Booking Maasdam out of Norfolk...

[ekerr19]

We booked the Maasdam last Spring Break (4/3/04) from Norfolk and had a great cruise. I recall reading numerous reports before our cruise about the problems with the itinerary, weather, mechanical issues and delays. Our cruise was one of the first modified itineraries and we arrived back in Norfolk by 7:00am.

It seems so many people are booking this itnerary again this year and encountering the same problems, and some that are even worse. The weather seems to be very problematic, as are some of the mechanical issues with the Maasdam.

What is the mass appeal for this cruise? Is it the proximity of the port? We got a great deal on ours last year, but this year the price doesn't seem to be anything to write home about, so I am really curious why so many people are booking this. We decided to book the Volendam out of FLL this year - the weather from Norfolk along Cape Hatteras is just a bit too sporadic this early in the year for us.

Any other thoughts? Comments?

[dbullsfn]

I think you have to consider the fact that many people will not need to fly to go on this cruise. I know that is a prime reason for me. People from New Jersey all the way to Georgia are within driving range. This is very favorable and less expensive. Furthermore, the weather doesnt bother me one bit. Family membeirs who cruised from Norfolk on the Oceanic in the late 70's and early 80's who had the same situation. I look forward to the rough weather, it will feel more like we are at sea.

[cru1s1ng]

My main motivation for booking this cruise was price and the lack of a single supplement charge. I've been on 2 previous carib. cruises so my main destination will be the ship. Ditto what dbullsnf said bout the weather. I like the rocking.

I also wanted to try HAL. I've been on Carnival twice before. Fromo what I've heard HAL is a bit more 'adult' and upscale.

[Orcrone]

I live about 20 - 25 minutes from the Norfolk pier, so the motivation for me is fairly apparent. However, I purposely booked the first sailing after the return from New Enland because of the weather. There's a fair (not good) chance of decent weather in Norfolk and points south in late October and early November, with the chances diminishing with each cruise. As it is we got lucky and had great weather.

If I were to sail this itinerary during the winter I would look at it as an 8 or 9 day cruise (rather than 10 or 11) with a day of travel time along the coast. In this way I wouldn't be too disappointed if stuck inside while travelling the Atlantic.

Also, I also remember the ship returning on time after the itinerary change last year. I wonder how much of the recent problems are weather related and how much is mechanical. While sailing last spring we arrived about 4 hours late due to mechanicl problems.

[dakrewser]

THe ability to avoid airports and airlines is a great motivator. That's why we chose the Infinity for our Alaska cruise this fall. We'd have been happier on a HAL ship, but the Infinity sails R/T from San Francisco.

Let me ask you, for those who have to fly to take any cruise is the possibility of a non-stop flight, or a short flight, one element you use to help you decide on a port or itinerary?

[pinkstrong41]

I also was on the Massdam last spring break. It was my second cruise and it was an older ship than the celeberty one we had been on before. My sister and I got so sea sick we wanted to go home. Then we met up with the people we met in the Cruise Critics and we had so much fun going to trivia every day at 4 and doing everything together! If we had never met up with them we would have had a bad vacation! The Massdam is a nice ship but its old and i think it needs to go into dry dock soon but it is still worth the money and the staff is very warm and welcoming and we made new friends that we are still in contact with! The food was out of this world and saying another good thing about the staff... they cut my meat for me when i couldn't do it at all. The Holland American privite island is like a dream it is beautiful.
-Jen:cool:

[cvillehf]

We live about 3 hours from Norfolk so to sail out of there makes it very easy. It saves having to try and get somewhere early in the day by air and hoping the planes aren't late or luggage lost or you fly the day before and have to spend more money for a hotel room. Yes we had rough seas the first day last year, but luckily I just keep taking ginger pills and I can survive that. We have also sailed to Bermuda and you can get real rough going across the Atlantic. It is an ocean out there! If you want to be assured of real calm water take a river cruise. I'd rather be sitting on a ship than in an airport. I do wish that there were more choices in cruises from the mid-atlantic region. We are going again this April on the Maasdam.

[starysacz]

Any chance of rough seas in and around Norfolk in early May? Booked on the Maasdam. Norfolk is a reasonable distance from Ct. Thinking about driving.

[JohnR49er]

Being able to drive to Norfolk in less than 8 hours was a big factor. I'm very close to the pier in NYC and will try going out of there when we find the right cruise at the right time. Wish I had the time to drive to my Alaska cruise.:D

[ekerr19]

I also was on the Massdam last spring break. It was my second cruise and it was an older ship than the celeberty one we had been on before. My sister and I got so sea sick we wanted to go home. Then we met up with the people we met in the Cruise Critics and we had so much fun going to trivia every day at 4 and doing everything together! If we had never met up with them we would have had a bad vacation! The Massdam is a nice ship but its old and i think it needs to go into dry dock soon but it is still worth the money and the staff is very warm and welcoming and we made new friends that we are still in contact with! The food was out of this world and saying another good thing about the staff... they cut my meat for me when i couldn't do it at all. The Holland American privite island is like a dream it is beautiful.
-Jen:cool:

Jen - Is that you??? Do you remember us from Colorado? We had a great time didn't we?

[Orcrone]

Let me ask you, for those who have to fly to take any cruise is the possibility of a non-stop flight, or a short flight, one element you use to help you decide on a port or itinerary?I would look at the itineraries I'm interested in and book the one that was most convenient to travel to, all other factors being equal. For instance, it's much easier for me to get to Fort Lauderdale than Galveston, so I would choose a Caribbean cruise out of FLL.

As far as non-stop flights, my closest airport is Norfolk, which does not have a lot of non-stop flights available. Most flights to port cities would require a flight through a hub. However, shortly after I booked my March cruise Delta started flying non-stop from Norfolk to Fort Lauderdale.

[ekerr19]

Any chance of rough seas in and around Norfolk in early May? Booked on the Maasdam. Norfolk is a reasonable distance from Ct. Thinking about driving.

We were in early April and there was really only one day going down that we had problems with rough seas... they did bother me a little, but no worse than I've experienced around the Baja Pennisula coming back from Mexico.

We really liked the Nauticus and the Marriott Waterside. The weather was a bit cool on embarkation day, but nothing too bad.

[ekerr19]

THe ability to avoid airports and airlines is a great motivator. That's why we chose the Infinity for our Alaska cruise this fall. We'd have been happier on a HAL ship, but the Infinity sails R/T from San Francisco.

Let me ask you, for those who have to fly to take any cruise is the possibility of a non-stop flight, or a short flight, one element you use to help you decide on a port or itinerary?

Well, coming from Denver, this is a huge issue for us. It's bad enough to have delays out of DIA, but if we have to connect in Chicago, Detroit or any place else, we try and avoid it during the winter. Too many delays. I finally booked air for our upcoming cruise in March - after much deliberating, we went with the non-stop Frontier flight because we don't want to be delayed. :)

We are somewhat limited as to direct flights, Frontier offers most of them, United has a few too, but I am not much of a United fan these days.

[jhannah]

Airline flights play some role, but not major. We're fortunate living in Las Vegas to have many airline and flight choices, so we can generally get a schedule and connections we want. In winter, I'll make sure I don't connect through O'hare, for instance. Other than that, the flight portion isn't a big issue with us.

[TeresaJenkins]

We live about 3 hours from Norfolk so to sail out of there makes it very easy. It saves having to try and get somewhere early in the day by air and hoping the planes aren't late or luggage lost or you fly the day before and have to spend more money for a hotel room. Yes we had rough seas the first day last year, but luckily I just keep taking ginger pills and I can survive that. We have also sailed to Bermuda and you can get real rough going across the Atlantic. It is an ocean out there! If you want to be assured of real calm water take a river cruise. I'd rather be sitting on a ship than in an airport. I do wish that there were more choices in cruises from the mid-atlantic region. We are going again this April on the Maasdam.

Same here, we are sailing 4/21/05. The problem we are having is trying to decide to pay for parking or ask a friend to drop us off at port and pray we won't ruin their day plans on our day back at port. I am worried that if she is late returning to Norfolk that our friends might have to wait around all day wondering when to come pick us up. :eek:

I keep telling myself $100 is not so bad a price to pay for peace of mind, but then the devil on my shoulder keeps reminding me about how that $100 could be spent in the casino. :D

[jbhcw]

We are booked on the Maasdam 11-05-05. We cruised on NCL's Majesty last January '04 out of Charleston and learned that leaving from the mid-atlantic states in January you are going to have a few cold days. I would probably not leave from Norfolk/Charleston again in January. We are hoping weather will be better early part of November. But it's also an 11 day, where the Majesty was only a 7 day. Two days going and a day and a half coming were pretty much cold.

We are only about 4 hours from Norfolk. That, plus a different cruise line, good price and 11 day itinerary sold this cruise to us. Husband does not like to fly, though he will,maybe once every five years! We enjoy the drive to Port Canaveral and have sailed out of there many times. Trying to broaden our cruise experience with HAL.

When ever I fly, I always try to get a direct flight, if not just one stop is pretty much my limit. Flying used to be an adventure years ago, it's just a pain now.

[Linda&Vern]

Same here, we are sailing 4/21/05. The problem we are having is trying to decide to pay for parking or ask a friend to drop us off at port and pray we won't ruin their day plans on our day back at port. I am worried that if she is late returning to Norfolk that our friends might have to wait around all day wondering when to come pick us up. :eek: I keep telling myself $100 is not so bad a price to pay for peace of mind, but then the devil on my shoulder keeps reminding me about how that $100 could be spent in the casino. :D
How far do your friends live from the pier? Someone on these boards from the Norfolk area should be able to tell you how your friends can find out when the ship arrives back so they don't have to sit at the pier "if" the ship arrives back late. We cruised from Norfolk because it is under 4 hours for us, and I hate flying as part of my vacation. Ruins it for me! I too wish there was more of a cruise selection from Norfolk. FYI - We were on the Maasdam 11 day Holiday cruise this year. Departed very late (like midnight), but actually arrived back into Norfolk early at 7:30am. If you do go with the cruiseline parking, remember it is CASH only, in advance when you park. Whatever you decide, HAVE A GREAT CRUISE - WE DID!

[starysacz]

Thank you for the positive information - ekerr19 - regarding the sea conditions in and out of Norfolk. We have a 1:00 P.M flight from Norfolk to Hartford on USAir. There are several later flights. Dropped the plan of driving.:)

[RuthC]

Dropped the plan of driving.
May I ask why?
I live sorta, kinda near you---at least when compared to driving to Norfolk, and I've started toying with the idea of taking this cruise in the Fall of '06. As part of that I wondered if driving was a possibility.
If you would please post the pros and cons that you thought of it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[dakrewser]

I've started toying with the idea of taking this cruise in the Fall of '06. As part of that I wondered if driving was a possibility.

Driving to Norfolk from Warwick? That would be an adventure! It's over 500 miles!!

[Orcrone]

Same here, we are sailing 4/21/05. The problem we are having is trying to decide to pay for parking or ask a friend to drop us off at port and pray we won't ruin their day plans on our day back at port. I am worried that if she is late returning to Norfolk that our friends might have to wait around all day wondering when to come pick us up. :eek:

I keep telling myself $100 is not so bad a price to pay for peace of mind, but then the devil on my shoulder keeps reminding me about how that $100 could be spent in the casino. :D Do you and your friend have cell phones. Tell your friend to go about his or her daily routine. If on time you can just give your friend a call as disembarkation begins. You'll be calling before the day is too old. If the ship is late then call as it's getting close. The Maasdam will be fairly close to the coast. It then has to go by Virginia Beach, head west towards the navy base and then head south to get to Nauticus. You'll get a cell signal about 2 - 3 hours before arriving at Nauticus. That will give your friend plenty of time to plan.

When we were on the Maasdam the people picking us up were coming from about 20 - 25 minutes away. Se just waited until our number was called for disembarkation and called them. By the time we got off the ship, collected our luggage and went across the street (to get away from the crowd), we only had to wait about five minutes.

[Orcrone]

May I ask why?
I live sorta, kinda near you---at least when compared to driving to Norfolk, and I've started toying with the idea of taking this cruise in the Fall of '06. As part of that I wondered if driving was a possibility.
If you would please post the pros and cons that you thought of it would be much appreciated.

Thanks. I have to agree with Dakrewser. Not only is it over 500 miles, but you have to go through or around NYC. If you take the eastern shore you're going to cough up close to $50 in tolls round trip. Staying on 95 will save you some money in tolls, but you'll go through Baltimore and DC, and add about 80 - 90 miles to your trip. Southwest flies from Providence to Norfolk. I think I'd be tempted to fly Southwest and not deal with the drive.

[RuthC]

Dave and Marc, thanks for the advice. I knew the drive would be a bit more than one day's worth, but since it's only a 10-day cruise I also know that I have a few extra days to play around with. I know how to get past NYC, and actually love driving the Capitol Beltway :eek:, so that's not a problem, either.

The part I didn't know was SouthWest flies direct! Wow! Sure, I hate dealing with flying, but now I know I can add it to the considerations.

Thanks again, guys. :)

[dakrewser]

I know how to get past NYC, and actually love driving the Capitol Beltway :eek:, so that's not a problem, either.

Hmm, have you been eating those "special recipe" brownies again, Ruth? :)

We lived in the DC area for 15 years, and 20 years later I still hate to drive the beltway!

[Orcrone]

The part I didn't know was SouthWest flies direct! Wow! Sure, I hate dealing with flying, but now I know I can add it to the considerations.

Thanks again, guys. :) Ruth. Sorry, I didn't mean to mislead you. Southwest flies between the two cities, but with a stopover in Baltimore.

[RuthC]

Thanks Marc. A stopover without changing planes could work. (I thought that was "direct"; "non-stop" is direct without the touchdown in Baltimore? Kind of an "improved" direct. :confused: )

[pinkstrong41]

YES it is me, Jen! The one who is "as cute as a button" haha! And we had so much fun on that ship. I wouldn't want to go on any other ship inless we had the same group of people with us. I really thought Doug was going to be like 100 years old! But he is one of the nicest people I have ever met... along with shela! So many good times even when we could watch our drinks flow back and fourth! I have really missed everone but I have truely changed alot! Meating people on a boat that you have never seen before and by the end of 10 or 11 days crying because we didn't get to say goodbye is something I never thought I would do. I remember when I was getting off the boat I saw Mr.Mahoney standing there and I could hardly talk because I was crying to hard.. but then we saw katie and you guys and it made things better but we still had to say goodbye. I really really say that if you are going on a cruise and even if you are on an older ship the people make all the difference!

[ekerr19]

Jen-

email us at: lskerr@comcast.net

Katie would love to hear from you! She misses the dawg and cawfee jokes!

[Orcrone]

Thanks Marc. A stopover without changing planes could work. (I thought that was "direct"; "non-stop" is direct without the touchdown in Baltimore? Kind of an "improved" direct. :confused: )Yep, we both have the same definition of direct vs. non-stop, although I find many people refer to non-stop flights as direct. Anyhow, I think that Providence to Norfolk requires a plane change.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have to say I think there's almost a "magic" about the people you meet on the Maasdam. We met some wonderful friends on our cruise on her.

I completely understand why people are attracted to a port they don't have to fly to or a great price. But I think many people book cruises these days and seem unaware of the fact they will be on a ship in the middle of the ocean ... not on dry land at a resort. So there are always issues with rough seas.

If someone has any problems at all with anything other than a "pond effect", they should never book a cruise with a number of sea days to get to where they're going such as Bermuda, Hawaii, etc. In the case of Norfolk or New York cruising to the Caribbean we're taking a risk. So let the buyer beware if they're squeemish about rough waters.

Actually, an awful lot of people cruising really should consider a land vacation instead. They just don't seem to understand that rough weather can really come at any time and there's every possibility that it's not going to be a whole heck of a lot of fun. And there's no way anyone can fairly criticize the cruiseline for that.

[CrabbyHarper]

Hello - another cruiser putting in her two cents.

We sailed on the Apr 3 2004 cruise - hello to Laura and Jen! And again Nov 9, and will sail again on April 21, 2005.

One of the main reasons we sailed her in the beginning was her home port of Norfolk. We would have preferred to sail from Baltimore, but Holland America and Celebrity are no longer sailing from Baltimore. Norfolk is a six hour drive for us, and we stayed in the Holiday Sands overnight before the cruise, just to make sure we weren't hung up on I-95! That first cruise was enlivened by the folks I met through these boards - and I was one of the ones who enjoyed the trivia contests.

We sailed again in Nov, this time with my two sisters and BIL, mainly because of the Norfolk home port. Had S suites for the first time and loved them! Having our own small group was nice. We were not among those who had a/c or plumbing problems. That's another whole thread!

Our April 21 cruise was booked with some of my DH's family - most of whom will not fly - because of the home port of Norfolk. We have booked the Turquoise cabana for HMC.

Overall the two cruises we have had have been good. The comments other cruisers make about the lack of time in some ports is true. But if one wants to spend more time in San Juan or Barbados maybe one should book a flight and spend a few days.

Yes, it is usually rough off Cape Hatteras that first day. It is a ship, for goodness sake, and it is the Atlantic!

Would I sail Maasdam a fourth time? Maybe, depending on the itinerary and the home port - we could drive to Boston for the Canada/NE cruise. It also depends on prices. And whether we have a good time in April.

I love the size of the ship, and the wonderful stewards, waiters, bus boys, etc. And I love being on a cruise - there is very little that will totally ruin a cruise for me.

[ekerr19]

We had such a great cruise, "hi" to Gerry & Jen - wish we were doing a "repeat" again this year, but I know there were a few too many kids on board for your taste, Gerry. I am pleased to hear you enjoyed your subsequent voyages on the Maasdam. As Heather mentions, I think there was just some magic about the people you meet on that ship - it was definitely so for a few of us on that voyage!

I hope our upcoming cruise on the Volendam does not disappoint - we have not had the activity on the Roll Calls that we had last year for our Maasdam cruise, but I am hoping things will pick up.

I would not hesitate to do this itinerary on the Maasdam again. We really enjoyed our stay in Norfolk and look forward to returning.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm thinking that when we do our "let's meet everyone from the HAL boards" cruise we should make it the Maasdam!

[dbullsfn]

You just love the Maasdam Heather dont you. Im down to 1 month and counting, papers came on Monday

[Orcrone]

I'm thinking that when we do our "let's meet everyone from the HAL boards" cruise we should make it the Maasdam!I'll second that if it's out of Norfolk. Even if I can't make the cruise I can join everyone for the pre-cruise the night before.

[ekerr19]

Hey, I am up for it! It'll be a blast - especially if the ship is rockin' and rollin' on it's way to and from the Caribbean. :)

[RuthC]

Works for me! :) And I haven't even sailed her yet! :D

[HeatherInFlorida]

You just love the Maasdam Heather dont you. Im down to 1 month and counting, papers came on Monday

Yes, I do and I hope you do, too!!! Did you do the Doc Dance? If not, then start immediately:D . Have a great cruise.

Okay, then, I think it's time to start a thread about our cruise and see how long it stays on the boards. My threads have a way of disappearing. Anyone else want to start?:)

We could have such a party gathering everyone on these boards who would like to meet. Has to be way down the road, though, we're booked out for this year!!!

[Tatka]

THe ability to avoid airports and airlines is a great motivator. That's why we chose the Infinity for our Alaska cruise this fall. We'd have been happier on a HAL ship, but the Infinity sails R/T from San Francisco.

Let me ask you, for those who have to fly to take any cruise is the possibility of a non-stop flight, or a short flight, one element you use to help you decide on a port or itinerary?

Had you saild Infinity already??? You'd love Celebrity... Lines are very close with each of them having own "+" and "-".

Loved service on X Century.

Next my cruise is R/T on Mercury out of SF.:)

[dakrewser]

Had you saild Infinity already??? You'd love Celebrity... Lines are very close with each of them having own "+" and "-".


No, this will be our first trip on Celebrity. Can hardly wait...

[CrabbyHarper]

Count me in, if it is next spring and sails from Norfolk. Especially in April if not during the spring break - oh heck, maybe even then.

We've already booked our fall cruise - on Celebrity's Summit - a repo Alaskan cruise - Vancouver to LA, 14 nights. So we really will fly on occasion. Been on Celebrity before and liked it. Cabins are nice but not as big as Maasdam!

[Linda&Vern]

I have to say I think there's almost a "magic" about the people you meet on the Maasdam. We met some wonderful friends on our cruise on her.

I completely understand why people are attracted to a port they don't have to fly to or a great price. But I think many people book cruises these days and seem unaware of the fact they will be on a ship in the middle of the ocean ... not on dry land at a resort. So there are always issues with rough seas.

If someone has any problems at all with anything other than a "pond effect", they should never book a cruise with a number of sea days to get to where they're going such as Bermuda, Hawaii, etc. In the case of Norfolk or New York cruising to the Caribbean we're taking a risk. So let the buyer beware if they're squeemish about rough waters.

Actually, an awful lot of people cruising really should consider a land vacation instead. They just don't seem to understand that rough weather can really come at any time and there's every possibility that it's not going to be a whole heck of a lot of fun. And there's no way anyone can fairly criticize the cruiseline for that.
Heather: As you have probably read from us, our Maasdam Holiday Cruise was great! The majority of the "unhappy" people we encountered on the cruise were unhappy exactly because of what you describe above! You hit the nail on the head with this post!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Count me in, if it is next spring and sails from Norfolk. Especially in April if not during the spring break - oh heck, maybe even then.

We've already booked our fall cruise - on Celebrity's Summit - a repo Alaskan cruise - Vancouver to LA, 14 nights. So we really will fly on occasion. Been on Celebrity before and liked it. Cabins are nice but not as big as Maasdam!

Hey Crabby! Are you getting off when we're getting on??? We're on the Summit on 10/23 out of LA to Ft. Lauderdale. You're right about the cabins. The Maasdam ordinary verandah cabins are sooooo large. Loved it!! We got a CC cabin on the Summit (6135) sandwiched between 2 fancier cabins so we get a bit larger balcony. Have a great time!!!

Linda&Vern, thanks for that! I have friends who cruised during that time period who wanted money back for the bad weather days!!! LOL:D