The first ship in the Holland America Line's Pinnacle-class of cruise ships is the Koningsdam, which has been in service since 2016. Koning is the Dutch word for King, and this was my third cruise on Holland America. The cruise began on March 7, and returned to Ft. Lauderdale on March 15, 2026, right before the ship was scheduled for a few upgrades while in dry dock in Freeport during the following couple of weeks.
Like other HAL boats in the Pinnacle-class, smoking cigars on the Koningsdam was limited to the outdoor area next to the Sea View pool and just beyond the Sea View Bar located on the ninth (Lido) deck near the back (aft) of the ship on the right (starboard) side. The smoking area was mostly covered, but the sun and wind could still be issues depending on the position of the ship and time of day.
I enjoyed four cigars on the Koningsdam during my 8-day cruise. which I brought on board myself. However, I also purchased and smoked several more while visiting the Dominican Republic and Sint Maarten. The ship's smoking policy is not included in the printed literature delivered to your cabin, but can be found on the TV screen in your stateroom (and/or app on your phone).
As I always recommend, if smoking a cigar on your cruise ship vacation is important to you, always inquire about a particular ship's smoking policy as it relates to cigars before booking any cruise. If you book your cruise months in advance and make a refundable deposit, be aware that smoking policies can change, so always double-check your ship's current policy before making the final payment.
More Cruise Ships and Cigars:
Majestic Princess (December 2025)
Carnival Celebration (February 2025)
Holland America Rotterdam (February 2024)
Caribbean Princess (Updated June 2023)
Carnival Sunrise (May 2023)
Sky Princess (February 2023)
Carnival Vista and More (pre-pandemic)
