New to HAL Board-Experts N.E./Canada Maasdam vs. Veendam

[JunPOA]

Hey Guys & Gals: Questions please for all you HAL experts, I humbly respect your expereince and opinions. The DH early (60s) & I (49-ish) both health care professionals (he a physician & I am a research nurse working for the Federal Medicare program - should I duck :) ?) are interested in doing our 1st New England Canda Fall cruise. We are flexable with timing, no pressure to "must go this Fall vs. next Fall. I am comparing costs/ and (liited) balcony cabin avaiability for both 2006 & 2007 Fall cruises. One is 10 day one is 7 day.
For some reason based purely on HAL's website - I guaged as as a cost guesstimate, the Maasdam comes out to approximately 398/day while the Veendam is about 344/day. The past few cruises we have always done balconies - now I cannot go back to anything less (OK I am now a spoiled brat I admit it). I am frugal to the max - how will I get the most bang for my buck (value wise) ?
1. Explanations as to why?
2. Will I get more savings by a doing an early booking for a Fall 2007 cruise ? I have a terrific internet based TA who discounts tremendously & beleive me I am a cost comparison shopper).
3. This is a toughie for die-hard HAL-ers but here goes - Why would /should we sail HAL instead of Cunard QM2?
We prefer the lower passenger capacity ships, the more classic liners (like USS Norway), more subdued environment on-board. I am a little skeptical of QM2 based on some reviews I've read since they are owned now by Carnival (but wait so is HAL right?) & some snobbery going on about the "class" differences. Personally I do not care for these types of attitudes based on class purchased.
We prefer subtle subdued casual elegance type of ambience on-board similar to the Radisson/Regency Paul Gaughin. The look & feel of the older smaller classic ships. We do NOt care for ritzy-glitzy neonlites floating mega-liner mini city liners.
We crave educational port lectures and guest speakers on board.
We are more interested in spending time in ports than on the ship overall. We are not picky about food - but do appreciate it.
5.)So what do you think is HAL for us for New England Canada?
6.) Would we enjoy one ship over another and why, Maasdam vs. Veendam?
So sorry to burden you with this voluminous posting and questions but I thought if anyone knows its you guys. In advance - thank you kindly for your help. Take Care & God Bless

[TedC]

From your stated preferences, HAL is the line for you. Maasdam and Veendam hold about half the number of passenges as QM2.

We've been on both the HAL ships. They are sisterships and almost identical. We give the edge to Maasdam because of the decor, but that's a very subjective judgment. We have not been on the QM2 and don't like the class system on that ship.

Itinerary and length of cruise is a priority to us more than the ship - and longer cruises top shorter cruises for us.

Whichever you choose have a wonderful cruise.

[sailsalot]

I think it's funny that someone would say they don't like something about the QM2, but they haven't even been on it. How does that person know what the "class system" is like if they've never been on the ship?

I've been on QM2 3 times, plus on HAL. The only "class" separation I've ever seen on QM2 is the restaurant you dine in depending on what category cabin you have. The main restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and the food is overall very, very good. I've never lost weight on the QM2! :) The other two restaurants are smaller and more intimate, and supposedly with more attentive service. Believe me, people pay a huge amount for the "privilege" of eating in one of these 2 restaurants, and to me, it's just not worth it, especially when the food is mostly the same. But to each his own. Besides the dining situation, and one small deck area reserved for the really top level cabin occupants, there is no restriction or limitation to where passengers can go based on "class." I just think it's important to clarify that before people start to get hysterical about "class systems" and separations when it really doesn't happen.

As for your question of QM2 over HAL, they both have something the other does not. HAL is top notch when it comes to food and service, and the fresh flowers throughout the ship really add an air of elegance to the atmosphere. QM2, on the other hand, has an extraordinary crusie staff (cruise director and staff), and the production shows are amazing! Also, the planetarium offers a wonderful and unique educational experience at sea, and there have been some outstanding educational speakers on a variety of topics. These events are always well attended.

Don't let the rumor of a "class system" affect your decision. After all, one could say HAL has a class system as well, with the Neptune Lounge being limited to a certain "class" of passengers who have paid for a certain category of cabin. Also, even though QM2 is larger, is still has an intimate feel throughout the ship, and a classic look of a liner.

I'm not advocating one cruise line over the other. I think you'd enjoy both. Their itineraries are probably a little different. So pick which ports you like best and go for it. I think you'll have a wonderful time on either HAL or QM2.

[Bramcruiser]

1. Explanations as to why?
2. Will I get more savings by a doing an early booking for a Fall 2007 cruise ? I have a terrific internet based TA who discounts tremendously & beleive me I am a cost comparison shopper).
3. This is a toughie for die-hard HAL-ers but here goes - Why would /should we sail HAL instead of Cunard QM2?



Well you have to decide on your own which ship you will enjoy better. I have been on HAL and unfortunately my first experience with the QM2 won't be until this December. Both Cunard and HAL are geared towards the subdued classy passenger so don't let horror stories about a mega-liner like the oversized QM2 get to you. Still from what you are saying you might actually prefer HAL's ships so you might want to consider value for your money. Cunard tends to be more expensive as it goes after the upscale market and I cannot tell whether the extra you pay will be worth it. I found HAL to be classy enough for me and the food, in my own opinion is good.

This class system thing that the Cunard ship's got attached with is somewhat of a sore point. Yes Cunard is a survivor of the old days of ocean travel when there was indeed a class system in place. However, the accomodations on Cunard today are basically similar to what you will see on HAL or any other type of ship - everything ranging from inside cabin on the lowest deck to the deluxe apartments in the sky. Prices range solely based on the accomodations you choose. The only real perks that are a remnent of the old class system is that there is a certain restaurant attached to the accomodations choosen but the food in either of the three is not that much different. So the Queens' Grill passengers eat basically what the masses in the Brittania Restaurant eat. The only difference being size of restaurant, more attentive service, ability to make special requests and dining times. The rest of the ship is definitely open to all passengers and thus no one is prevented from walking anywhere unlike the old days of the class system.

HAL doesn't have the multiple restaurant system but you still pay for what you get in terms in accomodations. To sell you on HAL, they have the reputation for the best bedding on the sea. So if a good night's sleep means anything you won't lose with HAL.


.5.)So what do you think is HAL for us for New England Canada?
6.) Would we enjoy one ship over another and why, Maasdam vs. Veendam?
So sorry to burden you with this voluminous posting and questions but I thought if anyone knows its you guys. In advance - thank you kindly for your help. Take Care & God Bless


Yes to #5. HAL will fit you perfectly. If you prefer small then the Maasdam might be your ship but I think what will sell you is whether you want 7 or 10 days and which iteniary you prefer. The Veendam is far from one of the mega-liners.

I think you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose. Its a win-win situation!

[TedC]

[QUOTE=sailsalot]I think it's funny that someone would say they don't like something about the QM2, but they haven't even been on it. How does that person know what the "class system" is like if they've never been on the ship?

I've been on QM2 3 times, plus on HAL. The only "class" separation I've ever seen on QM2 is the restaurant you dine in depending on what category cabin you have. The main restaurant is absolutely beautiful, and the food is overall very, very good. I've never lost weight on the QM2! :) The other two restaurants are smaller and more intimate, and supposedly with more attentive service. Believe me, people pay a huge amount for the "privilege" of eating in one of these 2 restaurants, and to me, it's just not worth it, especially when the food is mostly the same. But to each his own. Besides the dining situation, and one small deck area reserved for the really top level cabin occupants, there is no restriction or limitation to where passengers can go based on "class." I just think it's important to clarify that before people start to get hysterical about "class systems" and separations when it really doesn't happen.
Don't let the rumor of a "class system" affect your decision. After all, one could say HAL has a class system as well, with the Neptune Lounge being limited to a certain "class" of passengers who have paid for a certain category of cabin. Also, even though QM2 is larger, is still has an intimate feel throughout the ship, and a classic look of a liner.(partial quote).

Is it possible that "person" was on QE2 and drew from that experience?
On the QE2 it was no "rumor" that the restaurant you dined at each day was dictated by the cabin level you were in. Perhaps that's not the case on the QM2 - but I think it is.

We do enjoy the Neptune Lounge on HAL, which provides snacks, but not meals. And sometimes "apples and oranges" are available.

[sail7seas]

We have a very special fondness for "MY" :) Maasdam and have sailed her well more than a dozen cruises...I've truly lost count.


We sailed the Canada/New England itinerary the last two summers and will do so again this August with our very dear friends....coincidentally to your post, he is a physician. We have chosen to do back-to-backs. We are from Boston and the idea of boarding in Boston, sailing to Montreal and staying aboard for the return to Boston is irresistible.

Maasdam has a quiet elegance. She is decorated in soft tones and we find her very beautiful. There are quiet nooks in many places to curl up with a book, watch the sea, daydream, enjoy a quiet conversation. There are also plenty of places for fun and dancing and laughter and she always feels 'just right' to us.

We have had some amazing cruises on her and enjoy her "S" suites. They are spacious and comfortable. The vernadah so large you may wish to spend a good part of your cruise sitting there!! Maasdam's Canada/New England itinerary has many ports in seven days and you have the option of doing lots of touring if you wish. We think it such a good itinerary that we don't tire of it.

As a Suite guest, you would have use of the Neptune Lounge and that is very pleasant place to have an espresso, latte, whatever coffee/tea you enjoy. There is a cold breakfast spread out each morning, light lunch, mid-afternoon snacks/cold hors d'ouevres each afternoon. The concierge there will make all reservations/appointments for you. You can handle all business you would normally do at the office in the Lounge and avoid any line.

Never possible to predict weather, of course, but to cruise in mid to late June before she does her transatlantic cruise or to cruise after she returns are, IMO, the best dates. We chose early August this year. Early June was sunny but chilly last year.

Maasdam's dining room is really beautiful (to my eyes) and we have enjoyed many a delightful dinner there.

And most importantly.....we think her crew is fabulous. Really, really fine hard working, always smiling and eager to please. Capable, eager, nice people.

Hope this helps.

[Copper10-8]

Have done the Canada-New England itineraries twice on HAL, once on Maasdam and once on Rotterdam in both directions. It is one of our most favorite destinations because of the ports of call. Quebec City is a beautiful place to spent some time in and get that "European feel". You can't go wrong with either Maasdam or Veendam. As has been said, they are sisters with very little differance in between them.

Been on Cunard once although it's been a while and that ship (Sagafjord) is no longer with the line. It was a nice experience and our impression was that it is very much a traditional line with lots of "dress up" nights (a hot topic here). We heard very good things about QM2 but I don't think we'll try her mainly because the amount of pax she carries. Good luck to you in whatever line and ship you choose and have a great cruise!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have done the Canada/New England cruise a couple of times.

Do prefer the 10 day cruise over the 7 day cruise.