janmitch

Thanks, all, for the quick replies.  We have plenty of points to spend and can get breakfast in the Concierge Lounge if there is one.  I looked at The Algonquin and liked it.  We usually like the Autograph hotels.  Keep those suggestions coming.  We really know nothing about New York and are excited to spend some time there.

We will be sailing from New York next year and arriving in the city a few days prior for sightseeing.  Since we have many Marriott points to use, we will definitely be staying in one.  I’d love to hear your recommendations for the best choice for us.  We’re in our 60’s, active, and plan to walk/take the subway to many sights.  Local friends told us to stay at the Marquis in Times Square, but now I’m not so sure.  It seems to be pretty bustling all the time.  Any suggestions?  TIA.  

I’ve sailed on both Koningsdam and Veendam and love them both for different reasons! Koningsdam was bright, shiny new when we sailed her in the Caribbean and we loved all the venues. Veendam is much smaller and cozy and we loved that about her. But, for your trip, I would not pass up being able to sail out of Venice. It is absolutely breathtaking. We sailed into Venice on Oceania a few years ago and I’ll never forget it. I fear we’ll lose the option of sailing in or out of Venice before long! :(

Whichever you decide, have a great cruise!

I’m not from Boston, but stayed at Marriott Long Wharf before our Veendam cruise last fall. We found several wine shops within walking distance. There also is a huge Walgreens on School Street that carries a variety of wines. Happy Sailing!

We sailed on Koningsdam last November with a large group. The room steward opened 2 of the dividers at our request. Please know that they have two sections and one is folded back on the other, so they really only open half-way. We did enjoy the balconies immensely!!

This is a new PG manager on Veendam. I believe his name is Petar. He said he'd only been there a couple of months. We found him very helpful and loved the service in the PG.

We got them on the Veendam in September.

We exchanged right on the ship. They were happy to do it and didn't charge a fee.

Be sure to visit the shops! Our favorite was Elements Bonaire, which makes the most beautiful blue glass jewelry! Everyone is our group bought something here or on Bonaire. Research before you go and you'll see what I mean.

Thanks so much! Just what I needed to know.

Sailing next month and our first stop in Canada is Halifax. Will I have an easy time finding an ATM to get some Canadian cash? TIA

We stayed at the Pinnacle several years ago. Ask for a high floor and a room ending in 19. They are the corner rooms with fabulous views! Enjoy!

Thanks for the detailed review! We are sailing on the Veendam in September from Boston to Montreal, spending time in both cities before and after. I'll bookmark your review for my research. Glad you had a good time. :)

We had a large group on the Nov. 13 Koningsdam cruise with a single friend across the hall from us in 6127. It is a TIGHT fit with the couch along the side wall. The TV was hung above the couch and the desk area at the end of the bed. She even said that the bathroom was tiny. She didn't spend a lot of time in the cabin.

Thanks so much for your report and all of the fabulous photos! We were on this itinerary on November 13, but our rainout day was Aruba! We thoroughly enjoyed the Koningsdam. Since it was ou first HAL cruise, we had no idea what to expect. Its just a beautiful ship!!

We were just on the Koningsdam this month. We had the drink package and in MOST bars and restaurants, the house Pinot Grigio was Zonin. In Canelletto, there were 2 under the $8 limit, but both were pretty bad. JMHO.

We CANNOT wait to step onto the Koningsdam on Sunday!!

We are planning to use this service in Fort Lauderdale for the first time in November. I have read here that the boarding passes given to you on the ship are not "real" boarding passes and you will have to print those at the airport. Could someone please clear this up for me? Thanks!

This is one of those times that you really don't need an excursion. We took the bus out many years ago and had lots of time to do what we wanted. It's a beautiful place and you won't want to hurry. 🏔

Thanks so much for the review and video. We're sailing on the Koningsdam in November in a Vista Suite, so I especially appreciate your cabin tour! Glad you enjoyed your cruise. 😀

Will we find slippers in our Vista Suite on the Koningsdam?

Thanks so much for all of the pictures!! We sail in November and our excitement is building. We have booked a Vista Suite on deck 6 and are really looking forward to sailing with our large group?

Safe travels and have a wonderful cruise!! I'll be following along and enjoying every minute with you. Every tidbit you blog will keep me going until our cruise on her in November! Jan

This is shown as "Voyage of the Koneheads" on the listing. What is your interpretation, does Koneheads apply to the whole roll call or only to Cruisinetta?

 

Roy

Not sure! It was called that by the time I booked and signed on to the roll call. Sorry I'm not more help!

Our FIRST Holland America cruise is:

Koningsdam

November 13, 2016

10 day Southern Seafarer

Going with a group of 12 cabins!