Holland America Koningsdam Cruise Experience

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MS Koningsdam Ship by a Dock
Credit: pexels.com, MS Koningsdam Ship by a Dock

Sailing on the Holland America Koningsdam is a treat for the senses. The ship's interior design, inspired by the Dutch Golden Age, features intricate wood carvings and ornate furnishings.

As you explore the ship, you'll notice the spacious staterooms, which range from 182 to 2,338 square feet. This variety caters to different tastes and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for all passengers.

One of the standout features of the Koningsdam is its culinary offerings. The ship boasts a range of dining options, including the Grand Dutch Café, which serves traditional Dutch cuisine.

Design and Features

The design of Holland America's Koningsdam is a true masterpiece. The ship's main entertainment venues, including the main theater and three stages and lounges, are centered on the lower decks. This layout offers a variety of live music genres to suit different tastes.

The ship's layout is also influenced by music, with dining establishments nearby catering to different purposes, such as a French bistro, an Italian restaurant, and a cooking demonstration venue. Dining options abound, making it easy to find something that suits your palate.

Koningsdam features a total of 1,331 passenger cabins across 12 decks, with 78.4% having an outside view and 68.5% having a balcony. This means you can enjoy stunning ocean views from the comfort of your own cabin.

Specifications

A luxury cruise ship docked at an urban marina with cityscape in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A luxury cruise ship docked at an urban marina with cityscape in the background.

The ms Koningsdam is a massive ship, measuring 297 meters (974 ft) in length and 34 meters (112 ft) in width. That's a big space to fill with passengers and crew.

The ship's gross tonnage is a whopping 98,863 tons, making it a substantial vessel. This is likely due to its large size and extensive amenities.

Here are some key specifications of the ms Koningsdam:

The ship's engines are quite powerful, producing 50.4 MW of power. This is impressive, especially considering its size.

The ms Koningsdam has 13 decks, providing ample space for passengers and crew. With 8 decks featuring cabins, there's no shortage of accommodations for those on board.

Design

Koningsdam's design is heavily influenced by music, with many of its features, decor, and entertainment options centered around this theme. The ship's main entertainment venues, including the main theater and three stages and lounges, are located on the lower decks.

The ship features a total of 1,331 passenger cabins across 12 decks, with 78.4% having an outside view and 68.5% having a balcony. This is a significant upgrade from previous Holland America Line vessels.

Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of Holland America Line cruise ship docked in Vancouver's harbor.

Koningsdam's design is also notable for its use of curves, with the Lido Pool area featuring cabanas and curves that give it a resort-like feel. The ship's designer, Adam D. Tihany, referred to the design as "sexy" and aimed to create a sense of surprise and delight around every corner.

The ship's Grand Dutch Cafe is a beautiful example of this design ethos, featuring the profile of narrow Dutch buildings, Delft blue colors, and bright flowers. It's a great place to discover and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack.

The ship's power system is also noteworthy, with a diesel-electric genset system that uses four MaK engines to produce a total output of 50.4 megawatts. This allows the ship to operate at an optimal service speed of 18 knots.

History

Holland America Line, the Seattle-based cruise company, has a rich history dating back to 1873 when it was founded as the Dutch-American Steamship Company in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing ms Koningsdam from Holland America

The company operated regular Transatlantic crossings between Holland and the Americas for over a century, until it was acquired by Carnival Corporation in 1989 for around EUR 530 million.

Holland America Line has a diverse range of assets, including the Westmark hotel chain in Alaska-Yukon, Worldwide Shore Services for warehouses and logistics, and the private island of Half Moon Cay in the Caribbean.

The company's history is marked by innovation, with the Koningsdam ship representing the new Pinnacle Class for Holland America Line, featuring a range of fleet-firsts, including two swimming pools and family oceanview cabins.

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Service History

Koningsdam made her maiden voyage from Rome on 20 February 2016, after re-positioning from the shipyard, calling in Dubrovnik, Corfu, Olympia, and Naples.

The maiden voyage was initially set for 19 November 2014, but was delayed due to the postponement of the ship's delivery, and eventually took place on 8 April 2016.

Koningsdam continued sailing European voyages before making her North American debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the fall of 2016, sailing round-trip Caribbean itineraries.

Cruise Ship Roaming on Body of Water
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise Ship Roaming on Body of Water

In early-2020, Koningsdam was still sailing round-trip Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale.

All cruises through fall 2020 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the cruise industry.

Koningsdam returned to cruising in October 2021, after a 19-month operational pause.

In December 2021, passengers were prohibited from disembarking in Puerto Vallarta after 21 crew members tested positive for COVID.

History: Construction and Ownership

Holland America Line was founded in 1873 as the Dutch-American Steamship Company in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The company operated regular Transatlantic crossings between Holland and the Americas until 1989.

In 1989, HAL was acquired by Carnival Corporation for around EUR 530 million.

Carnival Corporation is the current owner of Holland America Line, a Seattle-based cruise company.

HAL's assets include the Westmark hotel chain, Worldwide Shore Services, and Half Moon Cay, a Caribbean private island.

The Westmark hotel chain is located in Alaska-Yukon, offering accommodations and services to travelers.

White Cruise Ship on the Sea
Credit: pexels.com, White Cruise Ship on the Sea

Half Moon Cay is a private island in the Caribbean, providing a secluded getaway for cruise passengers.

HAL's acquisition by Carnival Corporation marked a significant shift in the company's ownership and operations.

The Westmark hotel chain and Worldwide Shore Services are just a few examples of HAL's diverse assets and business ventures.

Inaugural Itineraries 2016

In 2016, Koningsdam's inaugural cruise season started in the Mediterranean Sea with a 7-day "Premiere Voyage" roundtrip from Rome.

This was followed by a series of 12-day "Premiere Sailing" itineraries in April and May 2016.

Koningsdam's "Inaugural Cruise" was a 7-day roundtrip from Civitavecchia-Rome, visiting Croatia, Greece, Albania, Greece, and Italy.

The ship's first port of call was Dubrovnik, Croatia, a stunning medieval walled city.

From there, Koningsdam sailed to Corfu, Greece, a picturesque Greek island in the Ionian Sea.

The ship then visited Sarande, Albania, a charming coastal town with a rich history.

Koningsdam's next stop was Katakolon-Olympia, Greece, a historic site famous for the ancient Olympic Games.

The ship's final port of call was Naples, Italy, a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.

In November 2016, Koningsdam started its Caribbean cruise itinerary program, offering roundtrips from the USA to ports in the Bahamas, Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.

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Review

Cruise ship 'Rotterdam' moored in Rotterdam harbor under a cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise ship 'Rotterdam' moored in Rotterdam harbor under a cloudy sky.

The Holland America Koningsdam has a range of ship reviews that can give you a better idea of what to expect on your cruise.

The Koningsdam has a live voyage report with a review and video, which is a great way to get an inside look at the ship's amenities and activities.

If you're looking for more information, you can also check out the reviews for other Holland America ships, such as the Amsterdam, Eurodam, and Nieuw Amsterdam, which have live voyage reports as well.

Here are some of the Holland America ships that have reviews and live voyage reports:

These reviews can give you a better idea of what to expect on your cruise and help you make an informed decision when choosing a ship.

Staterooms and Accommodations

The staterooms on the Koningsdam are a great place to rest your head after a long day of exploring. Measuring 228 square feet, stateroom 11044 was capable of sleeping three, though I'd feel claustrophobic and crowded with a trio traveling with me in this room.

A large cruise ship sailing on the ocean near a scenic coastline under a clear blue sky.
Credit: pexels.com, A large cruise ship sailing on the ocean near a scenic coastline under a clear blue sky.

The Koningsdam offers a wide range of stateroom categories, including suites, balcony staterooms, oceanview staterooms, and interior cabins. In total, there are 912 rooms with balconies, making up 69% of all staterooms.

One of the things I appreciated about my stateroom was the abundance of outlets, including European, North American, and USB outlets. This was especially handy for charging my iPhone, iPad, and other USB-powered devices.

The bedding in the staterooms is comfortable and soft, and the soft bathrobes tucked away in the closet are a nice touch. Plus, the Koningsdam offers unlimited laundry service for a fee of $63 for a seven-day cruise.

If you're traveling with family, you might want to consider booking a stateroom that connects to an adjacent room. This way, you can have more space to spread out and not feel too cramped.

Here's a breakdown of the different stateroom categories on the Koningsdam:

The largest accommodation on the ship is the Penthouse/Pinnacle Suite, which spans 970 square feet and has a private terrace with an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Onboard Experience

Close Up of Anchor Line on Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Close Up of Anchor Line on Ship

The onboard experience on the Holland America Koningsdam is truly something special. You'll find a range of entertainment options to suit all tastes, from high-quality performances at the Lincoln Stage Center to rock & pop hits on Billboard on Board.

Music fans will love the stylish Queen's Lounge, where you can dance the night away. The ship also features a modern fitness center, perfect for those who want to stay active during their cruise.

For families, the ship's children club facilities offer a variety of activities, including an explorer trail, workshops, and fact shows based on BBC Earth content. Kids will also enjoy the signature concert in the evenings, which features an eye-popping multimedia show with live musicians.

If you're looking to relax, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is the perfect place to unwind. You can also explore the hands-on kitchen in the Culinary Arts Center or indulge in some retail therapy in the ship's shops.

Here are some key amenities you'll find on the Koningsdam:

  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon (Deck 10)
  • Turks & Caicos (Caribbean itineraries)

Current Itinerary

White Cruise Ship Docking in Port
Credit: pexels.com, White Cruise Ship Docking in Port

The current itinerary of ms Koningsdam is a 21-day, round-trip Circle Hawaii Pacific Northwest Cruise, themed as "Easter", starting on April 5, 2025 and ending on April 26, 2025.

The cruise begins with a departure from Vancouver, BC Canada hotels on April 5, 2025 at 16:00.

Here's a breakdown of the ports and times for the cruise:

The cruise will visit several ports in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, including Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, Nawiliwili, Vancouver, Seattle, and Victoria.

Everything You Need

You can start your day with room service, which features a good selection of breakfast items, all delivered at no charge to your stateroom.

The Lido Market buffet offers several lunch options, with many stations serving up a wide variety of dishes. The Grand Dutch Cafe is another great spot for lunch, with a pleasant setting and a good selection of sandwiches and salads.

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Pinnacle Grill is a great choice. Be prepared to spend some extra money, as the base cost is $39 per person, and you can add on extra items like caviar and lobster tails.

Elegant cruise ship sailing smoothly across tranquil waters under a clear sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant cruise ship sailing smoothly across tranquil waters under a clear sky.

The Greenhouse Spa & Salon is a great place to relax and unwind, with a range of treatments and amenities available.

Here are some of the top entertainment options onboard:

  • World Stage: a 270-degree backdrop to live performances, featuring three stage-to-ceiling video screens
  • B.B. King's Blues Club: part of the Music Walk, offering live blues music and a dance floor
  • Lincoln Center Stage: offering high-quality performances and classical music
  • Billboard Onboard: featuring rock & pop hits

The ship also offers a range of activities and amenities, including a fitness center, a youth program with ice cream parties and storytelling, and a Culinary Arts Center where you can learn about cooking and food preparation.

For the Family

The Koningsdam offers a range of activities for kids, including an explorer trail, workshops, and fact shows about animals and dinosaurs.

These activities draw heavily on BBC Earth content, providing a unique and engaging experience for children.

Kids can even participate in filming workshops on some sailings, thanks to Holland America's partnership with BBC Earth.

A signature concert in the evenings is a must-see, with a multimedia show based on the "Frozen Planet" program that's sure to captivate all ages.

Ship Cruise News

Ship cruise news can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in the industry. One notable incident was when the MS Discovery Princess broke free from her mooring lines at San Francisco's Pier 27 due to unexpectedly strong side winds.

Giant Cruise Ship Sailing
Credit: pexels.com, Giant Cruise Ship Sailing

HAL-Holland America Line will be commencing its 2025 Alaska cruise season on April 26, deploying 6 vessels including the Koningsdam. This season promises to be exciting for cruise enthusiasts.

A medical evacuation operation was executed by the USCG/Coast Guard on the ms Koningsdam ship in November 2024. The operation was a result of a medical emergency on board.

HAL-Holland America Line has introduced a "Glacier Guarantee" to ensure guests have the opportunity to view one or more glaciers during their Alaska cruises. This guarantee is part of the line's efforts to provide a unique experience for its passengers.

The Koningsdam now sails itineraries along the Pacific, including the California Coast, Mexican Riviera, and Hawaii from fall to spring and Alaska's Inside Passage from spring to fall. This diverse range of itineraries offers something for everyone.

Here are some of the vessels that will be part of HAL-Holland America Line's 2025 Alaska cruise season:

  • Eurodam
  • Koningsdam
  • Nieuw Amsterdam
  • Nieuw Statendam
  • Volendam
  • Westerdam

Data and Information

A stunning tiny planet effect image featuring a cruise ship surrounded by ocean water, capturing a unique perspective.
Credit: pexels.com, A stunning tiny planet effect image featuring a cruise ship surrounded by ocean water, capturing a unique perspective.

The Koningsdam is a massive ship with some impressive stats. It was built in 2016 and has a length of 297 meters and a width of 35 meters.

The ship has a gross tonnage of 99,500 GT and is divided into 12 decks. This is a lot of space for the 2,650 passengers and 1,000 crew members on board.

Here are some key details about the ship's amenities and services:

  • Internet access is available through Starlink from SpaceX, as well as in an internet café and via Wi-Fi (for a fee).
  • The ship allows smoking in designated areas.
  • The official language on board is English, and the currency used is the US dollar.

Koningdam Data

The Koningsdam is a massive cruise ship, and its data is quite impressive. The ship was constructed in 2016.

Its size is substantial, measuring 297 meters in length and 35 meters in width.

The Koningsdam has a gross tonnage of 99,500 GT, which is a significant amount of space for its passengers and crew.

The ship has 12 decks, providing ample room for all on board.

There are 2650 passengers on board, along with a crew of 1,000.

The primary language spoken on the ship is English.

The currency used on board is US dollars.

Internet access is available through Starlink from SpaceX, as well as in an internet café and Wi-Fi (for a fee). Smoking is allowed in designated areas.

Sustainability

A Cruise Ship on Sea
Credit: pexels.com, A Cruise Ship on Sea

Holland America Line has made a commitment to treating the environment responsibly. They've achieved this by making their entire fleet shore power capable.

This means that when the ship is docked, it can plug into the power grid instead of running its engines, reducing air pollution and noise.

By reducing disposable products on board, they're also minimizing waste. This includes recycling as much as possible, which is a great step towards sustainability.

Their dedication to sustainability is also reflected in their seafood sourcing. Holland America Line is the first cruise line in the world to receive both MSC and ASC certification for sustainable seafood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wear jeans to dinner in Holland America?

Jeans are allowed on most evenings in Holland America restaurants, but check the dress code for Dressy nights or fine dining restaurants

What is the average age on a Holland America cruise?

The average age of Holland America cruise passengers is around 55 years old. If you're interested in learning more about Holland America's demographics, visit their website or call 1-877-777-5621.

Does Koningsdam have a movie theater?

Koningsdam has a movie option with recent-release films and classics shown on a giant outdoor LED screen by the Lido Pool. You can also watch movies in your stateroom or suite at any time.

How many passengers are on the Koningsdam?

The Koningsdam can accommodate a maximum of 4,173 passengers. This includes guests and crew members across its 12 decks.

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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