Koningsdam Review
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We were attracted to this cruise because of the different and interesting ports. We wanted to experience a new ship having sailed eight times on three different cruise lines. We had a wonderful pre-cruise of days in Rome with Travelbound assisting with transportation from the airport and to the cruise ship. Embarkation was a breeze.
Stateroom was of normal size with impressive bathroom, especially the larger glass shower. Closets and storage space were pleasing. There was some noise as a result of adjoining room door. Veranda was massively amazing. Two comfortable loungers with footrests and a table. The couch like cushioned seats in many outside public areas were abundant. We appreciated the excellent and attentive wait staff in the Lido Market with hygiene paramount at the various food stations where they fill your plate and hand it to you. Also, automatic hand washing machines as you enter. It was hard not to notice the different styles of music being played all around the ship...at aft pool, the Lido, the Dining Room, etc. Very enjoyable. The artwork on board was different and also musically themed. It was captivating.
We found the entertainment venues and performances of quality and quite varied. There was something for everyone. The Main Stage and Lincoln Center performed three shows a night most of the time. The Main Stage is a technologically amazing. HAL does need to establish a viable library on board. Contrary to reviews we had read prior to the cruise, we did not feel harassment from the staff doing promotions.
Cabin Review
Signature Suite with Verandah
Port Reviews
Palermo (Sicily)
Could not dock as a result of dangerous weather. We were disappointed.
Sardinia
The walk from the shuttle drop off was a little convoluted but we finally made it to the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Royal Palace. There were some nice panoramas along the way (also used to catch our breath a bit). More vistas and uphill on the way to the Roman Amphitheater.
We walked past the Botanical Garden as we were a little hungry, but mostly thirsty. By the time we walked further down the hill to something that fit the bill, we decided we would pass on walking back to see the Garden. Lunch was a trip at the Picanhito! Janis Joplin marathon on the radio in a place with a California beach theme and delicious, inexpensive food.
Gibraltar
We reported to the World Stage to catch our tour, Fortress Gibraltar. After a 45 minute delay because of traffic on the Rock, our bus arrived with a 50% refund on the excursion. Danny was a good driver (Formula 1) and guide for the 25 or so on the tour. More windy, narrow roads and steep climbs and decents on the route. Good for history and current living situation on Gibraltar. We were dropped off for a snack and wifi. We had a nice walk back to the ship.
Seville
Leisurely morning as we did not need to meet our Panchos Walking Tour guide until 10ish. Got shuttled through the port. Anna was delightful. Easy going, but full of information for us and about a dozen others. Lots of good background on ancient history with Roman and Moorish and Christian eras covered. She gave us good information on foods and places to visit. 20 Euros covered the three hours and we went for a good paella and sangria in the market for 6€.
Malaga
We docked at Malaga and readied for another walking tour with Pancho Tours. There was quite a crowd gathered in the Constitution Square. Our guide was Javier. He was excellent ! The Cathedral,the Gibralfaro Castle (Moorish), and the Roman amphitheater were amazing. Javier bought and introduced us to the sautéd and salted almonds. He also us to a restaurant and winery for sample of the sweet wine of the region. These efforts and his deep knowledge, shared, earned him 25 euros at the end of the tour.
Nice walk back though a plaza and a park along the busy boulevard to a shuttle through the port. We stopped at tourist center to tell them how clean the city is. Very nice reception mall at the port. Not crowded as a German cruise ship had their own reception next to ours.
Cartagena (Spain)
We met another guide named Danny with Spain Day Tours at the end of the port walkway at 8:10 AM or so. It was scheduled to be all day and he started with the promise to have us back To the ship an hour ahead of sailing. So off we dozen went in a large bus toward Murcia 35 miles away. We went down the steep hills to the cathedral and monastery where the statues are carried to or from during important festivals by the various "brotherhoods"....amazing dedication.
We headed back to Cartegena, founded by the Cathaginians and Home of Hannibal thousands of years ago. Danny was great showing us around the old city and past his favorite store for really traditional meat pies made with pork, 2€, small and delicious for mid-morning bite. Lots of walking and history. We were back on board by 3:30 after about seven hours of touring. 69€ plus tip.
Valencia
Having toured three "old towns" in three days we felt that we did not need to see the old town in Valencia. Besides the HAL shuttles were twelve dollars per person in to the city. We took a long walk through and around the port and connected beach area. The good news was the Transmediterra Ferry terminal offered free wifi that was very convenient. We discovered a very relaxed Pura Vida Terraza and delicious pescaditos (little fried fish) along the beach wine and a bite.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Excellent time in Rome. We stayed at the Hotel Priscilla where the staff and restaurant were excellent. It was easy to walk to the Trevi Fountains our first night. The next day we walked to the Pantheon and after lunch the amazing Galeria Borghese. Be sure to get timed tickets on-line in advance of your stay.