The Koningsdam is a beautifully appointed ship. The crew is first class, the food is outstanding, and the ports were great. But, beginning the first night, we were aware of a change in the company's intent. There is a push toward having the passengers pay for amenities that previously have been included. For example, the main dining room is not large enough to accommodate all the passengers during the regular dinner hours. When told of a one to one and half hour wait for a table(they hand you a beeper) the guests are reminded they can use one of the other dining venues, for the extra fee. When the Lido buffet closes, the sweet shop, open on other ships almost continually from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM, also closes. If you want an ice cream or cookies? - Visit the Gelato Shop, for $2.50 - $4.50. Want a snack in the Crow's Nest? You have to purchase a specialty coffee or tea.

The World Stage is very small - it seats less the 1/3 of the passengers. There is no balcony seating. It bears very little resemblance to the beautiful live theater venues of other HAL ships.

The Promenade deck does not have the relaxing teak lounge chairs of other HAL ships. It is too narrow, in fact it is so narrow in two places, passengers out for a stroll have to walk single file. The reason the deck is so narrow - the life boats have been moved down a deck to make additional room for passenger cabins. Read more