Live From The Maasdam

[Kathyh1313]

simply beautiful! I am enjoying reading your travelog. Your description of the transit of the Panama Canal was fabulous. Thanks for taking us along on your journey.

 

Kathy

[CruisinCanucks]

Your postings are bringing back great memories - thank you. It was only two weeks ago that we enjoyed a beautiful day in that yellow cabana on Half Moon Cay with Jerry, and yes, I think I am still full from that day's feast. Please say hello to Jerry from Sir John, Sir Tom and Geri.

We did the same route through the Cartegena, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Mexico last February, so your diary is bringing that cruise back to life, especially since you seem to do everything we did. We also had a deluxe suite (I hope you got our room since we left two bottles of champagne in the cupboard for the next guests). My husband stood on the very same small deck you did to watch the locks unfold as the sun rose. We hope you will enjoy Puerto Chiapas, the town which gave us such a warm welcome. We were only the third ship ever to visit and the whole village was there in the early morning to say hello and again to bid us farewell.

It has not been a week since we disembarked the Maasdam, and with the windchill here today in Ontario at -17 F, we are dearly missing that great ship and crew and that incredible heat of Panama.

So thanks again for your reports; we look forward to each one!

 

Geri

[off2ctheworld]

Thanks for your live reports-makes me feel like we are all there taking in the sights with you!

[PathfinderEss]

Wow, advocado I feel like I'm back on board the Massdam. We were on for 10 days in December and then 8 days for New Years. Please say hello to Abigail and Jennifer for us, such nice ladies. I know you spoke of the piano bar, hope you've spent some time in there, as a friend of ours is entertaining in there, JP Nadeau. Also have you ran into Aldofo up in the crows nest, what a great bar tender he is! Glad you are having a good time, looking forward to the rest of your trip, thanks for posting!

[advocado]

Your postings are bringing back great memories - thank you. It was only two weeks ago that we enjoyed a beautiful day in that yellow cabana on Half Moon Cay with Jerry, and yes, I think I am still full from that day's feast. Please say hello to Jerry from Sir John, Sir Tom and Geri.

We did the same route through the Cartegena, the Panama Canal, Costa Rica and Mexico last February, so your diary is bringing that cruise back to life, especially since you seem to do everything we did. We also had a deluxe suite (I hope you got our room since we left two bottles of champagne in the cupboard for the next guests). My husband stood on the very same small deck you did to watch the locks unfold as the sun rose. We hope you will enjoy Puerto Chiapas, the town which gave us such a warm welcome. We were only the third ship ever to visit and the whole village was there in the early morning to say hello and again to bid us farewell.

It has not been a week since we disembarked the Maasdam, and with the windchill here today in Ontario at -17 F, we are dearly missing that great ship and crew and that incredible heat of Panama.

So thanks again for your reports; we look forward to each one!

 

Geri

Sir John, Sir Tom and Geri (what, no title??). Saw Jerry 2 minutes ago. On my back for some goodies. I'll say "Hi".

[advocado]

Wow, advocado I feel like I'm back on board the Massdam. We were on for 10 days in December and then 8 days for New Years. Please say hello to Abigail and Jennifer for us, such nice ladies. I know you spoke of the piano bar, hope you've spent some time in there, as a friend of ours is entertaining in there, JP Nadeau. Also have you ran into Aldofo up in the crows nest, what a great bar tender he is! Glad you are having a good time, looking forward to the rest of your trip, thanks for posting!

JP and Adolfo are terrific. Haven't met Abigail (I don't think so anyway). But Jennifer is worth her weight in gold. Thankfully, she's slight...;)

[sail7seas]

Advocado,

Thank you so much. We are in the S room that, according to deck plans, is next to the bridge so all we are hoping for is being able to sit and look out straight onto the water. Thank you for the instant feedback and good descriptions of dress options. You can look and look at brochures and pore over the deck plans but until they post samples of individual cabins it will always be exciting to see what you actually get. Have a safe, calm trip and thank you again. margretha:cool:

 

Don't worry. You are not in a cabin next to the bridge. You may be in the last passenger cabin forward on Navigation Deck but between you and the bridge there are staff cabins. You will see and hear nothing having to do with bridge activities. The deck plan you look at does not show the staff cabins.

[sail7seas]

We had an e-mail from the ship and it sounds like everything was wonderrful for your transit yesterday. Great weather, wonderful views, food everywhere :) and that everyone seemed to enjoy it immensely.

 

Have they announced the plans for Super Bowl Sunday? I'm sure they'll be a great 'game day' aboard.

 

So happy you are loving 'MY" Maasdam and that she is treating you so well. Continue to enjoy and thanks a milllion for your great reports. I keep looking for them and appreciate you are so generous to share your vacation time with us.

 

Have FUN!~

[JavaJunkie]

Thanks so much for the update and info! My DH and I are taking the Maasdam back through the Panama Canal, so it's wonderful to read your description as our excitement builds...

 

Do you know if they are doing a Black and White dance on your cruise? I'm assuming that since we'll be on the ship for the same amount of days it'll probably be the same. Also, is there anything else special we should know about as we pack? Thanks so much!!

[advocado]

I know for many, the Vista Class ships are the way to go. There’s more of this, that and the other thing. For my tastes, however, the S Class are perfect … kinda like Goldilock’s porridge. We never encounter long waits in lines – whether in the Lido, at the Terrace Grill or to get on a tender. If you want a chaise by the pool, pick your location. If you want one under some shade, not an issue. The photographers are around, but not in your face. I haven’t even seen the art auctioneers (a few months ago on the Noordam, one of them cornered us in a bar … next thing I know we’ve got a fancy-schmancy invitation at our door to a “VIP” showing of “fine art” – thanks, but no thanks).

After the Canal transit we slept like infants. I needed it. The multiple Advocado repositionings about the ship to see the Canal sights ( fore, aft, port, starboard. Sky deck, Lido deck, Lower Promenade deck. Whew!!) had taken a toll on this body. For almost 11 hours, I had been bounding about the ship like a springbok. By day’s end, even the soles of my feet ached.

The sailing to Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica was serene. Cotton clouds suspended over calm, azure seas. Frigate birds circling, hoping to spot the discarded crumb. After yesterday’s frenetic pace, a lazy day at sea was really all that anyone could handle.

We attended the Mariner’s Luncheon, together with two-thirds of the other passengers on board. It was nice. A sit down, not a buffet. Choices were a quiche or pepper steak. Nice touch was the printed menu in a little 3x4 frame with the name “Maasdam” in gold. Ours to keep. We were introduced to someone who had 3,500 days aboard Holland America ships! Yes … Captain Smit. As we exited the dining room we were into Golfo Dulce. It’s broad, horseshoe bay with primeval rainforest down to the water’s edge. Occasionally a small, white fishing boat, with its nets extended looking like a giant butterfly, would pass by. The boats look as though they are being chased by the flock of frigate birds that continually drop at them like dive bombers. The little boats would keep up the fight all the way to one of the few fishing villages that could be seen along a break in the rainforest.

Tonight we have been invited to cocktails with the Captain and then our second formal night. Tomorrow, Puntarenas and an excursion through the rainforest.

[advocado]

Thanks so much for the update and info! My DH and I are taking the Maasdam back through the Panama Canal, so it's wonderful to read your description as our excitement builds...

 

Do you know if they are doing a Black and White dance on your cruise? I'm assuming that since we'll be on the ship for the same amount of days it'll probably be the same. Also, is there anything else special we should know about as we pack? Thanks so much!!

Yes. We are having a Black and White Ball this Saturday (8 days into the cruise). Bring sunscreen, a hat and half the clothes you thought you would need.

[advocado]

We had an e-mail from the ship and it sounds like everything was wonderrful for your transit yesterday. Great weather, wonderful views, food everywhere :) and that everyone seemed to enjoy it immensely.

 

Have they announced the plans for Super Bowl Sunday? I'm sure they'll be a great 'game day' aboard.

 

So happy you are loving 'MY" Maasdam and that she is treating you so well. Continue to enjoy and thanks a milllion for your great reports. I keep looking for them and appreciate you are so generous to share your vacation time with us.

 

Have FUN!~

Thank you. I always enjoy your posts and it's nice to hear positive feedback. We were told (but I don't remember by whom) that the Game will be in our rooms and available for viewing in the casino and gym.

[margretha]

Advocado,

Your postings are addictive. You write so vividly I can see the canal locks again and remember the birds and the trees and red and green lights as you approach - it is as if we are there again. Thank you so much for taking us all along with you! margretha

[jessemon]

How is the music in the Ocean Bar and Crows Nest? We do not go to

shows but rather like to dance.

Also, do you have live music at sailaway?

The food is what it is, but service and attitude is important.

 

Thanks,

 

The music in all the venues has been very good. Much more polished than on the Noordam last May/June. Couples dance in the Ocean Bar. The Piano Bar is fun and convivial. In the Explorer's Lounge a string quartet plays every evening (Vivaldi, etc). Good gig for aspiring classical musicians. The "HALCATS" play from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Lido Pool. Jazz band played during the Sail Away. Music, good music, abounds.

Tell my very good friend playing in the piano bar (JP Nadeau) that Jeff from Tampa said hello. He'll probably tell you some funny stories about us...he is a hoot.........He keeps wanting me to come visit him and the wife and girls in New Brunswick. But he always asks in the winter time....Ack.....and Brrrrrrrrrrr......LOL

Anyways...tell him I said Hi....

Jeff

[PathfinderEss]

Advocado, Abigail was the main concierge when we were on board with Jennifer as back up. As with Jeff, please tell JP hello from me, too! We are so enjoying your reports, thanks again.

Jeff, where have you been, haven't seen you posting for months, hear there might be a cruise in your future?

[advocado]

Sunset. We are slowly sailing away from Puntarenas. A tugboat shadows us and its captain occasionally toots his horn and waves. In this gold light his vessel looks absolutely beautiful. Coctkail party last night with Captain Smit, Hotel Manager, Firmin Van Walle and Chef Jock Barelman. They are all wonderful at what they do. No one left the party without having spoken to each of them. When Firmin asked if I had any complaints, I told him something was wrong in the laundry. Each time I get my pants returned, they’ve shrunk. If it keeps up, I’ll be wearing my bathrobe to the last formal night. He told me not to worry, it’s just the sea air. When I return home I should eat only vegetables for a week and the pants will be restored.

By 9:00 a.m. Puntarenas was oppressively hot. 93 degrees. Bright sun. We boarded an air conditioned bus and headed out towards the tropical rainforest aerial tram. Our guide, Max, entertained us throughout the one and a half hour journey with a history lesson of Costa Rica. He loves his country and its history and it clearly showed in his talk. Along the way, we crossed a river and stopped. On the sandbars were crocodiles. Lots and lots of crocodiles. They look like spiny logs with inch long teeth. The aerial tram site is an eco-preserve. First, is the hour long glide in a covered gondola with a nature guide to point out and explain the flora and fauna. Butterflies, macaws, a cotamundi and termite nests the size of beachballs. Bright yellow orchids and crimson bromeliads. Waterfalls and more shades of green than are legally permissible. Beautiful vistas of thick jungle, mountains and sea. (I just glanced up from my laptop and I am staring at a serious volcano in the distance. It’s gray now with a ring of white clouds just under the peak. Is it real, or is it some HAL scenery shot cleverly hung over our verandah?) National Geographic could not have choreographed this any better…

After the tram …lunch. Buffet of watermelon, pineapple and melon. Salad and vegetables. Chicken in a famous, Costa Rica-only sauce (we bought a bottle before departing), black beans and yellow rice. And the coffee. Costa Rica coffee is among the very best and we were warned by Max not to decline when it’s offered or risk the possibility of a very long walk back to the ship. The bus ride back was more of Max’s informative narration with Q’s and A’s. Why does a return drive always seem so much quicker than the ride out? We tipped Max $10.

The closer we got to the ship, the more disinclined we felt about dressing and going down to the dining room for dinner. We decided to dine on the verandah and watch a DVD for dessert. Maasdam has a great selection of first run DVD releases. We selected our dinner choices from the dining room (not room service) menu and gave them to our concierge, Jennifer. The latest you can have en suite dining from the DR menu is 7:15. But … you must let the concierge know by 4:00 – 5:00. I don’t know if this is a suite perk or not. I never asked since Jennifer said it was no problem. If ordering from the DR menu was an issue I would have gladly ordered a burger and fries from the room service menu.

I am so into the rhythm of this cruise, that as I write this I don’t even know where we will be tomorrow, nor do I care. I’ll find out when I open the curtains in the morning. I’ll let you know.

[cruz chic]

I did this aerial tram as well and it was amazing!

 

Funny, the same thing always happens to my clothes...they always shrink due to the sea air.

 

I am enjoying your posts as it brings my cruises through the Panama canal back to mind.

[jessemon]

Advocado, Abigail was the main concierge when we were on board with Jennifer as back up. As with Jeff, please tell JP hello from me, too! We are so enjoying your reports, thanks again.

Jeff, where have you been, haven't seen you posting for months, hear there might be a cruise in your future?

Hey buddy...yes there is but on Carnival at the moment with the Saints and Sinners of Cruise Critic. 9 nights for $800.00 OV with perks. Went with them last October and had a very good time. Would like to do a cruise on HAL again with JP but 10 nights is a little pricey with them when cruising alone. We will see though. It would be fun.

Maybe on JP's next ship if it is doing a shorter schedule. 7 nights maybe. The last time I did that it was only $800.00 for an OV. They want $1500.00 for an inside for 10 nights. Can't justify that.

Talk soon....

[CruiseBumm]

Thanks for the fun news. I miss the Massdam. Who is in the Piano Bar on this cruise :confused:

[sail7seas]

Have fun at the Black and White Ball tonight!!!

 

 

And definitely enjoy the Good Time planned for Super Bowl. Have an extra beer or two.!!! :)

 

 

 

GO PATRIOTS!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Am enjoying reading your posts.

 

Golfe Dulce -- we were fortunate on our last cruise there that some of the people - mostly children came down to the shore to wave to us.

 

Enjoy your Black and White Ball tonight.

[PathfinderEss]

Thanks for the fun news. I miss the Massdam. Who is in the Piano Bar on this cruise :confused:

 

That would be JP Nadeau, CruiseBumm, he has worked off and on for Hal since 2000, that is when we met him. Don't know whether you have ever sailed with him but we feel he's one of the best piano bar entertainers on or off the high seas!

Jeff, I hate to be stupid but what is the saints and sinners cc group, educated me please. I saw your banner and wondered about it.

[jessemon]

That would be JP Nadeau, CruiseBumm, he has worked off and on for Hal since 2000, that is when we met him. Don't know whether you have ever sailed with him but we feel he's one of the best piano bar entertainers on or off the high seas!

Jeff, I hate to be stupid but what is the saints and sinners cc group, educated me please. I saw your banner and wondered about it.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=526656

It is a group I went cruising with last year. There were about 160 of us. Go group of people. All walks of life all ages. Couples and singles. I know the name seems a little funny. It comes from their first cruise out of NOLA. Hence the Saints and having a good time Sinners.....LOL

It was a great group of people. Look at the thread attatched. Maybe you'd like to try something different for a change......

 

By the way...I am really enjoying the OP's review.......;)

[advocado]

As I lay in bed during the dopey period between sleep and consciousness, my first sensation was one of rocking. Slow and comforting. That instantly quashed any urge to jump out of bed and pull the curtains aside. Instead, I picked up my book and read for a while. How utterly delicious. When I did decide to get moving, I walked out on the verandah and for the first time in over a week, I saw an ocean with an attitude. Moderate seas with up to 7 foot swells. Whitecaps. We are sailing northwesterly and into the “Papagayos” Trade Winds. The sky is completely cloudless and the air temperature should only be in the low 80’s throughout the day. Another day at sea. There is a benefit to port days being followed by days at sea. It keeps you in the relaxation mode. No meeting in the Rembrandt Lounge at 8:15 to catch that excursion bus. Just “as you wish cruising”. As DW was sleeping in, I decided to venture to the Lido and have one of those waffles. One became two. They are wonderful.

As the Sun got higher so did the temperature. A cloud or two would be welcome. After a couple of hours by the aft pool, we retreated to the cool and shade of our cabin. Tonight is the Black and White Ball. Tomorrow, Puerto Chiapas, Mexico.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Only 7 foot waves --- they are babies!!

 

Enjoy the Black and White Ball tonight.