ShyannDay

Given their ages, I'm betting that your aunt and uncle would absolutely love the smaller footprint of the Maasdam. However, if you won't be able to look beyond all the entertainment on a larger and different cruise line, then you should cancel.

I agree about the smaller footprint. That was why I initially chose Maasdam.

We have often posted how, on nearly all of our HAL cruises, the ship dies by 10pm. On most HAL cruises (we are 5 Star Mariners), DW and I will usually be among the very few passengers closing the last venue with live music (often a piano bar) about 11:30 (sometimes midnight).

 

What you say about Princess is true...and its also true on many other lines. On our most recent Princess cruise (Regal in Oct-Nov) is was SRO for the 11:30 PM late night adult comedy show :). On HAL if they even tried a late night show it is likely that the only attendees would be the comedian. I do not mean this as a slight...but simply fact. HAL has created its own image as a cruise line for old folks (yes, we are also seniors) and it is a self serving prophecy. We once asked a HAL cruise director did he think the lack of late night entertainment is why most HAL passengers go to their cabins by 10.....or is it that the fact that most HAL cruisers go to their cabins by 10 the reason HAL offers few late night options. The CD (an old friend) had a good laugh and admitted he was not sure....but also admitted he simply had few options to offer for late night entertainment.

 

On our most recent Celebrity Reflection Cruise we could choose between live entertainment in a nice lounge, live entertainment in the atrium, or late night disco/entertainment in an upper deck lounge. Three options.....all running until after 11:30.

 

Hank

Hi Hank -

Thanks so much for your input. As I mentioned in my original post, I was surprised that there were so many entertainment options on Princess - and their quality! My first cruise was with HAL on the Niew Amsterdam and while it wasn't up to the level that I found (later) on Princess, at least there were a few lively options. It seems that there's even less on the Maasdam. I guess I just need to flip a coin and come to a final decision to stay on Maasdam or book another cruise line.

Best regards!

There will be music in the Ocean Bar; there will be music (piano player, often with requests) in The Mix. There will be some sort of show every evening in the showroom. Sometimes, there will be some event in The Crow's Nest.

 

If you were to dine at the later seating, you won't be done with your meal much before 9 p.m. A good part of the evening is in the dining room. If you prefer the early seating, then the showroom will be the place to go. Generally, there is a convivial group (not all drinking liquor) around the piano bar. There is generally pub trivia in The Mix at 7:00 p.m.

 

What else might interest you?

 

Jim

Thank you for taking the time to reply - I appreciate it. I want my Aunt and Uncle to have entertainment options. Since I am responsible for planning everything, I have an extra amount of stress that I'm choosing wisely. I guess we will have to try the showroom although I've only heard negatives. I am a pianist and honestly don't want to listen to someone else play... :D. On the Nieuw Amsterdam there was BB King's which was pretty good and my Aunt and Uncle also enjoyed it (but not every night!). Have you stayed in the Neptune Suites by chance? I'm interested in their condition as I read some negative comments about the state of the ship.

Hi there...

Have paid a deposit for a Neptune Suite on Maasdam for a East Coast/Canada sailing in May. I am concerned there will be little to do on the cruise, particularly in the evenings. I'm not one of these people who has to be kept busy all the time - not at all, but I recently cruised on Princess and was surprised by the level of their entertainment and also really enjoyed the Club Class dining. Maasdam doesn't have anything that compares to that. I only wish there was a Tamarind on board. From what I've read there isn't much in the way of evening entertainment on Maasdam. I'm NOT interested in any of their cooking classes either. Can anyone enlighten me as to what exactly there is to do in the evenings? I'm also concerned that the ship is in need of repair and we won't have updated TV's etc. I still have time to cancel the reservation if I need to. I am traveling with two elderly people (89 and 80 years) who have their own separate suite. I thought they might enjoy the smaller ship. Now I'm doubting my decision.

Thanks!

Cruises:

Ruby Princess Mexican Riviera October 28, 2017

HAL Nieuw Amsterdam Alaska September 2016

I just got off the Ruby and had a mini suite with Club Class dining. We loved it! We requested a certain table by the window on day one and that was "our table" for the duration of the cruise, no matter when we got there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The extra menu items we received were very special. The MaitreD in Club Class was Ricardo Capraro who also happens to be a Master Chef. He cooked in an area towards the center of the Club Class dining room. It is not table side per se but darn close! He made us different pasta dishes (yum!), one night it was a shrimp dish designed to top the steak, bananas foster for dessert one night, cherries jubilee, etc. One of his pasta dishes (that I can't remember the name of) was the best pasta I've ever eaten! You will have the same servers and as stated by someone previously who will get to know your likes and dislikes within a day or two. I think it was well worth the extra cost. Also included with Club Class is priority boarding and disembarkation and priority reservations with Specialty dining. There is also a welcome glass of champagne when you arrive in your stateroom. You can also request fresh fruit in your room every day to your specific tastes. These are Club Class perks that often aren't mentioned.

I hope you enjoy your cruise and especially the Club Class dining! :)

p.s. There was unlimited butter and their butter is excellent! I guess someone's cruise had limited butter so now this has become a "thing" on cruisecritic.

Funny how two people see different things on a cruise. Definitely a 3 piece mariachi band on board each evening and there was sushi. I had forgotten about the folkloric show on board. I do have to agree that the servers were not all that friendly now that you mention it.

I answered about the sushi thinking the OP was asking if there was a sushi restaurant (Like Holland America has) which they perhaps weren't. I actually didn't see any sushi though but I only ate in the Horizon Court once so... my bad.

Just finished the same cruise 4 days ago. This was my first time on Princess. Sadly there is no sushi on board. There are happy hours daily - noticed some were at 10pm. There was a mariachi band on board, and they had a local folkloric group come on board in Mazatlan and perform a show in the theater which also had a Marichi. All in all the cruise was really good and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. There were some things I didn't like - like broken furniture in my cabin and very outdated uncomfortable seating in the cabin, but overall it was a really good experience. I played slots in the casino and had a couple of large wins which I wasn't expecting. The shows that I attended were surprisingly good - not Broadway level but very creative and entertaining and the performers were talented. One thing I did notice was that many people here on cruisecritic complain about the unfriendly service on board Ruby Princess. I was in Club Class so when being taken care of Club Class dining everything was very friendly and positive, however when attending tea the servers were not smiling or friendly and we attended three times. The friendliness factor really contrasted with my experience last year on Holland America - talk about service with a smile!

Well this does not bode well for me. WE have 4 on the Ruby October 28. I hope it's not as bad as it sounds.

We just got home today from the Ruby princess from Mexico! Best decision of the trip was purchasing the coffee card! We LOVED having our lattes in the morning and the staff at the International cafe was the BEST! Such happy , sweet employees and well worth the money

Good to hear! I'm on the Ruby to Mexcio on October 28. :D

9 days - the Ruby!

There are no other requirements. As others have stated, he will need to fax (or email) a copy of his DD214 along with a short form from Princess Military Benefit Application Form PDF(127KB)

Received my husband's benefit in our Princess account within 24 hours. Have a great cruise!

Yes there is. I even go there for a men’s haircut. One time I had to wait until the girl finished the Captain.

Thank you! That must have been fun. :)

Priority boarding includes mini suites, correct?

Fantastic! Thanks so much OCruisers and NSWP. I had to wonder since they don't allow advance appointments.

Hi there - I'm wondering if there is a hair salon on board ship? If so there is no way to book until you're on board which makes me think there isn't one. Can anyone please enlighten me?

I would suggest if your aunt and uncle have any trouble walking or standing that after you check in you ask for wheel chair assistance. Sometimes it takes a while depending on the number of requests but they will take your aunt and uncle onto the ship. The line getting on can be slow. You can also ask for the assistance getting off the ship on the last day.

They definitely will have a hard time standing and walking any sort of distance (without rest). I appreciate your advice. Hopefully it goes smoothly! I wish there was a way to notify Princess in advance. Last year we cruised on HAL and everything relating to my Aunt and Uncle was much easier.

Thanks everyone for the very helpful info! Much appreciated.

Another option passengers staying in a suite have is to get afternoon tea (or coffee) delivered to your stateroom. The sandwiches were okay but the scones and other pastries were very tasty.

Does this apply to mini suites as well?

Does anyone know if it's a long walk from the drop off point to where we get in line to board?

Parking has become expensive over the years.

Thanks for the link. $18 a day - could be worse. I just wasn't sure if it would be reasonable to drop my Aunt and Uncle off and then go park. Sounds like it might work.

405 or 91 towards Long Beach. Take the Harbor Freeway (110) South... You'll see the signs that say Cruise Terminal. Exit should loop around and take you straight in. There is parking right there. Not far. You might want to drop off luggage and your Aunt/Uncle then go park. Hope you make it safely!

Thanks so much! Do you ever park there or do you take a shuttle?

Hi... I live locally in Los Angeles, but I have no idea of the best way to get to the dock for embarkation. My husband and I are traveling with my elderly Aunt (88 yrs) and Uncle (80). Is there parking there that is close by? What about disembarkation? If anyone here has parked there or if you have any experience at this port, please let me know your recommendation. Thanks so much!

No. The breakfast in a specialty restaurant (Sabatini's or Crown Grill) is for full suites only.

That's sad but thank you.

If I'm in a mini-suite, can I get breakfast at the Crown Grill? I'm on a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Ruby in 18 days!

Sailed last week on the NA (returned 9/3) - the OJ in the Lido and Pinnacle Grill Breakfast was definitely not fresh squeezed. Did not eat in the MD for breakfast.