yoleven
November 30th, 2004, 09:33 PM
Got off the ship this AM and while my memory is fresh I will give you my 2 cents worth on the experience of sailing the Maasdam to HMC, St. thomas, Antigua, St. Maarten, and San Juan. This was the first HAL cruise for my wife and I. We have sailed with the other major lines previously with most of them on Celebrity. We live in Richmond and chose the Maasdam because of it being ported in Norfolk. We were accompanied by 3 other members of my wife's family.
Embarkation - Smooth as silk. Dropped off at the pier by my son around 12 noon and we were dining at the lido by 1230. A+
The Ship - I really liked the layout of the ship. Its not a gigantic super ship and it gives you a feeling of intamacy. With few exceptions the ship is clean and well kept. Carpets are in good shape and fresh paint is the rule. At times the drains on the edges of the decks outside collected cig butts and food residue that stayed too long. Our cabin was on A deck inside #773. The largest cabin (inside or outside) of any ship we have sailed. Probably due to it running parallel to the hallway instead of perpendicular. I measured it at over 200 sq. ft. No AC problems there or in my sister in laws cabin (31) which is on Navigator deck near the problems outlined in earlier posts on this board. They did not complain so I assume it was ok. One problem experienced by both of us and others I assume was toilets that did not flush after pressing the button. Sometimes it took up to an hour or so before it flushed. It did this on several occasions. Maintenance looked at it but never did totally fix the problem although it worked better the last two days. There was also a couple of occasions where a sewer smell was present in the cabin and some of the public areas near the atrium. It did not last long. One of the hot tubs was way too warm for most of the trip and never did get to a reasonable temp. We had rough seas 8-12 ft swells the last day but the stabilizers gave a decent ride in spite of the weather. B
Food - Met or exceeded my expectations with one exception ... the portions. Some of the portions of the entres in the dining room were paltry (4 raviolis or 1/2 a Cornish hen that had to be anorexic). Even in the lido you had to ask for more than one small strip of meat or fish or for a few more fries or veggies. Ditto at breakfast with bacon or scrambled eggs. The highlight were the breads and deserts. The best I have ever had and that includes Celebrity which was #1 in these areas until HAL. There was good variety of entrees and I especially liked the pasta and stir fry stations in the Lido. The taco/nacho bar near the pool from 1100 to 2000 was a nice tough. Overall - B+
Restaurant Staff/Room Stewards - Although the service was efficient I found the staff (at least ours) not quite as friendly or talkative as on other lines. Not sure if this is a result of new tipping policy but not a lot of engaging conversation. Our room steward never introduced himself and it was 3 days before I figured out which one was ours. Dining room wine steward was excellent and continuously kept our glasses full. We lucked out on formal nights as a member of the crew (nurses) joined our table for dinner and they brought the wine compliments of HaL. Our family was able to get early seating together after originally being separated and waitlisted for early seating. B
Ports of Call - Been to all of them except half moon cay. Nice beach and facilities. Clamshells are an excellent deal. The only problem with the itinerary is San Juan. We were there at 8 am on Sat. Nothing opens until at least 10 am and the ship leaves at 1230 to get back to Norfolk on time so this stop is a waste of time. Had a very good catamaran/snorkling tour on St. Maarten. Lots of free booze (including champagne) and great sailing to a clothing optional beach. For some of the dozen or so who were there in the all together this should not have been an option (if you get my drift). B
Entertainment - I thought it was pretty good considering the posts I had seen here on the subject. Singers and dancers were very good although some of the show music (background vocals and orchestra) were pre recorded. Other entertainers were standard for cruises - commedian (very good), ventriloquist (ok), magician/comedian (needs work), female soloist (very good). I skipped the concert pianist. Overall B+
Overall cruise experience - B+. With the right itinerary, ship, and price I would definitely sail HAL again although the passengers were a little older than I am used to (I am 54). More wheel chairs, walkers, and oxygen bottles than usual. HAL probably won't be my next cruise (Celebrity is due again to see if standards have dropped since RCCL acquisition) but future definitely has a HAL cruise in it.:)
Embarkation - Smooth as silk. Dropped off at the pier by my son around 12 noon and we were dining at the lido by 1230. A+
The Ship - I really liked the layout of the ship. Its not a gigantic super ship and it gives you a feeling of intamacy. With few exceptions the ship is clean and well kept. Carpets are in good shape and fresh paint is the rule. At times the drains on the edges of the decks outside collected cig butts and food residue that stayed too long. Our cabin was on A deck inside #773. The largest cabin (inside or outside) of any ship we have sailed. Probably due to it running parallel to the hallway instead of perpendicular. I measured it at over 200 sq. ft. No AC problems there or in my sister in laws cabin (31) which is on Navigator deck near the problems outlined in earlier posts on this board. They did not complain so I assume it was ok. One problem experienced by both of us and others I assume was toilets that did not flush after pressing the button. Sometimes it took up to an hour or so before it flushed. It did this on several occasions. Maintenance looked at it but never did totally fix the problem although it worked better the last two days. There was also a couple of occasions where a sewer smell was present in the cabin and some of the public areas near the atrium. It did not last long. One of the hot tubs was way too warm for most of the trip and never did get to a reasonable temp. We had rough seas 8-12 ft swells the last day but the stabilizers gave a decent ride in spite of the weather. B
Food - Met or exceeded my expectations with one exception ... the portions. Some of the portions of the entres in the dining room were paltry (4 raviolis or 1/2 a Cornish hen that had to be anorexic). Even in the lido you had to ask for more than one small strip of meat or fish or for a few more fries or veggies. Ditto at breakfast with bacon or scrambled eggs. The highlight were the breads and deserts. The best I have ever had and that includes Celebrity which was #1 in these areas until HAL. There was good variety of entrees and I especially liked the pasta and stir fry stations in the Lido. The taco/nacho bar near the pool from 1100 to 2000 was a nice tough. Overall - B+
Restaurant Staff/Room Stewards - Although the service was efficient I found the staff (at least ours) not quite as friendly or talkative as on other lines. Not sure if this is a result of new tipping policy but not a lot of engaging conversation. Our room steward never introduced himself and it was 3 days before I figured out which one was ours. Dining room wine steward was excellent and continuously kept our glasses full. We lucked out on formal nights as a member of the crew (nurses) joined our table for dinner and they brought the wine compliments of HaL. Our family was able to get early seating together after originally being separated and waitlisted for early seating. B
Ports of Call - Been to all of them except half moon cay. Nice beach and facilities. Clamshells are an excellent deal. The only problem with the itinerary is San Juan. We were there at 8 am on Sat. Nothing opens until at least 10 am and the ship leaves at 1230 to get back to Norfolk on time so this stop is a waste of time. Had a very good catamaran/snorkling tour on St. Maarten. Lots of free booze (including champagne) and great sailing to a clothing optional beach. For some of the dozen or so who were there in the all together this should not have been an option (if you get my drift). B
Entertainment - I thought it was pretty good considering the posts I had seen here on the subject. Singers and dancers were very good although some of the show music (background vocals and orchestra) were pre recorded. Other entertainers were standard for cruises - commedian (very good), ventriloquist (ok), magician/comedian (needs work), female soloist (very good). I skipped the concert pianist. Overall B+
Overall cruise experience - B+. With the right itinerary, ship, and price I would definitely sail HAL again although the passengers were a little older than I am used to (I am 54). More wheel chairs, walkers, and oxygen bottles than usual. HAL probably won't be my next cruise (Celebrity is due again to see if standards have dropped since RCCL acquisition) but future definitely has a HAL cruise in it.:)