Senior Sailor Says,,,
As much as the destination is essential when planning a cruise, so are the cruise line and ship.
I recently took Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, a mid-sized ocean liner, and sailed from Vancouver to Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship was the perfect size for the beautiful areas along Alaska’s shoreline.
The ship can accommodate up to 2,650 passengers. There are 1,036 crew members taking care of every need. From friendly and professional stewards, customer service personnel, and servers to the behind-the-scenes crew members, everyone made the experience positive.
It is easy to learn where all the dining options, entertainment venues, shopping, and other amenities are.
Deck two, the Plaza, features B.B. King’s Blues Club, Billboard Onboard, Rolling Stone Rock Room, World Showcase, the atrium, Pinnacle Grill, and The Dining Room.
Deck three, the Promenade, features the casino, World Showcase, shops, Guest Services, Grand Dutch Cafe, the Photo Shop, and The Dining Room.
Deck nine, the Lido Deck, features the Spa and Fitness Center, Movies by the Pool, the Lido Pool, Lido Market (buffet dining), and the Sea View Pool.
The Kids Club (offering an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17 supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff) in on Deck 10 and the Sports Court are on Deck 11.
The Crow’s Next bar, art gallery, game room, and shore excursion desk are on Deck 12.
Specialty dining rooms, including Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind, and Rudi’s Sel de Mer, are located throughout the ship.
Stateroom decks are named for famous composers. I was on the Beethoven deck forward, an elevator ride away from the main activity floors. Everything is easy to find.
This was my first experience with Holland American Line, and I can highly recommend it.
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Photos by Marilyn Jones and courtesy of Holland America
