We chose a 21 day Norway and Baltic combo cruise to experience this part of Europe. And we chose the HAL Koningsdam because we like sailing on new ships, and had always heard high praises for the HAL cruise experience. Although this was our 1st HAL cruise, we are experienced cruisers, having cruised 26 other times. The ship was beautiful, but a little cramped for its size, especially the Lido dining---most often walking around several minutes before finding seating. We chose open seating dining for dinner, which was a joke. I tried making advance reservations once onboard for 7-7:30, table for 2, which was never available---on any day that I requested. Always offered shared table only at 5:30 or 8:30---absolutely could not accommodate my request!!! Finally after complaining to DR service and Guest Services, we were provided with a daily 7pm reservation at a beautiful table. Why recommend advance reservations if they have no intentions to accommodate these requests!! We always prefer open seating dining, and have never had issues like this on other cruise lines. The DR food was average on most nights,service slow most of the time---disappointing because we had heard HAL food was among the best of the cruise lines. Even the specialty restaurants were disappointing, except Canaletto which was so delicious.

We had an AFT facing cabin which was smaller than we expected, but comfortable enough with adequate storage. The bathroom shower was huge compared to other tiny ship showers, and very luxurious tile, huge fluffy towels---very nice. Cabin stewards were friendly and efficient, keeping our cabin clean and tidy.

The main entertainment productions were very good in the huge theater, however guest entertainers not so good. Read more