Holland America’s Koningsdam Returns From Drydock With Family Cabins
As Alaska cruising grows more competitive, Holland America is reshaping ship space for multigenerational groups and higher onboard spending, not just scenery.
Holland America Line’s Koningsdam returned to guest service on March 29, 2026, after completing a two-week drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.
The 99,863-gross-ton Pinnacle-class ship’s yard period combined routine technical work with guest-facing upgrades aimed at adding family-friendly accommodations and refreshing high-traffic public areas ahead of the ship’s summer deployment in Alaska.
Shipyard work paired maintenance with guest-facing updates
Holland America Line said the project included standard maintenance to operational equipment, class-related inspections, and broader upkeep items. On the guest side, the refurbishment focused on expanding options for groups who want to stay close together and modernizing spaces that can get busy during peak evening and sea-day hours.
New family stateroom capacity and suite updates
A central change was the addition of five new ocean-view staterooms designed for families and groups. Each new cabin accommodates up to four guests, with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a double sofa bed.
Four of the five new ocean-view staterooms are configured with connecting cabins, giving larger parties the option to book adjacent rooms. Holland America Line also updated 22 Vista Suites with new sofa beds, increasing the number of suites that can sleep more than two guests.
Live music area reconfigured between Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge
Koningsdam’s entertainment district was redesigned to improve flow and seating around the adjacent Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge venues. The update added seating within each venue and introduced new lounge seating in the shared space between them, creating more places for guests to gather and watch performances.
“The refreshed layout creates a more open, connected environment where guests can gather and enjoy live music throughout the evening,” the cruise line said.
Casino expansion, dining flexibility, and refreshed retail and fitness spaces
During the drydock, Koningsdam’s casino footprint was expanded to support additional gaming options and improve circulation between nearby entertainment and shopping areas. The ship also received new carpeting across stateroom corridors and multiple public spaces as part of a broader interior refresh.
Several specialty dining venues, including Pinnacle Grill, Sel de Mer, and Club Orange, converted some fixed table setups to movable arrangements intended to make it easier to accommodate different party sizes.
Other upgrades included new equipment in the fitness center and a full refresh of the Effy jewelry boutique. Holland America Line said the Effy updates are similar to changes recently completed on Westerdam and Zuiderdam, and include new flooring, wall finishes, lighting, display fixtures, upgraded signage, and revised merchandising elements.
Spring sailing and repositioning schedule to Alaska
Koningsdam resumed operations with a 12-night Caribbean cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale on March 29. The itinerary includes calls in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.
After the Caribbean voyage, the ship is scheduled to begin repositioning to the West Coast on April 10, transiting the Panama Canal en route to San Diego, with a scheduled arrival in San Diego on April 20. Koningsdam is then set to reach Vancouver on May 2 ahead of its Alaska season.
For the summer, Holland America Line has said the ship will operate seven-day, roundtrip Inside Passage cruises from Vancouver, with ports and scenic highlights that include Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Koningsdam return to service after drydock?
Koningsdam returned to guest service on March 29, 2026, after a two-week drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.
What new stateroom options were added for families and groups?
The ship added five new ocean-view staterooms that sleep up to four guests, featuring two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed and a double sofa bed. Four of the five are configured as connecting rooms, and 22 Vista Suites were updated with new sofa beds to increase family capacity in that category as well.
What changes were made to the entertainment area near Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge?
The shared area between Billboard Onboard and Rolling Stone Lounge was reconfigured with additional seating inside each venue and new lounge seating in the space between them. Holland America Line said the redesign was intended to create a more open, connected live-music experience in the evening.
What other onboard areas were refreshed during the yard period?
Updates included an expanded casino, new carpeting across stateroom corridors and multiple public areas, refreshed specialty dining venues with more flexible seating layouts, a renovated Effy jewelry boutique, and new equipment in the fitness center.
Where will Koningsdam sail next, and when does the Alaska season begin?
After its 12-night Caribbean sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Koningsdam is scheduled to reposition via the Panama Canal to the West Coast, arriving in Vancouver on May 2, 2026. It will then sail seven-day, roundtrip Alaska Inside Passage itineraries from Vancouver during the summer season.
