JimnKaren

DI = Diamonds International

Been on Statendam (gone), Ryndam (gone), Veendam (2 times this year), Amsterdam (14 days in Alaska) and Maasdam. Love that size ship. Really enjoy the crews who work there. When asked about other ships, the crew members who I have talked with don't care for the larger ships. Under 1500 passengers is fine with us.

Again, we cruise the itinerary, not the ship. However, our upcoming 28 days to Lima and back to San Diego will be wonderful.

Jim

I saw some serious screening in Cozumel a couple of years ago. It create a long line.

Fortunately, I live a clean lifestyle and was not inconvenienced.

Jim

You gotta look at the Web sites to see where things are happening.

Several years ago, there were warnings about Mazatlan and the cruise industry quit going there. Wow! Things changed and now the ships are back in port there. I might be more concerned about going to Caracas (no ships that I am aware of are porting there).

If you want to do something with your money, send me an email, and I'll help you out. Otherwise keep it in your purse/pocket and don't be stooopid.

Jim

In San Francisco, your lodging place might determine where you go with ease. There are so many options there. Consider the Hop On-Hop Off bus to get a sense of what and where and when and how. Talk to the folks at the front desk of you hotel and ask them about priorities.

Are you adventurous? Walk off the ship in any port in Hawaii (except Lahaina, where you tender in) and ask someone where they are going and why. Follow...or not. Once, several years ago, we rented a car in each port and then just drove. A stop light? Left? Right? Or straight ahead? Exploring like that might not be for you for the first trip to Hawaii.

Whatever you do, buy some postcards and send them home to friends and family. It might take a while to get there, but you'll have lots of topics of conversation once you get home.

Jim

Yes, our interest was "piqued" when we booked Amsterdam for 2017. It was my best Alaska cruise!!

You get to some ports where others aren't able to go. Homer was a blast!

BOOK IT!

Jim

My view is that those folks who sport their cards on a lanyard are into something where I don't want to mention here.

My card goes in my pocket. Just like my pen and lip gloss and a couple of dollars for those who deserve it.

Jim

I have faith. I will be on Maasdam for the 28-day Inca Empires. I expect to have a good cruise.

My thoughts are with the OP and her choice for getting into the New England area on a cruise ship.

Jim

We have been involved both ways. Yeah, I prefer the do not go again situation, but what to do...just sit in your cabin?

Princess is more aggressive about not attending any back-to-back cruise musters. Of course, they don't make passengers stand outside, muster stations are indoors!

I wonder if this decision comes from the Captain, or maybe from a 'safety officer".

I do know that there have been many people who 'chat' their way through the drill. Annoying at the least.

Jim

If a person were to investigate the future itineraries on Maasdam, I would believe that the folks at HAL have faith in its ability to offer a good cruise experience. Looking far ahead, Maasdam will be going on some unique itineraries. I don't believe that the folks in Seattle would be offering those if they had experience multiple complaints about the ship. Veendam and Amsterdam are similar size. Amsterdam is the World Cruise ship and Veendam is doing the New England, Bermuda, Cuba, Canada itineraries. All offer about the same amenities.

Jim

By the end of this year, 11 cruises to make 160 days.

Jim

Not a suite person, so I cannot comment on how nice/bad they are.

We have sailed on Maasdam for 70 days, last time was March, 2015. Sure, it is an older ship. Sure, the TVs in the cabins are not the big attraction. Sure, small things get addressed promptly (a/c complaint one day and it was fixed the same day).

However, we sail for the itinerary, not the ship. However, we generally cruise on the smaller ships as it allows us to have lots of interaction with the crew. It is always a delight to have one of the crew members remember Karen and me before we have a chance to see their name tag. Somehow, you cannot get that on a ship with 3500+ passengers.

You have to decide where your priorities are. Music/dancing until late? A great itinerary? Lots of CC people to get to know? A comfortable cruise (maybe on an older ship)?

Jim

Bring your boom box, set up in the Crow's Nest and boogie the night away.

Jim

I almost forgot. There is string music in the Exploration's Lounge in the evening.

Many readers on Maasdam, thus the library/Exploration's Cafe is popular. That is where the jigsaw puzzles are and there are several games available in that area.

Jim

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

We did 14 days on Veendam in December. Spent a lot of time in the Ocean Bar (happy hour and beyond) and I sorta watched that O shop across the way and rarely saw anyone even browsing. Of course there was no clerk there anyway.

I wonder what that vendor will do with all that clothing merchandise that has HAL logos. Toss them? Sell for less than they paid for them? Could be interesting situation.

Jim

If that was Jennifer in the Crow's Nest/Explorations Cafe, she can hold her own doing mixed drinks even though she is really a Barista.

Jim

Kathi,

With that many passengers doing the arts & crafts thing, where is that happening?

Jim

Eurodam is a good ship. It is a great size for Alaska. Your children will have a great time.

I do have a suggestion for the kids - most of the time you will be in US ports and thus have US mail. Buy post cards in each port and have the kids send them to friends.

Jim

Thanks to everyone. We are seriously considering Veendam in June for Cuba/Bermuda. This will help us make up her mind.

Jim

We are...Karen and Jim!

Totally awesome!

We've been to Quarterdeck a couple of times. It is good to walk back to the hotel after all the good food (and excellent service).

Jim

The smaller ships have always been dear to us. We were on the 14-day Alaska Amsterdam and loved it. We were on Veendam twice and had great times. Common thing is their library/Exploration's Cafe area. Those nice places were missing on both Eurodam and Zuiderdam.

Jim

Gratuities are not included in any wine package.

We were on Veendam in early December when these new options were offered. What we were provided was not nearly as neat as what is shown here.

We did mention to our wine steward that a couple of our 'preferred' wines were no longer available and Danny got them for us, with no promise that they would be available later. We purchased the number 2 package and I have done some research since returning home. We might split our purchases the next time, getting a 4 bottle from each of the # 2 and #3. As 4-star Mariners, we do qualify for the discount, which makes those items only a bit more than what I might pay at a good wine store locally. The cost per bottle does not change that much from the 6 bottle to the 8 bottle package.

Do the math, it is not outrageous when compared to what one might pay at a decent local restaurant!

Jim

Timing is everything. We were on Eurodam a few months ago and The Band was present. Not bad, but not the same as a 3-piece combo as they have on Veendam, Amsterdam, etc.

If the entertainment does not work for you, then let the folks in Seattle know once you return.

Jim