This was our first transatlantic cruise and we chose the Koningsdam for two reasons: we were on her inaugural cruise last year, and she is the right size for such a journey.
We like HAL because the ships are simple and elegant, never tacky or showy. And the crew: I haven't encountered such friendly service personnel anywhere--in a hotel or a restaurant or an airplane. Always ready to assist, always a smile and a greeting, and never, ever in the way or over the top. Just perfect in my opinion.
We were upgraded to a Vista Suite which we loved, of course, but the cabin we'd booked had been on the starboard side of the ship which is preferable when sailing from West to East. We decided, though, that the size of the cabin more than made up for the lack of continuous sun on the port side, and besides that, it was quite nice in the evening.
Very spacious cabin and excellent storage space.