After years of hearing that Holland America Line ‘does Alaska best,’ a seven-night round-trip Inside Passage cruise from Vancouver aboard the ms Koningsdam was finally taken.
Although this was not the first Alaska cruise, it marked the first experience sailing the region on a Pinnacle-class ship, following several previous sailings out of Seattle.
**Departure and Boarding Experience**
Embarkation in Vancouver at Canada Place was surprisingly smooth, especially given the peak Alaska cruise season.
Arriving around 11 a.m., the terminal buzzed with excited cruise passengers, yet the check-in process was organized and efficient.
Canada’s customs procedures differ slightly; thanks to the Canada-U.S. agreement, cruise passengers can clear U.S. immigration before boarding, which simplifies the debarkation process upon return.
After securing the boarding area through security and quick health screening, helpful staff guided the passengers to streamline the experience.
The entire process from curb to ship took just under an hour, thanks to clear signage and friendly personnel.
It is advisable to pay attention to terminal signs to avoid any confusion during boarding, as one nearly boarded another ship while distracted by a text message.
Stepping aboard, the ship’s central atrium immediately took hold with its welcoming crew, warm wood tones, and vibrant artwork, showcasing over $4 million in pieces throughout the vessel.
Transitioning from the more boisterous atmosphere of Carnival Firenze to the ms Koningsdam’s laidback ambiance felt refreshing after traveling across the continent to reach Vancouver.
Settling into the ship was seamless, with easy-to-navigate elevators, creating an immediate sense of belonging reminiscent of previous trips in Europe in 2016.
**Verandah Balcony Cabin**
The selected Verandah stateroom on deck five struck the perfect balance between space and breathtaking views, conveniently located mid-ship.
This position allowed easy access to the activities occurring on decks two or three, or the higher decks nine and above.
The room appeared modern and thoughtfully designed, featuring ample closet and drawer space, perfect for stowing cold-weather apparel and camera gear.
The comfortable bed added to the overall pleasantness of the accommodation.
The bathroom, larger than those on other ships recently encountered, featured glass shower doors creating an illusion of spaciousness, while the shaving bar in the shower garnered appreciation.
One of the cruise’s highlights was undoubtedly the balcony, capable of comfortably accommodating two chairs and a small table, making it a perfect spot for leisure during early mornings and at sunset.
On sea days and while cruising through scenic areas like the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, the balcony became a favorite retreat for reading with a latte and soaking in the stunning landscapes.
Soft ambient lighting throughout the stateroom characterized the decor, although it would have benefitted from slightly brighter illumination in the closet area.
Noise remained minimal, with occasional hallway sounds being the only disturbance.
**Dining Options**
Dining experiences aboard the Koningsdam exceeded expectations, offering quality meals and variety.
A couple of dinners took place in the main dining room, where the rotating nightly menu consistently included fresh seafood selections.
As someone who signed up for anytime dining and dined solo, smaller tables on the port side provided a comfortable setting.
The quality of food ranked above that of other cruise lines recently experienced, with well-prepared, flavorful meals that boasted excellent presentation.
Dinner times averaged around 45 minutes, allowing for a relaxed dining experience.
A standout moment was the Alaska sea day brunch on the first sea day, featuring an impressive array of regional ingredients that made it feel special.
Among the delectable options was a halibut sandwich that showcased fresh, quality ingredients rather than prefabricated items.
Three specialty restaurants experienced during the cruise included Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, and Morimoto by Sea.
As always, Pinnacle Grill delivered an exceptional steakhouse experience, serving up quality cuts of steak complemented by the famous hanging bacon, a crowd favorite.
Tamarind proved to be a delightful surprise, featuring an Asian fusion menu with fresh and unique flavors.
The upscale ambiance created a relaxed dining experience, making the pan-seared lobster a dish worth recommending.
Morimoto by Sea stood out with its menu crafted by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, blending traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
Ordering pork dumplings and angry lobster pad Thai yielded flavor-packed meals one would expect to find at a high-end restaurant, especially considering the value of the $55 upcharge compared to dining in Las Vegas.
During the day, the Lido Market provided a diverse selection of buffet items, though it could become crowded during peak hours.
To evade the rush, visiting during the initial opening period made for a more pleasant experience and enjoyed from various food stations.
The Dive-In by the pool emerged as a go-to for quick lunches, serving unexpectedly good burgers and fries with a signature sauce adding an exciting twist.
On colder days, the Grand Dutch Cafe became a cozy spot for light bites and delicious Dutch desserts, making it a preferred destination for warm ham and cheese sandwiches and split pea soup.
Room service also delivered an accurate breakfast experience on an early port day, providing hot coffee and fresh fruit punctually.
While dietary restrictions weren’t a concern during this cruise, clear labeling in the buffet and menus would aid those with specific needs.
**Live Music and Evening Entertainment**
As the sun set on the Koningsdam, nightlife struck a pleasing balance between liveliness and relaxation.
Various entertainment options kept guests engaged, ranging from music sessions to gaming.
The Rolling Stone Lounge became a regular destination, showcasing an impressive house band who performed nightly in a rock concert style with a variety of genres, from classic rock to Motown hits.
The energy in the venue encouraged crowd interaction and dancing, with nostalgic throwbacks like ‘Black Velvet’ transporting attendees back to the ’80s.
**Tip: Keep an eye on the daily schedule or digital signage near the forward elevators to track the band’s performance genres, as they typically deliver 45-minute sets.**
Across from the Rolling Stone Lounge, the dueling pianos at Billboard Onboard attracted enthusiastic crowds for sing-along sessions.
Another popular venue, B.B. King’s Blues Club, delivered tight, soulful performances catering to R&B fans, providing a range of music options throughout the cruise.
Meanwhile, the main theater hosted nightly showcases featuring singers, dancers, and diverse acts, though the Rolling Stone Lounge stood out as the highlight of entertainment offerings.
**Enriching Activities and Cultural Engagement**
Holland America’s commitment to honoring its legacy and destinations was palpable during this sailing, with enriching activities like the Origin Story program allowing attendees to understand the line’s 150-year history.
This program detailed HAL’s early days, immigration role, and its evolution into modern cruising, showcasing vintage photos and storytelling that deepened the voyage’s cultural significance.
Glacier Bay was another mesmerizing highlight of the trip.
Early that morning, a National Park ranger boarded the vessel to provide commentary as the ship navigated the breathtaking landscapes.
Numerous presentations on Alaska’s unique wildlife, climate, and history filled the day, engaging passengers eager to learn more about the region.
Entering the park at John Hopkins Inlet with an hour-long stop in front of Marjorie Glacier offered ample time for guests to marvel at the striking scenery.
The onboard narration provided by the ranger illuminated many of the glacier’s wonders while glimpses of wildlife, such as bears searching for food along the riverbanks, added magic to the experience.
**Tip: For those without balcony staterooms, the bow of the ship serves as an ideal viewing location for scenic panoramas.**
Cruisers appreciated the lack of tendering on this itinerary, facilitating an enjoyable exploration of each port.
**Ports of Call and Shore Excursions**
The itinerary included stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and a scenic visit to Glacier Bay National Park, providing an impressive mix of scenic cruising, rich history, and local seafood experiences.
In Juneau, a late departure allowed for ample exploration time.
After an original shore excursion fell through due to weather conditions, the opportunity to pivot arose through stops at notable local spots.
Beginning at the Red Dog Saloon and progressing to the Alaska Brewing Company’s downtown taproom, the freshest Alaska King crab legs showcased the region’s culinary delights.
By 8 p.m., Juneau felt welcomingly laid-back, as the ship found itself the sole occupant of the harbor.
**Skagway was noted as the top port visited**, where the White Pass Railway excursion proved to be an enriching experience.
For anyone contemplating the journey, it is a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate scenic views, not to mention the presence of bathrooms on board each rail car.
The ride combined breathtaking scenery with historical storytelling from the Klondike Gold Rush era, showcasing breathtaking mountain vistas and an enchanting winter wonderland with late-season snow.
Guests boarded the train with the intention of securing the best views ahead, enhancing the magic of the ride.
**Tip: Step outside onto a viewing platform to breathe in the fresh mountain air and capture stunning landscape photographs.**
In Ketchikan, a chilly visit led to a stroll down Creek Street to witness salmon migration.
A meal at a seafood eatery along the harborfront rounded out the day with more local crab legs further emphasizing the region’s culinary offerings.
**Exceptional Crew and Service**
During the journey, Holland America’s crew members consistently stood out, contributing to memorable and heartwarming experiences onboard.
Crew members demonstrated genuine care for passengers, creating an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness throughout the ship.
Cabana attendant Cita exemplified outstanding service, intuitively attending to needs without being intrusive.
Notably, a crew member named Gerald warmly recalled previous interactions with a passenger from 2021, emphasizing the lasting impressions the crew makes on guests.
Morning coffee at the Exploration Cafe in the Crow’s Nest became a cherished routine, with quick and personable baristas who remembered regular orders even after only one day.
As one barista prepared to leave at the end of the cruise, an inside joke regarding the remaining days added a sense of camaraderie and enjoyable atmosphere to the experience.
**Final Thoughts on the Cruise Experience**
Guests consistently praised the crew’s dedication and the engaging ambiance of the Music Walk venues, particularly the Rolling Stone Lounge and B.B. King’s Blues Club, which provided energy-filled nightlife that guests enthusiastically returned to each night.
One potential area for improvement includes expanding daytime and nighttime entertainment options, especially for guests seeking activities beyond lectures.
While subjective and varying across individual preferences, entertainment frequency occasionally felt limited throughout the journey.
Despite experiencing inclement weather, few negatives emerged regarding this sailing.
**Conclusion: Future Travels on the Koningsdam**
With its blend of smooth operations, quality dining, vibrant entertainment, and exceptional service, cruising Alaska aboard the Koningsdam promises a rewarding experience.
The combination of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, lively musical performances at night, and personal touches like baristas knowing regular orders fostered an environment that cultivates lasting memories.
Excitingly, future plans include a cruise with Carnival Cruise Line in Alaska, sparking curiosity about the differences between the two brands operating in this remarkable region.
image source from：https://cruiseradio.net/holland-america-koningsdam-alaska-cruise/
