LAFFNVEGAS LIVE from the Premier Sailings of the MS Koningsdam

[InTheWASide]

You're right about the website. And Lisa's photos do look like there would be room for chairs. But wouldn't it be odd that the chairs didn't arrive with the other furniture?

 

 

And here's the one we got a tour of:

[LAFFNVEGAS]

And here's the one we got a tour of:

 

 

Brad was't this a H/C cabin?

 

 

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[LAFFNVEGAS]

Ciao from the Koningsdam. I did get a good nights sleep, a bit short but getting caught up on sleep.

Unfortunately phone still is not working, not sure I want to start taking pics on my mini iPad but may have to. Hoping when I get into Dubrovnik I can get my phone reactivated.

 

 

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Edited April 9, 2016 by LAFFNVEGAS

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Ciao again, I need to start to remember to write everything off line or those 1000 minutes will be gone by Monday [emoji848]

Ok back to the room thing I would assume my SA cabin is the same as everyone else except for an HC cabin. Truthfully not much room for chairs, size wise it is the same as an SS on the Vista Class. The bathroom is definitely lager and wide.

As many know I love the suites on NCL and yes have done The Haven but love the aft category SF. In my mind I basically had planned to compare this to them based on the price point in all the voyages being equal or much higher with Hal and comparing pricing to their newest to Hal's newest. But I will wait till later to do met of my comparisons. But the one I will do now is the coffee machine. I LOVE my coffee in the morning in the room. I do love that this cabin has the chair and desk set up just like a Vista Class signature suite. The Mo Coffee machine is easy enough to work, but it makes only two sizes of coffee an espresso tiny cup or a very small regular cup of coffee. They give you only three choices already here of 2 regular coffees they call Lungo, 2 Espresso capsules and and 2 Decaffeinsto which they can keep and three little creamers. Lol I brought my own French Vanilla non dairy creamers [emoji6]

This is definitely NOT enough to coffee, especially since it makes such a small cup [emoji45]

If both people in the cabin drank coffee it would just be a sample. Of course I know this is such a new concept for Hal they will have to learn. Also don't see they will offer tea which I know many like. Definitely a work in progress to get Hal up to 2016 lol. The coffee itself is not too bad tasting but since the machine is small the reservoir of water is also so could be why they don't give you much coffee. Definitely not the way NCL has it.

 

Ok you were discussing the couch in taking a good look yes the upholstery is not great [emoji57]

I do like the mauve coloring. The closets are nice and yes the rods light up. I do not mind not having the dressing area, was not a fan of it prior, it would get humid from the shower and the lighting was terrible for putting on make up. But I am not one who likes to sit in a chair to do my make up and hair either like this cabin suggests. I actually would prefer the fill length mirror in the bathroom. Lighting is actually quite good and I can get close to the mirror with out my glasses on. But with none of those plugs working for my curling iron it does not help. I did bring another curling iron that is a dual voltage that I could use my voltage converter but the curling iron does not get as hot nor is it a ceramic rod which I prefer. .....oh the problems of being a women [emoji6]

I have my spa treatments starting at 10 then will spend a little time in the Thermal suite. Then Tom is making Pinnacle lunch reservations. He went to the Pinnacle for breakfast although no where in anything were we given info that Pinnacle Suites can go there for breakfast or the hours. Never saw menus, don't have any hours of the Pinnacle Lounge. I am guessing the breakfast hours are same as dining room which today was 8:00am till 9:30.

Ok need to get ready so will post this [emoji4]

 

 

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

No room to have chairs -- terrible.

That coffee machine looks like the one that was in our PS on the Westerdam. They apparently don't expect you to drink much coffee. There were 4 regular and 2 decaf capsules.

 

 

[InTheWASide]

Brad was't this a H/C cabin?

 

 

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No. It was 7090

[mame42]

I absolutely do NOT like the positioning of the TV. It makes no sense whatsoever. Did no one consider that most people watch TV from a couch or a chair? Not always just from in bed at night?

 

I just returned from 3 months in a Neptune Suite on the Rotterdam, and I had the same complaint about the placement of the TV. One cannot view the small screen comfortably from the bed or the sofa, but must rearrange the heavy chairs from the sitting area and drag in the even heavier vanity stool.

 

Perhaps HAL does this on purpose. After all, someone comfortably ensconced in a cabin watching TV is not "out and about" spending money elsewhere on the ship.

[SabreSailor]

I find it interesting that both the Signature and Vista suites on the KDam have separate, mirrored, illuminated areas where a lady can deal with her hair, make-up, etc. while sitting on a chair, and yet the Neptune with its significant upcharge does not. Where were the folks who were supposed to supervise the designers? And why are three sinks necessary in the bathroom?

 

Sounds like Lisa just got shorted the two chairs. Time for a concierge visit! Even the Vista and Signature class Neptunes have those two chairs....

[rafinmd]

I'm a bit surprised Brad is where he is doing what he is doing as it didn't appear he left HAL under the friendliest of circumstances:

 

Truly appreciate the kind comments from everyone. I'm still in the travel industry, just covering a MUCH wider portion (ie all) of it now. Per cc guidelines I won't say where I'm at now but it is definitely a company with much more caring sr. mgmt and HR staff and support than my previous employer.

 

Roy

[Topsham]

Looking at Lisa's pictures and the basic layout of a SA cabin, I can't see any other place for the TV to go, except maybe for on the wall next to the bed.

 

The layout also shows two chairs that can not be seen in the pictures. Not the most convenient seating for prolonged TV watching but an alternative to the bed.

 

 

 

There is an excellent spot. On the 'standard' Neptune suite, the TV usually sited on the corner between the window and the doors. It can turn to one side towards the couch. That works if you have one or two or more, watching from the couch or the chairs. Then if you want to watch in bed you can swivel the screen for that direction. It does cover most angles.

 

Of course what we really want is a larger screen. On that cabinet corner won't work that way. Is there a better way? YES! Between the window and the door. Instead of the tall spot with the glass shelves. Remove those shelves completely. A larger TV can be fixed higher and nearer at the ceiling. Most wall TVs come with an swivel arm. The screen pulls away from the wall, can swivel to left or right and best of all the screen can tip forward. It is all adjustable and gives the best angles for viewing. OK, you cannot have a 40 inch screen, but something in between of the old screens.

 

On a recent cruise I had a cabin with a simple wall mounted TV... tuned everywhere and tipped down. Could sit at the chairs, the bed, at the desk... everywhere except the bathroom! Additionally the TV had an inbuilt DVD player.

 

So, high up and wall mounted. If you want the shelving then how about perhaps over the table next to the bathroom? It would work. Is a wasted space as it is with the mirror. The screen is easily pushed back into position and would look very neat and tidy. Even put a fake frame around if you want to hidden the back of the TV.

[IRL_Joanie]

What is the bar in the shower, bottom right for?

 

I at first thought it was for placing a foot when washing legs and feet. But looing more closely at your photo it looks like it has a couple hooks and a clothes line(?) embedded in the shower tile beside/slightly above it..........

 

Joanie

 

Here are some of our cabin 7113

[OlsSalt]

I find it interesting that both the Signature and Vista suites on the KDam have separate, mirrored, illuminated areas where a lady can deal with her hair, make-up, etc. while sitting on a chair, and yet the Neptune with its significant upcharge does not. Where were the folks who were supposed to supervise the designers? And why are three sinks necessary in the bathroom?

 

Sounds like Lisa just got shorted the two chairs. Time for a concierge visit! Even the Vista and Signature class Neptunes have those two chairs....

 

The third sink is also a "guest" bathroom, in addition to the dual sink passenger bathroom. I too wonder how many women still use the separate vanity area for make-up hair, etc. I personally always use the bathroom and have always appreciated HAL bathroom lighting.

 

Agree, never quite understood the layout in the R/S Neptune Suite dressing area other than having lots of closet space. But we never used that third sink nor the vanity area inside that area - terrible lighting.

 

So far it does look like the Konigsdam mades some strategic design errors and was not necessarily reflective of how passengers actually use their cabin space.

 

But I don't design ships and do not know what limitations are placed up front that pre-determine what else can be done. How do passengers actually utilize cabin space? The R/S Neptune suites were almost "too large" and we never filled the drawers even on longer cruises.

 

And let's face it with baggage fees, the most one can bring is 100# worth of stuff which easily fits into a cruise cabin, so I can see them down-sizing the former Neptune Suite cabin size.

 

But the gracious balconies were a bonus and those do seem cramped on this deck level. Though we actually loved our very shallow top floor Neptune Suite balcony on the Prinsendam, because it puts such immediacy between us, the sea and what was beyond the ship.

 

Too bad we can' do graphics on CC - it would be fun to design our "dream" cabins, but within the realistic constraints ship cabins must adhere to. I personally would put a walk-in closet with shelves, drawers and hangers all with direct access to the bathroom. I think Princess cabins offer something close to this.

Edited April 9, 2016 by OlsSalt

[Aquahound]

What is the bar in the shower, bottom right for?

 

It's for the ladies...to shave their legs. I only know that because Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have had those for years.

[IRL_Joanie]

It's for the ladies...to shave their legs. I only know that because Celebrity and Royal Caribbean have had those for years.

 

Thank you:)

 

Joanie

[Himself]

I enjoyed the pictures of your state room. Thank you for sharing them.

[SC_GAY_Cruiser]

What is the bar in the shower, bottom right for?

 

I at first thought it was for placing a foot when washing legs and feet. But looing more closely at your photo it looks like it has a couple hooks and a clothes line(?) embedded in the shower tile beside/slightly above it..........

 

Joanie

 

Joanie, maybe its just my eye sight, but doesn't it look like there is a glass or 'table' between that bar and the tile?

 

dave

[steilkurve]

LAFFNVEGAS Thanks for the photos and insights. Curious, have you had a chance to glance at a Koningsdam Vista Suite? Sailing in one in the summer and aside from the rendering/plan, I've yet to see real photos or videos of one.

 

 

Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

Edited April 9, 2016 by steilkurve

[InTheWASide]

I'm a bit surprised Brad is where he is doing what he is doing as it didn't appear he left HAL under the friendliest of circumstances: Roy

 

 

While I used to work for HAL another in my family still does

[InTheWASide]

What is the bar in the shower, bottom right for?

 

I at first thought it was for placing a foot when washing legs and feet. But looing more closely at your photo it looks like it has a couple hooks and a clothes line(?) embedded in the shower tile beside/slightly above it..........

 

Joanie

 

 

It's a shaving bar. Clothes line for my room was above the shower head and went across. Assuming with the Neptune having a shower and a shower/tub it's likely in the tub part

[Krazy Kruizers]

I would much rather have a seat in the shower than a bar to shave my legs.

[lahlah57]

I do not have the site as to get to Laffnvegas and her blog or someone's blog. Got a few here but havent seen anything since the lady shave bar:o

[HeinzNo57]

Ciao again, I need to start to remember to write everything off line or those 1000 minutes will be gone by Monday [emoji848]

Ok back to the room thing I would assume my SA cabin is the same as everyone else except for an HC cabin. Truthfully not much room for chairs, size wise it is the same as an SS on the Vista Class. The bathroom is definitely lager and wide.

As many know I love the suites on NCL and yes have done The Haven but love the aft category SF. In my mind I basically had planned to compare this to them based on the price point in all the voyages being equal or much higher with Hal and comparing pricing to their newest to Hal's newest. But I will wait till later to do met of my comparisons. But the one I will do now is the coffee machine. I LOVE my coffee in the morning in the room. I do love that this cabin has the chair and desk set up just like a Vista Class signature suite. The Mo Coffee machine is easy enough to work, but it makes only two sizes of coffee an espresso tiny cup or a very small regular cup of coffee. They give you only three choices already here of 2 regular coffees they call Lungo, 2 Espresso capsules and and 2 Decaffeinsto which they can keep and three little creamers. Lol I brought my own French Vanilla non dairy creamers [emoji6]

This is definitely NOT enough to coffee, especially since it makes such a small cup [emoji45]

If both people in the cabin drank coffee it would just be a sample. Of course I know this is such a new concept for Hal they will have to learn. Also don't see they will offer tea which I know many like. Definitely a work in progress to get Hal up to 2016 lol. The coffee itself is not too bad tasting but since the machine is small the reservoir of water is also so could be why they don't give you much coffee. Definitely not the way NCL has it.

 

Ok you were discussing the couch in taking a good look yes the upholstery is not great [emoji57]

I do like the mauve coloring. The closets are nice and yes the rods light up. I do not mind not having the dressing area, was not a fan of it prior, it would get humid from the shower and the lighting was terrible for putting on make up. But I am not one who likes to sit in a chair to do my make up and hair either like this cabin suggests. I actually would prefer the fill length mirror in the bathroom. Lighting is actually quite good and I can get close to the mirror with out my glasses on. But with none of those plugs working for my curling iron it does not help. I did bring another curling iron that is a dual voltage that I could use my voltage converter but the curling iron does not get as hot nor is it a ceramic rod which I prefer. .....oh the problems of being a women [emoji6]

I have my spa treatments starting at 10 then will spend a little time in the Thermal suite. Then Tom is making Pinnacle lunch reservations. He went to the Pinnacle for breakfast although no where in anything were we given info that Pinnacle Suites can go there for breakfast or the hours. Never saw menus, don't have any hours of the Pinnacle Lounge. I am guessing the breakfast hours are same as dining room which today was 8:00am till 9:30.

Ok need to get ready so will post this [emoji4]

 

 

[ATTACH]382230[/ATTACH][ATTACH]382231[/ATTACH][ATTACH]382232[/ATTACH][ATTACH]382233[/ATTACH]

 

 

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Hope you are enjoying the cruise! thanks for all the info you are sharing.

 

I cannot make out the fine print on the Greenhouse spa picture uploaded. does the package deal include the thermal suite and hydro pool for the single and couples pricing? does the spa also offer one time passes to either for use (and price if they do)?

 

Thanks again!

[Skipper's Mom]

We always bring our Tervis Tumbler coffee mugs on board. DH goes up to the Lido and gets our AM fix. This usually lasts us until some of us have our makeup and hair done and then we go to breakfast. ;);)

 

Lisa, enjoying your posts. Continue having a great time!

[Balernocalling]

Thanks for your blog. It is great to find out about this ship. Our friends Kay and Andrew are on board so it is good to find out what is happening. Hope you all have a fantastic trip !

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Ciao from the beautiful Koningsdam!!!

Just spent the last 20 minuted typing in my phone yes I got it working this afternoon, was able to get some pictures of Gala night. The menu and food. Then it went out down near the Queens Lounge, finally got it to reboot to have it go out totally again while I was writing. It has something to do with the wifi network and being logged into Koningdam Guest and website that you pull up to see you on board account I believe. Our Friend Tom and Joe had the same problem while they were on their 90 day Rotterdam cruise. I tried to get it back on but no go. With any luck it will be fine once we are in Dubrovnik tomorrow. It seems to go out when the internet fades in and out the most.

Well I had written about was my not so great service in the spa which was a first for me with a therapist that knew I had to be done by noon since we had Pinnacle lunch reservations at 12:30 but long story short the treatment is finished and I find it is 12:45 and Tom has been waiting for me.

Then I must have totally missed here on CC Hal board that the Pinnacle lunch menu changed. I was devastated to find the Southwest Five Onion Soup was gone [emoji22]like hearing of the passing of an old friend. I loved that soup. It seems a lot of the lunch menu mirrors the evening menu.

 

After Pinnacle lunch I went back to spend the afternoon in the Thermal Suite, I met up with CC member TylerRose and we both thought they had far more than the 30 that is to be the max.

But this Thermal suite is considerably different than Vista and Signature Class ships. I will try to get pictures to post in the up coming days. The Hydro therapy pool is Huge. It has a rainfall that surrounds it. There is an infrared sound that heats you from the inside out. Aroma therapy steam, an interesting thing that you lay on your stomach on this flat surface and there are these rows above of water that beats down. Kind of hard to explain. There are separate Men's and Women's saunas and several different unique types of showers, one that has light therapy.

I look forward to enjoying several more days in the Thermal Suite.

 

Tonight was the first Gala night we saw less than 10 guys in a Tux, about 70% had a sports coat on the rest just an open collared shirt about 50% of the women wore something that resembled formal. I did take pictures of the menu but will have to post later. The dinner was good, not bad nor was it amazing. I will say the Creme brûlée was the best part [emoji6]

Afterwards went the the World Stage to see the second of three shows tonight called Off The Charts Billboard Hits Rewind. It was pretty good, excellent singers the the large screens give a new dimension to the entertainment.

Tom and I just did something we have not done in years and that is order room service. He had gone up to the Lido and said not much was available. It appears no where can you get pizza by the slice it's a whole pie or nothing. Still cannot figure out the pricing it sees if you take it out to you room via box or room service they charge you but if you eat it by the pool it's free?? Jus not sure on that. Anyway it was 10 after 11 and I said to Tom I was hungry. Well we ordered Club Sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies [emoji1303][emoji1] they were tasty.

 

Well better be some sleep, tomorrow is Dubrovnik and we meet for our tour at the World Stage at 10:45.

 

Ciao!! Signing off from the Beautiful New Koningsdam.

 

 

 

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