This is a beautiful ship. Not like the other HAL vessels in many ways, but the upgrades and improvements are wonderful. The problem for HAL is probably that it's core audience, old people like me, are resistant to change and rather nostalgic. We love our Eurodam, Veendam and Prinsendam, so this new kid on the block takes some getting used to! You have to appreciate the Koningsdam for what it seems to have been designed to be, more W Hotel than Waldorf Astoria. I love both hotels, so I loved the changes to the Koningsdam.

There are some misses, however. As a spa junky, I was completely dis appointed. This is the noisiest spa I have ever used, on land or sea. The environmental noises (from a hugh multi treatment shower as well as additional showers right in the "quiet area") add to and encourage users to engage in constant conversation. The sliding glass doors leading to the hydro therapy pool are constantly opening and closing. The doors themselves are noisey and each time they open the roaring noise from the pool invades the "quiet area" as well as the voices of the people in the pool who are usually shouting to be heard above the pool noise. The pool itself has a constant flow of water from the ceiling which drips on your forehead and face when you are leaning back trying to relax in the pool. Feels more like "water boarding" than anything else. Add to that, laundry carts rolling through to collect towels, wheeled carts rolling in and out with clanging glassware to supply the drink station also located right in the "quiet area" and I think you can get the picture. Finally, no sign posted, as in the spas on other HAL ships asking users to respect the rights of others by refraining from conversation in this area. My husband and I canceled our spa membership mid cruise because we could not enjoy the facilities as we do on the other dam ships. The changes to the design of the spa, were for the worst and don't appear to have been well thought through.

The food, accommodations and overall ambience of this ship were great. Service exceeded HAL's usual exceptional standards. The entertainment is varied and there is truly something for everyone. The World Stage is a technological wonder and I didn't miss the stage sets, etc. that you have on the other ships. There are those who complain, but again, it may be because of their reluctance to accept and appreciate the digital age we live in. That being said, shame on you HAL, for continuing to have the worst internet service availability possible. Royal Caribbean's VOOM, proves that high speed internet service is available at sea, so let's get with the program! Read more