First Time Cruisers on Maasdam

[templed]

My parents are taking their first cruise aboard Maasdam ... November 29th.

I'm a relatively experienced cruiser, and have given them a lot of tips as far as packing, what to expect, etc... but the piece I'm missing is:

What's not to be miss on HAL and specifically Maasdam?

I've sailed Celebrity, RCCL and NCL... but haven't had the opportunity to sail HAL yet.

What's Good? What's not so good? What's a Can't be missed? ...etc. aboard Maasdam?

My father is 70, my mother is 67... Dad is limited in motion, but not in mind... Mom is a fireball (still working full time, until recently)... Dad is a foody and a techy... mom enjoys her wines...

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Pinnacle Grill - $30 per person.

Crow's Nest - great place for pre-dinner drinks and wonderful view.

Exploration Cafe - coffee not free - but very good. Good place to sit and read (library is here) - also relaxing chairs here where you can listen to music while watching the ocean.

[Gator Bait]

My parents are taking their first cruise aboard Maasdam ... November 29th.

I'm a relatively experienced cruiser, and have given them a lot of tips as far as packing, what to expect, etc... but the piece I'm missing is:

What's not to be miss on HAL and specifically Maasdam?

I've sailed Celebrity, RCCL and NCL... but haven't had the opportunity to sail HAL yet.

What's Good? What's not so good? What's a Can't be missed? ...etc. aboard Maasdam?

My father is 70, my mother is 67... Dad is limited in motion, but not in mind... Mom is a fireball (still working full time, until recently)... Dad is a foody and a techy... mom enjoys her wines...

Thanks for your help in advance.
DH and I will be on that cruise also. Hopefull we will get to meet your parents. We are in our 50's. This is our 1st time on Maasdam, but we did Ryndam (sister ship)last year. We are casual type people and rarely do formal nights. I love having meals on the lido, food was great and I can never get enough of that bread pudding. I have taken the cooking classes twice, your parents might love that. I did. You get a nice apron to bring home, I still use mine when I cook at home. We will be leaving tomorrow on a Carnival cruise, be back in 8days. I do not check the boards very often, but will try to post more suggestions when I return.

[LegalSailor]

I would recommend the cooking class aboard if your father is a foodie...
Also, reservations for the Pinnacle Grill would be a good idea - the wine list is good and the food selection is a bit better than the main dining room.
My parents love the Crow's Nest, and that is where they go for pre-dinner cocktails.
I'll be on the Maasdam again this December, please let us know how your parents enjoyed the ship!
Cheers,

[zaandam_2]

the maasdam has a very nice art collection. take time to wander the stairwells, too.