We rang in 2018 while sailing on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam cruise ship in the Western Caribbean.
While we’ve previously enjoyed two other cruises on 2,650-guest ms Koningsdam (including a July, 2016 Norway cruise and a November, 2016 cruise to the Southern Caribbean), we found some new ways to appreciate this ship during this New Year’s Holiday cruise.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman was one of four ports during our 7-day cruise. Georgetown is a tender port and is also a popular cruise port; we appreciated that Holland America used local large-capacity tenders to speed guests getting off and back onto the ship.
We avoided the rush to get off the ship in Georgetown and other ports. Instead of joining the crowd hurrying to get off the ship when it was in port, we spent relaxed mornings enjoying the mostly empty ship. While the Lido Pool area on the Koningsdam was packed on sea days, it was quiet when the ship was in port.
Holiday cruises include special decorations around the ship; notice the subtle silver ornaments to the left side of the pool in the photo above.
A unique feature on the Koningdam — compared to other Holland America ships — is the Panaroma Deck. These comfy chairs and couches that overlook the lido pool are a hot ticket on sea days, but when there is plenty of space when the ship is in port.
Another venue that we love on the Koningsdam is the Dutch Cafe. It has very special decorations for the holiday cruises. The windows in the cafe area were decorated to look like a Dutch city at Christmas.
The Dutch-inspired decorations were three-dimensional, and quite detailed.
Fresh flowers are always a signature trademark of Holland America ships. This unique arrangement included the exotic “Monkey tails” plants.
We always enjoy the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant on Holland America ships. Usually, the best choices at the Pacific Northwest-inspired steak restaurant is filet migon. We branched out — and are happy to report that Mr. Jones (a native Alaskan) gives two thumbs up to the Alaskan King crab legs on the Koningsdam cruise ship.
Meanwhile, I found the cioppino to be packed with flavorful, fresh seafood.
We tried the Elite Beverage Package on this cruise. By purchasing this drink package, we were able to try new-to-us wines and spirits. As an after dinner drink in the Pinnacle Grill, Mr. Jones tried the Courvoisier Napoleon Cognac.
This is Jeorge, the hospitality superstar who manages Notes whiskey bar. It is an intimate tasting bar with a large variety of brown spirits from around the World.
Have you sailed on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam? Do you have a favorite highlight from your time on the ship?
Please let us know.
You can Interact with us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram.
Check out these other Koningsdam posts:
- A Photo Tour of Holland America’s Newest Cruise Ship: the ms Koningsdam
- A Photo Tour of Entertainment on Holland America’s Koningsdam
- Dining on Holland America’s Koningsdam Cruise Ship
- Views from Holland America’s Koningsdam Cruise Ship
- A Look Inside a Vista Suite on Holland America’s Koningsdam Cruise Ship
- The Taste of De Librije on Holland America’s ms Koningsdam