Koningsdam Review

Second time's the charm

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Koningsdam
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10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jul 2017
Cabin: Family Oceanview Stateroom

I had the pleasure of sailing on the Koningsdam last October/November on its first crossing, from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. I am a fan of smaller ships, and at first sight this behemoth did not impress: outside it looks even more like a condo than its predecessors, such as the Eurodam. And many of the deck areas seemed to be "monetized:" private cabanas impeded certain strolls. Inside, the ship was very attractive and well thought-out. (Some glaring exceptions: no library, no chaises on the Promenade Deck)

Hence, I had a few misgivings about booking the Koninsdam again. They were unfounded. The ship has worked out most of the kinks, and it was a hugely enjoyable fortnight. Here are some highlights:

Amsterdam: is there a better city to sail from? The Cruise Terminal is a ten minute walk away from Centraal Station (or one stop on the tram). The sail away was spectacular.

Cabin Review

Family Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin FA

Wow. We had a guarantee for an ocean-view cabin. We ended up in Cabin 1023, which could not have been more perfect. It had TWO bathrooms, three huge closets and an extra large sofa (which opened up to an additional queen size bed). Obviously this room was a triple or quad, but for two people it was awesome.

And the icing on the cake: it was steps from the elevator, making it super convenient on such a large ship.

Port Reviews

Amsterdam

One of the great cities of Europe - worth many days pre or post cruise. And the Cruise Terminal is super convenient.

Stavanger

This was the only rainy day; had we been able to SEE Pulpit Rock, rather than imagine what it looked like, would have improved impressions of this stop. (We bought an excursion about 50 feet from the ship.) A very interesting old town of wooden houses is right near the dock and definitely worth a gander.

Eidfjord

We got a local bus round trip to Voringsfossen from the helpful tourist office, located steps form the ship. Spectacular waterfalls. Near the town are myriad grave mounds from the Viking and Iron Ages, making for a gorgeous walk above the town on well-marked paths.

Alesund

A beautiful Jugendstil treasure. After a devastating fire 100 years ago, the town was rebuilt in the art nouveau style, and there are hundreds of lovely buildings. Walk immediately up the 418 steps to the top of Aksla Mountain for superb views. It's a great walking town to explore on your own. The Jugendstilsenteret Museum is a must.

Trondheim

Another cool town. Explore the colorful wharf (brygge) area along the Nidelva River, Nidaros Cathedral, and the Kristiansten Fortress for wonderful views.

Geiranger

WOW. Just WOW. Go immediatly to the tourist office in town and book a bus to Mount Dalsnibba. It's an absolutely stunning trip. Once back in town, walk along and up the river and waterfall for more stunning views of Geirangerfjord. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged, as you will be snapping away.

Bergen

We had sunny 78F weather here, and locals said it was only the 9th sunny day this year! It made for an impossibly picturesque day, starting with the Bergenhus Festning (Fortress), the Brygge area (a wondrous wooden wharf neighborhood where the back yards were even more impressive than the waterfront facades), continuing to the funicular to the top of Mount Floyen for the amazing overlook and nature walk downhill, and just walking all around the harbor area, the fish market etc. Invigorating.

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