So what’s new on the ms Koningsdam? The latest addition to the Holland American family has reimagined ship life, embracing modern décor, new dining options and working with well-known partners to offer entertainment.
Here are the new and renewed additions that passengers can expect when they embark on a journey on the ms Koningsdam:
Modern design: Inspired by musical instruments, the ship’s design is very curvaceous, as well as embracing more lighter tones and lots of natural light. At the central core of the ship, this stylish area brings natural light into the guest services areas of deck three and deck two.
Dutch treat: The Grand Dutch Café is a new offering on board. This café is decorated in blue and white with hints of orange, and offers sweet and savory treats all day, like pannekoek with fruit, a thin Dutch pancake as well as jars filled with Dutch candy and cookies.
How to: Not just taste wine, but learn about how to blend wine like a winemaker. Blend by Chateau Ste Michelle offers daily classes for passengers to learn about the Washington State vineyard and how to make the perfect red wine blend for your palate.
New dining: Sel de Mer, a new addition to the dinner options on board, is a French brasserie, celebrating the classic French cuisine. Chefs will offer guests fresh catch of the day sourced ashore from the port, and indulge in fish, shellfish and a few land favourites too.
Planet earth: Partnering with BBC Earth, ms Koningsdam has the exclusive debut of Frozen Planet Live, a one-hour performance pairing excerpts from the BBC Earth documentary on the Arctic and Antarctic on the World Stage’s 270° screens with the live accompaniment by the Koningsdam orchestra.
Farm to table: The Culinary Arts Center is now presented by Food & Wine Magazine, showcasing the current trend for farm to table dining. Two menus are offered to guests, who can take cooking classes during the day and enjoy the intimate chef’s table atmosphere at night. The center is also home to a micro green nursery, growing its own herbs and greens for use by the chefs.
Event space: The Queen’s Lounge has been redesigned into a two-storey space, used by day for lectures and afternoon tea, and every evening as the home to BB King’s Blues Club, for guests to indulge in the best of the Memphis music scene.
Daily dining: The redesigned Lido Market offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily is lighter and brighter, and has a wide range of cuisine in a cafeteria style at stations such as Homestead providing made to order salads, Breadboard, the best from the bakery and Distant Lands, global flavours inspired by Holland America destinations.
Classical sounds: The Lincoln Center Stage offers daily doses of classical music for guests, thanks to a partnership with New York City’s Lincoln Center working with Holland America to choose the musicians.
