Koningsdam Review

Southern Caribbean on the Koningsdam

Review for the Southern Caribbean Cruise on Koningsdam
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meadguy
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Feb 2020
Cabin: Standard Interior Stateroom

We are a couple in our mid 60s who decided to cruise after a 12 year hiatus. We liked the itinerary and got a good deal on the airfare even though it was Super Bowl Sunday morning. The embarkation was delayed due to some sanitation issues supposedly caused by an uptick Norovirus illness on the previous cruise. The boarding time varied depending on which HAL rep you spoke to, but after a lengthy wait at the terminal we boarded at 1:30pm. Things got far better after we left an unseasonably cool Ft. Lauderdale. The Koningsdam is a beautiful well maintained ship that contrary to some posts is not difficult to navigate. Our cabin was an inside on the Main deck directly below the Music Walk which one might think would be noisy but we were not disturbed at all. The room was however was the smallest inside we ever had on any cruise with no seating but the bed which was very comfortable. The storage was OK but the bathroom and shower were ample. The ships amenities are modern and first rate. The fitness center has plenty of treadmills, elipticals, bikes, and weight machines and a splendid view of the sea. Directly above is the Crow's Nest bar which is the best appointed and roomiest on the ship and is one of the places where the most unbelievably competitive trivia contests take place. The bi-level Main dining room is located aft and has a whale rib motif and a bright airy feel. The 3 course dinners are well paced and the dishes are well prepared and presented.Don't miss the French onion soup. The 9th deck Lido buffet has stations that represent several cuisines all of which are served by the crew. The Asian stir fry station seemed to be the most popular, especially with me. Tip: find your table first then get your food as the buffet can be crowded at times and you don't want to be searching with a plate of food in your hand. The pizza and burger spots are not to be missed. With so many options we neglected to go to one of the specialty restaurants which other passengers were recommending but it's difficult to do everything in 10 days. The oft maligned entertainment is presented at the smallish semi-circular World Stage. The dancers and musical acts were very good with the Koningsdam show band deserving special props. The lighting and sound system is state of the art. Forget about the first show at 7:30 as it is hopelessly crowded and go to the 9:30 second show. With the exception of one crabby lady in the spa, the crew were polite and helpful and spoke good to excellent English. Our cabin stewards were outstanding. The ports featured the usual touristy terminals. The private island Half Moon Cay has a clean and roomy beach but the ship provided BBQ is a swing and a miss. I went on a snorkel tour in Grand Turk which which was good but the the snorkeling in Bonaire is the best. Curacao is the ABC island that has the most to offer in Dutch history and culture. The heart-lock sculpture located at the foot of the swinging Queen Emma bridge is where lovers can lock their hearts forever by placing an inscribed padlock onto the growing heart-shaped frame of locks. Men do not miss your chance as this simple gesture will raise your stock immeasurably and absolve a multitude of sins. This was the highlight of our cruise. Debarkation was smooth and efficient, much easier than embarkation. Would We cruise HAL again? An unqualified yes!

Cabin Review

Standard Interior Stateroom

Port Reviews

Bonaire

Great tour great staff great lunch

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