when the mood strikes me. There isn't a right or wrong answer...there is the best answer....do want makes you happy.

Unlike some of the other commentators, I won't suggest that it's my way or the highway.

I just think a little effort makes the experience more enjoyable and memorable. Now having said that, dinner on the balcony wearing a bathrobe seems equally enjoyable if that's what floats your boat.

I hate to see any piece of history desecrated.

 

so sad, but your posts are keeping all of us enjoying :)

We saw the statue when we were in Martinique and if I remember correctly, the beheading had to do with Josephine's family having owned slaves. There is also doubt on whether her birthplace is Martinique or St. Lucia.

I booked on this promotion. Their was no "past guest promo" available last night when I was chatting.

 

I am going to call on Monday to have my booking transferred over to Costco (this is new territory for me), and it gets us 2 x $165 shipboard credits on the OV rooms and a $475 shipboard credit on the SS in addition to the gratities and prepaid beverage cards.

We booked through Costco Travel Canada. Our Costco rate is $200CAD less overall than the Cybersale and we received $190USD in OBC. No Explore4 but that's fine for us as I don't drink and my better half only has an occasional glass of wine. Costco often offers store giftcards too. Good luck!

Every charge against your room bill, including the hotel service, can have your OBC used on it. The only exception is cash for gambling.

This is exactly what I was told when I called HAL last week to clarify what the OBC could be used for. We have an OBC from Costco Travel Canada and the shareholder benefit.

That is amazing! After our Day 1 issue we went to the Front Desk with written comments on how we are doing. I forgot to mention that when we left the MDR we went to the NYD&P and ordered two sandwiches. We were the only customers ordering sandwiches and it took another 30 minutes to make. Not a good start. Back to the front desk. The clerk said we would be contacted immediately concerning our issues. Two days passed with no response. I finally went back to the MDR during breakfast and asked to speak with the Restaurant Manager. To make a long story shorter, he assigned us at Table 29, table for 2, and said we would have no further problems. He was right. We dined in the MDR three more nights including two Gala and were in and out each night in one hour.

Interesting perspective on the table for 2. Our upcoming cruise on the Koningsdam will be our first time with open seating and we always prefer a table for 2. We are also vegetarians. I doubt we will dine that early (5:15pm) so we will hopefully avoid the early dining rush. I also don't understand why people with set dining times congregate at the entrance when they know they have an assigned table. It's not like going to the Main Dining Room is the latest attraction at Disney World!:D

We are considering two different cruises on the Eurodam. One stops in Ocho Rios and the other in Montego Bay. Which port do you prefer and why? Thanks so much!!

Jamaica can be an a lovely experience or an unfortunate one. We skip over cruises that include Jamaica as a port. I've stayed in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios as well as Negril. Personally, I find them both lacking in good cultural experiences and decent attractions. Jamaicans have a way to go to learn how important it is to maintain their heritage and attractions if they want to attract tourists. I also didn't enjoy being hounded by sellers in most places that you go. Dunns River Falls (Ocho Rios) was interesting to see when I was in my 20s as was the Martha Brae River near Montego Bay but you'll get hounded by sellers at Dunns River Falls particularly near the entrance. To sum up, Jamaica for me is a "stay on resort" kind of beach vacation. If it was my choice, I'd stay onboard the ship.

On any cruise with a couple of thousand passengers, there are about 300 who complain about something, and about 100 who complain about everything. To the 100, why do you bother (spend all that money)??

We enjoyed forty days on the K immensely. Minor nits, but nothing to write home about.....

Absolutely agree! Everyone is entitled to their opinion but if traditional HAL cruisers don't like the new ship then cruise on the other ships in the HAL fleet. We've been on small and large ships with RCL and yes the experience is different so cruisers should keep the minds open to new experiences.

We recently posted a new thread about the latest US News and World Report rankings. Among the HAL ships the Koningsdam rated near the bottom of the heap. The negatives just keep on coming and what is troubling is that the K'Dam is the model ship for the future of HAL.

 

Hank

The "negatives" are just opinions. Many seem to forget that the Koningsdam is not a traditional HAL ship and was designed to appeal to a wider audience. For example, we are both around 40 yrs old and wouldn't likely have considered HAL but the new ship appealed to us. I'm looking forward to the variety of music onboard. I also cruised on the Maasdam years ago and had a good experience with my parents.

What is size of balcony on Konigsdam? Do they move up in size by class, location etc. or are all balncony rooms the same size? Please comment on closet space.

They vary on location. For example, categories VB and VF on Deck 4 have larger balconies. Some V category cabins on Deck 5,6,7 and 8 also have slightly longer balconies because of their location.

The normal balcony size is around 45 sq feet and the larger ones (like VB and VF on Deck 4) are 113 sq ft.

I guess that means we might be the "only gay in the village."

I understand the reasoning though! I checked the pricing today, the same category and same date is now $1300 Canadian dollars more than what we paid!

Hope you have a great cruise anyway!

52 days until we go to Disney World! :)

58 days to the cruise! :D

The cruise (Oct. 12- Nov. 9) we just did was wonderful and the K ship is simply spectacular. Yes it is large but it is also colourful, modern and high tech (we already miss the very large flat screen interactive television). The novelties she offers, the many eating venues, the great service, the delicious food (never had any bad meals)...all this made us feel young and alive.

 

It is the perfect ship if you are not mobility challenged and open to change and to the future.:D

 

The captain said that it contains 80% more technology than any other HAL ship.

 

You can find your photos in the photo gallery using the face recognition system, you open your cabin door by tapping your card, you can pour your own beer with a computerized beer dispenser, you can order custom pizzas or deli sandwiches at the New York Deli.

 

The Dutch café, the Sel de mer, the Tamarind, the high tea in the 2 story Queens lounge with the 3-tier plate full of delicacies, the great decor, the wonderful staff.

 

Each deck stair landings is decorated with wonderful museum quality pictures and artifacts.

 

The musical shows at the Lincoln center are one of a kind, very professional.

 

Not to mention the 200 degrees screen behind the stage in the world stage show room that made MUSICOLOGY and FROZEN PLANET (BBC collaboration) real gems to watch and rewatch (we went twice on our b2b cruises). All other HAL shows are pale in comparison.

 

The ship is truly exciting and we have are planning another cruise on her already.

 

If you like small ships and do not want to walk, do not go. If you are mobile and open to the 21st century, try her,:):):)

Thank you for sharing your insight! We booked the January 8th sailing and are very much looking forward to it. After enjoying the week prior at Disney World, I won't even notice the other passengers!

Very happy to hear HAL has changed their smoking policy....no longer able to smoke on verandahs period. New policy begins in January 2017 and our cruise is one of those listed!:)

Found this earlier. Not sure where it went. FWIW::rolleyes:

New Smoking Policy For Holland America

 

NEW SMOKING POLICY

 

Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is already not permitted in any stateroom. We are announcing this new policy to better align with guest wishes and health concerns.

 

http://f.e.hollandamerica.com/i/41/1010169812/Smoking_Policy.pdf

 

September 29, 2016

 

Holland America Line will implement a new smoking policy beginning in January 2017. No smoking of any kind will be permitted on any stateroom verandah. Smoking of cigarettes, cigars and pipes is already not permitted in any stateroom. The new policy has been announced to better align with guest wishes and health concerns. The new smoking policy takes effect on all ships on the following dates (as well as any combination cruise spanning these dates):

 

SHIP NEW SMOKING POLICY BEGINS

 

ms MaasdamJanuary 2, 2017

 

ms RotterdamJanuary 2, 2017

 

ms VolendamJanuary 3, 2017

 

ms NoordamJanuary 4, 2017

 

ms VeendamJanuary 4, 2017

 

ms ZuiderdamJanuary 4, 2017

 

ms Nieuw AmsterdamJanuary 6, 2017

 

ms EurodamJanuary 7, 2017

 

ms WesterdamJanuary 7, 2017

 

ms KoningsdamJanuary 8, 2017

 

ms ZaandamJanuary 10, 2017

 

ms OosterdamJanuary 13, 2017

 

ms AmsterdamApril 26, 2017

 

ms PrinsendamMay 6, 2017 For guests who wish to smoke, the designated smoking areas for all ships are as follows unless otherwise noted:

 

Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars and pipes)

 

Permitted Outdoors •Sea View (Retreat) Bar/Pool on starboard side. On ms Prinsendam, ms Koningsdam and ms Nieuw Statendam, smoking allowed on the port side. Smoking is never on both sides.•Sun Bar on ms Koningsdam and ms Nieuw Statendam.

 

•• Sports Deck forward and aft of Crow’s Nest on starboard side on ms Maasdam,

 

ms Veendam, ms Volendam, ms Zaandam, ms Rotterdam and ms Amsterdam, aft of

 

Crow’s Nest starboard side.

 

Permitted Indoors

 

• Oak Room on ms Noordam only.

 

• Designated areas for active slot players in Casinos. ms Oosterdam and ms Eurodam

 

casinos are completely non-smoking, however.

 

Not Permitted:

 

Inside all staterooms/suites.

 

On any stateroom/suite verandahs.

 

E-cigarettes and Vaping devices

 

Permitted:

 

Inside all staterooms/suites.

 

Designated smoking areas listed above.

 

Not Permitted:

 

On any stateroom/suite verandahs.

 

Other public areas.

 

Any guest who smokes inside staterooms or verandahs in violation of our policy will be

 

charged a US$250 cleaning fee per day of violation and will risk being removed from the ship

 

for repeated violations.

 

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fboards%2Ecr

 

uisecritic%2Ecom%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Fp%3D51197349&share_tid=2408006&share_fid=24703&share_type=t&share_pid=51197349

 

 

Ken Skelly

I know this won't be popular for everyone but I applaud HAL for this decision and I'm very pleased to see our cruise on this list!

Which date in January? We sail the 29. There was no roll call started so I started one. I also noticed the January 8th roll call was busy.Hopefully people will join. Cathy

Jan 8th

Thanks, and do enjoy your cruise

I'll be watching out for comments from you on your return. (there seems to be a lot of -ve comments around. Pity)

Sailing from where to where??

Kind regards

Ron Smith NZ

It's an Eastern Caribbean roundtrip Fort Lauderdale to Half Moon Cay, St Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk. All the ports are repeats for us so for us this is really about the HAL experience and the new ship. I haven't been on HAL since 2001. I take all the comments with a grain of salt. Traditional HAL passengers are adjusting slowly to the changes. HAL is trying to appeal to a young audience. We're 38 and 41 so for us, the peaceful and classier style appeals to us. We have not been on any of the very large ships, I guess the largest would be the RCL Voyageur and CEL Constellation. I'm not liking what I am seeing as far as the Harmony, Anthem and Allure goes. Seems like a massive amount of people so it will be interesting to see how the Koningsdam compares.

Thanks for that, sounds OK

We booked a little late it seems, so there wasn't much choice for inside cabins

Do you have any idea what would surround the cabin. Seems to be a blank area on 3 sides

Regards

Ron

Having not cruised on the Koningsdam yet (we go in January) I'm not exactly sure but looking at the deck 3 plan, it appears your cabin will be above the atrium and guest services. I would guest it is simply a crew area such as for storage or supplies. There are no laundry areas on the Koningsdam so it's not that.

We're booking on Deck 4 too but a verandah towards the bow.