Koningsdam - I'm Not So Sure

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

Like many HAL devotees , I've been watching with spellbound anticipation the building and introduction of the new Koningsdam. This ship is a complete departure from anything HAL has sailed before. I understand that companies must evolve to stay current and competitive. That said..... now that I'm able to see what the mostly finished ship looks like, I'm not particularly impressed with the interiors. The newly designed pool areas look amazing and that's about all. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished Crows Nest, so maybe there's hope. The caged treatment of the atrium is ugly and the seating nearby looks uncomfortable. The overhead changing lighting is over stimulating. Stairwell art seems randomly chosen and cheap. There is a video showing a corridor with windows on one side but the view out is obstructed by ridiculous curved metal, ect, ect.

 

I'm just curious and would love to hear from other members who what they think.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Myrtle Ave. Mayhem

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

I would follow LAFFNVEGAS' "Live From" thread as I am sure she will critique the ship and provide some photos. That may help you decide.

[KirkNC]

While I am withholding final judgement, I have not seen or heard much that excites me either. I was already concerned over her size, I want smaller not bigger. Then in reading Capt Alberts blog he talked about stainless steel instead of brass. Sounds like Celebrity's contemporary look, not HAL's brassy woody look. I am sure many will sail and enjoy her, just not sure we will be in that group.

[kelleherdl]

I agree with the OP's non-first person comments on the u-tube videos. Looked to me more like an RCCL or contemporary Carnival ship. I am sure Lisa will be able to give us a comparative review. While the renderings of the staterooms we have been shown are nice and elegant and in the HAL pattern, public areas do appear to be a distinct departure. But I am still looking forward to sailing her.

 

Dennis

[ellieanne]

While I am withholding final judgement, I have not seen or heard much that excites me either. I was already concerned over her size, I want smaller not bigger. Then in reading Capt Alberts blog he talked about stainless steel instead of brass. Sounds like Celebrity's contemporary look, not HAL's brassy woody look. I am sure many will sail and enjoy her, just not sure we will be in that group.

 

While I prefer the warmth of wood and brass, I can see using stainless steel, particularly in the areas of the Koningsdam that are supposed to represent stringed instruments.

 

Most of what I have read on this board about the Koningsdam is negative and declarations that the posters will NEVER, NEVER sail on it. Well, that makes it more appealing to me -- nothing is better than a near empty ship!

 

I really think everyone needs to reserve judgment. And remember that no-one is standing with a gun to our heads forcing us to sail on the Koningsdam, or any other ship!

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

Trying not to be negative......but are you looking at the total picture?

 

The total picture is the entire ship. From the bars to the clubs, the restaurants, the entertainment venue's, the cabins, and yes the atrium. Are you going to be spending that much time in the atrium versus the entertainment or dining venue's?

 

Coming from a large marketing department before I retired, I just know that a lot of time was spent by the designers and marketing department to determine how to maximize revenue and make money for the corporation.

 

And of course, keep their customers coming back and spending more and more.

[sppunk]

I'm more excited to sail her than any ship be ever sailed.

 

HAL has some fugly design that's dark and dreary. Koningsdam changes that, she looks amazing.

 

Bookings are crazy strong so HAL clearly read the market well.

[Boytjie]

I am sure similar feelings were expressed when the Zuiderdam was launched.

Anytime a new class of ship is launched it is met with a lot of resistance. It happened to QM2. And a lot of people that hated the idea of the Eurodam have become solid fans.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited April 7, 2016 by Boytjie

[SilvertoGold]

I haven't seen much but do need to look at those videos.

 

The one thing that struck me as strange was the whale bone design in the MDR.

Edited April 7, 2016 by SilvertoGold

[CruiserBruce]

Sorry, but to say you will never, ever sail on a ship because of a couple pictures is pretty picky and shortsighted, particularly as no one has actually sailed on K dam yet, IMHO.

 

If some one made that judgment after seeing a number of reviews from people who have actually seen the ship, that stated the K dam was ugly....that is a bit more reasonable. But based on a couple of pics, and absolutely NO first person experience? That is pretty, well...less than openminded.

 

And we will reserve judgment until we sail on her next March, for 21 days.

 

Flame away...

Edited April 7, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[RuthC]

I certainly understand the OP's reservations about this new ship. The reports of such a shift from traditional designs, the switch from brass to chrome, the shift in concept from what previous public rooms were for, all have raised a level of concern that the atmosphere will be the HAL I have loved for years.

 

I am looking forward to reports and (especially) pictures from the first few cruises, to review them with an open mind. I'll even continue with my plans to sail the Koningsdam (barring unforeseen circumstances). Hopefully, there will be more right about the ship than wrong.

But still, I can't help but wonder ....

[IRL_Joanie]

Like many HAL devotees , I've been watching with spellbound anticipation the building and introduction of the new Koningsdam. This ship is a complete departure from anything HAL has sailed before. I understand that companies must evolve to stay current and competitive. That said..... now that I'm able to see what the mostly finished ship looks like, I'm not particularly impressed with the interiors. The newly designed pool areas look amazing and that's about all. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished Crows Nest, so maybe there's hope. The caged treatment of the atrium is ugly and the seating nearby looks uncomfortable. The overhead changing lighting is over stimulating. Stairwell art seems randomly chosen and cheap. There is a video showing a corridor with windows on one side but the view out is obstructed by ridiculous curved metal, ect, ect.

 

I'm just curious and would love to hear from other members who what they think.

 

I'm totally ambivalent to the new ship. I've had no interest in her since she was first announced.

 

The photos are just OK to me and do not engender any wish to be on her in the least.

 

Sorry all, I Love HAL and could not wait for my first try of the Nieuw Amsterdam.....Hmmmmmmmm... could that experience be the reason? I was disappointed in how different she was from the Vistas.

 

IF there is an itinerary that Konigsdam will be doing in the time frame and decent prices, as opposed to a Vista doing that same itinerary, I might, just might, think about tring her then. But any time soon...Nope.

 

Our PCC/Dear Friend is either on her now or will be boarding her for her very 1st voyage and then ac ross the pond on her TA. She has promised to tell me all the goodies with photos. She knows my likes and dislikes, so I'm really looking forward to her thoughts.

 

Joanie

Edited April 7, 2016 by IRL_Joanie

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

Sorry all, I Love HAL and could not wait for my first try of the Nieuw Amsterdam.....Hmmmmmmmm... could that experience be the reason? I was disappointed in how different she was from the Vistas.

 

Our PCC/Dear Friend is either on her now or will be boarding her for her very 1st voyage and then ac ross the pond on her TA. She has promised to tell me all the goodies with photos. She knows my likes and dislikes, so I'm really looking forward to her thoughts.

 

Joanie

 

Joanie - I assume your going to change your mind about the K'dam? Why do I say that? According to your cruise listing history, you are preparing for your 4th time on the Nieuw Amsterdam. I just think its odd that your going on the 4th cruise that "I was disappointed in"! Must be such a disappoint for you!

[frankc98376]

I've always loved the woods, brass, and antiques on HAL ships. I remember when Statendam was launched I hated the garish colors, the big wall of video screens, and generally more of a Carnival look. She was toned down a lot in later years I guess but we never returned to her.

 

I'm waiting for first hand reports from Konongsdam before I form an opinion. I'm looking forward to Lisa's reports as she has always been very subjective.

[IRL_Joanie]

Joanie - I assume your going to change your mind about the K'dam? Why do I say that? According to your cruise listing history, you are preparing for your 4th time on the Nieuw Amsterdam. I just think its odd that your going on the 4th cruise that "I was disappointed in"! Must be such a disappoint for you!

 

Actually, I dislike the NA ONLY because of the Aft Wrap Verandahs being so much smaller than the Vistas. Well, also the decor is to, or should that be too, New York Art Deco for me. But other than those 2, nothing really wrong with her. Just my preference is for the larger Vista Aft Waps and more old world decor.

 

I actually dislike the Noordam more than NA and I've been on her 3 or so times.

 

As long as the ship is going somewhere I want to go, the time and price are right for me.... BUT...I cannot say the same for any of the smaller R or S class ships. As far as I am concerned they will be my last choice because they do not have aft wrap verandahs. Am aft wrap verandah is my "Penthouse" and I have no wish to sail on a ship without one:)

 

The only reason we have 2 more cruises scheduled on NA is because our PCC/Dear Friend is going to be on her with us, both this month and next year:) She convinced us to go with her. Of course she did not have to twist our arms to hard:D

 

Joanie

[jvalentine]

Well, I'm excited to sail on the Koningsdam. I'm glad they incorporated new dining options like Sel de Mer and the Grand Dutch. The whole design is new and fresh, much more bright and open...I like it. I also still like the older ships too, but that doesn't mean I think this one is bad or a horrible decision. Everyone has their own preferences and all, so not every ship will appeal to each and everyone out there. However, all that said...I'm literally counting down the days till I can hop aboard the new ship!

Edited April 7, 2016 by jvalentine

[Karennella]

We will be on her in about four weeks and I cannot say I like what I have seen of the interiors. But that does not change my desire to do the cruise.

It seems to be very ornate by our standards; contemporary design here tends more to the minimalist and carpet (even though I prefer it) is very much out of fashion. So to me it looks like a casino or an RSL club (Aussies know what I mean) But it should look much different when everyone is aboard.

[ellieanne]

We will be on her in about four weeks and I cannot say I like what I have seen of the interiors. But that does not change my desire to do the cruise.

It seems to be very ornate by our standards; contemporary design here tends more to the minimalist and carpet (even though I prefer it) is very much out of fashion. So to me it looks like a casino or an RSL club (Aussies know what I mean) But it should look much different when everyone is aboard.

 

I think it looks much better than most RSL Clubs I've seen. Definitely more modern than any RSL Club.

 

I don't choose my cruises based on the ship. If I did I would not be going on my upcoming cruise, as it's on a Vista Class ship and I do not like the layout of the Vista Class ships.

 

Instead I choose cruises based on itineraries -- this upcoming cruise is going places I want to go. And if the Koningsdam has a cruise that goes where I want to go or when I want to go there, I will book it. And if the nay-sayers on this board do not want to book the ship, well, more cabin, deck chair, and Crow's Nest seat choice for me. It's a win-win.

[mancunian]

We are going on her on 27th April and I will report back. She is very large for us, but we thought that of the Nieuw Amsterdam and we loved her. I really prefer the smaller ships but now being somewhat disabled we have decided we need a verandah in future and the smaller ships are just too expensive for us.

 

I have been following Captain Albert's blog with all his photos and the only thing I must admit I am not keen on is the art which is definitely not my cup of tea. Oh, and the other thing is they have abolished the cinema. We are not big on the theatre on ships - too noisy and too many flashing lights but we do enjoy a night at the cinema, and the seats on NA are so comfortable.

[Krazy Kruizers]

So far we are not impressed with the pictures we have seen of the Koningsdam.

 

I will be following Laffnvegas's "Live" thread.

[cruiserzoid]

Looks like they got Park West to supply their artwork. Really did not any artwork like on the other vessels; but, we only saw what has been shown. Maybe there is better artwork somewhere.

[KirkNC]

Sorry, but to say you will never, ever sail on a ship because of a couple pictures is pretty picky and shortsighted, particularly as no one has actually sailed on K dam yet, IMHO.

 

If some one made that judgment after seeing a number of reviews from people who have actually seen the ship, that stated the K dam was ugly....that is a bit more reasonable. But based on a couple of pics, and absolutely NO first person experience? That is pretty, well...less than openminded.

 

And we will reserve judgment until we sail on her next March, for 21 days.

 

Flame away...

 

Who in the previous nine posts said they would "never, ever sail on her"? As I stated, my prejudice begins with size, don't need to sail her to understand that. I have sailed bigger ships and had great cruises but for us right now, we prefer smaller more intimate ships.

[CruiserBruce]

Who in the previous nine posts said they would "never, ever sail on her"? As I stated, my prejudice begins with size, don't need to sail her to understand that. I have sailed bigger ships and had great cruises but for us right now, we prefer smaller more intimate ships.

 

I would have quoted someone who has said it in this thread. There have been, as alluded to by others here, several on other threads, who have said they would never sail on K dam. This sort of thought is part of what is causing the OP's (of this thread)thought process.

[hunt182644]

Setting here sipping my morning coffee, I find some of the comments quite amusing. Reminds me of comments some people make about hotel rooms, they are not happy unless the room has a view, or is large or whatever it takes to make them happy. We have cruised with three different lines over the years. My main concerns on a cruise, comfy bed, good food, entertainment, ports, and the fact that we are on vacation. All of the nit picking that is going on about various aspects of design, pictures, so on and so on. I feel that some people have way to much time on their hands and let to many trivial things bother them. This is my opinion and others are certainly entitled to theirs.:)

[Lady Arwen]

We'll be on K'Dam in November and I'm very excited! Seeing the photos, I must say that some of the art I don't love....but I'm not buying it, so not an issue. Some areas are very similar to Celebrity S class, which I personally love.

 

I actually like the fact that HAL is stepping out of the box and doing something different with this ship. Yes, the brass and wood is nice, but it was getting predictable. I'm willing to bet that most people who are fortunate enough to sail K'Dam will change their opinion.

 

For those of us that are very happy to be sailing K'Dam......have a fabulous cruise....I know I will!