We are 4* Mariners and this is our first experience with the Koningsdam. Our favorite ships have been and remain the Prinsendam and the Veendam. The K'Dam is larger and offers a wider range of activities and food choices. Two new food choices stand out, dinner at America's Test Kitchen and the New York Pizza. Twice we had dinner in the Test Kitchen, and both times they were well worth the $15 uncharge. The New York Pizza is a considerable upgrade from previous pizza outlets on HAL ships. Pizzas were individually made (no reheated slices) with a great thin crust. We had dinner at the Tamarind and were disappointed. The menu looked great but the dishes were average. The Pinnacle Grill maintained the high standards of previous cruises. We occasionally had dinner in the MDR. The meal service seemed to be quicker than on other ships. We usually lunched in the Lido and occasionally had dinner. Lunch was enjoyable and dinners were satisfactory. We did not eat at the Canneletto or use room service.

We were in Cabin 7089, a Vista Suite. We had booked a Veranda (VA) but five days before departure, HAL upgraded us at no additional charge to the Vista. We peeked out heads into the VA we had booked, and the Vista was a little bit larger with a larger shower. I am not sure why they called it a suite, but the room was satisfactory. As usual our cabin attendants were excellent.

We went to some shows, and they were average HAL on board entertainment. We liked the Live from Lincoln Center performances, but the space has too much passenger noise. Read more