Review of Maasdam Cruise from Norfolk 4.10.05

[Operator]

Well. We have just returned from this cruise and I'd like to share with you my opinions about what transpired. Please feel free to ask questions, but please don't take me to task for my opinions; they are individual to me and my situation, and are mine alone. Thank you.

To break up the monotony, we will use the popular Q & A format.

Q: So, how was the cruise?

A: Interesting. The blown engine was supposed to be fixed in time to leave (yes, leave) San Juan (~2 weeks after it blew), but due to an alleged failure to have a part delivered, we had to skip Puerto Rico. We also lost engine 2 for a few hours, and had a small fire yesterday (resulting in smoke on decks A & B forward).

Q: Are you kidding me?

A: No.

Q: So you missed a port?

A: Actually, we missed two. They blew off HMC since the engine was still down, then blew off PR when they (allegedly) could not get the required part.

Q: Why do you keep saying "allegedly"?

A: Because in the days of FEDEX and UPS, I have a very hard time believing that anything cannot be moved around the world in 24 hours, let alone 15 days (which is how long they had to get the part in place).

Q: Did HAL compensate you for this change?

A: Sort of. They provided a $100 per pax credit, plus a 20% discount on your next booking.

Q: Did this seem fair to you?

A: No. In the aggregate, the amount was fair, but it should have been more like a 10% refund and a 10% discount. We missed 2 of 6 ports and most of one day onboard (the first day in Norfolk, when we boarded at 8pm instead of 11am); this would - to me - warrant a significant refund. I understand that HAL is in business to make money, and I understand that they face significant costs if they are late to Norfolk and have to reschedule numerous flights, but a company that supposedly thrives on customer loyalty should make better efforts to compensate customers for mistakes like these.

Q: Well. Can you discuss other aspects of the cruise objectively?

A: Sure.

Q: Okay - how was the food?

A: Abundant.

Q: No, I mean how did the food taste?

A: Oh. It depends on where you were and where your personal culinary bar is set. The Pinnacle Grill was outstanding, while the main dining room was "pretty good" and the Lido buffet was below average or worse.

Q: Really?

A: Yes. Allow me to clarify. If you are accustomed to fresh ingredients and classical preparations, you are in for a serious disappointment. If you are used to cans, defrosting, and microwaves, you will be very pleased.

Q: Isn't that a bit harsh?

A: No. The desserts in the main rooms were universally mediocre, while the buffet selections were "inexpensive wedding reception" quality.

Q: I thought HAL had a reputation for top-notch food: what gives?

A: I can only assume that the average consumer is either impressed by quantity over quality, or has a low quality standard.

Q: Are you some kind of epicurean bigot?

A: Sticks and stones...

Q: Never mind. Can you describe the average passenger?

A: Yes.

Q: Okay, WOULD you please describe the average passenger?

A: Yes. 60-70 years old, 30-50 pounds overweight, using an orthopedic device, and suffering from at least one chronic medical condition.

Q: Isn't that a bit harsh?

A: No. I understand that we will all be old at some point, and I am simply explaining that HAL provides an excellent product for people in this age group.

Q: How do you mean?

A: Activities are pretty sedate, ranging from Bingo to movies to bridge to tea to the inevitable casino. Since seniors are prevalent on the ship, this is a good place for fellowship.

Q: So?

A: So what? I am not passing judgement on the agenda, merely reporting it. "Operator reports, you decide". I was, however, disappointed that sick people did not have the sense to stay out of public areas and avoid spreading pestilence throughout the ship.

Q: Was this one of those "cruise ship plague" deals?

A: Not at all. I was simply sad to see people with hacking coughs mingling at movies, bingo, and group events.

Q: What was the best part of the cruise?

A: The service.

Q: The worst?

A: The customer service.

Q: Huh?

A: Please try to pay attention. The stewards were excellent, the excursions were very nice, the crew worked their hardest, and the accomodations were nice. HAL Seattle treated us like dirt when things went wrong.

Q: Why didn't you just work it out onboard?

A: You have much to learn. Anticipating these problems, I approached HAL Seattle before we sailed, asking what to do in the event the engine was not fixed and ports were missed. Seattle told me to work it out with the hotel manager. The hotel manager told me to call Seattle after the cruise ended. When I explained I had already been through Seattle and referred to him, he shrugged and gave me a phone number in Seattle, saying "We have no latitude onboard when things like this happen. Seattle sets the compensation and makes all the decisions". That is a verbatim quote from the hotel manager. Draw you own conclusions.

Q: Will you let us know if you get any results from Seattle?

A: I will, but don't hold your breath.

Q: Were you on time to Norfolk?

A: Of course! Missing that would have cost HAL many dollars, so we arrived four hours early, had announcements over the PA at 0600, and were disembarking at 0800.

Q: Wow. Did that seem early?

A: Yes, especially since we heard tugs and trucks at 0400, and could not sleep.

Q: How was the ride?

A: You certainly felt the motion of the ocean. In 5-10 foot seas, people were having trouble walking down the halls.

Q: Didn't they have the stabilizers working?

A: We do not know. Since the power generated must be shared by all onboard systems, one wonders if stabilizers weren't sacrificed on the altar of speed.

Q: Are you serious?

A: Yes. Consider these facts. Air conditioning went off EVERY night from 1-4 AM until we approached Norfolk (when it stayed on all night). Rolling of the ship decreased markedly as we approached Norfolk (when seas were roughest). With four of five engines operational, we still managed 17+ knots into headwinds and adverse currents. (NOTE: The Maasdam rarely exceeds 18-19 knots with all engines working and stabilizers operational).

Q: Wow.

A: Yes.

Q: So where did you stay?

A: In a deluxe suite on Nav deck.

Q: How was the room?

A: Big. The suite amenities were probably not worth the upcharge, but we enjoyed having the space. We met people and saw a Verandah suite, and thought that would have been fine.

Q: Will you please continue this review in another post?

A: Sure.

Q: Thank you!

A: You are quite welcome.

NOTE: Please ask any questions you wish, as I will be happy to answer them.

-Operator

[dakrewser]

Was this your first cruise?

[Ziggy7]

Do you usually talk to yourself hehehe sorry couldnt resist! :p
How were the ports you were able to go to ???? :)

[gizmo]

Loved your Q&A format !! It was a refreshing change from the usual review. :)

Thanks,
Giz

[Krazy Kruizers]

Do tell us about the fire.


Hope there is more - the ports you did get to, dining room service, etc.

[KateBobbi]

I thought the food on the Maasdam, was really great, and no, I don' t eat out of the can very often, I cook my own meals. Seemed just fine to me! They cook most of the food, right in front of you on the lido! We took a tour of the galley, and saw how they prepared the food, and I didn't see any cans; just guys, diligently chopping up fresh fruit and vegetables, or decorating desserts! They have the menus posted on the wall, and make everything fresh! I guess it is a matter of taste!

[Operator]

Yes, this was our first cruise.

Yes, I often talk to myself. :D

The fire was no big deal - a small fire in the crew self-service laundry, quickly contained and smoke ventilated.

Ports we visited were varied - we found St. Thomas very nice, Dominica a bit rustic (for our taste), Barbados excellent, and St Kitts in its tourist infancy.

We took the galley tour as well, and agree that fresh and top quality products were used throughout. My opinion is that the buffet preparations lacked imagination (as they should - the target audience for the buffet is large), but that the main dining and Pinnacle dining were very well done.

Review continues:

Q: How was the service in the dining room?

A: Remarkably efficient. How they move four seatings of guests through there as quickly as they do is a mystery to me. All meals were delivered as ordered, including requested changes and substitutions. Servers were gracious and efficient. Food was always hot and as-described (though the menu translations were occasionally accidentally humorous).

Q: Was the service better in the Pinnacle?

A: Yes, but you'd expect it to be, as the staff/diner ratio is MUCH higher.

Q: Is the Pinnacle worth the upcharge?

A: You must decide this for yourself. I think so, but YMMV.

Q: How much weight did you gain?

A: How rude!

Q: Okay, was it 0-5 kg, 5-10 kg, or more?

A: 0-5, and closer to 0.

Q: Are you one of those people with a metabolism that lets you eat all you want without gaining, or are you a gym rat?

A: Neither. This is more a reflection on my personal opinion of the food. The gym, however, was nicely outfitted (2 recumbent bikes, 3 regular bikes, 3 stairmasters, several (8?) treadmills, free weights, and weight machines. All in good working condition, and remarkably clean. The fitness staff was very friendly, and remarkably fit.

Q: Is there a charge to use the gym?

A: No, but there are classes available - Pilates, personal training - that do carry small charges.

Q: What did the passengers think of HAL's compensation package?

A: I heard mostly negative comments.

Q: What was good/bad about the ports?

A: This depends largely on what you did. We had very positive experiences on excursions, and heard only positive comments from others. Walking about in the port towns may be your cup of tea, depending on your shopping needs - watches, jewelry, and liquor are stunningly affordable - and you tolerance for street hawkers, who were friendly on St. Thomas, average on Dominica, and omnipresent and occasionally obnoxious on St Kitts.

Q: I hear that the photographers are obnoxious.

A: That is not a question.

Q: Did you find the photographers obnoxious?

A: NOT AT ALL! They were friendly and professional, but never pushy or invasive. I found them to be - as nearly all onboard staff were - the models of courtesy and professionalism.

Q: Would you cruise again?

A: Definitely. I thought it was a nice way to travel, and would certainly sail again.

Q: On HAL?

A: Probably not.

Q: Why not?

A: Mostly because of HAL management's pathetic response to our "itinerary changes"; maybe it seemed fair if you paid $500 for an inside (assuming that is possible), but against our >$5k suite price, $100 is insulting. I would first try a line with a passenger demographic that fits us better - early 40's - and alleges better food. I'd also like to try a totally all-inclusive package, instead of having onboard charges for everything but food and water. I would, however, stay with a small ship, as I liked both the motion of the ocean and the excellent service (both of which I expect are lessened on a megaship).

Q: Any other thoughts?

A: Yes. The information on CC is invaluable - I used many of the tips I found here while cruising, and this definitely enhanced my experience. Thank you all for your time and contributions.

-Operator

[Himself]

Would I be correct in assuming that overall you were not a happy camper?

[Operator]

Responding to Himself. Yes and no. We were very pleased with the quality of service onboard, most of the food, two of the ports, and the onboard entertainment. We were very put off by HAL's mis-handling of the missed ports and late departure. Hard to separate the two. I would say "Very pleased" with the cruise, "Very displeased" with HAL.

-Operator

[NOVACruisers]

We were also on the 4/10 Maasdam and were neighbors of Operator's (since we are all anonymous, not sure who he/she is, but we were also in an S suite).

This was our seventh cruise, but first on HAL. We've found that every cruise line has it's high points and even the same people on the same cruise don't always agree on what was good and what was bad.

I was going to post a full review, but since Operator beat me to the punch, I'll just add items from my point of view (as Operator said - don't shoot the messenger - these are subjective reviews after all).

As you can see from our signature, we've been on four other cruise lines in the past five years; not so much because we aren't loyal customers, but because we like to sail out of the mid-atlantic and we like to sample.

Here is my summary and how I felt it compared to other cruise lines:

Dining: We thought the food on Maadam was mediocre at best (before leaving, the HAL poll on best and worst food in the main dining both showed Maasdam at the bottom). We ate in the Pinnacle Grill three times (one lunch and two dinners - one with the wine tasting). Even there the food was inconsistent; one night we had the halibut and it was so overdone, even my DH who eats anything wouldn't finish his. In my opinion, eat lunch in the Grill - it was by far the best and best value. As posted by another previous Maaddam cruiser, the dessert cakes are mostly frozen and barely thawed. There were high points - the calves liver was excellent as were most of the steaks. However, I almost lost a tooth to bone fragments in the prime rib (beware!). I will say that every ship we've been on has the same consistency problem.

Entertainment: I kept thinking of American Idol critic Simon while watching the shows by the Maasdam cast in the Rembrandt theater. Again, mediocre at best. The comedians were very good.

Service: I found the service to be on par with Carnival - not bad, just not great. Service in the Lido was awful, dirty tables and not very helpful. Main dining waiter was indifferent. Cabin steward was top notch. Concierge in Neptune Lounge couldn't manage to get my tea bags (Lipton Engilish Breakfast) after numerous requsts - started bringing them myself from the Lido. Casino staff (bar and tables) was superb.

Onboard Activities: Agree with Operator, poor to none. Certainly aimed at the slower-moving crowd.

Shore Tours: We were dissapointed at the lack of beach exersions - there were none. We like the water and so picked anything that included swimming, which meant we went snorkling three times and went to Dominica's water fall for a swim there.

Mechanicals: I would never have thought I'd include this in a cruise line review. In six cruises, I've never seen a single problem. This cruise: sheared crank shaft engine five (you know the story); shut down of engine two; vacu-flush down twice; Lido pool closed for repair first two days; sewage smell on aft Navigiation deck (10) last seven days (fortunately did not invade stateroom); small fire on B deck; water leak on Navigiation deck forward hallway repaired after 5 days with a funnel and hose to redirect leak; missing door on Lido aft that caused wind tunnel effect while eating. Just a sample of the numerous problems - this ship needs an overhaul now, not in 2006. Believe it or not, I am a supply chain manager for the US Navy. My job is to get parts to ships that need repair parts. There is no excuse for what happened on Maasdam - I personaly know that parts can be expedited to any corner of the planet in 24 hours - I do it every day.

Overall: It is easy to focus on the negatives, it is human nature. We still had a wonderful time - how can you not when your on a big, beautiful ship sailing the Caribbean? My DH and I always joke about finding a 10-day cruise to nowhere - we didn't mind so much missing some ports, but more onboard activities would have made it a bit more fun (and less money spent in the Casino!). We've missed stops on private islands in the Bahamas before due to weather (in our experience it's generally a 50-50 shot), so we were dissapointed, but not overally so. Overall, it was a nice cruise. Would we sail on HAL again, maybe (we have that 20% discount coming). Would we sail on Maasdam again, definitely not until she's been overhauled.

[elmorejj]

Thank you, I love the Q & A format, very entertaining. I also like your "no punches pulled" way of reporting what you encountered...............jean :cool:

[Landlubber54]

It sounds as though you enjoyed the ship, hated the corporation. Overall, a very evenhanded review. Thanks.

[Pete Jackson]

Yeah, the compensation was bad, it should have been more like at least 5% for the lost 1/2 day plus $100 (which they did) for the loss of ports. Then discount on a future cruise for goodwill. I guess they've been taking such a bath on the Maasdam-Norfolk run (refunding air for late arrivals, etc.) that they're playing hardball. Not necessarily good for business in the long run, but it looks like cruise lines are going the way of airlines in not caring - you gotta fly with somebody, right.

What line would you try next time that's better in food and has a younger clientel on small ships?

[ahoymatey3]

I agree, the compensation was way too low. I was on the previous (3/31/05) cruise, where I got the bonus of 10 extra hours vacation (and an extra lunch, too). I was reimbursed the $100 airline change fee, and got a free night at the Marriott Waterside (I called about a pre-cruise stay and was quoted 150/night.) Hal really should have done a better job.

[NOVACruisers]

What line would you try next time that's better in food and has a younger clientel on small ships?

The lines that tend to have younger clients also run bigger ships. However, Carnival has the Spirit Class ships that are in the 80,000 ton range - slightly larger than Maasdam and Celebrity Galaxy, but much smaller than the behemouth ships. The food was pretty good with a specialty restaurant serving steaks and seafood similar to the Pinnacle Grill.

[Operator]

Guessing here, but would Silversea fit the "small ship with younger crowd and better food" bill?
Crystal? Radisson? Windstar?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

-Operator

[kaiemiascott2]

Our first HAL cruise was on the Maasdam in February of this year and must agree with Operator on a few of his negatives. However, we did enjoy the cruise because we were really interested in resting on this one after a very hectic fall and winter. This was our 22nd. cruise and have tried many other lines and must say, not sure we will sail on the Maasdam again, but would try another HAL ship in the future.

Operator, a good rule of thumb is the longer the cruise, the older the crowd. However, this does not always apply. Retired travelers have more time to vacation. I think you may find the Silversea, Crystal, Radisson and the Windstar to be far more superior, but also will probably have an older crowd. Do not give up on cruising, there are many great cruises out there to try.

[ScottnZelda]

Operator, take a look at Celebrity and some of the shorter Radisson cruises.

[rob7]

Operator and NovaCruises - True reporting.

I was also on that disabled-dam cruise in deluxe suite 002 (Operator, you paid $5K, I paid $6K, please let me know who your travel agent is?).

The stabilizers definitely were not utilized on that cruise. If you do a google on Maasdam reviews you'll will find that the ship has a history of engine problems.

HAL is getting stingy too - the shampoo/soaps were not replinished in our suite bathroom, the fruit in the basket was left to "rot" and not replaced, our room was cleaned much later on in the day and no more HAL freebie "shopping bags" left in the cabin.

The Neptune lounge could be accessed and was, by any passenger. The dinner menu shows the soups and salads as one selection, hoping the passengers will choose only one. While at a port the Maasdam waits for tardy passengers! (whether on a ships excursion or privately done). This will obviously be abused by some passengers.

The reimbursement was petty compared to the price of my cruise and the chances of going on another HAL cruise are not likely.

[Shellelynn]

I too was on the 4/10 Maasdam out of Norfolk. A few things that I would like to say......

I did enjoy myself very much, I liked the laid back atmosphere, but often got bored still. I have to admit that I am quite young compared to the crowd on the ship. My husband and I have been on HAL once before.

I usually don't mind the rocking of the ship, but it really got old, I don't think I would ever go out of Norfolk again.

The Cast of the Maasdam was Excellent! Now the rest of the shows were catered to REALLY old people. I found the comedians predictable and often used other people's materials. The guy who stripped down, was absolutely inappropriate. But the 7:45 shows (though very hard to get to with having a 6:15 dinner seating) were lots of fun! They should do them more and longer. Like a 2pm show would be great!

The food was fine to me, I have never gotten sea sick before, but this time I did, so there were a few days I missed out. Cooking for 1200 people cannot taste made to order, and so if you are specific in your likings, then by all means, go to the Pinacle Grille.

I loved our table mates. Our steward "Shy" was wonderful.

I never noticed that the AC was turned off at night, but I slept right through it.

I did love my time to relax. It was a bummer that it was Sunday when we went to St. Kitts because all businesses were closed down for religious reasons, which I admired, but, I was unable to get any souveniers from there.

I was bummed to miss HMC and Puerto Rico. St. Kitts and Puerto Rico were the only ports I hadn't been to yet, so I was bummed, but things happen. I do hope that they fix all things so that no other Cruise has to miss out.

BUT I will not go on Holland America again. I think though I am a very relaxed, and conservative young woman, I am too young for this cruise line.

I do hope I do not offend anyone, but I will say this just as my opinion of a few of the guests I encountered. I felt that there were several of the older guests who felt entitled. So much as to cut in lines, and say snide remarks about myself being young, and that I should take the stairs. Also, a few were very condescending and cynical about EVERYTHING. I had to just keep it in my head, that they are someone's grandparent. That is how I held out showing respect for some very rude people. I was very dissappointed in the behavior of some of the guests and how the treated "the help" (stewards). I focused that I was on vacation and would not let them frustrate me to the point I would not enjoy myself. I would just say to anyone who tends to seem abrupt and feel entitled (I paid for this and I am going to get what I paid for), the others around you are also on vacation and paid just as you did. Please, try to see the positive side of things, and please, be respectful, if there is a line, that means that you go to the end of it, it will only delay you a minute or two.

Overall, most passengers were very nice and I had a great time getting to know people. I no longer have any grandparents left and I felt at home with some of the more friendly folks, which there were many of on the ship.

I did have a nice relaxing time, but overall, I think I want to try a different line for some more activities and crowds that I can relate to.
MHO
Shellelynn

[dakrewser]

Thanks for an honest and interesting trip report, Shellelynn.

The only thing I made add is that rudeness has nothing to do with age - the rude older folks you encountered were most likely just as rude at 25...

[Sweetdreams]

[QUOTE=Shellelynn]........It was a bummer that it was Sunday when we went to St. Kitts because all businesses were closed down for religious reasons, which I admired, but, I was unable to get any souveniers from there.......I was bummed to miss HMC and Puerto Rico. St. Kitts and Puerto Rico were the only ports I hadn't been to yet, so I was bummed, but things happen. I do hope that they fix all things so that no other Cruise has to miss out.

Shelleylynn,
We are leaving on 5/1 and will also be at port of St. Kitts on a Sunday. Now I'm bummed-no Batik shops! What did you do in St. Kitts? We were thinking about going to one of the beaches & doing a little shopping. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Shellelynn]

Sorry, I have been out with the flu, and not even going on the computer.

I am sure Operator, you are right about those rude people.

I went on a train tour of the island. I was good. We first went on a bus ride to the spot of the train, then took the train ride. There were free drinks on the train, and it was beautiful. It was $200/each I think maybe a little less. It is a 3 hour tour. It was nice, but our tour was cut short, so we insisted on gettting some money back. We only got to see a 2 hour tour. But HAL was great about refunding the amount. It was still beautiful.

[Sayyadina]

I'm reading these reviews with great interest. A Maasdam cruise for Spring 2006 is on my short list right now for DH and my 5th anniversary, along with 3 on NCL (2 on the Dawn, one on the Crown). This will be our first cruise.

I read someone saying they will be doing an overhaul of the ship in 2006, does anyone know when?

My husband an I are both 30. We get along very well with our elders, not matter how 'elder' they are, and try to take people as they come. However, I really don't want to be the 'kids' on the ship. This makes me think the Maasdam wouldn't be right for us, but we also don't want to deal with screaming children everywhere, which worries me about NCL and the Dawn. I think we would rather deal with an older population than a screaming child population, but...hmmmm. HAL seems to be a bit more inclusive than NCL...sounds like they have better service (except customer service issues with the missed ports, etc).

We're looking for a relaxing getaway where we can float away, visit places we've never seen before, get a tan, take in some snorkeling or some other neat activity, and float back home. That's about it. We're not interested in major entertainment productions, piano in a bar is fine by us. :)

JodyM

[h2so4]

We were told Maasdam was going into drydock Jan 06. She needs it.

[EmilyM]

I am 25 (on the cruise I was 24) and my husband is 28 (today is his birthday!). We went on the Maasdam 4.21 sailing. I didn't feel like a baby. People were very respectful of us, and we had a young couple next door to us. Also, the staff is fairly young, so you could always socialize with them.

We really weren't night people, though, and we aren't partiers. I love to be around older people since they are often (in my opinion) more mindful of other people.

[palmgirl]

We were told Maasdam was going into drydock Jan 06. She needs it.

Actually drydock is April 2006. It is for SOE upgrades. It may not address a lot of the issues in question.

Sayyadina, my husband and I started cruising on HAL while I was in my 30's. We love it, especially the lack of children on most cruises. We were on the 4/21 Maasdam sailing and it was one of the best cruises we've ever been on. I thought the age was more late 40's and 50's. Is that old?? Of course there were many well into their 60's and 70's, but I have found that on most ships, especially those out of Florida. At least they don't thrown up on your shoes from too much booze (happened to me on Carnival).

Rude people come in all ages, shapes and sizes. When disembarking the Maasdam an elevator stopped at our floor and a young woman (probably in her early 30's) refused to let anyone on the elevator shouting "THIS ELEVATOR IS FULL". There were three people and no luggage on it.

We experienced very little engine/generator problems. The ship is sailing up and down the atlantic coast and it does get rough. IMHO not as bad as our trip up the pacific coast from Mexico. :eek:


EmilyM - LOVED your poll. Good luck in the baby quest! ;)

We are booked to return next year in March. Looking forward to it greatly. :D

[Sayyadina]

Sayyadina, my husband and I started cruising on HAL while I was in my 30's. We love it, especially the lack of children on most cruises. We were on the 4/21 Maasdam sailing and it was one of the best cruises we've ever been on. I thought the age was more late 40's and 50's. Is that old?? Of course there were many well into their 60's and 70's, but I have found that on most ships, especially those out of Florida. At least they don't thrown up on your shoes from too much booze (happened to me on Carnival).

We are booked to return next year in March. Looking forward to it greatly. :D

No!!! I don't think 40's and 50's is old at all. Old (or young) is a mindset. My husbands grandparents are old, but his other grandmother is very young at heart. I don't need to tell you who we visit more often...

I don't want to be stuck with a ship of drunken screaming 20-somethings or a ship of running screaming children. I can't imagine being corralled like that with no way to get off the ship NO WAY OUT!!! AAAAHHHHHH!! :eek: There was a thread I saw on the NCL forum about a cruise that had a radio station DJ and the station's listeners who won the cruise on board, along with lots of women flashing, very bad language, interesting things going on in the pool and hot tub (which they had taken over), all with families around. No one cared, not even the ship's staff. Ick.

I sent away for a HAL Caribbean booklet, should be here in a week or so. The Maasdam has made my short list. I'm all giddy.

Thanks so much for the input!

JodyM

[Sea King]

[quote=Operator]

from the 4/05 post on CC

Well. We have just returned from this cruise and I'd like to share with you my opinions about what transpired. Please feel free to ask questions, but please don't take me to task for my opinions; they are individual to me and my situation, and are mine alone. Thank you.


A: Yes. Allow me to clarify. If you are accustomed to fresh ingredients and classical preparations, you are in for a serious disappointment. If you are used to cans, defrosting, and microwaves, you will be very pleased.

Q: Isn't that a bit harsh?

A: No. The desserts in the main rooms were universally mediocre, while the buffet selections were "inexpensive wedding reception" quality.

Q: I thought HAL had a reputation for top-notch food: what gives?

A: I can only assume that the average consumer is either impressed by quantity over quality, or has a low quality standard.

Q: Never mind. Can you describe the average passenger?

A: Yes.

Q: Okay, WOULD you please describe the average passenger?

A: Yes. 60-70 years old, 30-50 pounds overweight, using an orthopedic device, and suffering from at least one chronic medical condition.

Q: Isn't that a bit harsh?

A: No. I understand that we will all be old at some point, and I am simply explaining that HAL provides an excellent product for people in this age group.

Q: What was the best part of the cruise?

A: The service.

Q: The worst?

A: The customer service.

Q: Huh?

A: Please try to pay attention. The stewards were excellent, the excursions were very nice, the crew worked their hardest, and the accomodations were nice. HAL Seattle treated us like dirt when things went wrong.

what's this all about:confused:

I didn't follow CC in 2005

let's be honest: if I sailed HAL and hated the food, pax mix and was treated like "dirt by Seattle", the odds of my returning to any Dam ship, let alone the "scene of the crime" would be about as high as getting a reservation in a Suite at the Space Station for Super Bowl Sunday:rolleyes:

sorry Operator: your credibility just "went into the drink":eek:

still like the format of Q&A though:)

[RuthC]

May I ask your point in resurrecting a thread that's a year and a half old? :confused:

[SandyMc]

Sea King - Did I miss something???? Why are we reading such an old post and what did Operator do today to damage his credibility???? I read both pages and didn't look at the dates til I got to your post......What's this all about :confused: