Our Review of the Ship, the Experience & Why It’s a Great Fit for Corporate Travel too. At Gin & Tonic Travel, we recently had the pleasure of sailing to Alaska on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam. It was our first time with the line, and we were doubly curious—not just for the cruise itself, but because we were attending a travel conference at sea. That gave us a chance to explore Koningsdam both as a leisure cruise experience and as a potential venue for corporate meetings and incentive travel (MICE). Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.
Smooth Sailing (Mostly) from Vancouver
We embarked in Vancouver and experienced U.S. preclearance at the cruise terminal. For Canadian and U.S. citizens, the process was quick and efficient. However, international travelers faced long waits—up to 2–3 hours for processing.
Once onboard, we were impressed from the moment we stepped through the gangway. The ship was spotless, the crew warm and welcoming, and the boarding process well-organized. As late boarders, we were directed straight to our cabins to collect our SeaPass cards and head to our muster stations for the safety briefing. Our Luggage was already waiting for us in the cabin.
Our Accessible Verandah Stateroom
We had booked a “Guaranteed Verandah” cabin and didn’t learn our assignment until the day before departure. The ship was full, and assignments were finalized last minute. We ended up in a fully accessible stateroom—a spacious 405 sq. ft. cabin with no door sills, roll-in shower, pull-down closet bars, and a thoughtfully designed bathroom with retractable grab bars. Koningsdam has 27 accessible cabins in total—something worth noting for those with mobility needs.
Meet the Ship
Koningsdam is a Pinnacle Class ship—alongside Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam—weighing in at just under 100,000 gross tons, 300 meters long, with 12 passenger decks and capacity for around 2,600 guests; she’s classified as mid-sized and offers a cozy yet upscale feel.
Our journey began with a scenic sailaway from Vancouver, passing under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge while enjoying drinks with colleagues on the aft of the Lido Deck. An unforgettable moment.
Main Dining Room First Impressions
We always try the main dining room on night one—it’s a great way to see how the staff handles new guests and sets the culinary tone. Our verdict? Excellent.
The striploin steak was among the best we’ve ever had at sea (rivaled only by Viking Ocean). Service was attentive and efficient, though bar service was a bit slow—a trend we’re seeing across the cruise industry, likely tied to staffing challenges.
Bonus: Koningsdam still offers nightly turndown service, which is becoming rare in the mainstream cruise market.
Holland America’s Alaska Advantage
Not all cruise lines are allowed into Glacier Bay National Park—only six hold a concession. Holland America is one of them, and the experience is next-level.
From Dutch pea soup served on deck during glacier viewing, to onboard Alaska brunches with breakfast skillets, reindeer sausage and fresh-caught fish, everything feels deeply connected to the destination. Blankets are provided in the stateroom for guests watching from their balconies, and onboard lectures by Indigenous speakers and live commentary by park rangers enhance the journey even further.
In port, Holland America secures prime docking locations—meaning less walking and more exploring.
Foodie? Specialty Dining Highlights.
We tried three specialty dining venues and can recommend them all:
Pinnacle Grill
Holland America’s signature steakhouse. The filet mignon was perfect, wine pairings spot on, and service struck a perfect balance—attentive but not intrusive. Although recommended, we did not have a reservation and were warmly welcomed and seated immediately. Another highlight here is the table side Gin & Tonic made with fresh botanicals. The filet mignon is also available in the main dining room for a nominal supplement.
Canaletto
The Canaletto is all about Italian fare, including freshly made pasta. It is in a sectioned area of the Lido Buffet. While the separation could be improved, (this upgrade is planned for the next dry dock) . The food was excellent and the grand views from deck 9 enhanced the experience. Perfect for a sunset dinner with an Italian flair.
Rudi’s Sel de Mer
A Mediterranean-inspired venue with upscale flavours and great ambience. What struck us here was the variety on the menu as well as the very attentive service. Our waiter gave personal recommendations for wine pairings that really worked well. He recommended the Foie Gras with a Moscato that completely changed the flavour experience for the better.
Don't miss the Dutch Grand Café on deck 3—it’s a charming nod to Holland America’s Dutch roots, serving croquettes, bitterballen, fries with mayo, and of course, their signature pea soup.
Evenings Onboard: A Music Lover’s Dream
Musical Entertainment is where Koningsdam shines. Multiple live music venues offer rotating performances so you can enjoy something new every night: There is always a live performance available with a different theme every night. The music also moves from venue to venue, so hopping from one place to another can easily fill a few nights' worth of entertainment.
- Billboard Onboard
- Rolling Rock Room
- BB King’s Blues Club (on two decks!)
Prefer something quieter? Head to the Crow’s Nest on Deck 12 for cocktails and stunning views. The shows in the main theatre, World Stage, were enjoyable, but not as elaborate or immersive as what you'd see on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity.
Corporate Events at Sea? Absolutely.
Koningsdam is an excellent choice for corporate meetings and events. There are five conference rooms onboard, and entertainment venues like Billboard Onboard can be reserved for private functions.
We enjoyed a welcome cocktail reception with beautifully presented canapés, and the ship’s multiple dining venues allow for private group dinners. You can even incorporate the ship-wide Orange Party into your event—a fun, Dutch-themed celebration on every sailing. We were also part of a customized shore excursion on the White Pass Railway, where our group had a private rail car. This was certainly a highlight of our trip.
Wellness & Relaxation
Looking to recharge? The Greenhouse Spa & Salon offers full-body treatments, a hydrotherapy pool, and ocean-view relaxation lounges. There are two pools onboard—an outdoor aft pool and a large indoor pool under a retractable roof—plus a netted sports court for active guests.
Final Thoughts
We disembarked Koningsdam already talking about our next trip with Holland America. The ship was pristine and well-maintained, the service was consistently excellent, and the Alaska programming went above and beyond. This was our fourth trip to Alaska—and easily the most immersive and enjoyable one yet.
Thinking About an Alaska Cruise?
Whether you’re planning a leisure vacation or a corporate event at sea, Holland America’s Koningsdam is a standout choice.
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