Maasdam ready for April 24 cruise?

[barney0209]

I just looked at the wonderful pictures of the Maasdam in dry dock in 2009. The post said she is to be in drydock in the Bahamas until April 23, 2011. We are scheduled to board her on April 24, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale. Can that be? It doesn't seem possible, but what do I know...

[San Diego Mike]

Just got off the Maasdam two days ago and believe it or not, that is what they told us too. We were told that they would have a one day shakedown trial before the next cruise.....

[sail7seas]

She left for dry dock yesterday and is in Freeport.

It would be most unusual if she doesn't come out of drydock on the date scheduled. There are times when we've read not all the work is fully completed for a number of reasons but she'll be there waiting for you to board :) on April 24.

[lilly4350]

I just looked at the wonderful pictures of the Maasdam in dry dock in 2009. The post said she is to be in drydock in the Bahamas until April 23, 2011. We are scheduled to board her on April 24, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale. Can that be? It doesn't seem possible, but what do I know...

Have faith - of course she will be ready for us. BTW, do you want to join the meet and mingle? We have quite a group.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=315

Diane

[Krazy Kruizers]

you will be sailing on a spruced up ship

[kazu]

You'll have to let us all know what you think of her after her sprucing up in dry dock :)

[Randyk47]

The Hotel Manager told us that they were bringing in a larger crew of contractors than ever before. As I recall the contractor workforce alone was 1,700 people plus or minus. Of course he also said they were going to do what took nearly a month on the Ryndam in half the time. I'd imagine some contractors work 24/7 by rotating their people but the HAL crew will work from 6 AM until 10 PM every day....at least that's what we were told and that may have been the public relations line and the hours may be more than that. I found it interesting that they were going to use the Eurodam passenger cabins as sleeping quarters for the Maasdam crew while they did the crew quarters. Apparently the crew quarters will be done in the first three days so that the Eurodam can be released and get back to Ft Lauderdale to resume it's schedule.

[innlady1]

Organizing and completing the drydocks must be one of the most difficult jobs of all! :eek:

[mamaofami]

Hoping those of you on the first sailing will post lots of pictures of all the updates.:)

[sail7seas]

I can't even imagine the organization required to oversee all the various projects with so many workmen in every part of the ship.

The logistics have to be overwhelming and we know it is such hot, dirty, miserable, conditions. No a/c, water, toilets, showers....... all interrupted. What a massive job to have to oversee with constant worries of crew/worker safety and no violations of ecological/environmental issues. So many issues I can't even think of let alone begin to have a clue how to manage.

[innlady1]

I can't even imagine the organization required to oversee all the various projects with so many workmen in every part of the ship.

The logistics have to be overwhelming and we know it is such hot, dirty, miserable, conditions. No a/c, water, toilets, showers....... all interrupted. What a massive job to have to oversee with constant worries of crew/worker safety and no violations of ecological/environmental issues. So many issues I can't even think of let alone begin to have a clue how to manage.



It must be overwhelming...it would be great to see photos of the work underway. Did I read somewhere there's a HAL blog that will have those?

[jtl513]

It must be overwhelming...it would be great to see photos of the work underway. Did I read somewhere there's a HAL blog that will have those?

I would think they'll be posted here:
http://www.hollandamericablog.com/maasdam/

[sail7seas]

Yes, probably.

[barney0209]

Thank you all for your encouragement. Having never been on the Maasdam we won't realize all that was done, but we are SO looking forward to this cruise! Having a brand new ship makes it even more exciting. And thanks to everyone for so kindly answering all my questions on this forum. It is so nice to have a place to go for information.

[sail7seas]

Thank you all for your encouragement. Having never been on the Maasdam we won't realize all that was done, but we are SO looking forward to this cruise! Having a brand new ship makes it even more exciting. And thanks to everyone for so kindly answering all my questions on this forum. It is so nice to have a place to go for information.







Just a little tip to hopefully keep your expectations realisitic...... ;)

Maasdam cannot come out of dry dock 'brand new' and can't be expected to.
She'll come out spick and span clean, lots of new carpets, curtains, upholstery etc but she is still a ship built in 1993. She has been lovingly maintained and is a favorite of many here for very good reason but it is impossible for her to not show some 'age'.

[barney0209]

Sure. I just meant all clean and shiny. It's ALL new to us anyway so bring it on!

[kelleherdl]

But with all the nice new linens, carpet, curtains, some furniture.... She should sure have the new car smell.

June 11 is getting closer.....

[BumperII]

She'll come out spick and span clean, lots of new carpets, curtains, upholstery etc but she is still a ship built in 1993. She has been lovingly maintained and is a favorite of many here for very good reason but it is impossible for her to not show some 'age'.



Many a fine tune has been played on an old violin. This old gal still has plenty of snap left in her garters!!:D

[sail7seas]

Many a fine tune has been played on an old violin. This old gal still has plenty of snap left in her garters!!:D

:) You're preaching to the choir with that tune with regards to me.
:) We have sailed Maasdam 30 cruises and have three more booked.

[Aim1]

My other half is working on the Maasdam as we speak. He's staying on the Grand Princess though, I saw a comment about the number of contractors working on the Maasdam so it sounds like that's why he's having to sleep on another ship.

He's not really said much about how the work is going at the moment, but if I hear anything I'll pop it up on here for you :)

[BumperII]

The notification reads as follows:

"Please be advised that we are not able to provide early embarkation in Ft. Lauderdale for the ms Maasdam sailing on April 24, 2011. Embarkation will begin as scheduled at 1:00 pm. Embarking guests should not arrive at the pier before 1:00 pm, as early embarkation will not be available and seating at the pier is extremely limited. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your patience."