Koningsdam Review

5.0 / 5.0
866 reviews

Holland delivers a quality cruise

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Koningsdam
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2pasailors
6-10 Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Oct 2018
Cabin: Family Oceanview Stateroom

We only took the 10 day cruise r/t Rome to Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Olympia, Athens, Santorini and Naples. We did not said back to Florida. We chose it because of the itinerary and because we like Holland (HAL). The port in Rome is far from the airport and we went a day ahead so had to arrange our own transport. Embarkation and disembarkation went smoothly and quickly. . Koningsdam is their largest ship but doesn't feel crowded. We ate in the main dining room every night. Food generally excellent and they made special meals for my wife who has some dietary restrictions. Only complain is that there were various international cuisine offerings in the Lido not available in main DR. Considering we spent five days in Greece, there were no Greek options on DR menu. Selections in DR fewer than on previous HAL ships. For breakfast in Lido the waiters pour juice and coffee/tea so there's less hopping back and forth to the buffet. Koningsdam Lido arranged with multiple stations instead of one longer line. Lots of options at breakfast and lunch. There's also a "Dutch Kitchen" offering Dutch pancakes and other items (free) but a charge for coffee. There are other free food options during the day--burgers, pizza. There's a charge for gelatto, but not for ice cream in the Lido.

There's plenty to do on board with classical music, a piano lounge with two performers who were really good, and BB King band. Unfortunately the venues are too close to each other though. The singers/dancers were exuberant and the shows elaborate, but too loud. Dubrovnik: the walls as the most impressive feature, but can be strenuous if you aren't fit. This was an Oct. cruise. I wouldn't want to walk them in summer. In fact, I wouldn't do this itinerary is summer at all. Kotor was a surprise, smaller version of Dubrovnik and more quaint. Corfu larger. I'm sorry we didn't take an excursion out of the town. Olympia and Athens--we did the ancient ruins, incredibly impressive. Santorini was lovely. We took cable car up and back. The restaurants in the Old Port at the bottom are less touristy, cheaper. In Naples, took an excursion to Pompei and Amalfi coast drive. Booked two excursions through Viator, cheaper than HAL, and both were very good. Olympia booked with Olympic Traveler.

Ship had an on-board consultant, Dorrine, giving advice on upcoming ports and how to get around. She was excellent. She wasn't pushing HAL excursions nor shopping. We used two of her recommendations for restaurants, both very good.

Cabin Review

Family Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin FA

Holland offered a last minute upgrade for $100 from a standard ocean view to a family room. We got two bathrooms, but otherwise rooms were same size and for two people wasn't worth the money. Didn't need a veranda for this cruise because we were in ports all but two days Cabin is narrower than on the older, smaller HAL ships. Otherwise cabin was fine. A big plus over older HAL ships is much better lighting for the vanity. Room has a big screen TV, we only watched some news. We were on Main Deck, good location. Did hear faint hum of the engines.

Port Reviews

Dubrovnik

See comments above. The main street is flat and straight, but side streets go up and down hill and are steep. If you have knee or hip issues don't try the walls. Croatia is not on the Euro and euros supposedly aren't used, but we had coffee and cake at a cafe and they took Euros. If you walk the wall they take credit cards.

Kotor

Smaller, really quaint and charming. Flatter and easier to navigate. Independent drivers were offering 2-3 hour drives outside of town for not unreasonable fares.

Corfu

Larger than above ports and more congested. Oldest part had very narrow streets and four story buildings.

Santorini

We were planning to take the boat over to Oia and bus to top, but seas were a bit rough so we just took cable car to top and strolled around. Place is charming, beautiful really.. Lots of place to eat or get coffee overlooking the habor.

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