The Koningsdam, a Pinnacle-class ship from Holland America Line, delivers a sophisticated holiday for up to 2,650 passengers. Launched in 2016 and refurbished in 2023, this vessel blends sleek design with nautical tradition, creating a welcoming atmosphere for couples and families. \
Guests can anticipate a holiday blending relaxation and enrichment. Days offer cooking classes, spa treatments, or pickleball, while evenings feature live music, comedy, or fine dining. The ship’s mid-sized design feels uncrowded, except at peak buffet times, and the crew’s attentiveness creates a warm atmosphere. Family-friendly activities like Club HAL ensure kids are entertained, while adults enjoy refined spaces like the Crow’s Nest or Tamarind. The focus on culinary and cultural experiences suits those seeking a sophisticated cruise with modern touches.
Reception Areas: Elegant and Social
The Atrium, spanning Decks 1 to 3 with a striking crystal globe sculpture, greets guests with a light-filled, open space. Guest services and shore excursion desks on Deck 2 offer efficient assistance, while the adjacent Grand Dutch Café serves Dutch-inspired snacks and coffee for a fee. Ocean Plaza on Deck 3 provides a relaxed lounge with sea views, live music, and trivia games, fostering a social hub. The ship’s intuitive layout and clear signage ensure easy navigation.
Dining: Diverse and High-Quality
Koningsdam’s dining options cater to a range of tastes. The Dining Room, across Decks 2 and 3 with wake views, serves daily-changing menus with open seating for breakfast and lunch, and fixed or flexible dinner via the Navigator app. The Lido Market buffet on Deck 9 offers international dishes, though some guests note crowding at peak times. Casual options include Dive-In for gourmet burgers and New York Deli & Pizza for thin-crust pies. Specialty dining features Pinnacle Grill for steaks, Rudi’s Sel de Mer for seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine, and Canaletto for Italian fare. The Culinary Arts Centre offers cooking classes, and a Morimoto pop-up adds fresh seafood.
Entertainment: Engaging and Varied
The ship’s entertainment keeps guests entertained throughout their journey. The World Stage, with a 270-degree LED screen, hosts Broadway-style shows, BBC Earth concerts with live music, and dance performances by Step One Dance Company, though some guests report inconsistent quality. The Music Walk on Deck 2 includes BB King’s Blues Club for soulful tunes, Rolling Stone Lounge for rock hits, and Billboard Onboard for duelling pianos, though recent feedback notes BB King’s shifting to karaoke some nights. Families enjoy Club HAL for ages 3–17 with crafts and games, while adults can try BLEND wine-making or visit the casino. The Crow’s Nest offers evening music with panoramic views, and pickleball courts add active fun.
Accommodation: Spacious and Modern
With 1,331 cabins across 12 decks, Koningsdam offers interior, ocean-view, verandah, and suite options. Standard cabins range from 228–420 square feet, with verandahs at 54–65 square feet. Family Ocean View staterooms accommodate up to five with two bathrooms, while Neptune Suites offer 510 square feet and private lounge access. Solo cabins cater to single travellers, and Spa Verandah rooms include wellness perks. All cabins feature plush bedding, Elemis toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, though medication must be stored in the infirmary. Thirty-two wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity, but some guests note dim lighting in interior rooms.
Hospitality: Attentive and Professional
The crew’s courteous service, primarily Filipino and Indonesian, fosters a welcoming environment. Cabin stewards provide daily cleaning and towel animals, with complimentary 24-hour room service offering light meals. The Greenhouse Spa offers massages, a thermal suite with heated loungers, and complimentary sauna access, though passes cost $179 for a seven-day cruise. Staff at bars and dining venues maintain a friendly demeanour, though some guests report delays at guest services. Club HAL and teen lounges keep younger guests engaged, offering parents relaxation time, while Club Orange provides suite guests with priority perks and a private dining venue.
Standout Features
The World Stage’s wraparound LED screen enhances shows with stunning visuals. The double-deck Lido Pool with a retractable roof ensures swimming in any weather, and private cabanas offer a resort-like retreat for $85 daily. The Culinary Arts Centre’s cooking classes and five-course dinners with wine pairings are unique, while BLEND allows guests to craft their own wine. The Music Walk’s live music venues and the Morimoto pop-up add culinary flair. An onboard art gallery with Rijksmuseum lectures enriches the experience, and enhanced Wi-Fi ensures connectivity, though some guests report occasional slowdowns.
