Calm Waters, Grand Events & Unforgettable Moments
After a few more wonderful and relatively calm days at sea, our journey aboard the Zaandam continues to impress and delight. The ocean has been kind, the skies bright, and the ship bustling with activity — enough to keep everyone thoroughly entertained and engaged. Among the many happenings onboard, two standout events truly made these days memorable: the Captain’s Ball and the Koningstafel Specialty Dinner.
✨ The Captain’s Ball – A Night to Remember
Of all the elegant evenings we’ve enjoyed during our Grand and Legendary cruising days, this Captain’s Ball may just take the crown as the best attended and most lively of them all. We were fortunate to have our dear friend Tom Mullen join our table — a wonderful opportunity to catch up over an exquisite gala meal. Time slipped away, and before we knew it, we arrived at the Ball fashionably late… nearly 9:30 p.m.
Ordinarily, that would mean catching the tail end of the event — but not this time. Thanks to the brilliant planning of our cruise director, the festivities were just hitting their stride. In a stroke of genius, the scheduled band break was filled with a surprise appearance by the legendary Elliot Finkle, who jumped in right as we arrived and wowed the crowd with a few rocking tunes. His performance reignited the party, and both levels of the World Stage remained packed and buzzing until well after 10:30 p.m. Hats off to the organizers — this was a Captain’s Ball we won’t soon forget!
👑 The Koningstafel – A Royal Feast at Sea
The following evening brought a more intimate but equally spectacular experience: the Koningstafel, or King’s Table, known onboard as the Chef’s Table Dinner. This exclusive dining event — limited to just 12 guests — is reminiscent of a Michelin-starred restaurant at sea, and having attended a few in the past, we knew we were in for something special.
The evening began with a private reception, followed by a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour where we met the talented chefs who would soon be orchestrating our culinary journey. From there, we were escorted into the private King’s Room, a beautifully appointed space reserved for this occasion aboard the Zaandam.
What followed was more than a dinner — it was an experience. Over the course of three indulgent hours, we were treated to a masterfully crafted multi-course meal that highlighted the creativity, precision, and passion of the ship’s culinary team. The photos from the evening (included below) truly speak for themselves — each dish a work of art, each bite unforgettable.
As we now sail into Hawaiian waters, anticipation builds for our first port stop in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. From elegant evenings to exotic destinations, this cruise continues to surpass all expectations.
Stay tuned for more updates as we explore the Aloha State!
The Kings Room
