If anyone is keeping score, I'm on the side of the Koningsdam defenders, as opposed to those who wrote somewhat picky negative reviews. Maybe I'm being too harsh with Koningsdam's early critics, but I didn't find many of their dire criticisms to be accurate. Or maybe the crew of the Koningsdam has had time to rectify some "new ship" snags. Whatever the case, I and my cruise mates were a decidedly happy bunch of campers. I mean cruisers. We were especially impressed by the beautiful ship, the wonderful food and the impeccable service.

As I said in my review title, the ship is beautiful and still has that new smell and vibe. Many previous reviewers were bothered by the "heavy chairs" on board. Why? Thankfully, in times of rough seas, those chairs won't fly around the ship! Many critics talked about standing in lines. I stood in one line at the New York Pizza and Deli for about five minutes before placing my order. That was it...five whole minutes on a ten day cruise. Critics bashed the angle of the stateroom toilets, without realizing that the design allowed room for the ever so spacious shower. I'm over six foot tall and never had to "ride side saddle", as some critics noted. (For more knee room, one can open the shower door.) Some said the ship is dark and gloomy. Cocktail lounges and entertainment venues are made to be that way to provide a more intimate ambiance. Did those critics ever mention that venues such as the Main Dining Room and the Culinary Arts Center are as bright and cheery as could be? No. Someone complained about the decorative art. What I saw was intriguing, obviously custom made and very thought-provoking.

Speaking of decorative art, the floral arrangements on board are spectacular. They are cared for and refreshed by a staff of two on a daily basis. Every table in every restaurant had fresh flowers. Even the public men's rooms were home to a beautiful phalaenopsis orchid. With the exception of cocktail napkins, all linen on board is cloth, including the hand towels in the public restrooms. Such attention to detail! Read more