Maasdam lovers......

[Sweetdreams]

My anticipation for cruising is now bubbling over....sorry we're celebrating 25 yrs. and really need this vacation. Now that the Maasdam seems to be sailing smoothly I breathe a HUGE sigh of relief. Now what I want to know from all of you who love the Maasdam is the highlights of her best. What shoud we NOT miss while enjoying our 11 days sailing on this beautiful ship?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ocean Bar before dinner cocktails.

Crow's Nest or Explorer's Lounge for after dinner cocktails.

Piano Bar is great.

Enjoy your cruise.

[Sweetdreams]

Thanks for the tips. One question, I don't really drink except for occasional glass of wine (on meds) and don't like sodas. Can you sit in the lounges and enjoy the entertainment without drinking?

[wwinfl91]

Yes you can go and after telling the waiter or waitress you don't need anything a couple of times you will be left alone to enjoy the entertainment and the view.

Have a great next cruise.

[tomc]

My experience is that they put down a paper napkin and that's the signal for them, or any waiter working the room, that you declined service. Unless you later change your mind.

[Robert AG99]

:)Glad to here MAssadam is up and running. We too are setting out for 25th aniversery in the fall. I here the piano bar is also a nice quiet place to hang out.

[sail7seas]

Ditto, Tom.

While we usually have a cocktail/glass of wine :D , I have many times seen people say "No, Thank you" to a bar steward who places a cocktail napkin in front of that person so any other steward knows they have been 'asked'. No one has any problem whatsoever with you sitting in a lounge and not drinking. Order a Perrier or club soda if you care to.

We totally LOVE Maasdam and have sailed a great many days on her. We are now looking forward to b-to-b's for June on 'MY" :) Maasdam. She's an elegant, comfortable, gorgeous ship IMO We have had way too much fun on her!!! ;)

[RuthC]

I here the piano bar is also a nice quiet place to hang out.
Not while I'm in there! (At least if the piano player is any good. ;) )
Anyone else up for a good game of Stump the Piano Player? :D

[Sweetdreams]

Thanks everyone-glad to know we can enjoy the Crow's Nest & Piano bar entertainment even if we don't want to drink. Does anyone know if there is live music in the Java Cafe'? Is there anywhere on this board that I can view a sample of the activities schedule for the Maasdam? Can you tell that I'm at that "can't wait to go stage"?!!!!!

[caribbean girl]

Sweetdreams, no drinks(other than cofee!!) at the Java Cafe that I can remember. We, however, loved the Photo people. Look up Braam!! We have Looovely photos to remember our trip!!! Enjoy!!:)

[Preacher's Kid]

One of my favorite places to hang out on the Maasdam is aft on the Navigation Deck. It's generally quiet, all times of the day. I read or journal in one of the lounges there, and the bar is open during the day (for soft drinks, too). Also, make sure you take the time to walk around the whole ship - including through hatches (unless it says "No Passengers Beyond This Point" - we got up to the bow deck at one point and it felt like a "King of the World" moment - no other pax there. Check out all the beautiful art work throughout the ship as well as the stunning flower arrangements.

She is truly a beautiful ship. We had so much fun.

Karenlynne

[Sweetdreams]

Has anyone ever had an opportunity to tour the kitchen & meet the chef on th Maasdam? DH is studying to be a Pastry Chef (will not be along) & would love to tour & have photo taken with the Chef? Do you need to arrange this ahead of time? Should I try to do this before we leave?

[Sweetdreams]

Has anyone ever had an opportunity to tour the kitchen & meet the chef on th Maasdam? DD is studying to be a Pastry Chef (will not be along) & would love to tour & have photo taken with the Chef? Do you need to arrange this ahead of time? Should I try to do this before we leave?

[peaches from georgia]

The 'Kitchen Tour' seems to be done on every ship- usually the first sea day. You would have no trouble getting a photo at that time, I'm sure. It is a very popular event and as been held on all the ships we've been on.

If for any reason there is no tour on the Maasdam you could always speak to the Maitre d' and ask him for help in meeting the chef, at his convenience, of course. It would be something to arrange after you are on the ship, not beforehand, but I will bet there is the usual Kitchen Tour. There was when we were on the Maasdam.

[Sweetdreams]

Peaches,
Did you enjoy your stay on the Maasdam? What else did you enjoy about this ship?

[Linda&Vern]

Thanks everyone-glad to know we can enjoy the Crow's Nest & Piano bar entertainment even if we don't want to drink. Does anyone know if there is live music in the Java Cafe'? Is there anywhere on this board that I can view a sample of the activities schedule for the Maasdam? Can you tell that I'm at that "can't wait to go stage"?!!!!!
Do a search for daily programs. Someone posted all the programs not too long ago for another HAL ship. It pretty much matched the activities on the Maasdam. It will give you a feel for what goes on day & night. I can't find the link right now. I think someone answered your question about the Java Cafe. It is more of a coffee bar - as I recall there are sofa/chairs in the area, but it is quiet as it is right outside the theatre. And don't worry about sitting in the bars and not ordering drinks. I only drink diet coke and sometimes I would just carry a glass from one place to another. I never felt out of place not ordering anything. We loved the Maasdam so much last Christmas/New Years that we are going again for Thanksgiving this year. :p ENJOY & HAVE A GREAT CRUISE!

[Sweetdreams]

Linda & Vern,
Glad to hear that you enjoyed you trip on the Maasdam. Thanks for sharing your tips for enjoying all the venues!

[Linda&Vern]

Linda & Vern,
Glad to hear that you enjoyed you trip on the Maasdam. Thanks for sharing your tips for enjoying all the venues!
Sweetdreams: I found the link! It pretty much mirrors our Maasdam cruise over the Holidays. Note there are two sides to each daily program - there is a link at the top of the page to take you to each side. Tons of info on this link. ENJOY!

http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_prog1218.htm (http://www.arubabound.com/image/lg/us/zaandam/zaan_prog1218.htm)

[Lisa63]

One of our favorite things to do on Maasdam was to sit in the plush chairs overlooking the beautiful glass sculpture in the atrium -- and just people-watch.

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary!

[peaches from georgia]

Sweetdreams- Yes, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the Maasdam. We like the S and R size ships and the HAL style of cruising is really so similar on these mid-sized ships that we knew what we were getting before we ever boarded!

We know what we enjoy on a cruise and more and more it is doing less and less. We thoroughly enjoy our verandah, don't do much in the way of the organized activities or entertainment, so we pretty much make our own enjoyment and relaxation. Our Maasdam cruise was very port-intensive also- Canada/NEngland- with only one sea day, so daytimes we were off the ship the majority of the time.

It's silly to worry about every review you read re food, service, entertainment, etc. It really doesn't matter what Pax A experienced on the Maasdam or Pax B found on the Veendam any particular week- these things are very subjective. Plus, crew and officers move from ship to ship, so nothing is stagnant or the same on every cruise for everybody.

Yes, we enjoyed the Maasdam very much. Not HAL's most 'elegant' ship in our opinion, but in good condition and it gave us the enjoyable vacation we were looking for. We had no operating problems nor any major complaints at all. Food good, love the Pinnacle so don't miss that, we particularly like the Ocean Bar and the music there on all the HAL ships. Congratulations on your anniversary! You'll have a great time. ;)

[Sweetdreams]

Linda & Vern-Thanks for posting the thread with website for activities, etc. It's just what I was looking for. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in finding it for us. Trying to get DH ready for his first cruise.

Lisa63-Sounds like you found a very "comfy" spot-we'll try it too.

Peaches from Georgia- (BTW-your screenname always makes me wish it was August-that's when our orchard's local peaches are the best!!!) Anyway, I've been enjoying these boards while recovering from surgery and have found some very informative posts. Don't worry I'm not overwhelmed about everyone's point of view. I find the diverse perspectives of everyone's cruise experences interesting. The little tips I have gleemed from this board will further enhance my overall experience. For example, I probably never would have ventured into the Explorer's Lounge if I didn't know that there were wonderful chocolates lingering in the back by the corner booth! I guess I view this board as I would a good read from the travel section of Barnes & Noble only in the comfort of my own home, with the fireplace crackling, my loyal chololate poodle at my side & my own mug of coffee. Of course, the warmth & friendliness of the CC members adds to the pleasure!

Thanks everyone for the anniversary well wishes & all the information!

[KateBobbi]

Hi Sweetdreams,

What did I like about the Maasdam? I enjoyed everything! :) It was my first vacation in 23 years! Anyway, I also don't drink alcohol, and my Aunt was paying for my trip, so I didn't want to add to the bill by drinking soda, so I lived on juice, and tea! They have a very nice selection of fruit juices, and since they are good for you also, I had those all of the time! If you like classical music, they have a trio of musicians, that play the violin, piano, and cello, that are really awesome! They usually play outside the Pinnacle grill in the evenings! Ask them to play the Fiddler on the Roof music! :) If the waiters there, ask if you want something to drink, just politely tell them no thankyou! It isn't a problem! This lounge is also a nice place to sit, when you are out to sea, because there are windows that you can see the ocean, and islands you are passing by!

If you enjoy pasta, you can go to the lido, and on the right side, there is a man who will make up your meal, fresh right in front of you, and if you watch every day, they sometimes have shrimp with alfredo, and it was wonderful!!!!!!! :) Also, they have a grill, beside the pool, where they make hamburgers, if you get hungry for a plain old American meal, and they serve salsa with chips there, that is really good too! I think this is on the days you are out to sea! The desserts are out of this world, and if you are watching your weight like I do, you can compromise, by eating a small piece of whatever you want, and then going to the deck, and walking, to burn off the calories! Four trips around, is one mile! We also worked out in the gym in the mornings, which was nice too, but you have to sometimes wait for a walking machine! Also, we never used the elevators; we walked the steps, and I actually came home two pounds lighter! The portions they serve you, can be as small as you want, at the lido; just tell them how much you want!

I also loved going to the top of the ship, out at the front, where there weren't any people, and just enjoyed looking at the ocean! My Aunt would drag a chair up there, and sit by herself sometimes! It was really beautiful!

The movies were fun! You can get fresh popcorn outside the door, before going in. They will reshow them on the TV, after they show them in the theator, so if you miss it the first time, you can watch it in your room.

Dinner in the evenings, is really nice, in the Main Dining Room! Dressing up was fun, and if you sit on the top left side, you may have Mohammed as your waiter, and Gerome, who was the wine steward. These guys were great, and we had so much fun with them! Their stations were on the end, top left! If you do happen to have them, ask Mohammed for the large pepper shaker trick; Kate and Bobbi said to ask! :) These two guys, have family, both are married with two children, and they go nine months at a time, without seeing them! They really enjoy being treated as friends and family, and go out of their way, to make things special for you!

Let's see, if you go to an art auction, you will get a free print, just for being there! It was interesting, seeing what people were bidding on! They have some wonderful prints they auction off; some of them, were cartoon proofs, for Warner Brothers, that were signed. If you have grandkids, it might be a nice gift for them someday!

If you really like chocolate, they have a chocolate extravaganza one evening, around ten thirty, or eleven thirty, depending on the schedule. They will let you know when it is, and it is something to see! All of the fancy chocolate desserts!

If you love really fancy meals, the Pinnacle Grill is worth a visit! They have a chef, that personally cooks your meal, and the service is extra special! I was a bit uncomfortable, with all of the attention, but it was fun! Just be sure to expect them to pull your chair in and out for you, put your napkin on your lap, put the right fork next to the right entre, etc! :) La, de daaaa! hehe!
If you do go there, don't skip the chocolate volcano dessert! Oh my, it was wonderful! It is this hot, baked chocolate dessert, they bring in a bowl, and then they bring a white cream to eat with it, that is awesome! Ummmm!

Well, if you want more details, let me know! I don't want to bore you!

[Grandma Bonnie]

Good Morning KateBobbi,

We are cruising on the Maasdam May 1 sailing with Sweetdreams and are interested in a place to meet as a group. After reading your review, you seem like the perfect person to ask this question! There are about 12 of us that have responded on the May 1 roll call. We were thinking something the first evening. It seems like most have the main dinner seating, so what would be a good choice? Your feedback would be appreciated. Also, any more info on the "Maasdam" would be great! Like, Sweetdreams, I just can't wait for Sunday to get here! We're driving down on Saturday to be absolutely positive we won't miss the ship! So any little tidbits would help me get closer to Sunday!

Thanks so much!

Bonnie

[Sweetdreams]

Hi Bonnie-are you packed? That's what I should be doing instead of spending time on this board.

KateBobbi, thanks for all the information and no going on and on about the ship would never bore me. The more I know the better off.
I guess my expectations of this board are just what we are doing-sharing information. BTW did you leave from Norfolk? We are going down on Saturday & our check out time is 2PM on embarkation day but I cannot wait until I get on the ship. Do you know if we can drop off our check-in luggage about 10:30 or 11:00 with our car then drive back to hotel & be shuttled back to Nauticus? I have this paranoia about losing my luggage & would prefer to drop it off ourselves. Thanks for everything.

[CDRMark]

Jealous here!

DW and I enjoyed our Maasdam cruise so much we're going to do it again next November (other itinerary). Our roll call had 25+ people and was very active also. We met in the Dolphin Bar alcove (little seating area next to the bar) and it worked great.
We had name tags and hats for recognition. Wherever you meet, have someone get there early to save some space.
Cheers
MarkB

[rocks]

Hi Mark!
What day/time did you guys meet? I have been on the Maasdam quite a few times, so I know just where you mean & that sounds like a good place.
I'm SO excited about getting away & want to meet all the nice people that have been helping with the count-down!
Thanks
rocks

[KateBobbi]

Hi guys,
I am so excited for you! :) You will have a blast! Yes, I did get on at Norfolk!
One word of advice! Buy yourselves some motion sickness bracelets, and some non-drowsy dramamine. You may want to wear the bracelets, and take dramamine the first two days, until you reach the Carribbean! It will be totally up to you, but the ocean was a bit rough, on the way down the coast, and back up on the way home, and I got seasick the second day, until I got the Dramamine into my system! I didn't need it, after reaching the Carribbean, because the waters are calm down there, but I started taking it before we hit the waters by Florida, on the way back. I was fine the whole way home that way! They don' t recommend the patch, because some people have a reaction to it. Anyway, it is a precaution! I guess three-fourths of the ship were sick the same day that I was! As comfortable as the beds are though, I didn't really mind a whole lot, lol! They have upgraded the beds, and they are WONDERFUL! Down comforters and pillows, and mattress toppers! You feel like you are being rocked to sleep at night! :) Also, if you start to feel sick, they recommended green apples, crackers, broth and gingerale. There may be an apple in your room. If not, you can get them at the Lido. It is good to have one on hand! :)

The toilets are fun! :) They make fun of them, all the time on the ship! You aren't supposed to sit on them, when you flush! They have a vaccum in them, and are extremely loud! Very effective though, so don't worry about that! The bathrooms are very nice! If you have a tub with the jets in it, be sure not to put too much soap in there, or you may end up in suds up to your neck, like I did, lol! It was so relaxing though!

As for the luggage, I don't know if you can drop it off, until you are getting ready to board, but maybe someone else might know. We stayed at the Marriott the night before, and when it was time to go to the ship, we drove to a parking area that costs 100.00 for the week. It is a fenced in area, where your car will be locked in, while you are gone! They load up your luggage onto a bus, and take you to the dock, unload your luggage, and you will then go though security!

There were several groups of people, who had meetings on the ship! You could either get a table for twelve at dinner together, or meet in any of the lounges. The one outside of the pinnacle grill, has a small corner, that was large enough for a small meeting. I noticed several meetings in there!

Also, the ship has over 2 million dollars worth of antiques displayed on it, and it is fun to walk around, looking at them all! There is a group of stores on board, where you can shop, you will need your credit card to buy anything. They have a jewelry store, a couple of stores with clothing and souveniers, a liquor store that has books, and it also sells some essentials like dramamine, personal women items, and post cards. If you want to send home cards, you can mail them in some of the Ports. Oh, and there is a safe in your room, that you open and close with your credit card. You can fit a small purse, and your valuable papers and jewelry in there, and not have to worry about it.

There is another lounge, where a band plays, and you can go dancing if you like! They also have a photographer, that will take your picture during meals, etc, and they have an area where you can go and look at them, and buy a copy if you want to.

Well, if you have any more questions, let me know. :)

[KateBobbi]

Excuse me, you will need your ID card number for the ship, to buy anything on the ship. It also opens your room door! They will bill it to your credit card.

[KateBobbi]

Excuse me, you will need your ID card number for the ship, to buy anything on the ship. It also opens your room door! They will bill it to your credit card. You will also need your card to get on and off the ship, with your drivers license.

[KateBobbi]

Oh, and if the chef brought cookies for my Aunt, to our room, I don't think he would mind you asking him for a picture of himself, with you! :)

[JT3]

It sound like you had a great cruise I'm really glad for you both.

[Sweetdreams]

KateBobbi,
Thanks for all the information...wow....you are very good at details! Sounds like you had a wonderful experience. My TA called today & confirmed that we can drop off our luggage at Nauticus terminal as early as 10AM.

Sounds like the seas were pretty rough the first few days. Did you feel well enough with the Dramamine to get around & enjoy the activities. Love green apples but was hoping to enjoy more variety of foods.

Sorry if I addressed you incorrectly-are you Kate & your aunt Bobbi? :confused:

[peaches from georgia]

Bonine (meclazine) is really the best medication to take- used to be prescription only. It is what the ship's doc prescribes also.

Start taking it the night or even 2 nights BEFORE you board the ship and take it nightly throughout the cruise. If it is not rough seas and you don't feel queasy, then take one at bedtime. If you tend to seasickness or the seas are choppy or rough, take 2 at bedtime.

I used to get seasick the first 48 hours on every cruise. Haven't had one moment of feeling even the slightest bit sick since I started this Bonine regimen and we have been in some very rough seas. The secret is to take it BEFORE you subject your body to the motion of the seas and to keep taking it nightly no matter what.

[Sweetdreams]

Looking for any other commentary about Maasdam. Since it seems that the engine problems are resolved for now-will keep this thread active for all the other upcoming Maasdam cruisers!

[KateBobbi]

Sweetdreams,
Yes, it was rough going down the first night, and the second day and night, and then, coming home the last two days! After I had the medication in my system, I didn't get sick anymore, and was able to eat my meals!

There is a library, where you can borrow books to read, and if you want to spend the 75 dollars an hour, I think it was, you can get online in a computer room! Also, if you get the Navigation Lounge, there are some of the newest novels in there, so if you plan to buy one to read on the trip, you might want to wait, and look in there for it, because they have a really good selection! I didn't spend much time reading though! :)

I will post, if I think of more things to share!

[KateBobbi]

Yes, I'm Kate, and my Aunt is Bobbi, but the nick Kate was already taken! :)

[Linda&Vern]

Looking for any other commentary about Maasdam. Since it seems that the engine problems are resolved for now-will keep this thread active for all the other upcoming Maasdam cruisers!
We had a large hardcase suitcase that would not fit under the bed. Panic time set in - until we realized it would fit nicely if we didn't CLOSE the darn thing! We traveled with 7 suitcases for the 2 of us and all fit under the bed. We took way, way to many clothes! We have vowed this time we will do it in 3! (No one needs to take 48 outfits:eek: ! But we figured one outfit for daytime and one for night, 12 days on the Maasdam, times 2 people = 48 outfits. As much as we learned here at CC - we didn't ask the right packing questions):p

ENJOY YOUR CUISE!

[cheric]

I overpacked when we went on the Maasdam this year too. All of our suitcases did fit under the bed, but when we go next March we will once again take advantage of the bag of laundry. I think it was $12 for all you could fit in the bag and everything came back the next day nicely folded or on hangers. I now know that I don't have to pack as many clothes for dh and myself. It was really a bargain. We loved the Maasdam. It was our first cruise on HAL and we were apprehensive but loved it so much we are already booked out of Norfolk for next year. It's the same itinerary but I don't care. it's the ship that I love. We had some pretty bad weather going down and coming back. I second the notion about bonine. I started taking it the day before the cruise and took it every morning with my breakfast. I never even felt queezy, though many were sick on the ship. We missed HMC, which I was really looking forward to, but we just got to enjoy another sea day.

Have a wonderful time. We did. The staff were wonderful, as was the food and most of the entertainment. Don't forget the piano bar. It's a nice place to go after dinner before the show. Some nights they have "name that tune" and that was fun.

For quiet reading go to the back of deck 10 (I think it's the Navigation Deck). There is a pool there but it is more quiet than the Lido deck. We were on deck 9 and I sat back there a lot too. No pool there but lots of quiet solitude.

I know you will love it ... and if stuff happens you will still have a good time. Our CC meeting was in the Crow's nest at 1:00 p.m. on the second day. it was nice to meet everyone and put names to faces.

[Sweetdreams]

Thanks Cheric, Linda & Vern and Bobbi you have all been so thoughtful to post all of your favorites and fun tips. :)

[KateBobbi]

I think my Aunt Bobbi stuffed my empty luggage inside her luggage, and put it into a cupboard right inside the door. We each took one huge soft one, and a carry all. If you pack right, you can get everything in there! :) She actually rolled our gowns up, and put tissue paper around them, and they weren't wrinkled a bit! She is a real pro though! :)

[Sweetdreams]

Kate,
Sounds like your aunt is a pro at packing! I'm packed and not to worried about wrinkles right now just glad everything fit!

[KateBobbi]

I bet you are getting excited! :) I sure wish I could go again! It was a wonderful experience!