Holland America’s first Pinnacle Class ship, Koningsdam, set sail in 2016, followed by Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam. The three ships are nearly identical. I booked a six night cruise on the Koningsdam out of San Diego in a Guaranteed Verandah stateroom. I then added Club Orange to my booking which allowed me to upgrade to the highest level within the Verandah category.
There are a number of Verandah staterooms in the “VB” category on Deck 4 that have an extra large balcony. The “VF” category also have the extra large balcony, but have a solid metal balcony railing rather than the standard glass and wood.
In the photo below, you can see the six staterooms that fall into the VB category with the larger balconies, including the room I picked (4034).
The reason that these cabins have a larger balcony is that they are built above the promenade deck; which at the forward and aft of the ship is covered with the balconies of Deck 4.
The photos below are of my balcony in Room 4034. The balcony is more than double the size of the other Verandah staterooms.
Unlike other balconies, these have a large amount of uncovered space. Just note that those above you looking over their balconies will be able to see onto most of yours. It would be nice if they had some sunbathing chairs in the additional space.
The interior of the room is identical to the standard Verandah staterooms. I didn’t realize it when booking, but my room was a connecting room and I was able to hear my neighbors at times.
I had my room set up as a single King size bed, though you could also have it set up split into two single beds. There is a lamp on both sides of the bed as well as an adjustable reading lamp. There is one US style power outlet and a USB outlet on each side of the bed.
The seat next to the windows can also be converted into a single bed.
Across from the seat is a desk/vanity with storage where you find the hair dryer and make up mirror. There are also plenty of power outlets at the desk.
At the stateroom entry is where you’ll find the built in storage.
There are two closets with hanging rods as well as three shallow drawers. I wish the drawers were deeper.
Above the drawers is the mini fridge (which I asked my cabin attendant to empty on the first day) and above that a safe.
More storage is at an angle where you find glassware and the ice bucket. Below the ice bucket is a triangular storage area with blankets.
The bathroom is opposite the closet. While compact, the biggest complaint is the angled toilet where you hit your knees on the glass shower wall.
Overall the bathroom design is clean and modern with a single vanity, some counter space, and glass shelves for storage.
The shower is spacious with a shower head that can be adjusted and detached as a hand held wand.
The bath products are all Elemis branded wall mounted refillable dispensers. No bar soap is provided.
Overall, Holland America offers comfortable staterooms on their Pinnacle Class ships. They feel modern and luxurious; a step up from my experience with NCL. I preferred my stateroom layout I had when I sailed Nieuw Statendam, with the exception that this room felt more private because of the longer entry.
I don’t think the extra balcony size is worth paying more for; however if you get Club Orange and have your pick, I think the VB category rooms are a great option.