Visiting Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam in Amsterdam
We flew into Schipol Airport with KLM and very easily caught a train into Centraal Station. We were staying at the Doubletree Suites for our first night and this was a very short walk from the Station so very handy for a short break or a pre-post Cruise.
After a nice evening in the popular Sky Lounge, the hotel’s roof top bar with fabulous views over the City, we had a good night sleep and delicious buffet breakfast and were ready for our walking tour of the City. The tour took us over bridges, along Canals and past unique Dutch gabled buildings and museums and of course through the famous Dam Square, Rembrandt Square and the Leidseplan before having lunch in a typical Dutch restaurant.
In the evening we were treated to a dinner Cruise on one of the hundreds of canal boats flitting up and down the canals which gave us a different perspective of the City and took us past the Skinny Bridge, the Opera house and Anne Frank’s House and museum. It was a really warm evening and the City was buzzing with people spilling out of bars and sitting along the Canals. It was busy with hen and stag parties and groups of football (the Euro’s) fans but it was all very friendly and relaxed.
We stayed at the Moevenpick Amsterdam on our second night (only a 15 minute walk from the Station) and I was delighted to enjoy a junior suite which overlooked the Cruise port – which leads me nicely onto the main reason we were there!
The next morning I woke up to find Holland America Line’s (HAL) newest Ship – the fabulous MS Koningsdam moored right outside my window!
HAL has always been known as a traditional Cruise line however this newest addition to the fleet blends classic elegance with a modern & fresh contemporary style. In addition to a fresh new look it has introduced new dining experiences at Sel de Mer (seafood brasserie), the Dutch Café and a New York Deli and Pizza bar overlooking the main pool.
With their innovative Culinary Arts Center and Blend, where you have hands on experience in blending wines and cooking, alongside their favourites – the Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto and Tamarind - you are spoilt for choice. And the Lido Market blew me away – food stations serving fresh sushi, salads & grills providing a massive choice of themed food from around the World – it really does feel more like a food market experience rather than the main buffet restaurant. We had a delicious lunch served by the friendly staff in the main dining room – spacious and beautifully decorated with the HAL signature fresh flowers and beautiful coloured glass decoration.
I was blown away by the size of the staterooms – from the inside staterooms to the luxurious Suites there is accommodation to suit all budgets.....even family cabins which sleep 5 and have 2 bathrooms!
Families are welcomed on-board and supervised entertainment is provided for ages 3-17 – teens have their own place to hang out in the Loft!
Entertainment on-board is equally impressive – partnerships with Billboard and Lincoln Arts Centre and with BB Kings (Blues band) in the Queen’s lounge and live musicians in the Music Walk area they offer something a little bit different to standard cruise ship entertainment and I really loved the artwork displayed throughout the Ship.
The highlights for me were the central pool (a two level magrodome), the Greenhouse Spa (even has a horizontal shower – how good is that?) and the World Stage (270 degree LED projection) showroom. not to mention the Cabanas that can be pre-booked.
I was so pleased to be able to see the Koningsdam for myself and hope to sail on her in the future!
And I would recommend a short break to Amsterdam flying direct from your local airport or in the future on the planned direct Eurostar service!