Booked Maasdam July 16, 2005 - Transatlantic

[jazzsea]

DH and I anticipate some difficulties with our familly in the next 12 months and have decided to give ourselves a "carrot" to keep us more cheerful and less stressed. As only serious cruisers know, there is nothing like looking forward to a cruise to keep your spirits up. So, we booked the 35 day Maasdam Transatlantic. Boston - Rotterdam - Boston.

We've never cruised for that many days and the thought of the terrific ports of call and the relaxing sea days gives us something else to talk about. My parents are elderly and ill and one of our children is dealing with a failed marriage. We can't help but worry, talk and pray over them, it's just natural. But now we can think of something positive, too.

I'd love to hear from any of you that have done a similar cruise.

[localady]

Congrats Carol!!!!

I think you will have good company on that cruise! If I am not mistaken RuthC has scheduled the same cruise. Her postings from her trip this year on the Rotterdam, same voyage, were just wonderful!!:cool:

P.S. I totally agree with you about the excitement of having cruises booked, even a year or so out!!!

[grannynurse]

Hi,
Congratulations on your choice! After 2 successive transatlantic cruises, we heartily agree with your choice and your reasoning.

34 days was a bit long, but I'd do it again in a minute on the Maasdam, except she returns too late in the summer for me to return to teaching.

The atmosphere on a month-long transatlantic is heavenly. But I'll tell you a secret. You can get to know some people too well and it can grate on you, especially when folks come off their best behavior, or just get grumpy....and we had alot of grumpy people on board this summer.

It didn't change our enjoyment of the cruise and gave us alot of people-watching experiences, but know that it does get long in some areas. Most people (including me) can't seem to stay "UP" for over 30 days in a row. I never would have believed it about a cruise, if I hadn't experienced it personally.

All in all, it was a great balance of at sea and ports. And the ports ...., some were fascinatingly rustic and rugged, most were beautiful and friendly.
This summer's was much less of a "shopping" trip than last summer's, but we did miss 2 ports due to weather. The transatlantic cruises are less for shoppers than the in-Europe cruises, and the demographics are different. You'll find more seasoned travelers on crossings, and alot don't ever get off the ship. On these trips, the ship is more of the destination.

We love getting up early to watch entering harbors, watching the pilots get on, seeing the initial sitings of "land". It's just so much different than the Caribbean or Alaska in tempo. And it is strange being reminded that it's time for "another" life boat drill, as the last one was 15 days ago. This time you go dressed in woolies and winter hats knowing you may get pretty cold out on deck for the duration of the drill, which BTW, HAL handles very well.

Oh the nostalgia, and we've only been home 3 weeks.
Enjoy!
GN

[CruisinNana]

Carol, that is so wonderful that you are able to get away for such a long trip. It sounds like a little bit of heaven to me. I will be on the Maasdam in a couple of weeks. If you need me to check on anything for you, I will be glad to.

I am sorry to hear of your problems and will keep you in my prayers. It sounds as if you have a good plan to help you through the difficult times.

I just lost my sister...the one I spoke to you about years ago when you helped us with some cruise information. In fact, you were the first person I ever met on CC and was tickled to be able to converse with you. Thank you, agan, for all your help.
Dee (Diane)