Koningsdam Review
5.0 / 5.0
jennas6514
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s
Rating by category
Cabin
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Additional details
Sail Date: Mar 2022
Cabin: Neptune Suite with Verandah
We had actually booked a HAL Caribbean cruise in Feb, which we had to cancel, and we switched to the Classic California coast, as we live fairly close to San Diego, and we could drive to the port. This was our first HAL cruise, we weren't certain what to expect, but we wanted to try the line. I was attracted by the Music Walk concept, since I play instruments and love music.
Our expectations were surpassed! This itinerary was relaxing (we had been to most of these ports before, so we went on our own to where we wanted to go), and the ship was wonderful. It was only a little more than 1/2 full, I heard, so that might have contributed to our enjoyment. Easy on, easy off, no lines, very few crowds, little waiting.
We'd booked a Neptune Suite, just wanting a little more room, and I am glad we did. We had access to the Neptune lounge, where the concierge is very helpful, plus they offer food and drink--you can have a light lunch there (sandwiches, cheese, etc), and sweets (always great chocolate chip cookies, truffles, and other treats).
Cabin Review
Neptune Suite with Verandah
Aft Neptune Suite. A lovely, large room with a wraparound balcony. I recommend it if you want to splurge. Bathroom is big with a double vanity, a bath with whirlpool jets, and a separate shower stall. Lots of storage in the room--four closets with hangers, two with drawers, one with the safe. More storage in the mini-bar area, and the desk has many drawers. Room under the bed for our four suitcases. Laundry service was complementary, and we used it, with our things back in a day. Stewards kept the place very clean. Plenty of room for my husband's scooter to park on his side of the bed. The drawback was the rolling seas on our first night--lots of wind, large swells, and slow speed made for a lot of movement. Thank heavens for my seasick patch. The rest of the nights were fairly smooth, fortunately. The other drawback is that it is a long way to even the aft bank of elevators. Even so, I'd book this suite again.
Port Reviews
San Diego
I love San Diego. We've been here many times. Recommended restaurant: Puesto's at the Headquarters (near Seaport Village). We stayed across the street from the port at the Wyndham. Good hotel (not luxurious, but decent for a port stop). The tall ships museum is worth a visit. Just a walk along Harbor Drive is lovely. Plenty more to do in SD--Museums and Balboa Park, Coronado Island, a drive up through the beach towns to La Jolla.
Catalina Island (California)
Lovely little town on an island that is mostly nature preserve. Just a walk through is nice--have a look at the Art Nouveau casino. Great hiking and walking (need a permit to hike the interior, so plan ahead).
San Francisco
Always a great city. The touristy areas on the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf are fun, but there's much more to see. Excellent museums--one most people don't go to is the Legion of Honor, which is at the other end of Golden Gate Park. Great collection of Ancient Roman and Greek pottery and jewelry as well as classic paintings--there was a special Rubens exhibit when I went. The cable car museum is very interesting, and a ride on a cable car is a must. The cable car turnaround is near Ghiradelli Square at the end of the Embarcadero, about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the cruise port. This time we took a 90 minute harbor tour (Red and White tours) that went out to the Golden Gate Bridge then back all the way to the Oakland Bay Bridge, then back to port. Fun to cruise past our ship and take photos of it from the water.
15 Helpful Votes
Find a Koningsdam Cruise from $197
Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.