Koningsdam
Koningsdam: A sleek, upscale, low-key cruise experience
Snapshot
Launched in April 2016, ms Koningsdam from Holland America Line helped usher in the new Pinnacle class of ships for the venerable cruise line. The 2,650-passenger ship is the first in more than a century to bear the name Koningsdam (pronounced CONE-ings-dam, not CON), which honors Willem-Alexander, the first king of the Netherlands.
The ship's new design features light-filled spaces, with architectural elements inspired by the fluid curves of musical instruments. In the heart of the ship, Koningsdam's central atrium features a three-deck-high space, highlighted by a skylight that will feature changing projections and a stainless steel sculpture that was designed to look like a classical quartet, with strings, arches and bows.
Look for a classy décor from design guru Adam D Tihany; a new French seafood restaurant, Sel de Mer; a new farm-to-table dinner experience at the Culinary Arts Center; classical music performances elevated by Holland America's new partnership with Lincoln Center; a new class of solo and family cabins, and more.
Who will like sailing on Koningsdam
ms Koningsdam will appeal to a lot of different vacationers. Adults will want to explore the hands-on kitchen in the Culinary Arts Center or the luxurious Greenhouse Spa & Salon, while kids will appreciate the youth programs, including ice cream parties and storytelling. Notably, Koningsdam is appealing to younger and solo travelers with a number of different programs and features.
Where Koningsdam sails
Koningsdam now sails itineraries along the Pacific, including the California Coast, Mexican Riviera and Hawaii from fall to spring and Alaska's Inside Passage from spring to fall.
Dining
On ms Koningsdam, the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine becomes a dedicated shipboard setting with a dramatic show kitchen and individual cooking stations that will be used exclusively for activities such as cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes by visiting celebrity chefs and the ship’s own experts. Regionally inspired workshops, as well as kids’ and teens’ cooking classes, will also be featured. Large mirrors, viewing screens and an open kitchen make it possible for everyone to watch the food preparation and learn, right from the comfort of their table. The Culinary Arts Center also transforms into a dinner venue at night, featuring artisanal dishes prepared by chefs.
The specialty restaurant Sel de Mer, a new seafood brasserie, offers a contemporary twist on French classics, while Canaletto's offers authentic Italian dinner to be shared family-style. At the reservations-only specialty restaurant Pinnacle Grill, you'll find steakhouse and seafood dishes and a nice surprise: Dining here is free for guests under 12, and half charge for teenagers.
Tamarind offers a menu based on cuisines from Southeast Asia, China and Japan, including a sushi bar. With different themed stations, Lido Market also offers a curated selection of grab-and-go options. The Grand Dutch Cafe is a place to enjoy a fine pale lager or favorite coffee beverage with a traditional Dutch snack.
Entertainment
ms Koningsdam will feature Music Walk, which consists of three stages presenting a variety of live music nightly. Lincoln Center Stage showcases musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music each evening as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea. B.B. King's Blues Club/Queen's Lounge features the B.B. King All-Star Band to bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, this eight-piece band performs nightly in the newly reimagined Queen's Lounge while guests enjoy specialty cocktails like Lucille and Rock Me Baby.
The World Stage is the ship’s theater and main show lounge, offering daily bingo games, lectures and media presentations (some in partnership with BBC Earth) by day; in the evenings you'll find live band music, large-scale show productions and concerts, and performances by comedians, magicians and illusionists.
Billboard Onboard hosts live musicians, including two pianists, a guitarist and a DJ who play Top 50 hits in a variety of genres: pop, rock, classic, even country. The Explorer’s Lounge & Bar hosts classical concert performances by a string quartet and fine wine tastings. And the Piano Bar, with a resident pianist, and Ocean Bar are classy lounges with dinner drinks, free afternoon canapes, evening dancing and live music.
Staterooms
Koningsdam will have 912 rooms with balconies (164 Suites and 748 Balcony Staterooms), resulting in 69 percent of all staterooms offering a private veranda view. The other cabin types are Oceanview (142) and Interior cabins (277, without windows).
Those who book a suite will enjoy extra goodies: Guests in Neptune suites will have use of a Nespresso coffee machine, a Bose SoundDock (multimedia iPod docking station), complimentary in-cabin breakfast option and luxury bath products by Elemis. Signature and Vista suite guests will receive binoculars for use throughout the cruise.
For the family
The ship’s children club facilities will feature such activities as an explorer trail, workshops and fact shows (animals, dinosaurs). Koningsdam’s enrichment and entertainment for children draws heavily on “BBC Earth” content. Holland America's partnership with BBC Earth means children have the opportunity to participate in filming workshops on some sailings. A signature concert in the evenings with the theme of the polar ice caps is based on the “Frozen Planet” program — it's an eye-popping multimedia show with live musicians that appeals to all ages.
Interested in a cruise on this ship?
If you're interested in a cruise on Koningsdam, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. We can usually offer a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.
Top highlights on this ship
- Billboard Onboard features Top 50 music for passengers
- Hands-on kitchen in the Culinary Arts Center
Top dining options on board
