Holland America Koningsdam

Holland America’s latest vessel hits multiple innovative notes. For one, the MS Koningsdam, scheduled to debut in April 2016, is the cruise line’s first original name in its 141-year history. The ship’s title signifies its grandiosity – “Koning” means “king” in Dutch – while paying tribute to King Willem-Alexander.

Along these lines, the MS Koningsdam is also Holland America’s largest to date, offering room for 2,650 passengers. This facet, in addition to ample new activities, restaurants, and features, has earned it a new class for the cruise line, Pinnacle.

Design

The ship’s heart comes from a collaboration between Adam D. Tihany, one of the world’s leading hospitality designers, and architect Bjorn Storbraaten. Together, their work gives the MS Koningsdam its character – music influenced and centering around a three-deck atrium with skylights and a stainless steel sculpture.

Much of the ship retains Holland America’s familiar touches. You’ll get to stroll along the teak decks, and take a class at the Culinary Arts Center. Yet, the ship’s size expanded the possibilities, which now include two swimming pools and more cabin choices. You’ll get a pick of:

• Family Oceanview cabins, with space enough for five people. Rooms are 222 to 231 square feet and include two bathrooms.
• Cabins for solo travelers. These 12 cabins, measuring 127 to 172 square feet each, are a first for the cruise line.
• Pinnacle Suites – 1,290 square feet.
• Neptune Suites – 465 to 855 square feet.
• Signature Suites – 393 to 400 square feet
• Vista Suites – 260 to 356 square feet
• Spa Verandah cabins – 228 to 420 square feet
• Verandah cabins – 228 to 420 square feet
• Standard Oceanview cabins – 172 to 282 square feet
• Interior – 143 to 225 square feet

Each room comes equipped with such modern aspects as USB ports, flat screen TVs, and video on demand.

Dining

In building this vessel, Holland America kept its staples in place. As a result, those who’ve traveled on one of these ships before will still get to dine in the elegant main dining room, the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, Canaletto, and the Terrace Grill. Now, however, the company greatly added to its offerings:

• Sel De Mer: Savor French seafood in a classic brasserie setting, and enjoy the catch of the day.
• Dining at the Culinary Arts Center: This fixture is now open for meals, particularly farm-to-table offerings.
• Lido Market: Holland America made this standard a marketplace, where you can order to go or made-to-order from five themed stations.
• Grand Dutch Café: Taste Dutch snacks and beverages, including beer, during your voyage.

Activities & Entertainment

Holland America kept its two-tier Queen’s Lounge, a venue for musical performances, a fixture on this ship, and included the jogging track and sports court. With this cruise, you’ll further get a few more options for daytime activities and nighttime entertainment:

• World Stage: Watch performances on 270-degree LED screens.
• Lido Pool
• Music Walk: Three stages of musical entertainment, each geared to a different style.
• Billboard on Board: Stop by for sing-along piano and guitar performances.
• Lincoln Center Stage: Holland America’s collaboration with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts brings classical music performances on board.
• BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle: This new wine-blending room, designed for 10 passengers at a time, lets you learn about the beverage before you make your own.

To see all Holland America has to offer, schedule a trip on board the MS Koningsdam. Browse itineraries and make arrangements through Direct Line Cruises today.