Koningsdam

Sel De Mer: This is the line’s first restaurant with a la carte pricing, so the price tag is a steep increase from what the other specialty restaurants on board cost. Fortunately, it’s worth every penny. From the perfectly seared foie gras with cassis and brioche to the whole Dover sole meunìere, grilled Maine lobster, and decadent pot of garlicky duck cassoulet, Sel de Mer feels like an upgrade in every way. Look for the fish of the day, which is purchased in port from local fishermen.

Music Walk: This trio of lounges was created in partnership with some of the biggest names in music: B.B. King’s Blues Club and “Rolling Stone” and "Billboard" magazines. Each spot hosts a series of music performances each night, with everything from dueling pianos playing ‘60s pop hits to a full band belting "At Last" to a crowded dance floor. The brands are involved in the selection and training of talent — B.B. King’s, for example, preps its musicians in Memphis before sending them on board — and the result is a big upgrade in quality.

Stage Shows: To say we find most medley-based shows on cruise ships cringe-worthy is an understatement. But the World Stage theater’s innovative 270-degree screen transports the audience with spectacular sight and sound effects as they enjoy performances by groups like Step One Dance Company, Cantaré, Island Magic, and more.

Worthy No-Fee Restaurants: For Americans craving their morning bagel, lunchtime sandwich, and evening pizza, New York Deli and Pizza hits the spot. While the most devoted New Yorkers may quibble with the bagels (which are baked not boiled) and the pizza (which is lightly cooked with a soft rather than crisp crust), this new place earns raves from everyone else. It’s hidden away on Deck 10 overlooking the pool, so if you go early in your sailing before everyone finds it, you can beat the crowds. Best of all, there’s no charge for these dishes at any time of day, nor is there one for the burgers and fries at the popular Dive-In grill, another lunchtime favorite on sea days.

There’s also no charge in the Grand Dutch Café, which celebrates the line’s heritage with pea soup, herring on pumpernickel, mini pancakes called poffertjes, and snacks such as bitterballen. With a large number of Dutch passengers on European sailings, it’s safe to expect the line to take proper execution of these dishes seriously.

Excellent Alternative Dining Spots: From Pinnacle Grill, which remains one of the most well-executed classic steakhouses at sea, to Tamarind, a pan-Asian restaurant with bright and flavorful dishes (think crisp soft shell crab tempura, rich Peking duck, a full sushi bar, and gingery wok-fried lobster), upgrading to a for-a-fee restaurant always gets you an impressive meal on this ship.

Novel Cabin Categories: There are 12 substantially sized, outside cabins for single travelers — a first for the line — as well as another new category for Holland America: family cabins. The 32 family cabins have two bathrooms and an additional bunk bed that’s lowered from the ceiling.

Mature Couples: While the décor feels more youthful and modern, this remains a line that caters largely to well-traveled, sophisticated couples. This ship serves that audience well: The music by the pool is never too loud or too current, and the ship quiets down by 11 pm each night, with most bars closing at midnight. Younger couples may find themselves a bit out of place — we saw several mistaken for crew on our sailing.

Often There Are Few Kids: While the ship has a full-fledged program and a separate teen room, the number of children on board fluctuates widely, from a mere 14 on our mid-April sailing to hundreds during school break periods.