The review of the Koningsdam was on a 24-day transatlantic/western Mediterranean cruise during March and April where it celebrated its two-year anniversary. Our balcony room on deck eight displayed an excellent design and more than enough storage space. Several people could fit easily in the shower and the television dominated one wall with an entertainment system that had live television (news), a large library of movies and access to current activities and menus.

The Music Walk is unique to recent Holland American ships and an evening would consist of walking from the dining room past the lounge with a solo piano to Live at Lincoln Center for a 30-minute concert from young musicians forming a piano quintet (string quartet + piano). They have 14 programs that alternated throughout the cruise, featuring special arrangements of music from all genres, including pop, rock, film, and light classics. The next venue is the main stage which highlighted the resident company of 10 classically-trained dancers and 3 vocalists who presented a variety of entertaining programs alternating with specialty acts like a doo-wop quartet (Alley Cats), flamenco dancers, comedy, and film with live music from the resident band. The design of the theatre is unique in the stage can be reconfigured to fit the presentation and is similar to in-the-round productions, but the real innovation is the 180+ degree screen that surrounds the stage and extends through the audience. After the show, stop off at the Billboard Lounge featuring two pianists/singers providing hits of the 50’s to the present and a generous supply of requests. The B.B. King Blues Club spotlights 2 singers and a five-piece band for dancing and listening. If one has even a passing interest in music, this could fill your evening as the level of talent and performances is quite high.

On sea days, a duplicate bridge director presided over a tournament, there was line-dancing, a well-equipped exercise room, walking and running decks, full-court basketball, and the main pool had a retractable roof with heating/cooling. Read more