Almost Live from the Maasdam

[mamaofami]

Waiting for the limo to take us to the airport and wondering what is the "correct" amount to tip the men at the pier who take the luggage?

[catl331]

Waiting for the limo to take us to the airport and wondering what is the "correct" amount to tip the men at the pier who take the luggage?I don't know what a "correct" amount might be, but we give $5 for two bags.

[mamaofami]

Thanks.

[GmaPajama]

Does this mean you'll be posting from onboard, Carol? So I can pretend I'm there with you? :D:D

[mamaofami]

[SIZE=3]A little Donna, but not lengthy or every day. Just an update as we go along.Wish you were there with us. Maybe next year./SIZE]

[kazu]

I don't know what a "correct" amount might be, but we give $5 for two bags.

Same here - have a great cruise Carol:)

[sail7seas]

Really looking forward to whatever comments you post from aboard.
Travel safely and have a wonderful time.

Bon Voyage !
Fair Winds and a following sea........


(Will you find out who is Maitre d' Dining Room Manager - and when he's leaving, please?)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Bon Voyage, have safe travels to FLL and fun before you board. Looking forward to hearing all about it :)

[RuthC]

Have a great time, Carol & Sam. Looking forward to whatever posts you do make.

Please, let us in on the entertainment! Pleeezze! You know I always want to read about that. :D Thanks.

[mamaofami]

yes to all requests. No one checked for meds. Thanks for all the good wishes

[RetiredMustang]

Carol,

Have a great trip! I'll be reading whatever you post, to gain some insight on Maasdam, which we board in a few weeks. Say hi to Sheila, as well.

Dave

[Lauren]

I too will be anxious to hear all about your Maasdam experiences. We will be on her in about 2 months. I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful time.
Linda

[cruisinjudy]

We will see you soon, Carol. We are off to the airport tonight to stay there for our 6AM flight. See you on board. Maybe I will post from the ship on this same thread to keep it all together and easy to find on Tapatalk.

[fatcat04]

Have a lovely time!!! :)

[RMLincoln]

Have a grand cruise vacation Carol and enjoy the beautiful and elegant Maasdam! We will be on her soon, well not all that soon, have to wait until winter is waning here. Looking forward to all you can tell us and thanks for "taking us along" :) Blessings, m--

[bellebaby]

Bon Voyage... Have a wonderful cruise.

BTW... Is the Maasdam still in Code Red? I don't remember reading a recent update.

Looking forward to your posts.

B

[Spire2000]

Bon Voyage... Have a wonderful cruise.

BTW... Is the Maasdam still in Code Red? I don't remember reading a recent update.

Looking forward to your posts.

B

Code Red? I don't know what that means but we will be sailing on it in March and I've never known Code Red to be a good phrase in any context...

[rafinmd]

Have a great cruise. The Maasdam is one of the ships I want to sail some day.

Roy

[aliaschief]

Hope you get over loss of live web-cam withdrawal quickly.:D Seriously, have a wonderful cruise on the beautiful MS Maasdam.

[erewhon]

Bon Voyage.

[JamesEM]

Have a great cruise.

[innlady1]

Carol,

Have a great trip! I'll be reading whatever you post, to gain some insight on Maasdam, which we board in a few weeks. Say hi to Sheila, as well.

Dave

Thanks Dave! We arrived yesterday around noon and are also at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas...from the 11th floor, a wonderful view of the River and the Riverwalk...and the ocean all the way over to Port Everglades. Quite a vista.

Met up with Carol and Sam last night.

Today, a pedicure and perhaps a drive up to Taboo in Palm Beach for lunch.

[innlady1]

We will see you soon, Carol. We are off to the airport tonight to stay there for our 6AM flight. See you on board. Maybe I will post from the ship on this same thread to keep it all together and easy to find on Tapatalk.

Good idea, Judy. One one Noordam cruise, we had four or five different "live from" threads going and it was very confusing for people.

See you at the webcam wave...today I will call Lou to arrange to get the banner!

[cruisinjudy]

We arrived last night and were picked up by cruising friends who took us to our hotel then we went to dinner. Today we are meeting other friends who just happen to be passing through Ft Lauderdale on their way to Key West.

[RuthC]

Have a great time, cruisinjudy. Glad you arrived safely, and now can relax and enjoy.

[fatcat04]

Have a wonderful time!! We really are missing the Maasdam right now. Such a great ship and such a fantastic crew. We look forwards to any and all news. :)

[sail7seas]

I'll be eager to hear reports from any and all who are kind enough to 'take us along with them.' :)

[lawyerrose]

I'm eagerly awaiting a Maasdam report, too!! Will be trying her out for the first time in 59 days (but who's counting?!!):D

I can have a pre-cruise vicariously. Works for me!!

[Sandi3667]

I'll be following this thread too. My mom & several of her friends will be sailing Maasdam on the 27th. Doubt I'll get regular updates from them, so this way I can try & live vicariously on a ship.

[innlady1]

We arrived last night and were picked up by cruising friends who took us to our hotel then we went to dinner. Today we are meeting other friends who just happen to be passing through Ft Lauderdale on their way to Key West.

Look forward to meeting you both tomorrow at sailaway!

[IRL_Joanie]

Are all of you doing the Banner wave with Sheila from Promenade Deck Mid Ship???

IF NOT, let us know so we can try and get all of you where ever you are.....

Sure hope it is not overcast tomorrow for the Sail Away.

Joanie

[R&CCruisers]

I will be looking forward to your reports from the Maasdam. My DH and I booked this cruise last January but he passed away suddenly in late October, just before we were ready to make our final payment. We both loved the Maasdam and its crew and I'm hoping that some day I will be sailing on her again.

[beacha]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband.

[Sandi3667]

I too am sorry about your loss. This is Mom's first cruise since Dad passed away 3 years ago.

[innlady1]

I will be looking forward to your reports from the Maasdam. My DH and I booked this cruise last January but he passed away suddenly in late October, just before we were ready to make our final payment. We both loved the Maasdam and its crew and I'm hoping that some day I will be sailing on her again.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and am sorry you won't be sailing with us.

[mamaofami]

There will be a bunch of us with Sheila and Lou's banner, midship, promenade deck.

At the pool today I met two couples who are sailing with us and who with us last year on the Maasdam too. Imagine, they have been doing Maasdam every January and never heard of cruise critic.

R and C, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband.

Next post will be from on board the lovely MS Maasdam.

[sail7seas]

I will be looking forward to your reports from the Maasdam. My DH and I booked this cruise last January but he passed away suddenly in late October, just before we were ready to make our final payment. We both loved the Maasdam and its crew and I'm hoping that some day I will be sailing on her again.


So very sorry for your loss. This has to be a difficult time for you.

Hopefully you will find your way to someday again sail the beautiful Maasdam.

[Copper10-8]

...........................

(Will you find out who is Maitre d' Dining Room Manager - and when he's leaving, please?)



Mochamad Khaeruddin, better known as 'Ruddin', great guy! Staying until early FEB

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Copper.......

We'll miss him. Any idea who is scheduled as his replacement? ;)

[Himself]

Have a great cruise and tip the guy that takes your bags whatever you think is apropos.

[RMLincoln]

I will be looking forward to your reports from the Maasdam. My DH and I booked this cruise last January but he passed away suddenly in late October, just before we were ready to make our final payment. We both loved the Maasdam and its crew and I'm hoping that some day I will be sailing on her again.

Also so sorry for your loss. And hoping that when the time is right for you, you will sail again. You will never be alone if you hang around here:) m--

[mamaofami]

we are now on board
maasdam looking great.

[GmaPajama]

we are now on board
maasdam looking great.
Yay! Thanks for keeping us posted!

[Vic The Parrot]

Have a good time!! :)

[Cruising-along]

we are now on board
maasdam looking great.

I'll be following you too, as we'll be boarding the Maasdam in 104 days! :D
Have a wonderful cruise.

[IRL_Joanie]

Attaching the snap shots I took of y'all as you sailed away through my monitor:)

218014 218015 218016

Joanie

[innlady1]

Thanks! It was a great sailaway...and we will all sign the banner tomorrow at the M & G!

Thanks, Lou!

[hal lover]

Really nice pic's Joanie! Thanks for sharing! You're the best!

[mamaofami]

Where are the fashion police when you really need them? I watched a lady stroll down the deck to the muster drill in her Hal bathrobe.

My cabin has working air and a toilet that flushes. All is well on the Maasdam. We had our Meet and Greet this AM and about 24 people attended including Copper John. It was very nice meeting him.
After the M and G, a lot of us had lunch together in the MDR.

Tonight is the first formal night. More on that tomorrow.

Joanie, thanks for the pictures.

[sail7seas]

Great you got to meet Copper John. We had the pleasure last year and we look forward to the next chance to sail with him.

Thanks for the update, Carol.
Happy to hear all is well aboard the beautiful Maasdam. :)
Enjoy your formal dinner tonight.

[airlink diva]

Enjoy your sailing on my fave ship!!
Each of my sailings on the Maasdam were all so wonderful. I can't wait to sail on her again!
Will check back on reports!!

[RMLincoln]

How long will Copper John be aboard, we won't be aboard until march 23 but i sure would like to meet him!

Thanks for the updates, have a blast! m--

[mamaofami]

Formal night last night. I haven't seen so many tuxes in a long time. Everyone looked beautiful. Food has been good in the MDR and I'm eating a no salt diet so that's saying a lot.

Will try to find out about Coopper John and Ruth, I haven't forgotten about the entertainment.

[RuthC]

Thank you, Carol. I'd just as soon you spend your time having a good time aboard and let me know later. Don't you dare feel you need to go post something if you'd rather be doing something else! :D

[dot73]

I am thinking of doing a 14-day cruise on the Maasdam next year and am determined to take only one suitcase. Does the Maasdam still have the self-serve laundromats or will I have to rely on the ship's laundry service?

[sail7seas]

Yes, Masadam has three self service laundries for use by guests.
They are located on Verandah Deck, Lower Promenade and Main Deck.

[mamaofami]

Ruth, no problem. Two long relaxing sea days. Piano man David Woods. Haven't made it to the piano bar yet. Guitarist Wesley. Cruise director: Anthony Heywood. Show room shows seem to be repeats of what we saw in June.

[sail7seas]

What do you think of the 'Showroom at Sea'? Makes me so sad all the gorgeous delft is covered up and those tables and chairs on the floor 'puzzle' me.

Carol..... do you know if Amber is GRM and if so, how long she'll be there?

[dot73]

Yes, Masadam has three self service laundries for use by guests.
They are located on Verandah Deck, Lower Promenade and Main Deck.

Thank you. Sometimes it's great to have these facilities just to throw in some t-shirts and shorts. I wish the newer ships had them. They are handy for longer cruises.

[RuthC]

Ruth, no problem. Two long relaxing sea days. Piano man David Woods. Haven't made it to the piano bar yet. Guitarist Wesley. Cruise director: Anthony Heywood. Show room shows seem to be repeats of what we saw in June.
Thanks for the names, Carol. I appreciate it. I'm interested in what you have to say about David Woods when you have had time to sit a while. Haven't run into him yet.

And I, too, am interested in your thoughts about Showroom at Sea. I loved the calibre of the performers on the Veendam, but hate the way the little tables are set too close to the banquettes. You can't sit there! Where were the designers' brains! :eek:

[cruisinjudy]

We are in St Thomas today with perfect weather for a sail to St John! Food and company have been great. The staff is as usual, smiling and happy!

[RuthC]

Thanks for checking in, Judy. Nice to hear from you. And nice to hear that things sound so good all around.
Wish I was on that sail with you. Sounds like a good time.

[kazu]

Glad you are having good weather Judy :) Could you please send some up here?;)

[sail7seas]

So happy you are having such a wonderful time.

Take good care of the beautiful Maasdam. :)

Happy to hear she is taking good care of everyone.

[lorekauf]

Glad you are having good weather Judy :) Could you please send some up here?;)
Send some here too, it's minus 25C today and supposed to get colder:eek:.

Hope to good weather holds out for you.

[Sandi3667]

We are in St Thomas today with perfect weather for a sail to St John! Food and company have been great. The staff is as usual, smiling and happy!

I see you're from Tigard. It's currently snowing in Portland. Please bring back some sunshine & warmer weather.

[innlady1]

We're in St. Barth's today...I'm posting from the free Internet at La Cantina...on Rue du Board de Mer...overlooking the gorgeous yachts. A perfect day...warm and sunny...almost cloudless sky. And no humidity.

The ship is in great ship. A very impressive dry dock it seems to me. Sorry to say...we haven't made it to the Piano Bar yet...will report in when we do. Judy...the "new" Showroom at Sea is OK but I, too, miss the delft tiles.

An interesting mix of passengers...the Tai Chi guy told me this morning there are 40 pax from the Netherlands...LOTS of Europeans on board.

Love the Maasdam...am really sorry that she's doing an Amazon cruise most of January and February in '13.

Thinking we'll book the Ryndam on 1/27...anyone care to weigh in on the comparison between the Ryndam and the Maasdam?

[mamaofami]

Judy, sorry but Amber is on the Zaandam and no one knows for how long.

Dh went to the piano bar last night and was disappointed in the player, David Woods. There also seems to be a scarcity of good shows in the show lounge. When we were on in June, the Broadway show was wonderful with a strong cast and great cast. This time it was just OK.

Dinner last night in Pinnacle was too good. Really one of the best meals I've had in a long time.

Weather has been perfect. Yesterday, in St. Thomas, a friend who I met on CC several years ago and who lives in St. Thomas picked us up at the ship and we spent the day together. It was great renewing an old friendship. We've visited with him before on St. Thomas.

Ruth, DJ in Crow's Nest is Marty. Adagio Strings as always are wonderful.

[RuthC]

Nice to hear from you, Carol. Thanks for checking in again.

I'm sorry to learn that the entertainment is so poor. How does HAL expect people to stay out and play all night (and spend $$$ in the process), if there's no attraction?
It's really disappointing for those us us who are nightowls. All dressed up and no where to go!

[sail7seas]

Judy, sorry but Amber is on the Zaandam and no one knows for how long.

<snip>



Thanks, Carol. We will miss Amber.

We make final payment for our Maasdam cruise soon. :)

Thank you for checking in with us. It's great to hear from you.

Did you go to Glady's for lunch in St. Thomas? :D

Enjoy!

[Susie51]

Thank you for posting. It nice to hear that their were several men wearing tuxes on formal night. I wonder what the bathrobe lady wore to formal night?

[mamaofami]

Update on the entertainment: Last night we had Paul Pappas in the show lounge and he was a fabulous entertainer. Played the piano and sang, so maybe things are looking up.

We didn't eat in Glady's since our friend picked out a place in Havensight where we could see the yachts. Will have to find out the name of it since it was very nice.

The assistant dining room manager, Harry, has been wonderful.
Off to read my book on my kindle.
By the way, haven't had time to read about the Costa ship on here and only have seen what's in the NY Times on board, but it's really very scary. I know ship happens but this is a bit more than that. Accidents can happen in cars and planes, but when you're on a ship and read about this and the captain's behavior it gives one pause, but it hasn't really had an impact on our cruise since we have full faith in our great captain.

[RuthC]

Update on the entertainment: Last night we had Paul Pappas in the show lounge and he was a fabulous entertainer. Played the piano and sang, so maybe things are looking up.
How nice to know that he's still performing on HAL ships! "Fabulous". Yes, that's the right word for him.
Glad you could enjoy a show.

[sail7seas]

<snip>

We didn't eat in Glady's since our friend picked out a place in Havensight where we could see the yachts. Will have to find out the name of it since it was very nice.

<snip>

Accidents can happen in cars and planes, but when you're on a ship and read about this and the captain's behavior it gives one pause, but it hasn't really had an impact on our cruise since we have full faith in our great captain.



Thanks, Carol...... really enjoying your reports.

YOUR Fine Captain can't even be mentioned in the same sentence as that Costa Captain.

ALL HAL Captains are a whole different league, IMO
We have never once felt anything but total trust and confidence in HAL Captains.

[rafinmd]

Judy, sorry but Amber is on the Zaandam and no one knows for how long.



I hope until at least February 19.

Roy

[fatcat04]

Dh went to the piano bar last night and was disappointed in the player, David Woods. There also seems to be a scarcity of good shows in the show lounge. When we were on in June, the Broadway show was wonderful with a strong cast and great cast. This time it was just OK.

That is sad. :( We were on the Maasdam right before you this past year and yes, the entertainment was very good we thought. Everyone was talking about how good the shows were and well, Jimmy Maddox is tons of fun and kept the piano bar hopping. We thought the jazz trio was quite good as well.

[lorekauf]

Thanks for checking in:).

[aliaschief]

Great reading all the reports. Glad everyone is having a great time. Give a hi and my best to CopperJohn.

Thank you all for taking us along.

[sail7seas]

We're in St. Barth's today...I'm posting from the free Internet at La Cantina...on Rue du Board de Mer...overlooking the gorgeous yachts. A perfect day...warm and sunny...almost cloudless sky. And no humidity.

The ship is in great ship. A very impressive dry dock it seems to me. Sorry to say...we haven't made it to the Piano Bar yet...will report in when we do. Judy...the "new" Showroom at Sea is OK but I, too, miss the delft tiles.

An interesting mix of passengers...the Tai Chi guy told me this morning there are 40 pax from the Netherlands...LOTS of Europeans on board.

Love the Maasdam...am really sorry that she's doing an Amazon cruise most of January and February in '13.

Thinking we'll book the Ryndam on 1/27...anyone care to weigh in on the comparison between the Ryndam and the Maasdam?


Sounds like you really enjoyed St. Barth's Sheila. :)

Last time we sailed Ryndam was about 4 years ago but we had a wonderful time. Of course, Maasdam is so special but if she's out of reach for us for two months, we have to find something else. :)

[mamaofami]

Can anyone tell me the benefits of owning Carnival stock. I get two different answers from the front desk.

Last night's show was a HAL cast show called Goode Company. I saw it in June and thought it was just Ok but judging from the applause most people really liked it.

The Adagio strings remain the best music on board.

Off to the beaches of Barbados today.

[Susie51]

Have fun in Barbados! Thank you for posting. I haven't been on Maasdam since 2004 so I am glad to hear she is in good shape.

[RuthC]

Can anyone tell me the benefits of owning Carnival stock. I get two different answers from the front desk.
The first is the same benefit to owning any stock---the chance to increase your assets. Dividends are a part of that.

For me, at least right now when I consider the price per share, the biggest benefit is the on board credit I get with each and every cruise I sail on a Carnival Corp brand.
For anyone who cruises regularly, especially on longer cruises, when you think of the credit as an after-tax equivalent, it's a significant chunk of change.

[GmaPajama]

Thanks for continuing to check in here, Carol. Glad to hear how much you're enjoying your time onboard.

As for Ms Ryndam, I don't think she gets enough recognition on these boards. She's a gorgeous ship, nearly identical to Ms Maasdam (except for the individualized decor), and we have enjoyed sailing on her twice. I wouldn't hesitate to book her again, and suspect you'd like her just as much as we do.

[cruisinjudy]

We have been on Ryndam three or four times and all were great!

[fatcat04]

For me, at least right now when I consider the price per share, the biggest benefit is the on board credit I get with each and every cruise I sail on a Carnival Corp brand.
For anyone who cruises regularly, especially on longer cruises, when you think of the credit as an after-tax equivalent, it's a significant chunk of change.

Bingo... and I would like to thank Ruth and all the lovely HAL cruisers here on this board for turning me on to this little bene several years ago. :);)

[Huskerchick]

Thank you for taking us along on your voyage. I do have a question about the Le Cirque night in the PG. If you are planning to do that while on board I would appreciate your feedback. DH and I will be on the 3/23 sailing of the Maasdam and are interested in giving it a try.

[mamaofami]

Using free wi fi in Grenada and it's slower than on the ship.

Not planning to do Le Cirque. Sorry.

Last night's entertainment was one of the best ever on HAl. Mike Robinson, a commedy act and a ventriloquist. Fabulouus.

When we returned to the terminal yesterday we saw a man being evacuated by ambulance. He was wearing a mask , his luggage was with him and a nurse went along.

Barbados was very nice. Rockly Beach. Actually too hot for me, but not complaining since it's a lot better to be too hnot than to deal with cold, snow, and ice.

Had the ice watermelon pie the other night. Just a taste, but it was very good. Night one, our table mate had prime ribs, au jus, and it looked wonderful. I order my no salt food the night before and ordered the same prime ribs au jus. It came with a thick salty gravy. Since I had ordered liver rare the night before and it came ver well done, I decided to re order last night and asked for no salt lamb chops. First two chops came tasting great, and when I asked for one more, it came salty and with the same gravy that was on the ribs.

Tonight we're trying Lido for a change of pace and the assistant MDR manager is sending my food to the Lido. Hope to do better tonight because the salt is killing me.

Sail, our friend took us to a restaurant called Cru Con in St. Thomas.
He was heading somewhere else but the wait was too long. The food was good and it was on the harbor in Havensight.

Alias, Copper John was happy to receive your regards.

Wondering. There is a ship in the harbor flying an all red flag. Does that mean they are in code red?
Tonight's show is a HAL cast production that we've seen so we're going to listen to the Adagio Strings.

Signing off from the lovely island of Grenada where Sam has headed to a beach and I'm going back to claim a deck chair and read.

Did I mention that the crew is wonderful and so is he front desk.

[jtl513]

Wondering. There is a ship in the harbor flying an all red flag. Does that mean they are in code red?
Is this on a cruise ship? If not, it could mean "dangerous cargo". If it's a pirate ship it means "Surrender or no quarter will be shown ... all will be killed". :D

[sail7seas]

Doesn't the pilot boat fly a red with white flag when the pilot is aboard?

Hope he isn't considered :eek: dangerous cargo. :eek: :D

[FoghornLeghorn]

Okay... I give... who is Copper John? :)

[sail7seas]

delete

[mariner]

Red flag means they're fueling or carrying explosives.

Yellow flag would be quarantine.

[Copper10-8]

..........................
Wondering. There is a ship in the harbor flying an all red flag. Does that mean they are in code red?.................

Carol; if you are referring to the red flag flying underneath the bow of Celebrity Constellation today (berthed opposite Maasdam in St. George's), that flag is a warning to small boats and other traffic that the vessel is equipped with a bulbous bow, located as an extension of the bow and, at times, fully submerged/underwater so not always visible to that traffic in port;)

[kazu]

Okay... I give... who is Copper John? :)

Copper John just posted - it is number 93:)

[sail7seas]

Sail, our friend took us to a restaurant called Cru Con in St. Thomas.
He was heading somewhere else but the wait was too long. The food was good and it was on the harbor in Havensight

Thanks, Carol.
Have fun.

[mamaofami]

Carol; if you are referring to the red flag flying underneath the bow of Celebrity Constellation today (berthed opposite Maasdam in St. George's), that flag is a warning to small boats and other traffic that the vessel is equipped with a bulbous bow, located as an extension of the bow and, at times, fully submerged/underwater so not always visible to that traffic in port;)

Yes, Thanks. Sam saw it and wondered what it was.

[3rdGenCunarder]

<snip>
Tonight's show is a HAL cast production that we've seen so we're going to listen to the Adagio Strings.
<snip>



Go listen to the Neptunes! I thought they were the best entertainment on the ship. Sadly, they never seemed to have a lot of people listening. Adagio Strings ran them a close second. They always had a full lounge.

[FoghornLeghorn]

Thank you KAZU :)

[RetiredMustang]

Carol; ...;)

John, (with apologies to Carol/Sheila/Judy for a small thread hijack),

Will you still be aboard Maasdam on the 6 Feb sailing?

Dave

[Copper10-8]

John, (with apologies to Carol/Sheila/Judy for a small thread hijack),

Will you still be aboard Maasdam on the 6 Feb sailing?

Dave

Affirmative;) Looking forward to meeting you Sir!

[kazu]

Affirmative;) Looking forward to meeting you Sir!


Well,I guess if Retired Mustang can ask, I can too :confused: Will we see you at our meet and greet Copper John on March 3rd? Sea View Pool as we leave Nassau:)

[cruisinjudy]

The cruise is almost over. Boo hoo. We had a glorious time at Half Moon Cay today! !!!

[Sandi3667]

Glad you had a wonderful time. Mom & her friends left Portland to fly to Florida today. They'll be boarding Maasdam tomorrow. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go, but my suitcase did. :(

[Himself]

Have a wonderful cruise on the Maasdam.

[mamaofami]

at airport. Boo hoo

[kazu]

at airport. Boo hoo

Safe travels - try not to cry in public too much;););)

[GmaPajama]

at airport. Boo hoo
Welcome back. I know the time went much too quickly for you ... but I'm anxious to hear all about it.

[aliaschief]

Welcome back and thank you all for sharing your cruise experiences with us. Now it's back to Web Cam therapy!:(

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Have a safe flight home everyone :)
Happy to hear everyone had a great time.

[cruisinjudy]

We are sitting at the airport waiting for our long flight home to Portland. Make that two flights.

[catl331]

Welcome back Maasdam CCers! Counting the days until we sail!

[sail7seas]

Travel home safely.

It was good of you to share your cruise with us.
I can never read/hear too much about the beautiful Maasdam. :)

[innlady1]

We are sitting at the airport waiting for our long flight home to Portland. Make that two flights.

Judy, it was so nice to meet you and Jim! By now, you're home...have you started the chore of unpacking yet?

We're in Naples and will fly back to Boston on Tuesday...prolonging the vacation a little!

[fatcat04]

Welcome back!! Safe travels home. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures. :)

[cruisinjudy]

http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/Scanned-20Image-20120310000/web.jpg?ver=13280353090001

[mamaofami]

Love the picture, Judy. Thanks for posting it.

[RuthC]

Nice picture, Judy! I can pick out five of you by name, but don't know the others. (won't say which 5 ;))

[sail7seas]

Wonderful photo But PLEASE.......

I put some names to the photos but would love to know who is who.

(I think we have the same names, Ruth. :))

[mamaofami]

http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/Scanned-20Image-20120310000/web.jpg?ver=13280353090001

As best as I can:

From left to right in the front row:

Fred(Innlady's DH) Jane, sorry to say I don't know the name of the next lady, Barb, Marry Ann (our snorkel expert) Me(Carol) and Sheila(Innkeeper).
Sam is right behind me.
Back row:Jane's husband,Barb's husband behind her,and to the extreme right, Judy and her husband Eric.

When Sheila or Judy see this post, I'm sure they'll make some corrections.

[cruisinjudy]

Barb's husband is Erich. My husband is Jim. I think there are two ladies I can't name. Did I lose track here somewhere? Carol I think you skipped someone.

[cruisinjudy]

Oh wait there is also another man I can't connect.

[cruisinjudy]

Here are some photos from our meet and greethttp://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5775/web.jpg?ver=13280528490001http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5769/web.jpg?ver=13280528440001

[cruisinjudy]

And some more
http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5768/web.jpg?ver=13280528370001http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5770/web.jpg?ver=13280528330001http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5771/web.jpg?ver=13280528270001

[cruisinjudy]

And the rest

http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5767/web.jpg?ver=13280528210001
http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5773/web.jpg?ver=13280528160001
http://gallery.me.com/jcastle1/100336/IMG_5766/web.jpg?ver=13280528100001

[innlady1]

Nice picture, Judy! I can pick out five of you by name, but don't know the others. (won't say which 5 ;))

lol, Ruth! We had a wonderful cruise on the Maasdam. Am really sorry she's not doing this itinerary when we prefer to sail next winter. But it'll give us a chance to try the Ryndam...I've booked it...have had my eye on it since mid July!

Love the picture, Judy! We had a fun group!

Flew back today from Fort Meyers after spending four nights post-cruise in Naples....easing into the reality of having to head home, unpack, do the laundry....and think about our next cruise in May!

[mamaofami]

Nice pictures, Judy. Thanks for posting them. I haven't uploaded any pictures yet.

[sail7seas]

Wonderful photos, Judy ...
Thanks so much for sharing and Carol thank you for identifying.
What a fun looking group you all are.

[cruisinjudy]

Thanks

[kobecat]

We're in St. Barth's today...I'm posting from the free Internet at La Cantina...on Rue du Board de Mer...overlooking the gorgeous yachts. A perfect day...warm and sunny...almost cloudless sky. And no humidity.

The ship is in great ship. A very impressive dry dock it seems to me. Sorry to say...we haven't made it to the Piano Bar yet...will report in when we do. Judy...the "new" Showroom at Sea is OK but I, too, miss the delft tiles.

An interesting mix of passengers...the Tai Chi guy told me this morning there are 40 pax from the Netherlands...LOTS of Europeans on board.

Love the Maasdam...am really sorry that she's doing an Amazon cruise most of January and February in '13.

Thinking we'll book the Ryndam on 1/27...anyone care to weigh in on the comparison between the Ryndam and the Maasdam?

We are excited she is doing the Amazon in 2013. We will be on her for the Rio - FLL section and so looking forward to it. We have not been on it, or on HAL either. We have a guarantee lanai cabin. What do you think of them?

Beryl

[mamaofami]

There is a thread about the lanai cabins posted on page one. That should answer your questions.