Is HAL (Maasdam) For Us?

[April42749]

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

[jtl513]

Formal nights have been replaced by Gala nights and the average dress-up level is considerably lower in the MDR. The minimum for men on Gala nights are a collared shirt and slacks, and the equivalent level for ladies. There will be many men with no jacket or no tie or neither. There will also be some in full formal regalia, especially if you dine later.

 

"Traditional" or Fixed MDR seating is available at a set table at a set time, as well as Open Seating (often called Anytime Dining) where you just show up anytime between 5:15 and 9:00. In Open Seating it is possible to make reservations for up to 3 days at a time. Specify which type of dining you want when you make your booking.

 

Tables for 2 are in high demand, and in Open you may have to go early or be willing to wait for one. In the latter case you will be given a buzzer and you can go to a nearby lounge to wait. Sometimes you will be seated at a table for 4, and 2 place settings will be picked up.

 

In the Lido it is all Open Seating all the time, and even more casual dress. You choose your own table there.

 

There is also a Specialty (extra cost) restaurant, the Canaletto, which is mid-way between the MDR and Lido dress levels IMO. Reservations are usually required. It can be booked on line in advance.

 

The Maasdam is my favorite ship of that class! :)

.

Edited January 25, 2017 by jtl513

[DeeniEncinitas]

We will be sailing on her on 2/25/2018 doing a round trip 28 day mexico/South America cruise from our hometown San Diego!

In the past so far 10 cruises with HAL.

She is one of two small ships with about 1200 plus passengers.

The oldest but beyond that I have high hopes for a wonderful cruise.

The Prinsdam is smaller and she is a wonderful lady with elegance!

I feel you will enjoy your cruise!

So many wonderful CCers hopefully will chime in and give you good advise.

You can enjoy the buffet lido and do whatever you want.

Happy sailings!

Denise:)

[esimon]

I hope you report on your cruise - we are on the same one in July

Love HAL - small amazing service - great food - wonderful ships.

[OlsSalt]

I think you will find a very goof fit choosing the Maasdam. Sail on her while you can as these smaller HAL ships are now up for sale and will be replaced by larger ones in the future.

 

My only advice would be to consider bringing at least some "dress-up" dinner clothes so if you decide you want to enjoy the very lovely main dining room, you can then also bring home memories of the last days of classic type cruising. No dress requirements any longer, just a way to maybe add to the sense of cruise festivity and specialness. Doesn't need to be more than one might wear to a nice restaurant at home or special occasion event these days. A sparkle top with pants, a sports jacket, a shirt and tie.

Edited January 25, 2017 by OlsSalt

[jakkojakko]

On formal, called gala nights, the only venue that is somewhat restricted/enforced on clothing is the mdr. If you do not want to dress up, the lido is the alternative unrestricted restaurant. Since you aim for that anyway you are fine for all nights. You will be missing out of more food choises. The lido used to echo the mdr menu, but alas no more.

Edited January 25, 2017 by jakkojakko

[djg541]

Wife and i sailed the Maasdam Boston-Montreal round trip 3 yrs ago and Veendam last year. I preferred the Maasdam over all.

Dining? Smart casual is accepted in the MDR. Formal seems to have fallen off,although you'll see folks who still enjoy it, its no longer the majority.

Your going in May so dont expect too much warm weather yet, but you may get lucky!

Charlottetown P.E.I is out favorite port followed by Halifax N.S.. Many prefer Quebec or Montreal. They're all good in their own way.

Enjoy!

[Laurino]

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

 

We did a Montreal-Boston cruise onboard Maasdam in the summer of 2015, which was very nice.

 

I know you didn't ask but - if you don't like flying, there's a direct Amtrak train "68 Adirondack" between Montreal Central Station and New York Penn Station, we took it in the reverse direction. It departs daily (once per day) from Montreal and the travel time should be 10.20AM-8.50PM. It's a slow but very scenic ride through the Adirondack mountains and along the Hudson river. There are some caveats, there's no checked luggage and no first class on this train, the train might also be delayed a lot (although ours was not). Also I wouldn't hazard to book the train for the arrival morning of the cruise, I would spend at least one night in Montreal first.

 

I have links to a photo review and movie of the cruise in my signature below.

 

/Henrik

[SeaWatch]

We LOVED our Maasdam cruise Boston-Montreal. At each port, as we sailed away, they offered a buffet on the Lido with local specialities. My favorite was the Prince Edward Island mussels.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[April42749]

Thanks for the replies.

We are planning to spend a few days in Montreal and then return to NYC on Amtrak.

 

Another HAL question:

The cost? If cabins aren't sold, does it go down as you get closer to the date? I like to book towards the end.."just in case" something happens. But, the bonus with NCL is that the price usually goes down (I keep my eye on the stats, just to make sure it's not sold out).

[RocketMan275]

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

 

The wife and I are just a few years short of you and your husband. We much prefer the Lido over the MDR. We find the MDR to be loud and crowded. The Lido is much more relaxed and the food is just fine. We often will fill a plate or two and take that back to the room. That works well if you have a balcony or better. You can also order any item on the MDR menu delivered to your room from room service.

 

Our last cruise was on Westerdam. We didn't take any sparkly tops or collared shirts and we had a great time. For our next Caribbean cruise, I will take a number of shorts and polo shirts and, maybe, a pair of cargo pants. I doubt we'll go any where near the MDR.

[OlsSalt]

The wife and I are just a few years short of you and your husband. We much prefer the Lido over the MDR. We find the MDR to be loud and crowded. ......

 

This can depend when you dine and where you dine in the MDR.

 

Some places indeed are busy, if they are near entry-exit routes or near large tables can be noisy. Being next to the waiter stations can get busy too.

 

But other tables are quiet, near windows, in the remote corners away from the entry doors and quite wonderful. Don't know if the upper dining room is quieter than the lower one - we always get late seating upper dining room and have been very pleased with the quieter feeling of the MDR.

 

We also notice many empty tables at that late fixed dining time- upper dining room, too so that keeps the room less busy too.

Edited January 26, 2017 by OlsSalt

[RocketMan275]

This can depend when you dine and where you dine in the MDR.

 

Some places indeed are busy, if they are near entry-exit routes or near large tables can be noisy. Being next to the waiter stations can get busy too.

 

But other tables are quiet, near windows, in the remote corners away from the entry doors and quite wonderful. Don't know if the upper dining room is quieter than the lower one - we always get late seating upper dining room and have been very pleased with the quieter feeling of the MDR.

 

We also notice many empty tables at that late fixed dining time- upper dining room, too so that keeps the room less busy too.

 

Thanks for the advice. We're somewhat hard of hearing so that doesn't help either.

 

Unfortunately, late fixed dining won't work for us. We'd be fast asleep before the mains arrived.

[iancal]

If you like eating in the buffet you will find that HAL's Lido hours are much more restrictive than Carnival, NCL, or any other line for that matter.

 

The Lido is not open continuously all day and they start shutting it down at 7:30 for an 8PM close. After that your option is room service.

Edited January 26, 2017 by iancal

[Cruise_More_Often]

If you like eating in the buffet you will find that HAL's Lido hours are much more restrictive than Carnival, NCL, or any other line for that matter.

 

The Lido is not open continuously all day and they start shutting it down at 7:30 for an 8PM close. After that your option is room service.

There's a great hamburger spot on the pool deck in case you want a little something during the afternoon when the lido is mostly closed. Super hamburgers!

 

We used to cruise pretty exclusively with NCL but are now confirmed HAL fans. We absolutely love the Maasdam.

[RMLincoln]

Gala nights in the MDR on HAL only request the men to wear slacks, no jeans, and a collared shirt. No jacket or tie needed. Many men in the MDR will still wear a jacket and or tie and a few men will wear formal wear, but that is getting more rare. Ladies have a little more flexibility... slacks or skirt and blouse, dress long or short, sparkly or dressed up with a scarf or shawl, it all works. Around the ship you'll see people dressed at all levels. Enjoy, m--

[Alphen]

Thanks for the replies.

 

 

Another HAL question:

The cost? If cabins aren't sold, does it go down as you get closer to the date? I like to book towards the end.."just in case" something happens. But, the bonus with NCL is that the price usually goes down (I keep my eye on the stats, just to make sure it's not sold out).

 

Rest assured, if you book and the price is lowered, if you are still before final payment you can have your price adjusted accordingly, without any costs.

 

IF and WHEN prices are lowered or even getting higher, is always a misty subject, no way of telling where prices will move to!

[Budski54]

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

My wife and I sailed on the Maasdam about 15 years ago. It's a great ship. About 5 years ago, we decided to take a Boston to Quebec City 7 day cruise. But when we searched for a way to get back to Philadelphia, it got complicated and costly. So we decided to do the 14 day back-to-back Boston to Boston cruise. They great thing about that was that the ship stayed in Quebec City for 2 nights. Also, we were able to explore all of the other stops 2 times.

In regards to dining, we always opt for the MDR for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is much better, and the service is always Great! We would rather have food served to us rather than fight the crowds, and then look for an available table. We paid for good food and service, so we opt for the MDR for all meals.

Also, we always ask to share a table of 4-6. It allows us to meet many people. They only time we eat in the Lido is for coffee, or a quick Salad or snack.

Anyway, you will love sailing with Holland America. Most passengers are in their 50s and above.

[Alphen]

I am considering a Maasdam cruise this May....NYC-Montreal.

We generally sail on NCL or Carnival because they sail out of NY and I don't like flying or the chaos of flying. So, this may be a welcome change.

 

I am in my late 60s....DH is in his early 80s. I know the age group will be good.

 

We eat at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner almost all the time. We dress casually.

 

So...the question is: Dining....

Are there formal nights? If so, can you eat at the buffet in "casual clothes", or is it against the rules to even been seen?

If we do eat dinner in the MDR...is it assigned seating with an assigned time? Or do you go when you want and sit by yourselves if you want?

 

Any insight will be appreciated.

 

TIA

 

In case you need further info, we will be on board Maasdam in about 4 weeks time :D

[richard1s]

The itinerary is great; the New England and Canadian ports are our favorites – lots of history and terrific, fresh seafood along the way. Cruising on the St. Laurence is different and I found it very interesting.

 

This ship was not our favorite; for us it was just too small and too quiet; entertainment was sedate. Not as many venues as we like and the casino was almost non-existent.

 

However the ship is not without its’ charm and the quality of the HAL product, in my opinion is still very good.

 

Food was very good in all venues, especially the different cookouts on the top deck. As someone mentioned, if you like mussels, the P.I.E port day cook out on the upper deck is not to be missed. All you can eat in three different sauces with all the trimmings was the highlight of the entire trip for me. I don’t spend money for a cruise and want to eat hot dogs but I couldn’t resist a daily hot dog/sauerkraut/seeded bun on the top deck outdoor grill. It was really good.

 

As others have mentioned, weather might be quite chilly and uncooperative so prepare accordingly.

[jabcruiser]

Haven't been on Maasdam, but comparing NCL and Carnival with HAL we very much prefer HAL and believe you will love it too. Food quality in Lido way above the others and you can pretty much wear anything(just no bathing suits without covers). We also generally avoid MDR and generally dine at Lido or one of specialty restaurants which you really should consider for one nite at least. So maybe take just one dressy outfit. Doesn't have to be formal at all. Just some slacks and nice shirt. Also, what we have started doing on Gala evenings, so as not to miss great food in MDR, is order room service into room. Just check out the menu that afternoon posted outside MDR, note what you want and then order room service around 4:30 or so. Just tell them when you want it delivered and they have always been there within 10 minutes of scheduled time for us. We just love it. Enjoy your cruise.

[jabcruiser]

Oh, forgot to mention - make sure to check out the bread pudding during lunch on Lido. Usually at end of main entree line. And, another great thing about HAL is they serve you on Lido. No multiple passengers handling serving utensils to spread icky germs and such. That always kind of grossed me out on Carnival and NCL. Definitely try HAL.

Jane

[Bailey & Sophie]

Oh, forgot to mention - make sure to check out the bread pudding during lunch on Lido. Usually at end of main entree line. And, another great thing about HAL is they serve you on Lido. No multiple passengers handling serving utensils to spread icky germs and such. That always kind of grossed me out on Carnival and NCL. Definitely try HAL.

Jane

We were on the Maasdam in June last year. We loved it.

We ate dinner in the MDR ONE night and then we ate in the buffet. We previewed the menu each night and found there was nothing that interested us. To us, it was odd. Food is not a deal breaker for us so we were content to go to the buffet each night whenever we wanted (within the time frame it was open).

We love the smaller ships!!

[April42749]

Are there any production shows? Can the lounge entertainers carry a tune (this was a serious problem on Carnival...because they were awful)?

 

And how "almost non-existent" is the casino? A few old and antiquated slots?

[richard1s]

Are there any production shows? Can the lounge entertainers carry a tune (this was a serious problem on Carnival...because they were awful)?

 

And how "almost non-existent" is the casino? A few old and antiquated slots?

Yes, the same type of shows as pretty much any ship. With the exception of one trio, the other entertainers on our cruise at least were not that good.

 

"Non-existent" describing the casino perhaps an exaggeration; it was just very small by comparison to every ship we have sailed on. I would estimate about 40 or so machines and perhaps about 6 tables. The slots were the ones we like - double diamond, wild cherry, 5X, but there just weren't a lot of them. Tables never had much play the whole week of our cruise. None of it was very enticing and seemed like an afterthought.