Maasdam 11/30-12/11 (short review)

[ruralcountrylover]

I just wanted to share a few things about our wonderful trip on the Maasdam.

 

Boarding: We did not start boarding until 1:00pm, due to sanitizing the ship. It was a mild day with a light breeze, so the wait in Norfolk was not bad. The three of us were checked in and at the Lido by 1:30pm. The ship left the dock a few minutes before 5:00pm, turned around in the harbor to head out and then pulled back to the dock, due to a medical emergency on board.

 

Cabins: We had an outside on Main deck. My MIL, age 82, was traveling with us in the same cabin and we had plenty of closet and drawer space. Our cabin steward, Sudi, was wonderful.

 

Rotterdam Dining Room: We had upper main seating at a table for 4, by the balcony railing. Great place to people watch and view the baked Alaska parade. Dining room stewart Arie, (been with HAL for 5 years) and assistant Edu, (8 months with HAL), gave us great service each night...always remembering how you liked you meat cooked, type of salad dressing and never forgetting that decaf cappuccino after dinner. Wine Steward, Louie, gave us great service and always stopped and talked whether we were ordering wine or not. We did not try the sirloin steak, but the other beef dishes were tender. The salmon dishes and lamb chops were excellent. And you must try the parmesan crusted chicken breast.

 

Lido Restaurant: We ate breakfast and lunch each day in the Lido. DH usually had fried eggs for breakfast and they were always cooked to his liking. The omelets and waffles were also very good and of course I can't forget all that smoked salmon. Lunches had a variety each day, but we usually had the Asian stir-fry, which was very good. The salad bar had several types of salads, plus caesar and house salad makings. Save room for the ice cream, which comes in many flavors....butter pecan, peach, coffee, french vanilla, cinnamon and burgundy cherry, just to name a few.

 

Shows: We went to all of the 10:15pm shows. Good variety, something for everyone. Besides the production cast shows, we had Mac Frampton, pianist; Bob Brizendine, magician; Doug Mattocks, banjo player, Paul Tanner, singer and Barnaby, with a great juggling act. The Indonesian Crew Show is a must see. Extremely entertaining and it's fun to look for familiar faces in the cast. Also Doug Dunnell had just returned to the Maasdam the day we sailed, as Cruise Director.

 

The only problem that we noticed on the ship was during one of the heavy sea days. The Lido pool was closed because of the rough seas, but the water in the pool had not been drained or at least lowered to a safe level. The waves in the pool were so high that they were hitting the metal cross supports on the sun-roof. You could not sit in the lounge chairs around the pool unless you were willing to take a shower of water every few minutes. Needless to say, there was more water on the Lido floor then in the pool, making it difficult and dangerous for people to walk. On another rough sea day coming back to Norfolk, they did shut down the Lido pool and hot tubs again, but this time drained them so the Lido deck was not standing in water.

 

If anyone is sailing the Maasdam in the next few months, make sure to go to the Lido Restaurant and meet KRIS, (Krisna.) He is the young man handing out the trays on the port side. Kris has only been with HAL for 3 months, but is already a pro at greeting you and remembering your name. If someone sailing soon remembers, please tell Kris that BARBARA, "MAMA" NEVA and STEVE send a big hello.

 

Much to our surprise the Maasdam was fully "dressed" on November 30th, for Christmas. Christmas tree's and poinsettias everywhere. Also all of the cabin doors had small wreaths. I have posted just a few of the pictures that I took showing some of the Christmas decorations.

 

We had a wonderful cruise and just hope that sometime in the near future HAL will bring back another ship to Norfolk.

 

Barbara

 

 

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/556389252tzbDHG

[Getty]

:rolleyes: Thanks for the review. Would apppreciate your expanding the review on overall ship condition since we will be on her in '07' and will also be on main deck . Thanks again, enjoyed your review. ;)

[cruisecache&squash]

Wasn't Krisna something? How the heck does he do that? I can't remember my own name half the time! Ha ha!

 

Good review!

[sail7seas]

What a nice review. So happy you enjoyed your Maasdam cruise.

 

I love when I hear raves about her crew.........one of the very best there is IMO

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for your short review.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for your short review.

[starysacz]

Great review and well organized. Thank you.

[mick70]

Thanks for the positive review, will be on the Maasdam in three weeks:p

[WeLoveCruising]

Thanks so much for the pictures. We're on in 9 days!