Please Help Deciding:14 Day Maasdam v. b2b Westerdam

[drdaddy]

Hi, everyone! We are back in cruising mode and we can't decide between two trips.

One is a 14 day Maasdam RT Ft. Lauderdale. Many of the islands we haven't been to yet and even St. Maarten was like 20 years ago (I STILL have the Seiko I bought there!) The second one is b2b Ft. Lauderdale Eastern and Western.

I prefer the itinerary on the Maasdam but prefer the larger ship. Price is pretty good for the b2b, better than the 14 day.

The problem for us on the b2b is the two stops at HMC within three days (we LOVE HMC), the two stops at Grand Turk (haven't been so we don't know), and the obvious turnaround day in Fort Lauderdale (We LIVE in Ft. Lauderdale).

BUT, the Maasdam trip is pretty port intensive. Less relaxing.

What I am looking for from you great folks is insight to the ships and such.

Thanks, as always. Everyone always has all the right info.

[Krazy Kruizers]

JMO - I would choose the 14 day cruise with all the different ports.

[gizmo]

I agree with KK, go for the 14 days. You get more variety of ports. You can still relax. You don't have to get off the ship if you don't feel like it. You would have most of the ship to yourself. :) Another plus is the food. On the 14 day you will not have any repeat menus, on the BTB you will.

From what I have read about Grank Turk, there isn't much there except a pool at the dock and a couple of shops . I don't think you will be missing much.

[Orlandocruiser]

In addition there will be fewer children on a 14 day cruise than you would have on two 7 days cruises on a family friendly ship like the Westerdam.

[peaches from georgia]

I wouldn't even have to think twice to make the choice- the 14 day for sure. There is a big difference between a 14 day and 2 7dayers b2b- not only the repetition of everything from menus, to evening agendas such as Welcome Aboard and end of cruise nights, to entertainment on the b2bs, but the whole atmosphere of a 14 day is different. The Maasdam is smaller and you will get to know other pax over the course of the 2 weeks and really settle in for a very relaxed vacation. Plus you go to some really good ports on the 14 day. If you tire just take it easy and not try to do everything at every port.

You don't say when you will be cruising, but if by chance it is over or near a school vacation time, you will have lots of kids on the 7 dayers while almost none on the 14 day.

[Deb C.]

Rob,
Thank you for asking this question. Believe it or not, I have been pondering the same "dilemma."

The website I have been looking at, lists the Westerdam as a 14 day but I noticed it goes back to FLL after 7 days. To me, that is a B2B. They must be running it as some sort of Caribbean Special Cruise. It is about $500. cheaper than the 14 day Maasdam during the same time span (Oct.)

Maybe we will run into each other on a Roll Call once we make our decision.

Thank you to all who have provided info also.

Still pondering, Deb C.

[drdaddy]

Hey there, Krazys and Gizmo! How y'all been?

I guess I forgot to mention that the b2b are different itineraries. One stop on the Western leg is Costa Maya and from what I have been reading, it is taking time to recover from the hurricane. Very unfortunate.

Very interesting answers, though. The repetition on the ship is an excellent point I hadn't considered. Children will be no issue since it is late October.

Deb, yeah, they call it a "Combo". The Noordam is doing a 10 day b2b which they also list as a combo. 20 days is way too much out the office. But excellet prices with some of the online shops. Let me know when you figure this one out.

[DFD1]

I'm with the 14 day crowd. More interesting ports, fewer children, smaller ship....all things I like! However, HMC twice in one week would be fine for me.

Have fun!

[hammybee]

I am another in favor of the 14 day sail.

Here are other reasons to support the 14 day sail:

No risk of having to change cabins on turnaround day.

FLL turnaround day is not an event.

Safety Drill will not be repeated.

Menus will not be repeated.

Shows will not be repeated.

[Odd Ball]

Here is another vote for the 14 day cruise. :)

[RuthC]

This would be an easy decision for me: the 14 days on the Maasdam---for all the reasons already mentioned. Primarily because of the different atmosphere that one longer cruise has over two short ones.

[kryos]

Hi, everyone! We are back in cruising mode and we can't decide between two trips.

One is a 14 day Maasdam RT Ft. Lauderdale. Many of the islands we haven't been to yet and even St. Maarten was like 20 years ago (I STILL have the Seiko I bought there!) The second one is b2b Ft. Lauderdale Eastern and Western.

You have to do what best suits you, but for my money a 14-day itinerary beats a b2b anyday ... no duplication of ports and an entirely different ambience on the ship. I personally think the smaller ships provide the better service, but that's just me.

If I were making this decision, it would be Maasdam hands down.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[CoJo]

Dear wife and I were on a 14 day cruise in Feb. 2007 on the Veendam.
We are going on a b2b this Feb. The 14 day was port intensive but it was fantastic. There were several ports we hadn't seen. We are looking forward to this year's b2b which includes duplicate ports but this allows us the option to choose a relaxing day on board on the second stop.

[drdaddy]

YIKES! :eek:

9 1/2 to 1/2. (Cojo gets a 1/2 credit for the 14 day, I think) That is about 95% in favor of the 14 day.

Now, this a definite vote for the 14 day cruise. Do any of you think that the ship itself is a limiting factor or is the Maasdam v. Westerdam a non issue?

HammyBee summed it up quite well. Hadn't thought about that muster drill!

[peaches from georgia]

YIKES! :eek:

Do any of you think that the ship itself is a limiting factor or is the Maasdam v. Westerdam a non issue?


Maasdam v. Westerdam? Hmmm. We much prefer the S ships (Maasdam) to the Vistas (Westerdam), so that makes the 14 day cruise even more attractive to us. ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi drdaddy

If you liked the Volendam as far as size, then you should like the Maasdam as she is just a little smaller.

[Stevesan]

Hmmmm - 14 day vs B2B.

Let's see:
1) 14 day on a more user friendly ship.
2) 14 day costs less.
3) 14 day doesn't have a turnaround day so less hassle.
4) 14 day is port intensive. I can spend a couple port days on board and have the ship all to myself.
5) 14 day is longer cruise so fewer children

Gee - I just can't make up my mind.:p

[RuthC]

Do any of you think that the ship itself is a limiting factor or is the Maasdam v. Westerdam a non issue?
Non-issue, hah! It's one of the reasons taking the Maasdam is the more popular choice! :D Given the choice I'd take an S-class ship over a Vista and day.

[grannynurse]

I'd also choose the Maasdam. I've been on both ships, and like Ruth, I like the S class ships better as I feel they are more tradionally "HAL". The 14 day vs the B2B is another strong point, as I really don't care for menu repetitions.
However, If I were sailing with kids I'd choose the Westerdam as Maasdam is just for "us" IMO
GN

[Deb C.]

Actually in this case, the B2B is about $500 cheaper than the 14 day Maasdam.

But that being said, I'm still leaning to the Maasdam (for many of the reasons you all have stated.)

Does anyone on this thread know if Maasdam has undergone drydock lately or will be in '08? I really enjoyed the new Explorations Cafe on the Veendam!!:D

Thanks for your continued insights!!:cool: Deb

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Maasdam does have the Explorations Cafe.

[Deb C.]

Thanks!! :D

[drdaddy]

Deb, that $500 or so is the ONLY reason we have not made a final decision! It does sound like the Maasdam is the popular choice, doesn't it?

[Deb C.]

I am a last minute booker. I will be doing more research and then booking about 90 days before the cruise.

I'll watch for you on the Roll Calls later.:cool: Deb

[rocks]

Hi!
Even though I happen to like the smaller ships slightly better, there are some great things to be said for b2bs!
For one thing, the crowd will be younger & the chances for some night life in the disco, ect. will be more likely. The longer the cruise, the more 'older' the passengers are & the ship mostly will be deserted by midnight. Maybe that is a plus for you...not sure. As long as it isn't during a school break, there won't be a lot of kids.
We have done many b2bs & I love the turn-around day. Most times it was in Ft. Lauderdale & I really enjoy spending the day there.
Of course, there is the chance you will get to go to Half Moon 2 X's! That is a real plus to me!
We are currently considering a b2b for later this year on the Westerdam. It has been awhile & we really do LOVE them!
JMHO...
rocks

[Deb C.]

Yes, Rocks, this B2B does have HMC twice--end of the first week then FLL then HMC again. That would be nice in my opinion also. I really love their private island! D