Maasdam

Anyone just returning from New England/Canada? Any info?

we are leaving today our first time sailing hal will post on our return

Float - Bon Voyage! Have a wonderful cruise.

We look forward to hearing from you upon your return.

Fred - there are a few posters returning today who promised feedback, although they may be doing one day post cruise. Hopefully by Monday we will have heard from them. 2 weeks from today we'll be on the ship!

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

Marie

Was hoping for info on tours. Don't know if I want to pre book or what?

Have a great time. We are booked for July and are looking forward to it.

I think you may get very lucky on weather this week as the weather ispredicted to warm into the eighties. We've had some raw, chilly weather this spring (mixed in with some pretty days)but it seems we will finally get some summer temperatures.

Bon Voyage. Have a great time.

<img src=http://domania.us/DaveEdwards/HALlogo.gif>

I think we will get pretty detailed information from them. Hang in there a few more days. I know the 10 day limit is coming up. I DID book through the ship mainly because I am traveling solo, but on other cruises have booked with other vendors and have had no problems. Have you been over to the Ports of Call board to see what information you can find on indepent companies? Also, Mark from the roll call board may have some knowledge....why don't you leave him a message on the roll call board. I think he and his wife were going to do some independent touring.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

Check down a little lower in the board and you will find my four part short novel about our cruise on the Maasdam from Ft lauderdale to Montreal 5/9-5/22. I spend a lot of time on what we did in the various ports.

There is also a link to my other posts on the ports of call Canada board.

Have a great next cruise.

HAL Noordam 3/97 West Carib

Hal Westerdam 12/97 East Carib

HAL Veendam 11/98 East Carib

Hal Zaandam 12/00 South Carib

HAL Veendam 10/01 Panama Canal

RCCL Enchantment 09/02 W.Carib

Costa Atlantica 12/02 E.Carib

HAL Noordam 03/03 S.Carib

Golden Princess 07/03 Med

Celebrity Zenith 12/03 W.Carib

HAL Maasdam 05/04 Canada

Just in today from Maasdam and we had a wonderful time on a great ship. These are the excursions we did and all were just fine and well worth taking them making the cruise so memorible:

Portland: Did the Union Fort/Lobster Bake - It's run by a family on the island that has the old 1808 Federal Fort restored for inside

tours and it was so interesting. Lobster bake was inside a cottage and some of the best fresh Maine Lobster I've had (I had 2 of them!)

Wife went to the Freeport Shopping and had a wonderful time there shopping. She got me a $300 cashmere sweater for $29 so I think it was worth it to me that she went.

In Bar Harbor we did the Best of both worlds early tour and that was fantastic if you've not been to Cadillac Mtn. before. The other things we did like the lobster demostration and mansion tour was just great. You could do the church tour on your own for free but made a wonderful 4 hours to spend before the stores opened in Bar Harbor.

No tours in Halifax and St.John as we had been there several times before but if you've not done Peggy's cove that is a good one. Maritime Museum makes a nice stop close by the Pier.

I walked all over both towns in less than a few hours.

Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL

until we sail on the Disney Wonder

til we sail the ms Maasdam

F5Loar - Thank you for posting so quickly. It sounds as if this was a wonderful cruise.

Just a few questions...I may have more later, but I need coffee, LOL.

Did you stay pre-cruise at the Hyatt? If so, how was it? Did you taxi from the airport to the Hyatt, and if so, how much was the taxi ride? I know someone from the 5/29 cruise was staying at the Hyatt(as I am), just can't remember who now.

Did you order the $14 bottle of wine? If so, what did you think?

How would you rate the service overall?

More later....THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

We did stay at the Hyatt for $40. To park the car was another $26(not part of hotel)but you would pay that if you had paid the normal $200 per night. We drove to the terminal and it was a 5 min. drive from the hotel so taxi won't be much I would say $6 as that is what they charged for us to go to Quincy Market for supper the night before (had a whole lobster there and it was great!) Wine was delivered at dinner and I changed my selection to Zinf. blush and it was no problem. He poured as we got half down and kept the remainder for the next night and poped a new bottle as needed. We stayed with the Zinf. all week even though I had ordered 2 whites, 1 red on preorder. No extra charges.

Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL

until we sail on the Disney Wonder

til we sail the ms Maasdam

oh, the Hyatt was just that a nice Hyatt as you would expect. Mattress was so comfortable we didn't want to get up the next morning. Clean and first class all the way.

Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL

until we sail on the Disney Wonder

til we sail the ms Maasdam

The Zinfandel blush would be my preference. How did you go about that change/request? Did he ask you or did you ask him? I did order 3 bottles of the chardonnay, one for my room(so have little control over that), and 2 for dinner.

I have read mixed reviews on the Hyatt from tripadvisor, BUT, for the priceline price it can not be beat. That fact alone, I will NOT be disappointed. I made my own reservation through orbitz for the Omni Parker House, post cruise, as I wanted more control over my post cruise hotel, as I will be staying there longer.

Did you dine at the Pinnacle?

Also, did you notice in your daily paperwork at "get together for single travelers". I am very happily married but do desire to meet other solo cruisers, and perhaps find another woman to dine with at the Pinnacle one evening.

Thank you.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

What time did you arrive at the pier?

I know this is a busy time for you so if you are unable to respond to all my ?'s, I understand. I know one of the gals was doing a post cruise at the Omni Parker House, and I am sure we will hear from them soon.

Also, I am signed up for the Best of Both Worlds 12:45 tour, mainly because I was doing early tours all week, and wanted to sleep in a bit, but in your opinion should I change to the early, or does it matter? My plan was to do some walking around before the 12:45 tour, but what time does everything open?

Thank you!

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

Any more info from returning PAX on ports?

Thanks

Just returned from Maasdam and post-cruise at the Omni Parker House.

We only took one excursion from Holland America, the City Highlights tour in St. John. Sad to say, it was our worst tour. The guide was really awful, kept forgetting what she was saying, never finished sentences, would point out things of interest AFTER we'd passed them.

For the other ports, we just took local tours that were near the piers and enjoyed all of them. We didn't take a tour in Halifax, as it was so foggy we couldn't have seen much. From the top of the Citadel, you could only see the foot of the hill! We walked the boardwalk there, and went to the Maritime Museum.

Had a beautiful weather day in Martha's Vineyard, where we walked around the little cottages, went in some shops, then took a 2 1/2 hour tour of the island. Our guide was terrific - a school teacher in the winter, and a musician in a local band. He pointed out the homes of the rich and famous, took us through Edgarton and out to GayHead Lighthouse, and told many interesting local stories.

In Portland, we took a trolley with Mainely Tours, located just a few blocks to the left of the pier. Really enjoyed seeing the old Queen Anne mansions along the waterfront, had a beautiful drive through Cape Elizabeth neighborhood on the way out to the lighthouse. Another good tour, and we just walked on, no reservations. We really liked walking through the Old Port section of town after the tour, and thought it had a European feel.

In Bar Harbor, we took a 2 1/2 hour tour with Acadia National Park Tours, with 3 stops in the park, for $20. Just walk up the main street from the pier, about 2 blocks, and you'll see the buses parked on the left. You can purchase tickets there or across the street next to Testa's restaurant. The stops seemed a bit rushed, but I guess that's the same for all tours. It's so magnificent, definitely not to be missed. We also took the 3/4 mile shore path walk early in the AM, a very easy, level walk with gorgeous scenery as you pass the waterfront inns and B & B's. And of course, who could resist all the wonderful little shops that line the main street! We were SO fortunate to have a beautiful, mild and sunny day there. Apparently, it was the first nice day the cruise has had in that port this season. We really loved this port. Oh, and we had our first lobster roll there, at a little mom-and-pop take out place about a block down from the dock to the right. It was $12.95, but REALLY fresh lobster with butter drizzled over it - so yummy. We ate ours on a bench overlooking the harbor.

In Boston, we really lucked out with our room at the Parker House. It was supposed to be one of those tiny European rooms ($119 with no cancellation through Quickbooks.com), but we evidently got a handicap room, as it was a large one with 2 huge windows, walk-in closet, armoire, desk, 2 chairs and a huge bathroom with grab rails all around! We're still in middle-age and in relatively good shape, so I don't know how it happened, but were thrilled it did. So glad we decided to stay there, as the location is just unbeatable. We walked everywhere - Beacon Hill, Copley area, Quincy Market, waterfront, even to the North End for Italian dinner!

Be sure to take a weatherproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes for this trip. The weather changes so fast - mild one minute, then terrible wind chill the next, especially in Boston. Yesterday (Sunday), we had a very cold rain with stiff winds, and I was cold even with a long-sleeve shirt, a sweater and a long jacket on! But I hear it's supposed to get to 90 there in a few days. Just be prepared for anything.

One final tidbit - several nights before the cruise's end, we got a note under the door offering another week on the ship for $299 per person inside cabin. If only we were retired!

Have a great time!

Thanks for the information on tours. Anyone else out there on the June 26 sailing? Sandy

I'm leaving on the 12th.....yeeha!!

Have fun- and let us know how it goes, etc. Sandy

will do..been thinking about it all day...no all month to be honest

See my review on this board under Maasdam 5/29-6-5.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by flahagan:

Just returned from Maasdam and post-cruise at the Omni Parker House.

We only took one excursion from Holland America, the City Highlights tour in St. John. Sad to say, it was our worst tour. The guide was really awful, kept forgetting what she was saying, never finished sentences, would point out things of interest AFTER we'd passed them.

For the other ports, we just took local tours that were near the piers and enjoyed all of them. We didn't take a tour in Halifax, as it was so foggy we couldn't have seen much. From the top of the Citadel, you could only see the foot of the hill! We walked the boardwalk there, and went to the Maritime Museum.

Had a beautiful weather day in Martha's Vineyard, where we walked around the little cottages, went in some shops, then took a 2 1/2 hour tour of the island. Our guide was terrific - a school teacher in the winter, and a musician in a local band. He pointed out the homes of the rich and famous, took us through Edgarton and out to GayHead Lighthouse, and told many interesting local stories.

In Portland, we took a trolley with Mainely Tours, located just a few blocks to the left of the pier. Really enjoyed seeing the old Queen Anne mansions along the waterfront, had a beautiful drive through Cape Elizabeth neighborhood on the way out to the lighthouse. Another good tour, and we just walked on, no reservations. We really liked walking through the Old Port section of town after the tour, and thought it had a European feel.

In Bar Harbor, we took a 2 1/2 hour tour with Acadia National Park Tours, with 3 stops in the park, for $20. Just walk up the main street from the pier, about 2 blocks, and you'll see the buses parked on the left. You can purchase tickets there or across the street next to Testa's restaurant. The stops seemed a bit rushed, but I guess that's the same for all tours. It's so magnificent, definitely not to be missed. We also took the 3/4 mile shore path walk early in the AM, a very easy, level walk with gorgeous scenery as you pass the waterfront inns and B & B's. And of course, who could resist all the wonderful little shops that line the main street! We were SO fortunate to have a beautiful, mild and sunny day there. Apparently, it was the first nice day the cruise has had in that port this season. We really loved this port. Oh, and we had our first lobster roll there, at a little mom-and-pop take out place about a block down from the dock to the right. It was $12.95, but REALLY fresh lobster with butter drizzled over it - so yummy. We ate ours on a bench overlooking the harbor.

In Boston, we really lucked out with our room at the Parker House. It was supposed to be one of those tiny European rooms ($119 with no cancellation through Quickbooks.com), but we evidently got a handicap room, as it was a large one with 2 huge windows, walk-in closet, armoire, desk, 2 chairs and a huge bathroom with grab rails all around! We're still in middle-age and in relatively good shape, so I don't know how it happened, but were thrilled it did. So glad we decided to stay there, as the location is just unbeatable. We walked everywhere - Beacon Hill, Copley area, Quincy Market, waterfront, even to the North End for Italian dinner!

Be sure to take a weatherproof jacket and sturdy walking shoes for this trip. The weather changes so fast - mild one minute, then terrible wind chill the next, especially in Boston. Yesterday (Sunday), we had a very cold rain with stiff winds, and I was cold even with a long-sleeve shirt, a sweater and a long jacket on! But I hear it's supposed to get to 90 there in a few days. Just be prepared for anything.

One final tidbit - several nights before the cruise's end, we got a note under the door offering another week on the ship for $299 per person inside cabin. If only we were retired!

Have a great time!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry about reposting the previous post when I was merely attempting to ask a question of flahagan. A friend and I will be on the Maasdam 8/28 sailing from Boston to Montreal with Bar Harbor as a stop. The Acadia tour which you mention sounds good and I was just curious if the buses used are full size motor coaches or mini buses of some sort.

Thanks for all the great info.

For our Best of Both Worlds tours at Bar Harbor we had a brand new luxury bus with toliet. Nice! I recommend that tour if it is your first time there. A little longer but shows a whole lot more.

Till we sail on the Zuiderdam

Til we sail on the Mariner of The Seas RCL

until we sail on the Disney Wonder

til we sail the ms Maasdam

F5Loar - I am signed up for the Best of Both Worlds tour, so it is good to hear you enjoyed it.

Marie

HAL - MAASDAM - June 2004/Canada/New England

RCI - Mariner of the Seas,

Sept 2004(CC Group Cruise)

RCI - Rhapsody of the Seas

October 2004

RCI Majesty of the Seas - Spring Break, March 2005

Celebrity Mercury, April 2005

Caribbean Princess, Sept 2005

(CC Group Cruise)

We're doing Acadia National Park (including Cadillas Mtn.) and Rustic Lobster Bake (and mussels and chowder and more) which I think will be a blast.