Linda&Vern
January 4th, 2005, 11:19 PM
Dec. 22 - Jan 2: Unfortunately we don't have time to "write a book," but we will spend a few minutes reviewing our wonderful cruise for those of you sailing soon. As already noted, because of inclement weather and rough seas during the previous sailing, the Maasdam was late arriving into Norfolk on Dec. 22 (approx 3:30pm). HAL did a good job of keeping us informed of delayed embarkation (starting with a communication on the morning of Dec. 21). Early arriving passengers at the Norfolk Pier were immediately greeted by a porter who took charge of the luggage and a HAL Rep who directed them to the Marriott (5 minute walk or free shuttle). Free shuttle tours of the city were offered. Lunch and dinner was served in a huge ballroom at the Marriott. Embarkation began at approx. 6:30pm. The ship started to sail a few minutes after midnight. We watched out the port side windows of the Crow's Nest and large trailers were unloading supplies onto the ship right up until the time we pulled out. We heard about no engine problems on the previous sailing and we know of no engine problems on our sailing. One couple told us their room had water leaking onto their carpet due to maintenance on overhead pipes in the hallway - but that it was cleaned immediately and problem resolved. Various notes received indicated some toilet problems at the beginning of the cruise - but the notes indicated (and our personal opinion is) that people do not realize that nothing except toilet tissue should be flushed.
SHIP: Loved the mid-size; it was so easy to get around. Saw many "big guys" in ports and know those are not for us. Holiday décor was beautiful, especially in The Atrium. And yes, most of those huge flower arrangements were real flowers! We didn't see the "badly worn" look that some have talked about - considering how many people a month come on and off the ship we thought it looked lovely. It is in port now for 4 days. According to some crew we spoke with it is for "deep cleaning" and replacing some carpets, etc. They said the crew will work from 8:00am to 8:00pm for the 4 days helping with the work.
CABIN: Larger than anticipated. Storage space was adequate considering how we severely over-packed! The one suitcase that would not fit under the bed closed did fit there when we realized we could leave it open and shove it under the bed!! Cabin did not have the SOE yet. No new mattress or soft fluffy towels. But then, if we hadn't read this board we wouldn't have even looked for them. We were pleased with the cabin, but after a couple of days thought maybe it could be a little cooler. One stop at the Front Office and within an hour someone had been to the room, more cool air was flowing, and all was well the rest of the trip. We were on the Lower Promenade deck and loved it. In 11 days the only person peeking into the window was DH making funny faces at DW. One time we wanted to know if the room had been made up yet, so we both pressed our noses to the window and we couldn't see in well enough to tell if the bed was made or not. Cabin steward kept the room clean. When we returned after breakfast the room had been refreshed, same when we returned from dinner. If we left a note or asked him for something extra (ice, glasses, etc.) we were immediately accommodated.
FOOD: We were pleased with the food quality and selection. There seemed to be something for everyone. We ate breakfast (typical buffet offerings with omelet station) and lunch at the Lido Buffet and dinner in the Main Dining Room. At the Lido lunch there was usually a stir fry station on one side and deli sandwich bar on the other side, in addition to the buffet selections. There was always a soup & salad bar inside, as well as the burger/dogs and taco bar out by the pool area. We can't even talk about all the desserts, in addition to the ice cream offered. Dinner selections included filet, prime rib, beef tenderloin & lobster, fish selections, pork, chicken, duck, quail, venison. Everyone was right - the cold soups are delicious! Our table steward was great and knew exactly when to bring another bread basket (we still talk about those warm rolls & bread) … and the wine steward always had our drinks ready when we sat down for dinner.
LIQUID: DH beer was $5.69 each (that included the automatic service charge). DW bought a soda card for $44 (plus 15%) and it worked out great. She could use it anywhere with no problem. Sorry, do not know the pricing on cocktails or wine. For those of you in on the past Lemonade thread - every morning from 10:30 to 11:00 Lemonade was served on the open decks. We thought the coffee was fine and DH is a very picky coffee drinker. He usually got our mugs (very good idea to take them with you) filled at the Java Café each morning.
More to follow . . . .
SHIP: Loved the mid-size; it was so easy to get around. Saw many "big guys" in ports and know those are not for us. Holiday décor was beautiful, especially in The Atrium. And yes, most of those huge flower arrangements were real flowers! We didn't see the "badly worn" look that some have talked about - considering how many people a month come on and off the ship we thought it looked lovely. It is in port now for 4 days. According to some crew we spoke with it is for "deep cleaning" and replacing some carpets, etc. They said the crew will work from 8:00am to 8:00pm for the 4 days helping with the work.
CABIN: Larger than anticipated. Storage space was adequate considering how we severely over-packed! The one suitcase that would not fit under the bed closed did fit there when we realized we could leave it open and shove it under the bed!! Cabin did not have the SOE yet. No new mattress or soft fluffy towels. But then, if we hadn't read this board we wouldn't have even looked for them. We were pleased with the cabin, but after a couple of days thought maybe it could be a little cooler. One stop at the Front Office and within an hour someone had been to the room, more cool air was flowing, and all was well the rest of the trip. We were on the Lower Promenade deck and loved it. In 11 days the only person peeking into the window was DH making funny faces at DW. One time we wanted to know if the room had been made up yet, so we both pressed our noses to the window and we couldn't see in well enough to tell if the bed was made or not. Cabin steward kept the room clean. When we returned after breakfast the room had been refreshed, same when we returned from dinner. If we left a note or asked him for something extra (ice, glasses, etc.) we were immediately accommodated.
FOOD: We were pleased with the food quality and selection. There seemed to be something for everyone. We ate breakfast (typical buffet offerings with omelet station) and lunch at the Lido Buffet and dinner in the Main Dining Room. At the Lido lunch there was usually a stir fry station on one side and deli sandwich bar on the other side, in addition to the buffet selections. There was always a soup & salad bar inside, as well as the burger/dogs and taco bar out by the pool area. We can't even talk about all the desserts, in addition to the ice cream offered. Dinner selections included filet, prime rib, beef tenderloin & lobster, fish selections, pork, chicken, duck, quail, venison. Everyone was right - the cold soups are delicious! Our table steward was great and knew exactly when to bring another bread basket (we still talk about those warm rolls & bread) … and the wine steward always had our drinks ready when we sat down for dinner.
LIQUID: DH beer was $5.69 each (that included the automatic service charge). DW bought a soda card for $44 (plus 15%) and it worked out great. She could use it anywhere with no problem. Sorry, do not know the pricing on cocktails or wine. For those of you in on the past Lemonade thread - every morning from 10:30 to 11:00 Lemonade was served on the open decks. We thought the coffee was fine and DH is a very picky coffee drinker. He usually got our mugs (very good idea to take them with you) filled at the Java Café each morning.
More to follow . . . .