Koningsdam Review

I look at a cruise differently than many...

Review for Transatlantic Cruise on Koningsdam
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Fpwdds
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Nov 2017

Each year I (myself, single....wife doesn’t like transatlantic cruises) go to Rome, my favorite place on earth and spend 5 glorious days eating, visiting the sites, Museums and just aimlessly wandering about soaking in everything. Then it’s time for the shuttle to Civittavechia and boarding “a” ship. Last year I decided on HA and their newer ship, Koningsdam.... for no particular reason other than a new experience. I’ve done the crossing on Celebrity and Princess in the past. The ship was pristine in its newness and, to me, more like a 5 Star hotel. I usually pay for two and get a balcony room that is positioned on a deck that is readily accessible to the spa, workout room and buffet. No elevators allowed. I’m 75. The bathroom and great shower make up for a very nice room that is smaller than those on Celebrity Solstice class ships. The buffet was more than adequate in that I like to taste a lot of different foods, and eat mostly salads and vegetables. Although the set up was unlike that of the Solstice ships which is preferable (open buffet area with multiple islands of various foods) the bilateral, mirror image food stations were just fine. If there was a line or bottleneck, I would go to the other side or chose something else...who cares...!! The only speciality restaurant I frequented was Canaletto and it was 4/5 stars. As good as some trattorias in Rome where I have to spend a hour to get to and find less than satisfying food.

With 7-8 sea days, two things are imperative for my well being, A kindle reading device or app on an iPad or iPhone or Fire in which I have over 150 books and the greatest invention for mankind. Streaming HiFi music that is downloaded so as not to have to use data for WiFi. With hi-end earphones and earbuds... there is no greater pleasure than sitting on the open rear deck on a comfortable sofa, reading the kindle and listening to Beethoven or what have you. I have spent 50 years small talking patients and am spent. Old people generally talk about their other cruises, their maladies and the drugs they have to take. Also their grandchildren , of which I do not care. I only care about my two little rattles!!!Entertainment is...adequate. It’s cruise ship vaudeville in a exceptionally nice room. And it’s free...who cares. It’s one hour of entertainment. The lectures are sometimes excellent, sometimes not so interesting. I’ll spend the 40 odd minutes and usually walk away with something I never knew. I liked this ship so much that I signed up again for this fall. A first for me, a repeat of a ship and itinerary.

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