First time cruiser on Dec 3 sailing of the Koningsdam and future Koningsdam cruise issues including customer service with HAL

[TAW1963]

34 minutes ago, kazu said:

I am on the Koningsdam right now - a very full cruise.

 

I took club orange to upgrade my cabin category but honestly, the dining room there is a big surprise and a joy.  I would avoid the rush of the MDR and use CO.  You don’t have to be in a Neptune Suite if there is availability. You can buy it and of course if you are an NS, it’s automatic.

I have cruised HAL a lot but this is my first Pinnacle Class.  The ship is the fullest it has ever been and Club Orange is a great refuge.  

It was full when we were on a couple of weeks ago and it appears it is even more so this week from what I’ve been reading.  Thanks so much for the first-hand advice about CO.  It is very helpful and I am beginning to see that there is a much better experience to be had with our future cruising if we learn what to, and what not to, do.  We had a great time, but it would have been much better with spending a bit extra for CO.  

[crystalspin]

4 hours ago, Crew News said:

Swoon!!!

[TotallyCruzin]

I was on the same cruise without the fixed dining.  We went to the MDR  3 times; during the 2 "Dressy" nights and the "Culinary council" menu night, they seemed to have better selections during those evenings.  We went to the MDR between 6-7:30pm and although we were told 20-30 minutes for a table of 2, we only waited from 10-20 minutes, not bad at all.  The other four evenings were spent in the  specialty restaurants on the Koningsdam which you will have to pay a per person fee; Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind and Rudy's.  Rudy's was fantastic they serve mostly seafood, Tamarind is also great with the asian flair, Canaletto has fantastic Osso Bucco served on Monday's unless you give them advance notice of 24 hours for non-Monday reservation, and Pinnacle Grill is their steak house which is acceptable but the Beef is more like a subpar "Choice" cut and you have to pay $7 per additional appetizer(the nickel and dime HAL practice) .  I highly recommend you try some of these specialty restaurants and go the the MDR during the evenings I noted above.  I hope you enjoy your next Cruise.... Aloha and safe travels
 

[12cruise2]

Here's what we do dining wise.  We take the anytime dining in the Main Dining Room, not fixed.  We like to eat early, so we go before they open, wait a few minutes, and ask for a table for two (ask for one in your favorite area of the ship).  You'll be seated, and if you're happy, as you walk out, ask the host at the check-in desk if you can have that table every night at 5:30, say.  Usually works out for us just fine.

We have never found the need to buy Club Orange; most things you pay for are really available to all for free.  And we don't need another pasta dish added to a menu that already has 1-2 pasta dishes these days.

We are elite (highest level) on Princess and have given up cruising on them because we don't like the large ships and the way they are laid out.  They have no comfortable place for us to be outside, in the shade, in peace and quiet.  Needless to say, we don't usually book a balcony, but that would help.  The stiff, no-cushion lounge chairs just don't work for us.  We don't cruise for the entertainment, so I can't speak to that.  As you cruise more, you'll find that the large ships can't get into as many ports as the smaller ships; that's what got us to Holland America, even though at the time Princess had 650-passenger ships that we sailed on many times, but no more.  And HAL sold many of its 1250 passenger ships during the pandemic.  The 1250-passenger ones they have left can leave a few things to be desired.  You'll also find that HAL and Princess could have similar itineraries, but HAL stops at more ports on that particular itinerary, which we like.

Edited December 21, 2022 by 12cruise2

[Andi Land]

Can you apply the non refundable deposit to the Irish cruise? If that cruise has a refundable deposit, can you cancel and rebook using the non refundable deposit?

[TAW1963]

6 hours ago, 12cruise2 said:

Here's what we do dining wise.  We take the anytime dining in the Main Dining Room, not fixed.  We like to eat early, so we go before they open, wait a few minutes, and ask for a table for two (ask for one in your favorite area of the ship).  You'll be seated, and if you're happy, as you walk out, ask the host at the check-in desk if you can have that table every night at 5:30, say.  Usually works out for us just fine.

We have never found the need to buy Club Orange; most things you pay for are really available to all for free.  And we don't need another pasta dish added to a menu that already has 1-2 pasta dishes these days.

We are elite (highest level) on Princess and have given up cruising on them because we don't like the large ships and the way they are laid out.  They have no comfortable place for us to be outside, in the shade, in peace and quiet.  Needless to say, we don't usually book a balcony, but that would help.  The stiff, no-cushion lounge chairs just don't work for us.  We don't cruise for the entertainment, so I can't speak to that.  As you cruise more, you'll find that the large ships can't get into as many ports as the smaller ships; that's what got us to Holland America, even though at the time Princess had 650-passenger ships that we sailed on many times, but no more.  And HAL sold many of its 1250 passenger ships during the pandemic.  The 1250-passenger ones they have left can leave a few things to be desired.  You'll also find that HAL and Princess could have similar itineraries, but HAL stops at more ports on that particular itinerary, which we like.

Thanks so much for the insightful suggestions and information.  We are early diners in general, so your suggestion has real merit for us.   I have to admit that the smaller ships have great appeal to us and we don't like to hang around crowded public spaces (main pool areal) in lounge chairs.  We do like privacy and for the single cruise we took, we spent a considerable amount of time in our Veranda cabin.  I would have loved to have known about your dining suggestion; it could have helped us tremendously.  

[TAW1963]

6 hours ago, Andi Land said:

Can you apply the non refundable deposit to the Irish cruise? If that cruise has a refundable deposit, can you cancel and rebook using the non refundable deposit?

Unfortunately that cruise is being paid for through the agent that has chartered the whole ship and has aligned/scheduled all the entertainers.  It has even a higher non refundable deposit and down payment.

[TAW1963]

7 hours ago, TotallyCruzin said:

I was on the same cruise without the fixed dining.  We went to the MDR  3 times; during the 2 "Dressy" nights and the "Culinary council" menu night, they seemed to have better selections during those evenings.  We went to the MDR between 6-7:30pm and although we were told 20-30 minutes for a table of 2, we only waited from 10-20 minutes, not bad at all.  The other four evenings were spent in the  specialty restaurants on the Koningsdam which you will have to pay a per person fee; Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto, Tamarind and Rudy's.  Rudy's was fantastic they serve mostly seafood, Tamarind is also great with the asian flair, Canaletto has fantastic Osso Bucco served on Monday's unless you give them advance notice of 24 hours for non-Monday reservation, and Pinnacle Grill is their steak house which is acceptable but the Beef is more like a subpar "Choice" cut and you have to pay $7 per additional appetizer(the nickel and dime HAL practice) .  I highly recommend you try some of these specialty restaurants and go the the MDR during the evenings I noted above.  I hope you enjoy your next Cruise.... Aloha and safe travels
 

Thanks so much for the insight and recommendations.  It sounds like you knew exactly what to do.  We should have followed your suggestion and asked for a table, even thought the lines appeared long,   If you don't mind asking, did you eat in the MDR for breakfast or lunch, and if so, did it take long to get seated for those?  Safe travel and Aloha to you!

[pkpon]

I would keep the Hawaiian cruise and add Club Orange for $15pp per night. I have recently just returned from 21 nights on the Rotterdam in Club Orange. The Club Orange restaurant was terrific. You can dine at dinner anytime between 5 and 9pm. The restaurant is also open for breakfast. My only problem is that in future it will steer me towards the Pinnacle Class ships as they are the only ones that have the separate Club Orange restaurant.

 

 I have sailed on Sky Princess, Discovery Princess’s sister ship. The ship is beautiful but everything is centred around the atrium. There are no nice spaces like the Crow’s Nest where you can relax and just watch the ocean.

Also I found the food better on HAL.
 

Edited December 21, 2022 by pkpon

[Bruinboy]

TAW ... great questions. I agree with the folk who recommend staying with the Neptune for Alaska and Hawaii with Princess. It is always good to experience different lines. While HAL is our favorite, Celebrity and Princess are a close second. 

 

Trudy and I lived in Boise for a couple of years in the early 70's when the population there was 75K.  We stopped there for lunch a couple of years ago while on our way to Walla Walla, WA for wine tasting and my how much the city has changed. Sadly, having grown up in LA we didn't appreciate Boise as much as we would have today. 

 

Enjoy your cruises and please share your experiences with us.

[TotallyCruzin]

Aloha Again,

 

We ate a late breakfast and late lunch in the Lido or we ordered from the Deli, on sea days the Pinnacle is open for lunch I believe from 12 till 1pm, The menu is simple but looks pretty good.  Others are telling you to get the Club Orange which I believe comes with your Neptune suite that way you can eat there for Breakfast too.  Because the MDR dinner had a little wait, I would drop by the bar to grab a glass of wine for my wife and myself then check in the the MDR desk we usually waited at one of the tables in the corridor outside of Club orange watching the ocean right out of those windows, or sit in the bar area just beyond the corridor; it was always a pleasant affair.  Please enjoy you journeys ... aloha again.

[TAW1963]

3 hours ago, pkpon said:

I would keep the Hawaiian cruise and add Club Orange for $15pp per night. I have recently just returned from 21 nights on the Rotterdam in Club Orange. The Club Orange restaurant was terrific. You can dine at dinner anytime between 5 and 9pm. The restaurant is also open for breakfast. My only problem is that in future it will steer me towards the Pinnacle Class ships as they are the only ones that have the separate Club Orange restaurant.

 

 I have sailed on Sky Princess, Discovery Princess’s sister ship. The ship is beautiful but everything is centred around the atrium. There are no nice spaces like the Crow’s Nest where you can relax and just watch the ocean.

Also I found the food better on HAL.
 

Thank you so much for the insightful suggestions.  Club Orange could be a very nice option that would help us.  I am concerned that the Discovery Princess will be too large for our tastes.  

[TAW1963]

3 hours ago, Bruinboy said:

TAW ... great questions. I agree with the folk who recommend staying with the Neptune for Alaska and Hawaii with Princess. It is always good to experience different lines. While HAL is our favorite, Celebrity and Princess are a close second. 

 

Trudy and I lived in Boise for a couple of years in the early 70's when the population there was 75K.  We stopped there for lunch a couple of years ago while on our way to Walla Walla, WA for wine tasting and my how much the city has changed. Sadly, having grown up in LA we didn't appreciate Boise as much as we would have today. 

 

Enjoy your cruises and please share your experiences with us.

Thanks so much for the your thoughts and recommendation.  I grew up here in the east Idaho area, but just returned having been gone for over 35 years.    We wanted to be close to family.  I will certainly let you know how it goes.

 

[TAW1963]

1 hour ago, TotallyCruzin said:

Aloha Again,

 

We ate a late breakfast and late lunch in the Lido or we ordered from the Deli, on sea days the Pinnacle is open for lunch I believe from 12 till 1pm, The menu is simple but looks pretty good.  Others are telling you to get the Club Orange which I believe comes with your Neptune suite that way you can eat there for Breakfast too.  Because the MDR dinner had a little wait, I would drop by the bar to grab a glass of wine for my wife and myself then check in the the MDR desk we usually waited at one of the tables in the corridor outside of Club orange watching the ocean right out of those windows, or sit in the bar area just beyond the corridor; it was always a pleasant affair.  Please enjoy you journeys ... aloha again.

Thanks again for all your thoughts on this.  It really helps.

[VMax1700]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:34 PM, TAW1963 said:

we both love traditional Irish music

I know that this is not the main thrust of your thread, but I would point out that 'traditional' Irish music will be a minority on that cruise.  It is more Irish style C&W performers with some more mainline than others.  I understand that it tends to be a bit of a 'party cruise' and quite late nights.

If you are expecting traditional style music, then I fear you may be disappointed.

 

[LMaxwell]

1. Never apologize for a long post. The more details the better. 

2. Forget reservations for dining room. Just show up. Whatever time you want. I've only had open dining on HAL, have never made a reservation, show up ever whenever we are ready, and never waited more than 5 minutes. 

3. MDR for breakfast, Lido for dinner.  That's the big secret no one will tell you. 

 

Princess is well known for their Hawaii itineraries; but what ship? There are several older/smaller Princess ships I would not want to go on.  

[TAW1963]

35 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

1. Never apologize for a long post. The more details the better. 

2. Forget reservations for dining room. Just show up. Whatever time you want. I've only had open dining on HAL, have never made a reservation, show up ever whenever we are ready, and never waited more than 5 minutes. 

3. MDR for breakfast, Lido for dinner.  That's the big secret no one will tell you. 

 

Princess is well known for their Hawaii itineraries; but what ship? There are several older/smaller Princess ships I would not want to go on.  

Thanks so much.  The Princess ship we are considering is their newest ship, Discovery Princess.

[TAW1963]

44 minutes ago, VMax1700 said:

I know that this is not the main thrust of your thread, but I would point out that 'traditional' Irish music will be a minority on that cruise.  It is more Irish style C&W performers with some more mainline than others.  I understand that it tends to be a bit of a 'party cruise' and quite late nights.

If you are expecting traditional style music, then I fear you may be disappointed.

 

I'm a bit concerned about the non-traditional music aspect, but hearing about it being a "party cruise" is quite concerning.  We are non-alcohol drinkers and usually don't stay up too late in the evenings.  I figured it would be an older crowd that wouldn't party too late, but that was before I researched anything about cruising in general.  We may have to chalk this one up to a learning experience too! 🙂

[LMaxwell]

25 minutes ago, TAW1963 said:

Thanks so much.  The Princess ship we are considering is their newest ship, Discovery Princess.

I think that would be an amazing ship to do that itinerary on.  enjoy both cruises! 

[LMaxwell]

19 minutes ago, TAW1963 said:

I'm a bit concerned about the non-traditional music aspect, but hearing about it being a "party cruise" is quite concerning.  We are non-alcohol drinkers and usually don't stay up too late in the evenings.  I figured it would be an older crowd that wouldn't party too late, but that was before I researched anything about cruising in general.  We may have to chalk this one up to a learning experience too! 🙂

"Late night party" tends to happen in one or two clubs/lounges and the casino; and that's for any ship or cruise line really.  Some later than others, but that's the brunt of it.  These are massive ships and you can be anywhere at any time you want.  You don't need to be where the crowd is at the disco at midnight if that's not your thing. Once you're in your room you never hear or know whats going on outside, and there's plenty of lower key/earlier activities.  Remember, they are offering amenities to please 2000-3500 people; so there's a a variety and time and space to enjoy things your way. 

 

 

[VMax1700]

19 minutes ago, TAW1963 said:

I'm a bit concerned about the non-traditional music aspect, but hearing about it being a "party cruise" is quite concerning.  We are non-alcohol drinkers and usually don't stay up too late in the evenings.  I figured it would be an older crowd that wouldn't party too late, but that was before I researched anything about cruising in general.  We may have to chalk this one up to a learning experience too! 🙂

I have never been on this cruise, but friends have been on it a few times.  They said it was 'great craic' which means late nights and lots of after hours singing and other convivialities 🥂

The Irish party late!  Do not expect the normal HAL passenger ages as this cruise attracts many younger cruisers including  Irish exiles based in North America.

Regarding the entertainment, I suggest you google some of the names or look for youtube uploads.  If you are expecting something like the 'Chieftains' or similar, then it may well be (to quote yourself) 'a learning experience' 😉

[TAW1963]

Hey All,

 

Thank you all for the great and insightful discussion.  I appreciate all the thoughts and viewpoints.   We have made a decision of how to proceed, so I thought I would share what we decided to do.  Here are the plans:

 

1.  We cancelled our October 2023, 17 day Hawaii cruise on the Koningsdam, but transferred the deposit to a mid-January 2024, 17 day Hawaii cruise on the Koningsdam.  I booked a center aft-facing Veranda again and we are going to add Club Orange to help enhance our dining experience.  The cost of $15/pp/day on that long of a cruise is worth it to us for the added peace of mind. 

2.  I am cancelling our December 2023 14 day Hawaii cruise on the Discovery Princess.  I had a lovely premium deluxe aft-facing balcony reserved, which would have been a lovely cabin.  I am concerned about the size of that ship even though it looks lovely.  After our March 2023 Western Caribbean cruise on the Ruby Princess, we'll get some flavor for what Princess ships are about (albeit each ship undoubtedly have differences in food quality and activities).  We will decide at that point if we would like to try another Princess cruise in near future.

3.  I didn't give up on the Neptune suite for an Alaska cruise in the spring of 2024.  I have a corner aft Neptune suite on the Nieuw Amsterdam reserved, instead of the Koningsdam one, for the first week in May 2024.  We thought it would be fun to try a different ship.  I took in the suggestions of the lovely views and photo opportunities on such a cabin and destination and the lure to try it was strong.  We won't be cruising in the summer for I have a 4.5 acre lawn to take care of, so early May is best for us.  Perhaps it will be colder than later sailings, but that's okay.

4.  We'll see how the 2023 All-Irish cruise goes.  Seeing Alaska by cruising will be fun regardless.  I appreciate a true Irishmen, VMax1700, who gave some insights into this specialized cruise and who kindly suggested I google the Irish singers on-board.  Being a research scientist, I had thoroughly researched, and listened to Youtube videos on,  all the Irish singers before booking the trip.  I expected that we would thoroughly enjoy some, but not all, singers and be okay listening to others.  Perhaps when I said "traditional" Irish music I was being much too broad and I appreciate a true Irishman helping me understand that.  Although it would be awesome to have someone like the Chieftains or Dubliners onboard 🙂 . We have been to Ireland twice and we absolutely loved it there. The second time we saw the High Kings in concert in Galway.  It was a treasured experience for us. Hopefully there will be some true Irish onboard.  There will likely be late-night partying with this cruise, which is okay with us as long as we can retreat to a peaceful, quiet cabin.  Who knows, it may be fun to watch them party!   

 

Again, thanks to all who responded.  I will give a report on my experiences with the upcoming cruises.  

Edited December 23, 2022 by TAW1963

[Nodakboiler]

If food quality is a major cruise concern, try Oceania or Viking- much superior to HAL

[Crew News]

3 hours ago, TAW1963 said:

Hey All,

 

Thank you all for the great and insightful discussion.  I appreciate all the thoughts and viewpoints.   We have made a decision of how to proceed, so I thought I would share what we decided to do.  Here are the plans:

 

1.  We cancelled our October 2023, 17 day Hawaii cruise on the Koningsdam, but transferred the deposit to a mid-January 2024, 17 day Hawaii cruise on the Koningsdam.  I booked a center aft-facing Veranda again and we are going to add Club Orange to help enhance our dining experience.  The cost of $15/pp/day on that long of a cruise is worth it to us for the added peace of mind. 

 

3 hours ago, TAW1963 said:

3.  I didn't give up on the Neptune suite for an Alaska cruise in the spring of 2024.  I have a corner aft Neptune suite on the Nieuw Amsterdam reserved, instead of the Koningsdam one, for the first week in May 2024.  We thought it would be fun to try a different ship.  I took in the suggestions of the lovely views and photo opportunities on such a cabin and destination and the lure to try it was strong.  We won't be cruising in the summer for I have a 4.5 acre lawn to take care of, so early May is best for us.  Perhaps it will be colder than later sailings, but that's okay.

 

As an experienced HAL traveler and hobby photographer, I could not have made better choices. Glad to see you booked so far out because the best Alaska excursions sell out quickly.  Enjoy your planning.

[TAW1963]

4 minutes ago, Crew News said:

 

 

As an experienced HAL traveler and hobby photographer, I could not have made better choices. Glad to see you booked so far out because the best Alaska excursions sell out quickly.  Enjoy your planning.

Thanks so much Crews News for the endorsement.  That really helps to make me feel more confident in my choices for I am still new to all this.