My husband and I (early 60s) have been on about 28 cruises. We love HAL and wanted to go on their newest ship ... Koningsdam. Contrary to some of the negative reviews, the ship was wonderful. Now we know people are complaining about lack of seating for the Lido buffet, etc., and we will admit we didn't eat there, nor did we eat in the dining room. We only ate at the specialty restaurants: Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Sel de Mer. All three were spectacular, worth the extra price. The Pinnacle Grill is now larger and nicer and offers steaks, lamb, pork and sea food. Top notch food and service ... so popular it sold out for the entire week. Tamarind was also wonderful (try the steak and the duck!). Sel de Mer is the new French Seafood restaurant. You pay per item, but many of the items aren't too expensive (though lobster is $32). Wonderful items (though they need an English translation). Escargot still in the shells were a lot of work .. but the staff offered to remove them for you, if you like. (Think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman!). The souffle dessert was not too good, but my husband loved his Crepes Suzette. The tower of tiny cream puffs covered in chocolate sauce was nice as well. You can get a steak there for meat lovers. I do think they need some more items added as choices ... lamb, veal, duck, etc. But, we were glad we ate there and would probably go back. Not a bad meal all week! There is also a Dutch cafe, which we didn't try.

Our cabin was a Neptune Suite, aft corner on deck 4. A wrap-around balcony that was huge! On the side you could put a huge lounge chair and still have six feet left. Plus, if you have a Neptune Suite you are entitled to eat breakfast in the Pinnacle ... a wonderful perk!

The ship now has a wonderful stage for the Lincoln Center musicians and lots of seats ...this is a huge improvement. They also have a jazz venue and one other venue for music. We had three choices of times for the main shows ... a really good idea with everyone now eating at different times! Read more