MS Maasdam FTL to Rio, January 23-February 15, 2015

[Himself]

Roy: Thanks for the update and the pictures. I have enjoyed reading this thread each day.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Krazy Kruisers and Himself

 

The Prinsendam is at sea from Punta del Este, Uruguay to Sao Paulo, Brazil on her way to a rendezvous with the Maasdam in Rio.

 

When I started my 1 ½ mile walk about 5:15 the moon was again directly overhead, now down to a half circle. The sky was just beginning to brighten as I finished my walk and the sun rose about 6:30 as we were approaching the Terciera (Third) bridge.

 

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Vitoria can be roughly compared to New York in that Vitoria is an island, much like Manhattan is an island. The older settlement of Vila Velha is on the mainland, much like the Jersey side, and Vitoria Bay is a long, narrow estuary separating the two much like the Hudson.

 

After passing under the bridge we sailed about 4 miles up Vitoria and docked on the Vitoria side. Greater Vitoria has a population of about 300,000. The trip up the Bay, docking, and clearance were all fairly slow and we were cleared to leave the ship about 8:10.

 

My Vitoria and Vila Velha Highlights tour left at 8:30. There was not much selection of tours here and mine had 5 buses. We started on the Vila Velha side, passing over the Third Bridge and continuing to the Garoto Chocolate Factory. We did not tour the factory but simply stopped at the showroom. I knew that beforehand but hoped the showroom would have some photos of the process or windows into the factory but neither was the case.

 

Vitoria has a number of beaches. Leaving Garoto we passed the Praia Beach on our way to the Convent da Penha, sitting high on a hill. We had to leave our bus and go up the hill in vans, The van dropped us in the parking lot at 400 feet, and the Convent itself was at 480 feet, reached on a combination of stairs and cobblestone pathways. The view from the top was excellent.

 

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Leaving the Convent we returned across the Third Bridge and spent a few minutes at the Cambura Beach where some of out group enjoyed a drink of Coconut Water. Our final stop was at a cooperative where clay pots are made; there did not seem to be pressure to buy and the stop was not long. We returned to the Maasdam about 1.

 

I took an afternoon walk around central Vitoria. Our maps were a bit misleading, they showed all the points of interest as being in Vila Velha, but the area by the dock was quite active and had some key points of interest, including the Governor’s Palace, the 1927 Theatro Carlos Gomez, and Praca Oito de Septembro, dedicated to the repelling of an attack by a lady who threw ashes, stones, and anything else she could get her hands on down on the attackers. I missed the Cathedral (only one claimed here) as the heat was getting to me.

 

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At the last minute all aboard was pushed back from 4:30 to 5:30. A performance by the HAL Chorale had been listed for 4PM, but with our delayed departure not all the members were back on the ship. Director Barry from Boston tells me it was done at 4:40 but sadly there was no announcement. I did have my daily hot tub session and got lunch at Dive In.

 

As I was walking back to the dining room about 5:27 the gangway was being withdrawn. Captain Jutten came on the PA about 5:40 and we pulled away from the pier about 5:50. The Third Bridge slid past the dining room windows about 6:15.

 

The highlight entertainment was comedian I think he was good but I had trouble staying awake. My visit to the piano bar was short; Barry was playing the music of Dino and Nat although it was all Dino while I was there.

 

As today’s parting shot, Thursday was the start of 3 special days, continuing to Friday the 13th and Valentines Day.. It was a holiday when I was growing up, but now has been combined with another holiday to a Monday. Happy Birthday Abe Lincoln.

 

Roy

[Mtn2Sea]

Thanks for your informative update. Your pictures show there's so much more to see in this world - time to plan another cruise!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Love your daily reports.

Great pictures.

[Himself]

Roy you have been to a lot of places on this cruise and you have shared much with us. My question would be how do you like the Maasdam?

[puppycanducruise]

I am enjoying reading your reports and wonderful picture. I look forward to more.

Thanks for sharing.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Mtn2Sea, Krazy Kruizers, Himself, and puppycanducruise .

 

The Prinsendam is at sea from Punta del Este, Uruguay to Sao Paulo, Brazil on her way to a rendezvous with the Maasdam in Rio.

 

The moon is rapidly getting smaller each morning but the sunrise remains prime. My 3 mile morning walk was interspersed with a load of laundry. My main activity of the day was trying to work up the initiative to think of packing. I did attend a morning email class, and picked up my passport, but really accomplished little else.

 

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We had a farewell luncheon in the Rotterdam Dining Room. The Captain, Hotel Director, and Cruise Director all greeted us as we entered. I was kind of wondering about the purpose of the event, but toward the end of the meal we had the activities usually done on the last night of the cruise, a parade of much of the crew and a farewell song, something those doing the full 49 days will get in mid-February.

 

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I went to the hot tub in the afternoon but did essentially nothing else. Towards 4PM we could see mountains on the Brazil shoreline on our starboard side. We passed Rio about 6:30 but it was not visible with the possible exception of a couple of lights a little after dark.

 

Dinner was bittersweet. Leslie and Pat will be at the Pinnacle tomorrow night so this was their last time at table 69. The evening entertainment was a bit unusual. The Maasdam Sweetheart Ball was held in the Showroom at Sea at 9:30 so late seating guests had their show at 6:30. Two of the Maasdam Cast, Andrew and Chelsea put together a vocal program called Encore, including opera and other music done in a serious manner, and supported by the dancers, Adagio, the Mix Guitarist, and of course the HALCats. I joined the early show in progress and left the 8PM show when it got to the point where I arrived at the early show. Ironically, the song that marked the transition was “Time to Say Goodbye”.

 

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This is probably fertile ground for a parting shot:

 

Roy you have been to a lot of places on this cruise and you have shared much with us. My question would be how do you like the Maasdam?

 

That’s both an easy and a difficult question. The easy part of the answer comes from how difficult it will be to leave the Maasdam in just 36 hours. The Maasdam is a wonderful ship with a superb crew, but I think in fact there are other ships I like better, On a scale of 5 stars this is how I would rate some ships:

 

Crystal 5+

Prinsendam 5-

Zaandam 4.5

Amsterdam 4.4

Statendam 4.3

Ryndam 4.2

Maasdam 4.1

Rotterdam 4

Veendam 4

 

While at least in theory I prefer smaller ships, the size difference between the R and S is not that big and I find the R midship stairs a big plus. It’s hard to say why I prefer the Zaandam over the Amsterdam; perhaps the Zaandam blew away my modest expectations, but I really loved it. Somehow, I also prefer the ships without Lanai cabins, there’s just something about seeing the prime loungers go unused most of the time that sticks in my craw, but I’ll happily sail any of these ships anytime. For what it’s worth, this will be the first time I disembark any HAL ship knowing when I will return to that ship. I made the January and August reservations without ever setting foot on the Maasdam, but after my time here I am very happy with my plans to return in August.

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Can't believe that your cruise is coming to an end.

Have enjoyed the reports and pictures.

Interesting how you rated the ships.

[Mtn2Sea]

Thanks for the update and particularly your thoughts regarding various HAL ships. I've found my opinion regarding a ship can change from one cruise to another, but (unfortunately) I haven't cruised as much as you. How well has the internet operated during your cruise and did you have a choice of plans (X minutes for X dollars) or did they have a set price for unlimited minutes, like some people have reported on a few occasions? Don't envy you with the packing - that's always a sad time!

Edited February 14, 2015 by Mtn2Sea

[Alberta Quilter]

With sailaway scheduled for 6PM, I decided this was a good day for dinner at the Pinnacle Grill, I believe the first time I’ve been there in the evening. (Alberta Quilter, the staff thinks the new Cirque menu will debut about May) I’m glad I only had the small fillet as the enormous baked potato and Baked Alaska left me quite stuffed.

 

Roy

 

Thank you, Roy, for getting that information for me. Much appreciated.

 

I hope you have a safe trip home!

[LorGraCr]

"Dinner was bittersweet. Leslie and Pat will be at the Pinnacle tomorrow night so this was their last time at table 69. The evening entertainment was a bit unusual. The Maasdam Sweetheart Ball was held in the Showroom at Sea at 9:30 so late seating guests had their show at 6:30. Two of the Maasdam Cast, Andrew and Chelsea put together a vocal program called Encore, including opera and other music done in a serious manner, and supported by the dancers, Adagio, the Mix Guitarist, and of course the HALCats. I joined the early show in progress and left the 8PM show when it got to the point where I arrived at the early show. Ironically, the song that marked the transition was “Time to Say Goodbye”."

 

 

 

Have enjoyed your reports......Andrew and Chelsea are very talented performers. That song brought me to tears on our October sailing on the Maasdam.

Edited February 14, 2015 by LorGraCr
quotations

[dancourt]

Roy

 

I have enjoyed everyone of your blogs and loved the photo's too so thank you once again for giving your time to keep us up to date with your travels.

 

Please let us know when your next adventure will be so I can look out for your blogs.

 

Susan

[rafinmd]

Quick note. It was a very nice day in Ihlabela, but I'm a bit busy with packing and other stuff. I will report but it may not happen until I'm back home.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

The Prinsendam is in Sao Paulo on her way to a rendezvous with the Maasdam in Rio.

 

When darkness started giving way to daylight it was a cloudy morning with almost a fog hanging over the narrow passage between Ihabela Island and San Sebasgio on the Mainland. A bit later the skies opened up but I never saw the sun until later due to the mountains on the island. We let go our ancho

 

We dropped our anchor about 7 and tendering operations began just before 8, with my tour levving about 8:15. Ihabela is largely a resort island with a population of 30,000 that can swell to 150,000 in the high season. Tourism is the main industry, followed by fishing. For a town built on tourism the infrastructure away from the center of town seeemed a bit primitive..A ferry makes the short connection to San Sebastio although it can be subject to long delays on busy weekends.

 

My tour was “Historic Ilhabela and Toca Falls. Our guide Laurie taught English and it showed. After pausing at an overlook where the MSC Preziosa had pulled in behind the Maasdam we continued to the 1814 town church, not really notable except for the cross in front created from

recycled auto parts.

 

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A hydro power plant was built in the 60's but soon was unable to keep up with the island’s power needs and was abandoned in the 70's with power now supplied by a cable from the mainland. The old plant has been converted to a nautical museum, with exhibits on shipwrecks and some very large marine equipment on display. A nice waterfall, originally the source of power sits behind the museum.

 

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Our final stop was Toca Falls, a series of 3 falls. The lower (Toboga) is a fairly calm pool suitable for swimming. The middle (Ducha) section was a cascade where people could stand under the falling watter, and the upper section (Toca) was kind of a natural waterslide.

 

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We returned to the ship about noon. A third ship (Pullmatur Zenith) had arrived and was starting operations at what had become a very crowded tender dock. The ships were aligned in a straight line in a fairly narrow channel, with the Maasdam about a half mile from the dock, and the Zenith a good 2 miles away.

 

With my swim suit packed away, I soaked my knee in my tub rather than the hot tub, and had a lunch at Dive In, as well as packing. The last tender was at 3:30, and our departure toot came about 3:50. I watched as we went out past the other two ships, just a little late for the 4PM Interdenominational service.

 

The evening brought a sad farewell to Encep and Eka. I hope to see Encep in August but Eka will still be enjoying his honeymoon. I skipped the final show, a variety show with Matthew Dowden, Martin Beaumont, and Philippa Healey, but caught a few minutes with Barry from Boston, concluding with a Ragtime medley.

 

As a parting shot today, Bon Voyage to about 200-300 people who are hopefully safe in hotels in Rio preparing to board the Maasdam Sunday. I did most of their itinerary about 15 months ago, and they should have a fabulous voyage, as will those who are continuing their journey from Buenos Aires or beyond on the Elegant Explorer.

 

Roy

[aliaschief]

Great reporting Roy. Thanks.

[Himself]

Roy:

Have a safe flight home and thanks for keeping us "in the loop" on your vacation.

[rafinmd]

We docked about 6, the Elegant Explorer came by about 7. Lots of ships today but only one I'd rather have arrived on than the Maasdam.

 

First arrival:

 

Lines ready for docking:

 

Now docked:

 

Roy

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have really enjoyed your Live report.

[Himself]

We docked about 6, the Elegant Explorer came by about 7. Lots of ships today but only one I'd rather have arrived on than the Maasdam.

 

First arrival:

[ATTACH]340339[/ATTACH]

 

Lines ready for docking:

[ATTACH]340340[/ATTACH]

 

Now docked:

[ATTACH]340341[/ATTACH]

 

Roy

 

That is the one HAL ship I have not been on yet!

[Himself]

When are you getting back to Maryland?

[rafinmd]

Currently in Atlanta waiting to board after a L-O-N-G night. Should be home just before noon, but it will be a while until I post on the final day.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

When are you getting back to Maryland?

 

My previous post may have been a bit optimistic. My flight was due to begin boarding 10 minutes ago but just arrived at the gate.

 

I do hope you get to sail the Elegant Explorer.

 

Roy

[kazu]

We docked about 6, the Elegant Explorer came by about 7. Lots of ships today but only one I'd rather have arrived on than the Maasdam.

 

First arrival:

[ATTACH]340339[/ATTACH]

 

Lines ready for docking:

[ATTACH]340340[/ATTACH]

 

Now docked:

[ATTACH]340341[/ATTACH]

 

Roy

 

I can't blame you for that at all :D

 

My previous post may have been a bit optimistic. My flight was due to begin boarding 10 minutes ago but just arrived at the gate.

 

I do hope you get to sail the Elegant Explorer.

 

Roy

 

I hope the flights go smoothly for you Roy,

 

Wishing you safe travels and thank you for a fabulous report.

[Oahucruiser]

Another great trip for you, Roy, and for your fans. Thanks for the excellent reports. Patti

[rafinmd]

When I started my final mile and a half walk on the Maasdam’s Lower Promenade deck, the lights of Rio were quite close. As my walk ended we ended the harbor coming past a Japanese ship and the Silver Shadow, we took the 3rd spot in the line. A parade of ships came by in the next 90 minutes, the Prinsendam, MSC Pacifica, and 2 Pullmantur ships, the Empress and Soverign.

 

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I was booked on a tour ending at the airport. Self disembarkation started about 7, and my tour was scheduled for 9. I went up to the showroom about 8:30 and my tour was called about 9:30. The gangway in Rio is on deck 3, not the most attractive welcome for people embarking in Rio.

 

The cruise terminal in Rio is a series of long sheds. Disembarkation was handled in the first shed, so we had to walk past two sheds and the Shadow to get to our bags. Since we had made several prior stops in Brazil, there was no immigration, and we simply walked past some officers for Customs, although they may have been spot checking. The port was not well organized, and once we left the shed we had a long and confusing walk (almost back to the Maasdam) to meet our buses. We stopped several times along the way while the guides checked on the buses and by the time we reached them we were very hot and very tired.

 

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There was only one stop on the tour, for the Christ the Redeemer Statue. It was about an hour’s drive to the stop. The statue is accessed by a tram, and we walked about 2 blocks to the lower station. The tram was extremely busy but pretty well organized. Our guide bought and distributed the tickets, and we were reserved on the 11 AM tram. The cog railway trains will hold about 5 bus loads on each trip, and we reached the summit in about 20 minutes, then were allowed to explore on our own until 12:30.

 

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From the upper tram station there is an elevator that lifts us another 100 feet or so (also stairs), and 2 escalators for the final leg of the journey to the base. From the base the statue is nearly impossible to see because it is so close and tall, but there is a leg in front of the statue that allows for a more reasonable viewing angle. The icon status is a bit of a problem, as people (both individually and in groups) were lying on the ground for photographs and taking up large amounts of the crowed space for selfies, despite the staff trying to discourage it. On the back of the statue base there is a small chapel (no photos allowed).

 

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When we returned to the bus the guide asked about early flights. Having none he said we would detour past Ipanema Beach on our way to the airport. The beach is long and wide and looked quite attractive. As we made our way to the airport from Ipanema we passed several floats being transported to the Carnaval Parade and got a distant look at the cruise terminal but not where the Maasdam was.

 

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We arrived at the airport about 3. Many of us were on a 10:36 flight to Atlanta, making it a long wait at the airport. The Delta bag counter didn’t open till 5; fortunately luggage carts were readily available. Restaurants were limited but there was a food court a level down with mostly fast food options. There was seating but it was fairly crowded.

 

I was at the Delta counter a little after 5; personnel were taking care of 3 or 4 people ahead of me, but when I completed my checkin the line was growing quickly. Immigration and security were fairly quick, and it turned out that my gate was right outside the security point. The 5 hours until my flight left went very slowly, the gate area seemed very hot and food options were extremely limited. As I saw my final night on the Maasdam, there was quite a severe evening thunderstorm.

 

 

The PA system in Rio Airport must be one of the worst in the world, I don’t think I ever understood a single announcement. When boarding time came, the quality of the PA added to a confused boarding process. I was zone 1 and rightly or wrongly was allowed onto the plane relatively quickly. Economy Comfort on Delta seemed a bit less generous than I remember from other airlines but wasn’t too bad. We left pretty much on time but had a slightly delayed takeoff as operations were slowed by the weather. Most of the way to Atlanta the flight tracker showed us facing headwinds in the 100-150 mph range, and we were about 40 minutes late in Atlanta.

 

On my last trip I had found immigration in Miami very poorly handled. Atlanta was quite different. I t was a short walk to the start, and when I reached the Global Entry area there were 1 or 2 people in line at each kiosk. A staff member came by and told us there were more kiosks close to the exits, and 30 seconds later I was starting the quick process. The officer at checkout gave me a slip for TSA precheck.

 

There was a wait but not a long one at bag claim, and a long but rapidly moving line to check out of customs. At security they appeared not to be honoring the TSA Precheck marking on my boarding pass, so the one given at Immigration came in handy. They didn’t seem to be using most of the relaxed rules I’ve seen at other points; the only direct advantage was keeping my shoes on, but we were given priority in line.

 

I had about an hour to spare before my flight to Baltimore, ample but not as much as I might have expected. I walked for about a half hour and got coffee, arriving at my gate about 20 minutes before the boarding time. The incoming plane arrived about 10 minutes after boarding should have started, and actual boarding began about the time we should have left. Once everyone was on board nothing happened for a while, eventually the copilot came on the PA and said we were waiting for the pilot. Something had happened to our original crew, and both were transferred from other flights. After another 20 minutes the pilot arrived and we left the gate about an hour and a quarter behind schedule. We made up some time on the way and arrived at BWI at 11:34, just under an hour behind schedule.

 

I had left my sweater and rain jacket in the outer pocket of my checked backpack. I quickly put them on as the temperature in Baltimore was probably the upper 20's. I was in the Airport shuttle about 12:15 and home about 12:45.

 

There was about an inch of snow on my sidewalk, but the weather forecast was for more snow overnight. The Baltimore area is has a reputation for people flocking to the grocery stores when a storm is predicted, not a welcome event when coming home to an empty fridge. As I write this Tuesday morning, there is probably about 5 inches of new snow on my walk.

 

As today’s parting shot, I really wish there were a happy medium between Rio’s heat and Baltimore’s winter worst.

 

Roy

Edited February 17, 2015 by rafinmd