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7-night Canada & New England Discovery Cruise (Montreal/Boston)

Vacation Offer ID # 435112

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Maasdam

Sail Date: 6/12/2010

Length: 7 Nights

Ship: Maasdam

Price: From $999.00

Available Addons: Pre or post cruise hotel stay. Optional roundtrip airfare. Optional shore excursions.

Have you considered adding...?
A pre or post cruise hotel stay - Exclusive complimentary amenities at over 600+ of the world's finest hotels and resorts. Ask about personalized private shore excursions - Contact your cruise specialist for more details!

Itinerary

Destination Arrival Departure
MontrealWcities destination guide and download available6/12/2010 -- 6/12/2010 5:00 PM
Quebec CityWcities destination guide and download available6/13/2010 7:00 AM6/13/2010 5:00 PM
At Sea6/14/2010 -- 6/14/2010 --
Charlottetown6/15/2010 8:00 AM6/15/2010 5:00 PM
Sydney (Nova Scotia)6/16/2010 8:00 AM6/16/2010 4:00 PM
Halifax (Nova Scotia)Wcities destination guide and download available6/17/2010 8:00 AM6/17/2010 4:00 PM
Bar Harbor6/18/2010 8:00 AM6/18/2010 5:00 PM
BostonWcities destination guide and download available6/19/2010 7:00 AM6/19/2010 --
Rates are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy. Government fees/taxes additional for all guests. Fuel surcharges may apply. Please ask your travel counselor for details. Rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Restrictions may apply.

HH - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: Call for price Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

MM - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $999.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

M - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $1,019.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

L - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $1,039.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

K - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $1,059.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

J - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $1,079.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

I - Large or Standard Inside Stateroom

From Price: $1,099.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, shower. Approx. 182 sq. ft.

G - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,129.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

FF - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,199.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

F - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,229.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

EE - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,259.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

E - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,289.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

DD - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,319.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

DA - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,349.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

D - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,379.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

C - Large Outside Stateroom

From Price: $1,409.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, bathtub & shower.

BC - Verandah Suite

From Price: $1,999.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 292 sq. ft. with verandah.

BB - Verandah Suite

From Price: $2,199.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 292 sq. ft. with verandah.

BA - Verandah Suite

From Price: $2,259.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 292 sq. ft. with verandah.

B - Verandah Suite

From Price: $2,319.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 292 sq. ft. with verandah.

A - Verandah Suite

From Price: $2,379.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 queen-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, sitting area, private verandah, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 292 sq. ft. with verandah.

S - Deluxe Verandah Suite

From Price: $3,799.00 Get a Quote

Stateroom DiagramStateroom
2 lower beds convertible to 1 king-size bed, whirlpool bath & shower, large sitting area, dressing room, private verandah, 1 sofa bed for 2 persons, mini-bar, refrigerator, floor-to-ceiling windows. Approx. 556 sq. ft. with verandah.
7-night cruise, meals, entertainment.

Ship Overview

Maasdam Named for the Maas River in the Netherlands, the ms Maasdam is the fifth ship in Holland America Line's 135-year history to bear the name. At 720-feet, the ms Maasdam is designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort. Many staterooms feature commanding ocean views, and each suite has a private verandah.

Tour the Ship

Magnificent Maasdam offers guests spacious luxury.

Dining Room

This elegant two-story dining room is Holland America's signature restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the room. New are two grand staircases on either side of the atrium.

Atrium

Like a vertical constellation, the columnar glass sculpture in the ms Maasdam's atrium twinkles and sparkles in an intrguing play of light. View it from all sides as you descend the grand spiral staircase.
Holland America Line
Ship Statistics
Year Built1993
Year Refurbished2006
Year Entered Present Fleet1993
Previous NameN/A
Country of RegistryNetherlands
Tonnage (GRT)55,575
Passengers1,258
Max Passengers1,621
Passenger Decks10
Number of Crew580
Officers NationalityDutch and English
Cruise Staff NationalityIndonesian, Filipino, American
Holland America Line
Staterooms
Total Staterooms629
Suites with balcony0
Suites without a balcony0
Oceanview without a balcony0
Oceanview with balcony0
Accommodations inside15

Select a deck to view the deckplan.

Sports Deck

Sports Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Lido Deck

Lido Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Navigation Deck

Navigation Deck Navigation Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Verandah Deck

Verandah Deck Verandah Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Upper Promenade Deck

Upper Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Promenade Deck

Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Lower Promenade Deck

Lower Promenade Deck Lower Promenade Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Main Deck

Main Deck Main Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

A Deck

A Deck A Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Sky Deck

Sky Deck

The deck plans are color-coded by category of stateroom, and the category letter precedes the stateroom number in each room. All staterooms are equipped with television, telephone, and multi-channel music.

Important Note: Not all staterooms within each category have the same furniture configuration and/or facilities. Appropriate symbols with the rooms on the deck plans describe differences from the stateroom descriptions.

Stateroom Key

  • Large Outside Stateroom - HH
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - MM
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - M
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - L
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - K
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - J
  • Large or Standard Inside Stateroom - I
  • Large Outside Stateroom - G
  • Large Outside Stateroom - FF
  • Large Outside Stateroom - F
  • Large Outside Stateroom - EE
  • Large Outside Stateroom - E
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DD
  • Large Outside Stateroom - DA
  • Large Outside Stateroom - D
  • Large Outside Stateroom - C
  • Verandah Suite - BC
  • Verandah Suite - BB
  • Verandah Suite - BA
  • Verandah Suite - B
  • Verandah Suite - A
  • Deluxe Verandah Suite - S

Activities & Services

Activities & Services

  • ENJOY Broadway-style entertainment in the Rembrandt Show Lounge, named for the Dutch master artist.
  • CHOOSE a spot in the sun next to the Lido swimming pool and its bronze sculpture of five leaping dolphins by British artist Susanna Holt.
  • STROLL the wide teak deck of the Lower Promenade.
  • SAVOR Holland America's mouth-watering cuisine, prepared by chefs trained in world-famous restaurants.
  • RELEASE all your stresses in the sauna and steam rooms of the Ocean Spa.
  • PAUSE for a quiet moment in the Java Café, library or card room.
  • PLACE your bets in the casino, offering blackjack, stud poker, draw poker, roulette and dice tables, plus 115 slot machines.

Click HERE for information about Holland America's "As You Wish" Dining.

Tipping PolicyAdditonal for all guests.
Onboard AmbianceElegant

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

The beautiful Amsterdam

Alaska - 7/2009

After hosting a Personal Enrichment Series Food & Wine group for Signature onboard the Amsterdam, I have nothing but good things to say about the ship.

She is beautiful and with less than 1400 passengers there was never a space issue.

The ship was very clean and no matter where you looked someone was cleaning something.

I did have a talk with the Hotel Manager and he mentioned that the crew is a very cohesive group and people love to work onboard the ship. I spoke with one waiter who actually is extending his contract. I have never heard that one before. The crew was happy and it really showed when they interacted with the passengers.

I did get an outside cabin. Very spacious and very well taken care of. I was not looking forward to having a connecting door to the neighbors because of the noise. I must say that we never even heard them and they were three teenagers! Sound control is great on the ship.

Beds were phenomenal. Never slept so well on a cruise!! They use pillow top Sealy mattresses.

In the whole week I saw my cabin steward twice, but yet our stateroom was always clean! They do not use any of those housekeeping carts anymore. On other cruises they stand around the hallways at their carts waiting for passengers to leave their staterooms. Not on HAL. I do not know where they hide, but it was a pleasure to walk in the hallways without it being an obstacle course.  

The food was very good at the buffet, the restaurant and of course at the Pinnacle Grill. What I liked about the buffet is that it was not self-serve. There were cooks behind the counter serving the food to you. That kept the place much cleaner then when passengers get their own food.

And guess what, the crew actually helped people to their tables if they noticed that the passenger needed help with their plates (unlike some other cruises I have done this year). 

I saw no signs of the cruise line trying to save money! HAL is as good as they have always been. And if they are saving money this year it happens behind the screens and does not affect the passengers!

Overall this experience reminded me again why HAL is still my favorite (mass?) premium cruise line!!! The service can't be beat and the whole atmosphere still reminds you that you are cruising and not that you in a big floating hotel.

Oh, and the average age was a lot lower then what most people think it is!!!!

 

Pros: Crew and atmosphere

Cons: It was only a 7-night cruise

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

4/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Transatlantic cruising

Venice to New York - 4/2008

Excellent food - Happy staff!

Ship was very well maintained.  The crew goes out of their way to assist you in all areas of  the ship.  Very extensive library and wifi in many areas of the ship, however, a little slow and expensive.  Outside deluxe stateroom was comfortable and we made more room to move about by turning the queen bed in to twins.

Pros: Food, Staff, Library, Spa

Cons: No cons

Reviewer Recommended? y

Reviewer Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

Never Disappoints

- /

We use Holland America a lot, and the Oosterdam in particular. Even with some technical difficulties aboard, the staff more than compensates for this shortcoming with their willingness to accommodate each guest.

I have sailed on the Oosterdam 4 times in the last 18 months hosting groups. Like all ships, things go wrong from time to time, whether they be mechanical or schedule related. What sets Holland America apart, and the Oosterdam, is the willingness of the crew to step up and do what it takes to make things right.

I find the accommodations to be among the best around. The food has gotten increasingly better over the years, and the service is excellent. I am not an entertainment person, but can say with confidence that the dealers in the casino are very friendly.

We think HAL offers the best bang-for-the-buck in the cruise industry.

Pros: Holland America stands up for their product and do what it takes to make customers happy.

Cons: The ship is in somewhat rough shape, but is due to drydock in April and all of this should be repaired.

Reviewer Recommended? y

Ratings

5/5

Reviewer Scorecard

Staff Dining Entertainment Activities Cabins/Staterooms Itinerary/Ports Value

The Best 2 Weeks I Ever Spent

Caribbean - 4/2009

This review is not about islands, they are all pretty much the same.  This review is about a ship, not a cruise liner, but a ship. I am from the old school of cruising on small ships with not too many people and a laid-back atmosphere. The Maasdam fits this bill to the tee. Have read many reviews where people complain that Holland America has an old clientele.  Well, guess what? I am old, and I fit right in. I don't want a bunch of young drunks ruining my ship; old ones are okay. I don't miss the kids, either.  Been there, done that.  Anyway, we took a two-week cruise through the islands, just marvelous. My wife and her brother are fraternal twins and we happened to get married in the same year so we were on our 40th-anniversary cruise together. Initially I was worried that two weeks would be too long. Well, forget that idea! From now on two weeks is the minimum. Left Ft. Lauderdale on April 24th and returned on May 8th. Stayed at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Lauderdale and stopped by Grumpy Gators for a Guinness in a nearby shopping area. Hotel was very nice and had transportation to the pier. The Maasdam is just a nice small ship where you don't get lost. Dining is very well-laid in two tiers. We did conventional dining, had a table for eight, and we met four marvelous tablesmates from Canada.   Service was a little slow at times, but we didn't care. We were on vacation so we had all the time in the world. Food generally was pretty good. You just can't expect the same result cooking for that many people versus a restaurant. Our wine steward, Ray, was just a blast. He was also the emcee for the crew show. My favorite thing was walking the teak promenade every morning, and my next favorite thing was those two-for-one specials in the Crow's Nest every time we left port. There is nothing better than sipping a gin-and-tonic and watching the islands go by. Not a gambler, but the casino looked okay, I guess. 

We did breakfast in the Lido Cafe every morning, but we never ate inside. Always took our food to the pool deck. We had trays, but I heard they are history, because too many people were taking too much food that was being tossed. I was witness to this myself. Shows were okay. My brother-in-law loved the piano player, Nick Pappas. Even bought his CD. The Ocean Bar was another favorite of mine. Had great bar service and those hot munchies were really good. We got to know a lot of the staff and the Lido Pool guys said hello every morning, just like we had known them for years. The front desk staff was always helpful, especially for getting those quarters for the washing machines. Our cabin steward, in one word, great. Always done with our cabin, always a smile, and always a hello. Left an extra twenty for those guys. Pros and cons? Just can't think of any cons, except that it was still too short.  And then we got to that private island. Wow what a place!  I wish they had a hotel. It has that beach that you always see in ads for island getaways. I could go on and on, but I have to get back to work. Too bad.  Can't wait 'til my next cruise.

Pros:

Cons:

Reviewer Recommended? Y

Available Addons: Pre or post cruise hotel stay.
Optional roundtrip airfare.
Optional shore excursions.

Remarks: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare, transfers, government fees and taxes additional.