Pipedreams62 Live Aboard The Maasdam

[pipedreams62]

Good afternoon everybody. We took a cab to the ship and arrived at 10:45 . We were aboard by 11:30 . There's NO trays in the lido and let's leave it there and not discuss it any further please.

We had a delicious lunch in the dining room. We then explored the ship. The ship is spotless elegant clean with a super friendly crew. The weather couldn't be any nicer it's 75 degrees and sunny. Not much else to report,other than sailaway should be awesome and Life Is Good. Talk to you later.

[Love the beach]

Enjoy!!! Bon Voyage:D!

[Colakid]

Good to hear the Maadam is still is great shape. We left her in good shape May 23rd when we debarked in Montreal after 15 days. Have a great cruise. We all look forward to your daily reports. Colakid.

[AZjohn]

Life Is Good. Talk to you later.
Life is good Jay and have a great time!
John

[Copper10-8]

Have a great cruise! Make sure you and the Mrs. try a Wang Wang! Best in the Crow's Nest;)

[usha]

pipedreams, have a GREAT cruise!

...But wait! Does this mean you're not going
to be posting any tongue-in-cheek pics???:eek:
http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/Julie_Andrews_sound_of_music_worried_about_childre n.jpg

[Colakid]

Don't forget to try the new "Antonizer" drink much like the Wang Wang only available in the Crows Nest made by one bartender named Antonio. Even Hans Becker the beverage manager does not know what is in this special drink as we asked him last cruise. He says he has ideas but Antonio will not even tell him. Let you in on a secret my wife got the list from Antonio the last night whilst on board and she is not giving it up to anyone. Enjoy. Colakid

[suse]

Bon voyage:D
Susie

[sapper1]

Pipedreams, if today is any indication, we have some lovely weather waiting for you. The Carnival Triumph was in port today and it is so nice to see the sun out for our visitors. Our weather is pretty much the same as in Halifax, where you will be going.

[booboo29]

I am really looking forward to YOUR cruise!! Thanks and have fun!:)

[Rabbitlady]

Glad your great voyage has begun! It was nice to hear that the dining room was open on the ship on the boarding day.

Rabbitlady

[aliaschief]

Pipedreams,

Hope all on your cruise is going as predicted. How are the different food stations in the Lido doing. They said they were going to implement that after our Repo cruise.

Haven't had many good laughs since you left!

B

[innlady1]

pipedreams, have a GREAT cruise!

...But wait! Does this mean you're not going
to be posting any tongue-in-cheek pics???:eek:
http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/film_images/Julie_Andrews_sound_of_music_worried_about_childre n.jpg


Cute....good bon voyage photo for pipedreams!

Have a great cruise, pipedreams!

[dvdfreakmc]

Have a Super time away!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoy your cruise.

[many cruises]

Please confirm that the dining room was open for lunch on embarkation day. That would be wonderful if it is true. :)

Enjoy your cruise & thanks for posting from the Maasdam.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Good afternoon everybody. We took a cab to the ship and arrived at 10:45 . We were aboard by 11:30 . There's NO trays in the lido and let's leave it there and not discuss it any further please.

We had a delicious lunch in the dining room. We then explored the ship. The ship is spotless elegant clean with a super friendly crew. The weather couldn't be any nicer it's 75 degrees and sunny. Not much else to report,other than sailaway should be awesome and Life Is Good. Talk to you later.
I am sure you are settled in and enjoying your first port stop of Bar Harbor. It looks a bit dark and gloomy at 1 PM :o
http://www.geddys.com/webcams/harborcam/Camera1.jpg

Hopefully you get to meet Sail7Seas :)

[pipedreams62]

Hello all. I had a sinus infection the last few days and didn't feel up to par. Yesterday was Bar Harbor Maine. It poured rain all day. The view from Cadillac mountain wasn't all that great. We rented a car from enterprise and drove the 27 mile loop in Acadia National park. The rain didn't matter it's still beautiful.

Last night was formal night. I din't see ANYBODY who wasn't dressed in the dining room. We have a stern table looking out at the wake (sweet)

Our waitstaff Abu and Sulton are top notch the crew on this ship is EXTRA friendly (reminds me of my first cruise 8 years ago)

Today we rented a car from the Westin Hotel in Halifax. We drove to Peggys Cove (beat the busses) and then went on to Mahone Bay And Leunenberg. Sun shining a kodak picture moment every 100 feet. Absolutely spectacular I also found Tim Hortons. Okay I'm probably a bad candidate for reporting live we sidetrip it all day,then come back and use the thermal spa,eat and go to sleep. We haven't been to any shows yet. Tonight I will try to make Karaoke (not me singing) which is 930 -1130 but no promises. Tomorrow is Sidney and we're renting a car and driving to Fort Louisburg.


ALL is good to any worry warts out there. The ship is spotless,and the crew is fantastic. Can't ask for more.

Later dudes.


Jay

[traveler1980]

Sorry to hear you have been ill.

If you don't mind, I have a few questions as we will be on board soon. We were going to rent a car in Bar Harbor, but we were told you would have to go to the airport and it would take too much time. How was your experience? Also, I know people were comparing notes on passport checks. Have you been showing/scanning passports?

Sounds like we have a lot of the same plans at ports!

Thanks for taking the time to take us along and I hope you are feeling well!

[Copper10-8]

Thanks for checking in! Enjoy Sydney manana! Got your cell on you? Try that Wang Wang; good for your sinuses;)

[suse]

Excellent!:) Thank you for the report. Peggy's Cove is beautiful. When my Dad passed away, I needed to go there. Sorry, heavy. But all my relatives came to the US from Nova Scotia and last year, I finally visited. It's very cool. Hey, hope you are feeling better. Boy, we miss you on the boards but you know what? When I go on a cruise it's like oh, yeah this is beautiful, I'll talk to you in 7 days. Have a great time!!!!!!

[Rabbitlady]

Sorry to hear about your sinuses. Sinus infections are so annoying!

I'm glad to hear about the Maasdam's crew.

Can't wait to hear future reports.............
RL

[PathfinderEss]

Nice to hear from you Pipedream, sorry about the sinus infection, hopefully it's better and you've tried one of those Wang-Wang that Copper suggested. Glad you like the Maasdam, she is a wonderful ship and Sails favorite.
Can't wait to hear more from you, happy cruising......

[Krazy Kruizers]

Sorry that you have started off the cruise not feeling well.

Thanks for checking in.

Enjoying your report.

[happyglobetrotter]

Please confirm that the dining room was open for lunch on embarkation day. That would be wonderful if it is true. :)

Enjoy your cruise & thanks for posting from the Maasdam.



I have never seen any dining room open for lunch on embabarkation day on any HAL ship.

Louise

[law3609]

Enjoy yourself. I'll be boarding in Montreal on Saturday.:cool:

[dvdfreakmc]

I have never seen any dining room open for lunch on embabarkation day on any HAL ship.

Louise


A couple of years ago, it was open when we went on the Oosterdam from Seattle to Alaska.

[lazey1]

Dining room was open for lunch on embarcation day in Aug. last year.

[tkwbear]

Jay,

I am glad you are feeling better. Have you used the internet? I would like to sign up but after last week's experience on the Veendam, I am not sure I will. It was WAY SLOW, unlike the last time I was on the Maasdam (2005).

[pipedreams62]

Everybody... well it was another car rental tour today. We drove to fort Louisburg and spent the day. What can I say other than fantastic. It's easy to spend the day there. The weather is beautiful and should be the same tomorrow. We are taking another scenic drive out to Anne of green Gables. (I just love beating the tour buses to all the attractions)


I see the barf fest is still living wow. Anyway the cruise is fantastic and yes we ate in the dining room on embarkation day. This cruise is like living in a beautiful painting.

Goodnight all

[happyglobetrotter]

Dining room was open for lunch on embarcation day in Aug. last year.


I will check it out on my upcoming cruises. I always prefer the dining room at lunch. Lido is always so busy.

[RuthC]

I will check it out on my upcoming cruises. I always prefer the dining room at lunch. Lido is always so busy.
OP has posted twice that the dining room was open for lunch on embarkation day on his cruise. YMMV.

[Susie51]

Pipedreams, I'm glad you are feeling better and you have been having great weather lately. I admire your ability to rent cars and see the sights on your own. I tried renting cars in port twice and we were so delayed getting our cars that we felt it wasn't worth it. We used Enterprise both times.

Dec. 2008 we sailed on Oosterdam Mex. Riv. round trip San Diego and dining room was open for lunch on embarkation day.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad you are enjoying your driving tours.

[sapper1]

Everybody... well it was another car rental tour today. We drove to fort Louisburg and spent the day. What can I say other than fantastic. It's easy to spend the day there. The weather is beautiful and should be the same tomorrow. We are taking another scenic drive out to Anne of green Gables. (I just love beating the tour buses to all the attractions)


I see the barf fest is still living wow. Anyway the cruise is fantastic and yes we ate in the dining room on embarkation day. This cruise is like living in a beautiful painting.

Goodnight all
Enjoy your day in PEI-----so glad you are enjoying our little corner of the world. Living here in the Maritimes, we take all the wonderful scenery for granted but every so often I stop to appreciate what we have in natural beauty and a quiet, laid back way of life.

[Cruising-along]

Pipedreams thanks for reporting in, I'm glad you're feeling better and enjoying your cruise. We want to do this cruise some day, so I'm living vicariously through your posts. :)

Looking forward to when you return though, I miss your funny pics! :D

[mamaofami]

A few times we've asked if the dining room was open on embarkation day, and staff told us no, and then we found out it was open. You really have to go and check it out yourself.

[sail7seas]

Hey Jay.... :D

Hi from Internet Cafe on board. (Not using my Acer at the moment :) but ship's computer.)


We're having an amazing time this week and are looking forward to Quebec, Montreal and starting all over again. Happy you are also having a GREAT time.

Gorgeous weather, wonderful food, Maasdam's incredible crew, fun Mariner's Luncheon today...... What more could any of us want? Ship Looks Terrific.

Life on Maasdam is good!
Happy to hear you are feeling better.

[mamaofami]

Hi Sail,
Glad to hear all is well for you also on the Maasdam. Enjoy Montreal and Quebec. It's nothing but raining down here so I hope you're having better weather as you cruise.:D

[dvdfreakmc]

Hey Jay.... :D

Hi from Internet Cafe on board. (Not using my Acer at the moment :) but ship's computer.)


We're having an amazing time this week and are looking forward to Quebec, Montreal and starting all over again. Happy you are also having a GREAT time.

Gorgeous weather, wonderful food, Maasdam's incredible crew, fun Mariner's Luncheon today...... What more could any of us want? Ship Looks Terrific.

Life on Maasdam is good!
Happy to hear you are feeling better.




Hi! Well I'm glad you and DH are having another great time on the Maasdam. Wouldn't you know it after my last post about not doing the "suite" thing this time, guess what -- we are doing the "suite" thing in July. Whoo hoo! Of course, Susan and I will be spoiled for life -- take good care of the big "M" until we arrive!

[catl331]

Last December on the Noordam they were actually guiding passengers who had canes, walkers, wheelchairs and the such to the dining room as they came onto the ship. We went too and it was so peaceful. True there wasn't the big assortment but it did just fine. We asked one other time when boarding on a Vista ship and they said "no" but it was open. So one never knows. Does it depend on the crowd, the average age of passengers or the manager? or the moon?:p

[many cruises]

Last December on the Noordam they were actually guiding passengers who had canes, walkers, wheelchairs and the such to the dining room as they came onto the ship. We went too and it was so peaceful. True there wasn't the big assortment but it did just fine. We asked one other time when boarding on a Vista ship and they said "no" but it was open. So one never knows. Does it depend on the crowd, the average age of passengers or the manager? or the moon?:p

I'm beginning to wonder what it depends on too!

Thanks again goes out to Pipedreams62 for his great reports from the Maasdam. Hopefully, you're feeling better now & wishing you a wonderful cruise. I look forward to reading your posts, especially about the ports...we are also renting cars & doing our own "tours" on the Maasdam in July. :)

[mayfam]

Just returned from a Montreal-Boston June 6-13 cruise on the Maasdam. First time on HAL, and everything onboard - well nearly everything - was great. Trayless food handling at the Lido worked excellently.

Now, as for the entertainment in the Rembrandt lounge . . . it was "OK". The downside was the singing and dancing show by a troupe of about twelve. Their dancing was OK but their singing wasn't.

The upside was a singer-pianist and a comedian-juggler. That's really why I'm writing. I've forgotten their names!

- One was a male singer-pianist, born in Wales but a long-time U.S. resident, who has appeared before Presidents, etc. Had a band of seven behind him. Powerful tenor.

- The other was a male comedian-juggler, etc., who also did a great job balncing on top of a ladder.

Would be most happy if someone could provide me their names. Thanks!

[sail7seas]

I am sure you are settled in and enjoying your first port stop of Bar Harbor. It looks a bit dark and gloomy at 1 PM :o
http://www.geddys.com/webcams/harborcam/Camera1.jpg

Hopefully you get to meet Sail7Seas :)



[B] DH and I were at the ding room door last night aned Jay came and said hello. I was delighted to meet him and was happy he introduced himself. We met again later at Explorations Cafe. Was wonderful fun meeting them both.

[sail7seas]

Just returned from a Montreal-Boston June 6-13 cruise on the Maasdam. First time on HAL, and everything onboard - well nearly everything - was great. Trayless food handling at the Lido worked excellently.

Now, as for the entertainment in the Rembrandt lounge . . . it was "OK". The downside was the singing and dancing show by a troupe of about twelve. Their dancing was OK but their singing wasn't.

The upside was a singer-pianist and a comedian-juggler. That's really why I'm writing. I've forgotten their names!

- One was a male singer-pianist, born in Wales but a long-time U.S. resident, who has appeared before Presidents, etc. Had a band of seven behind him. Powerful tenor.

- The other was a male comedian-juggler, etc., who also did a great job balncing on top of a ladder.

Would be most happy if someone could provide me their names. Thanks!


We are currently aboard Maasdam but have not been to any shows.

Without (W@t) pouring through all the programs, I hope the name you are looking for is Jamie Allan.

[tkwbear]

Hey Jay.... :D

Hi from Internet Cafe on board. (Not using my Acer at the moment :) but ship's computer.)


Sail, it's good to know the Maasdam is in good shape, I will be on it in a few weeks.

How is the internet speed when out to sea? The Veendam's worked ok in port, but was terrible when sailing.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

[b] DH and I were at the ding room door last night aned Jay came and said hello. I was delighted to meet him and was happy he introduced himself. We met again later at Explorations Cafe. Was wonderful fun meeting them both.
Sail that is great :) I know you are having a wonderful time as you always do on the Maasdam :D Lucky you you still have one more week :)

[RuthC]

How is the internet speed when out to sea? The Veendam's worked ok in port, but was terrible when sailing.
Where you are going you will find it very slow, and may even lose internet service at times. The very northern latitudes have weak (at best) service. Above the Arctic Circle there should be no service.

[pipedreams62]

Good Morning all- Well I just had my last meal of eggs benedict in the dining room. I'm already getting that sick feeling in my stomach. They will soon call my luggage tag color over the PA system and the trip will be over.:(

This is going to be a severe case of post cruise depression I can already feel it coming on.

This was the the most friendly and wonderful ship I have ever been on PERIOD. I can't rave enough about this ship and it's crew. My live report was weak but I promise to make it up with a detailed solid review.

It was a pleasure meeting Sail7seas the other night. I can certainly see why she loves this ship so much.


Whoever is coming aboard the Maasadam soon is going to have a wonderful time on a beautiful ship,with the friendliest crew on the high seas.

We're going to stay in Montreal for a couple of days and then fly home. just wanted to pop in for a moment. It's now time to resume our regular scheduled programing "Barf Fest"

[Krazy Kruizers]

Enjoy your time in Montreal.

[suse]

Glad you had a wonderful cruise! We've missed your levity on these boards! Have a great time in Montreal and a safe trip home.:)

[Copper10-8]

Enjoy Montreal Jay, and have a safe flight home!

[Cruising-along]

I can't believe it's over already! I know that sick feeling in the stomach all too well!! Looking forward to your detailed review, and enjoy Montreal. :)

[EbayCruiser]

Isn't it terrible when they make you get off the ship!! LOL

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful trip - it goes by too fast. Enjoy your days in Montreal and looking forward to your review.

Thanks much - we will be on Maasdam soon (actually October) but time goes by so quickly, it will be here before we know it!! :)

Vickie and DH Lynn

[dawdlingcruiser]

Good Morning all- Well I just had my last meal of eggs benedict in the dining room. I'm already getting that sick feeling in my stomach. They will soon call my luggage tag color over the PA system and the trip will be over.:(

This is going to be a severe case of post cruise depression I can already feel it coming on.

This was the the most friendly and wonderful ship I have ever been on PERIOD. I can't rave enough about this ship and it's crew. My live report was weak but I promise to make it up with a detailed solid review.

It was a pleasure meeting Sail7seas the other night. I can certainly see why she loves this ship so much.


Whoever is coming aboard the Maasadam soon is going to have a wonderful time on a beautiful ship,with the friendliest crew on the high seas.

We're going to stay in Montreal for a couple of days and then fly home. just wanted to pop in for a moment. It's now time to resume our regular scheduled programing "Barf Fest"

PipeDreams,

Can I trade places with you? I am now in Montreal waiting to board the Maasdam! Your report has given me high expectations for this cruise!

I have been in Montreal for the last two days pre-cruise. My DW and I had a great time here. Great restaurants and the people here were very freindly. We have even chased the rain away for you. (Rained last two days).

PS: If you have any drink cards left...hide them for me!:D:D:D

[mamaofami]

Pipedream,sorry your cruise has to come to an end. Montreal is a great city. We were there on a land vacation a few summers ago and loved Old Montreal. Have a good time post cruise.

By the way, if you see this, there's a great restaurant(if it isn't raining) called Le Jardin Nelson up a few blocks from the Montreal port. It has a lovely outdoor garden, is reasonable, and features jazz during lunch. Great little find and reasonable too.

[aliaschief]

Jay, Glad you had a great cruise. Now I can say again. "Told you so". That is one great cruise and ship. Enjoy Montreal.

[wilsonqbc]

Liked reading your posts, and glad you enjoyed your cruise to our neck of the woods, I read somewhere (though I may be wrong) you previously enjoyed a restaurant called Le Mal Boeuf, St Paul street in old Montreal. (steaks/seafood) or it was someone elses post.
I went there last week-end it was quite nice. the reason I ate there was remembering a post about it on CC, but not sure if it was from you Pipedream
Noticed they were doing a bit of work onboard to the sprinkler system, hope you didnt get a unexpected shower. I do wish I could have met the famous Pipedream from CC.
I was quite lucky, and really want to thank Sail7Seas & husband for taking the time to come and say hello down on the pier in Quebec, I guess you had a nice lunch in the city even though the weather wasnt too good. at least I met another CC legend.
I now remember I once met Ruth & JHannah, that was at least about 5-8 years ago. (No I am not a CC obsessed fan, lol) we just started cruising and enjoy the wealth of info on here from the cruise pro's as I call them.

Anyways enjoy your stay in Montreal, then get back to work on here with your great posts that always give me a smile or even a great laugh.
it wasnt the same without them.

[sail7seas]

The pleasure was all ours for meeting you. What a warm, friendly welcome to your beautiful city.

We had an outstanding day despite the rain. It was plenty warm enough and the showers let up so we walked to the high city..... enjoyed delicious lunch and eagerly look forward to being in Quebec again tomorrow.

So happy we had the chance to meet.

[mamaofami]

The pleasure was all ours for meeting you. What a warm, friendly welcome to your beautiful city.

We had an outstanding day despite the rain. It was plenty warm enough and the showers let up so we walked to the high city..... enjoyed delicious lunch and eagerly look forward to being in Quebec again tomorrow.

So happy we had the chance to meet.




Sail, lucky you. Two days in Quebec. I love that city. Did you walk up to the top or take the funicular ?

[Rabbitlady]

I can't wait to hear your detailed review, Pipedreams................glad you had a terrific time. I keep telling my husband that the Maasdam seems to be one of the most beloved ships and now we get to be on her soon!

Rabbitlady

[innlady1]

I have never seen any dining room open for lunch on embabarkation day on any HAL ship.

Louise

Three years in a row, we've done a winter cruise on the Noordam, and each time, the Vista Dining Room was open for lunch from Noon to 1 PM. :D