Maasdam or Noordam

[Amber14]

We're about to book our first HAL cruise for April 07 and can't decide between Maasdam out of Ft Lauderdale or Noordam out of NY. Both are Southern Caribbean itineraries with similar ports we've never been to. We're leaning to Maasdam since it will be warmer when we leave so better sea days. We are 46 traveling without children.
Any thoughts about which ship would be best for our 1st HAL cruise?

Also, can anyone tell me if there is any difference between Maasdam veranda suites B, BA, BB, BC besides location? Are the cabins/balconies different sizes?

I would appreciate any help you can give us. This board has been so helpful and you all make HAL sound so wonderful! We can't wait to cruise!:)

[RuthC]

I've sailed both ships and would pick the Maasdam over the Noordam due to it's size.

I happen to love the S-class ships (of which the Maasdam is one). They are fairly small, easy to learn your way around, and easy to get around! It's only a few quick steps from here to there.
Because it's smaller it's easier to meet up with your fellow passengers over and over again---you feel like less of a stranger in a crowd. And the stewards have fewer guests to get to know, too. I love returning to a lounge for the second time only to be recognized by name, drink preference, and they remember my cabin number. I didn't find that to be true on the Noordam.
Another reason I would pick the Maasdam is comparable cabins are larger than on the Vista class (Noordam).

Yes, there are no real differences between cabin/veranda in the A- and B-categories other then location.

Whatever you choose I'm sure you will have the time of your life.

[sunflowerstarr]

i notice your from va. too bad you cant take one earlier. my friend and i are booked nov 30th on the maasdam out of norfolk. its about 2 hours from us so it saves on flying. not sure how it would work for you tho. i havent cruised yet but i am determined that this will the best :) whichever you choose gl and have a great trip!

[Sayyadina]

My husband and I (both 31, no kids) took the Maasdam in March. Loved it. It was our first cruise so I don't have much to compare it to. We loved the size of the ship, not too big or small. Enough places to go where there weren't a lot of people. Wonderful staff.

The Noordam was at 4 of the 6 ports we visited. Just viewing it from the outside, neither one of us liked it. We thought she was way too big and couldn't imagine having such a good time onboard.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have sailed many times on the Maasdam and 3 of the 4 Vista ships. We prefer to sail on the smaller ships - they are cosier.

[Amber14]

Thanks for the advice. We're going to book the Maasdam. I know we will have a wonderful cruise.
Anybody have a favorite cabin suggestion? We want to book a veranda cabin (never had a balcony before) but not one of the real expensive suites.

[Seasons]

I've sailed the Ryndam in Alaska (S) and the Zuiderdam in the Caribbean (V). I loved both cruises, but the Ryndam was definitely more intimate (in a good way!).

The ONLY thing I missed on the Ryndam that the Vista class ships have....the larger spa facilities, specifically the Hydro Pool and the relaxation rooms (scented steam rooms, heated mother of pearl loungers, etc.) I don't do spa "treatments" so downtime in these relaxation rooms is really my indulgence (with a book when it won't get wet).

Also, after sailing larger ships on other lines (1020 ft.), the Ryndam was a treat 'cause our cabin was mid deck, so we'd just have to go up or down head forward or aft...and you were there!

I'm on the Maasdam (S) this August, and I really want to do the Westerdam (V) or Noordam (V) next year for the spa facilities, itinerary (several Caribbean islands I haven't vistited) and service.