Sailing on Maasdam for the first time

[fuzzywuzzy]

Hello everyone: We have just booked our first H.A. cruise on the Maasdam which sails March 5th. My question at the moment concerns cabin assignment. We have been assigned Cat. N (gulp). Can anyone tell me anything about these cabins and if there are possibilities for upgrades? thanks.

[Two if by Sea]

Hello everyone: We have just booked our first H.A. cruise on the Maasdam which sails March 5th. My question at the moment concerns cabin assignment. We have been assigned Cat. N (gulp). Can anyone tell me anything about these cabins and if there are possibilities for upgrades? thanks.

When you say you were "assigned" that category, do you mean that that is the category you chose and paid for? Or are you part of a group tour and had less choice over cabin class?

I would assume you could certainly upgrade if you wanted to pay extra!

Also, if you have "Guarantee N" then you MIGHT get an upgrade but aren't likely to know for quite some time -- until very close to sailing. If you have a SPECIFIC cabin in category N, you probably won't get an upgrade unless you request (and pay) for one.

According to the HAL website, cabins are still available in MANY higher categories. You could move to an "H" outside cabin for just $100 per person.

[fuzzywuzzy]

I believe we have a guaranteed N so maybe we could get an upgrade. These cabins look like they are at the very front of the ship. There might be a lot of movement?

[sail7seas]

When you book a guarantee, you pay somewhat less than if you select a specific cabin at the time of booking. In exchange for the lower price, HAL has the choice to assign you to any cabin which at a minimum is the category of the guarantee you booked. If you aren't happy about accepting whichever cabin they assign, you should speak with your TA about changing your booking. For additional funds, you can book a specific cabin that you select and you will know exactly what cabin you will occupy.

The rule of thumb on all of these cruise BB's is to say to always book the minimum category you know you need in order for you to be happy on your cruise. To book low and plan on getting a free upgrade is setting yourself up for disappointment. You might get an upgrade but the odds are against it. None of us should expect to be upgraded for free. Other people paid the higher price to be in that category.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Yes, thanks for your response. We will see what happens. Yes, we would be happy with mostly any cabin as we aren't in our rooms that much but we do want it to be quiet and nice. But to be on the safe side maybe we should get an outside cabin as this is what we really prefer.

Which deck is better - Deck A or the Main Deck?

[RuthC]

Which deck is better - Deck A or the Main Deck?
"Better" is always in the eye of the beholder. I like Main Deck on the R-class ships, but always book on Lower Promenade on the S-class. Who knows why. :confused:

Wherever you end up on the ship, you are sure to have a good time. The Maasdam is a lovely ship. :)

[Druke I]

You did not mention your itinerary, but I found the Maasdam not to be a particularly good rider in heavy pitching seas.

We were forward on Main deck, trans-Atlantic, Lisbon to Fort Lauderdale, 11-95. Waters were smooth Lisbon to the Azores, but West of the Azores we ran into a large Atlantic storm.

Aside from the rough ride while the bow was bouncing, water entered the ship's hull via the hawsepipe (anchor chainway), and our cabin along with some half-dozen others, flooded to a depth of approx 6 inches. Luckily they had other cabins to which we could be moved!

In heavy, pitching seas, I much prefer to be midships (where we were relocated).

[biminis]

I see that this cruise is a Card Player poker cruise. Are you part of that group? I am curious if you book your cruise through another agent other than Card Player Cruises can you still play poker on the cruise? :confused:

Thanks and have a great trip.

[Mee&Dee]

On the Card Player's Cruises web site I read that if you don't book through them, you're not playing poker in their poker room, specialy organised for this cruise in one of the banquet rooms. You can ask your TA to book the cruise through CPC (not through Holland America), the price is comparable, that's what we did. There is of course the regular Casino where you can play poker if they offer-it.

[fuzzywuzzy]

I see that this cruise is a Card Player poker cruise. Are you part of that group? I am curious if you book your cruise through another agent other than Card Player Cruises can you still play poker on the cruise? :confused:

Thanks and have a great trip.

HUH??? I don't know anything about this being a card player poker cruise. How do you know this?

[richnorto]

The Maasdam has very few N cabins. If you booked a guarantee room, you will most likely not be in N.