Review of My Holland America Line's Koningsdam Cruise
Review of My Holland America Line's Koningsdam Cruise
Better late than never - it's been a while since I went on this trip, and here's my notes and tips for future cruise passengers.
A Rocky Start
Well, the start wasn’t perfect. Waiting in line for over three hours to board the ship was a frustrating way to start my vacation. Despite having everything in order with my online check-in, I was inexplicably sent to the back of the line again by the boarding agent, which further soured my mood. I didn’t even want to have my picture taken, which is (for most) part of the fun embarkation experience. By the time I finally made it onto the ship, my vacation spirit was off to a rocky start. And to make matters worst, the champagne I ordered for arrival wasn't there, adding to my initial disappointment.
First Impressions
Once I got settled, the room was a pleasant surprise. Though there were some signs of wear and tear, the space was comfortable. The bathroom and shower were more spacious than expected, and the balcony on the 4th deck (Beethoven) was impressively large. However, be mindful that some rooms on this deck have obstructed views due to the lifeboats. If you’re the type who gets anxious about lifeboats after watching Titanic, consider this when booking.
Dining Experience
Dinner on the first night was good, but long lineups were a recurring theme throughout the voyage (as they are on most cruises, as I’ve written about before). Luckily you could grab a pager from the check-in staff, go for a cocktail, and return when your table is ready. Wine service could have been more attentive; getting a second drink with the main course felt like a Herculean task. Service in the main dining room was generally slow, though the waitstaff were friendly and efficient to the point of being impersonal. As the cruise progressed, service speed improved slightly. Portion sizes were small but sufficient, and there was always the option to ask for more if needed.
Beverage Package Woes
I opted for the “Elite Beverage Package,” which includes an 18% gratuity. Despite this, signing drink receipts for every order felt like an unnecessary hassle. The “additional tip” line on each receipt added an awkward pressure to tip beyond the already included gratuity. Thankfully, most servers were understanding and didn’t push for extra tips. One exceptional server even skipped the receipts altogether, earning a well-deserved additional cash tip.1
On a positive note, the beverage staff made an effort to remember my preferences. For example, I had my margaritas made with Patron instead of regular tequila without any extra charge, and they remembered this preference throughout the cruise.
A Nod to Dutch Heritage
As a Dutch citizen living abroad, I appreciate Holland America Line's efforts to honor their heritage. The ship sails under the Dutch flag, and they do justice to this legacy with local snacks and food offerings. It’s a small touch that made me feel a bit closer to home while sailing the high seas.
Despite the initial setbacks, the cruise had its redeeming moments. The Koningsdam's charm lies in its commitment to service and heritage, which I hope will shine brighter in future voyages.
Departure Relief
Leaving the ship was a breeze compared to the embarkation ordeal. Disembarkation was smooth and quick, taking less than 15 minutes. A commendable end to what started as a rocky journey.
This cruise was one of the first to set sail after the Covid-19 pandemic, and Vancouver had only recently resumed allowing cruises. It's likely that the chaotic embarkation process was due to staff and systems adjusting to the new normal. While this doesn't excuse my frustration, I hope that by now the process has significantly improved. Rest assured, I'll be back to try again soon, optimistic for a smoother experience next time.
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One of my “cruise habits” is to bring extra cash to tip staff who went the extra mile a little extra. I usually make the rounds with “thank-you” envelopes near the end of the voyage, in addition to the included on-board gratuities.