JimnKaren

On Maasdam earlier this year, they had the traditional happy hour in both bars (Ocean & Crow's Nest). Plus - there was happy hour on some (not all) nights later in the Crow's Nest only. About 9:00ish, there isn't much going on in the Crow's Nest, so a happy hour is to draw more in. At that time, Ocean Bar is generally going good. First show lets out and there are those who have a dry mouth - Ocean Bar. Committing to Crow's Nest at that time is not the same.

Jim

I concur with the Lido getting to both sides for mid-day meal. One side generally has an Asian flair and the other side is more traditional Italian flavor. We generally are doing the longer cruises now and it is great that the Lido food servers go out of their way to get to know names. It is just the right thing to do.

Generally, we have found that the MDR is open for lunch on sea days, but not on days when in port. Makes sense to me.

The Dive In has good food...except for those whose cholesterol might be a bit high. Once in a while OK, but not every day.

The last couple of times on Maasdam, they were still making sandwiches to order; BUT, they also had (at the other end of the line) pre-made sandwiches along with at least two cold salads and chips, etc. Very convenient, especially for those who, even on a cruise, are in a hurry.

Jim

We discovered a long time ago that the soups are the main culprit with the sodium thing. I love 'em, but avoid them now.

Drink plenty of H2O to keep things flowing for you.

Jim

I concur with Mame42, the more the staff get to know you the better you are served. Not just with the appetizers, but with overall service.

If you are a frequent HAL cruiser, you will re-discover servers from another ship. If you are a nice person, they will remember you and really treat you well. If you are not a nice person, they will remember you and treat you just OK.

Jim

Ditto above.

And, welcome to Cruise Critic.

Jim

That lot is a favorite of the RVer set.

Jim

That wine thing - yeah, it used to be...

If you want to bring more wine on board, you will get a sticker put on the wine and you will be charged the corkage fee (which isn't really corkage, since you are supposed to consume in your cabin). However, if you are a regular in any of the bar areas, particularly on a longer cruise, you might be able to bring your private bottle to that bar area and be able to consume there. It all depends on the bar staff and whether they really like you.

When in a port and you want to bring wine back, the same thing applies with the 'corkage fee'. Or, you can leave it a security and it will be delivered to your cabin last night. If you think that you might be buying some wine during the cruise, be sure to bring your own totes from home.

For 'gala' evenings, I have recently seen male passengers being allowed into the dining room with no jacket. A tie is preferred, but not mandatory if you are wearing a jacket. I still wear my tux, because I can still fit into it and I want to get my money's worth on the thing. Sadly, I have seen more and more folks change their clothes immediately after they eat and then go to the showroom in shorts and t-shirts. Bums!

There have been other changes I am sure, but those are some of what you asked. Others will add, I am sure.

Jim

And, sitting at a table for two is just like eating at home! Not fun on a cruise.

Jim

We've sailed on Maasdam several times (70 days) and never once heard anyone complain about their cabin size. We book and ocean view guarantee and have never been disappointed.

Jim

JimnKaren will be boarding the 42-day Atlantic Adventurer on Rotterdam in Ft. Lauderdale on 10/28. We have 135 named CC people (according to the forums) and our head count is 224! What a large group.

JimnKaren will be boarding Amsterdam for a 14-day Alaska cruise on 5/22/17 (that changed from 5/28/17) in Seattle.

Thanks for keeping this up-to-date. You are appreciated.

Jim

We have been on Maasdam a total of 70 days. Wonderful ship. The library is well-stocked and the librarian is on site to answer questions about the library and computer connections.

As I looked through those photos, it brought a smile as I saw some familiar faces from past HAL cruises. It is always good to see some of the same folks. Sometimes, they recognize me before I recognize them!

You cannot go wrong with Maasdam. We have also sailed Ryndam and Statendam (sister ships and both gone from the fleet). We have yet to sail on Veendam, several crew members have reported it to be one of their favorite ships.

Yes, there are laundry rooms, check a deck plan to see where they are. I believe that there are three of them.

Jim

Or you just might plan more cruises that go to those ports. We have been to several Caribbean ports more than 8 times. We ran out of Plan B items a long time ago. Just book another cruise.

Jim

Being retired, counting things is sorta not necessary.

However, the number of times to feed the cat is something to count. Or maybe the number of naps prior to leaving. The big problem with that is there is no nap on embarkation day!

Jim

It didn't used to be an issue. Now it is. And it seems to not be consistent from one cruise line to another. I did not mind the last time, all the in-transit folks got off together. We went through customs extremely quickly and were back on board within 20 minutes. In the past, we have taken a cab to Walgreens, stocked up on a few items and back to the ship. The timing was OK.

Jim

And you need to do some thinking about whether you want to really get spiffy for only two nights...or not.

Jim

It was not on Oosterdam, but within the last year I did see one male turned away at the dining room. He was miffed, but he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. I smiled at the situation!

On Oosterdam last October, I was one of the few men wearing a tuxedo. I paid big bucks for this one about 10 years ago, I still need to wear it a couple dozen more times before I get back my investment! Sport coats are plentiful, suits are common; tuxedos are rare.

Jim

OMG! They serve drinks on cruise ships?

Jim

They know when you have accomplished that check in. They also will hound you if you don't do it in, what they believe, is a timely manner.

I'll do it a couple of days prior to departure, not 40 or 30 or 15 days prior. The only person who really looks at anything is the person at the door to see that you are at the correct place to let you onto the pier. Beyond that, no boarding pass is needed. All you have to do is show your passport. It is all ready to go.

Jim

On that Rotterdam roll call we have more than 200 wonderful people! Our meet and greet just might get a bit crowded.

Jim

We did the embarkation MDR one time. The place was not crowded, but the service was horrible. After 50 and no food, 6 from our table of 10 walked out and complained. Never went back.

Jim

We received ours in March, after two years. Then Princess sent me an awesome deal and we went for it. I let my TA know about the situation and they immediately made everything right. We leave for Pacific Princess in 11 days.

imae39 - from our roll call...we have plans to meet in the Crow's Nest on Sunday afternoon at 4:00. Port side. Join us if you wish.

Jim

Our experience has been that it depends on the ship. We have been to some where there are fewer than 20 people, I was afraid to belch. On another, it was a very nice crowd and it helped that we got to know some of the bar staff. We're at the point that bar staff remember us before we remember them! I guess that says a lot about what we do on board a cruise ship!

Jim

Last time we went under, we were in Vines with Tatiana (staff member from Ukraine) holding hands for good luck. Yep, it was socked in but the company was great.

In the past, we took photos as we departed the pier. Much better than being immediately under the bridge. A lot depends on your camera if you a taking photos.

Jim

Never parked at the Hyatt.

Park n Go is fenced and monitored. I doubt that any hotel in Ft. Lauderdale monitors their parking lot for long-term vehicles. Security camera that might be used in case of an issue, but beyond that I just don't know.

Here is something to consider. IF (note the big IF) you are so inclined. You get off the ship early toting your bags. The van will pick you up and you can be on your way long before most other passengers are getting their stuff on the pier.

Convenience can be a big part of what you need to consider.

Jim