Entertainment, staterooms and amenities.
We hope you enjoy this continuation post about the MS Koningsdam. As promised, I would like to talk about the entertainment and amenities this time. Historically, entertainment may have been the weak area for Holland America. We have enjoyed the production shows but have very little use for the main showroom in the past. That has now changed!
THE WORLD STAGE
This area is simply a spectacular theatre. The use of the 270 degree video wall in conjunction with the live performance from the members of Lincoln Center Stage made the production of "BBC Earth Frozen Planet" magical!
Another wonderfully unique show is named Musicology. It uses just the dancers to interpret various musical instruments that are scrolling on the video wall. This is a very well choreographed presentation and was just a delight to watch.
The theatre in the round is as versatile as it is functional. For a production show, sitting in the front several rows allows the viewer to feel as though they are part of the action but when you do not need the extra stage space, the "bump" retracts for more audience seating.
Something to be aware of here is that the seating capacity is less in this venue than the theatre's on other ships but most of the shows are done 3 times each night to accommodate all passengers.
THE QUEENS LOUNGE
The cruise line has expanded the Queens Lounge to be a 2 story venue which is home for the B.B. King All Stars.This group was an instant hit when introduced, I believe, in 2013.
The lounge has plenty of seating but this redesigned area allows for viewing from the deck above as well and gives a little separation from the music for those that are sensitive to raucous but fabulous music. The venue also includes a large dance floor.
The last improvement here is a large screen that will play BBC Earth documentaries and give visual assistance for a lecture or talk.
Music Walk
The other enhanced areas of the entertainment has been named Music Walk. It
has changed the intimate piano bar into Billboard Onboard and the Lincoln Center Stage, which replaces the Explorers Lounge.
In the past, the Explorers Lounge was the home for classical and less boisterous music.
These are adjacent areas that have offset performance schedules that do not conflict but often play the same day but at different times.
Pools and other spaces
The indoor pool with a sliding dome cover has been the standard for Holland America for many years but the Koningsdam has made it more fun and comfortable. The Lido pool deck still has ample chairs to recline on and plenty of tables and chairs to eat and drink on but having the pool area be 2 decks tall really opens up the possibilities. There are little areas that have a 2 person lounger, like a bed, that allows you to relax away from the pool but still have the atmosphere that you want. There are also patio style nooks with couches and oversized seating that offer you a sense of privacy.
The Dive In burger joint is on the lower pool deck and the New York Deli and Pizza eatery is on the upper deck, so you never go hungry. Of course each deck has it's own pool side bar as well.
This is also the location for the outside large screen for movies at night. I think that putting the screen in this protected area allows for movies, rain or shine or cold Alaska weather! I watched a BBC Earth documentary on a comfy chaise and was just a little too relaxed to see the entire film!
The aft pool is always a great option during sail away or any time that you wish the full sun or a drink under the stars at the Sea View Bar!
Of course the ship has all the shopping you may want and the casino should fulfill your need for games of chance.
Staterooms
The final part of this blog will touch on the new addition to the collection of staterooms for Holland America. This ship has added the Vista Suite, which is slotted in between the traditional verandah stateroom and the Signature Suite. The Vista Suite has about 50 square feet additional space than the normal verandah stateroom, totaling about 250 feet. We had an aft facing suite and really enjoyed the view of the wake as we cruised.
The staterooms continue the theme of lighter and brighter décor with plenty of storage, USB charging ports and outlets, and still room under the bed for 2 large suitcases and 2 roller bags!
The only negative I noticed was the bathroom was smaller than I was used to, but more than enough room for 1 person to get ready and had a lovely glass shower as well. The cabin did have a vanity that ladies should enjoy and makes the bathroom size mute, when you both are getting ready for dinner!
I will let the photos do the rest of the talking so you can take a closer look.
Thank You for taking the time to read this and I hope it helps you decide to cruise this lovely ship!Please feel encouraged to send us your comments as well.
Thank you again and remember to Look Further!
Bill.
On Board Views
Write a comment
Annette Petta (Saturday, 07 January 2017 19:57)
We would love this ship! Our travels have been put on hold since raising our grandson. Maybe someday.
Dave Alfonso (Saturday, 07 January 2017 23:35)
Very nice site with lots of good info! We're still interested in an Alaska Cruise but haven't settled on a date.