Koningsdam Review
Maiden Voyage and New Design Fall Short of Expectations
Rating by category
Additional details
We're long time HAL customers, with many days aboard HAL ships under our belts, so we had very high expectations for the maiden voyage of the Koningsdam.
DESIGN
Much has been made of the musical instrument-inspired architecture onboard, and it's true that public spaces aboard this ship are large and spacious. But this extra public space seems to have come at the expense of space in rooms (which are decidedly smaller than on other HAL ships) and on the Promenade (which is too narrow, with all views of the sea blocked by the rows of lifeboats).
Cabin Review
Verandah Stateroom
As you'll see on the ship's plans, this is a unique room, with what looks like an extra wedge of space. And ... there is extra space, but it's not really usable space, as it's all in front of the door to the balcony and a bit obstructed by the in-room desk. We ended up putting luggage there. Otherwise: a very standard room.
Port Reviews
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Very little to do this time of year in this port city.
Dubrovnik
We hired an excellent local guide and avoided ship's tours in this amazing city.
Katakolon (Olympia)
We had one of our very best days ashore in Olympia, mostly thanks to the service of our local guide.
Naples
Probably one of the best of HAL's tours.