Maasdam Review in One Minute

Fresh off Maasdam, so here we go...

Fast and efficient embarkation/debarkation. Only 1,300 folks, so it’s a bit easier than a mega ship.

Ship is 35 years old and well cared for. Everything is clean and everything works.

Decor is traditional; lots of cool port plaques in the stairwells and interesting art all over the ship.

Staterooms are spacious for a small ship. Desk, table, and ocean views have a sofa. First ship I’ve been on where I had a real tub in the bathroom which was not a suite.

It’s low tech...if you’re looking for fast WiFi, apps, and electronic interface, this is not your ride. They do have a pretty good website once you’re on board to check your account and reserve excursions. Need to be better than average tech savvy.

Dining service comes up short. If you’ve cruised before, you’ll find the choices and level of service don’t measure up. Their serving process in both MDR and buffet is crazy slow. Great burgers at the pool though, but only until 5pm.

Lots of music around the ship to keep the silver set entertained. As a 50, I appreciated the quality of singers, dancers, and orchestra. Classical duo was good too. Other musicians were talented, yet campy.

Cruise Director Staff - friendly but low energy. They don’t cater to or do well with young people, but HAL is not known for appealing to younger travelers (teens through 30’s).

So, if your considering or already booked on Maaadam, I hope this helped you.

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Thank you for your Maasdam comments.

We had no problems with meal service during our previous Maasdam cruises.

Did you all enjoy the ports? I remember you asking for suggestions. :)

Thanks for your review!

Hi Atl Folks - Did you mean to say that Maasdam is 25, not 35, years old? I believe she was launched in 1993. Thanks for your one-minute review!

Thank you for your review.

The Maasdam was built in 1993 and is only 25 years old. We have sailed on quite a few times.

Hi Atl Folks - Did you mean to say that Maasdam is 25, not 35, years old? I believe she was launched in 1993. Thanks for your one-minute review!

Yes she is actually 26 years per the captain at the ask the captain chat two weeks ago. I think he figures they will use her for another 3-4 years.

"Cruise Director Staff - friendly but low energy."

Very tactful comment that expresses my observation as well. Apart from the trivia sessions, there seemed to be very little evidence of planned activities on board.

That said, we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere on the ship, and the small number of fellow passengers (in relation to the mega-ship trend) was a plus.

enjoyed the review.thanks.

Low energy and not catering to younger demographics but preserving the ambiance for older passengers ...sounds good to me. Can't be all things to all people sometimes. Good to learn this up front since there are so many other high-energy, younger demographic choices out there. But for the other end of the passenger spectrum at this price point, there are no others.

Interesting review - I haven’t sailed her since 2002 and 2005. I guess she and her contemporaries are about to be phased out: hopefully to be replaced by newer vessels not trying to mimic other lines’ mega ships - in both design and ambience.

Did you all enjoy the ports? I remember you asking for suggestions. :)

Yes, we did enjoy the ports. The kids were a bit bored on PEI and Sydney, but I appreciated the history. Everyone loved Quebec City and Bar Harbor. We decided to freestyle rather than have planned excursions in each port, which for the most part, worked out fine.

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Hi Atl Folks - Did you mean to say that Maasdam is 25, not 35, years old? I believe she was launched in 1993. Thanks for your one-minute review!

Yup - it’s the community that keeps us all honest. ;)

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"Cruise Director Staff - friendly but low energy."

Very tactful comment that expresses my observation as well. Apart from the trivia sessions, there seemed to be very little evidence of planned activities on board.

That said, we enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere on the ship, and the small number of fellow passengers (in relation to the mega-ship trend) was a plus.

I agree. I don’t expect my cruise staff to dance their tails off at the sail away, but being more visible and engaging more with guests would be welcome. I do also appreciate the laid back vibe of the Maasdam.

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Interesting review - I haven’t sailed her since 2002 and 2005. I guess she and her contemporaries are about to be phased out: hopefully to be replaced by newer vessels not trying to mimic other lines’ mega ships - in both design and ambience.

The Maasdam is going into dry dock later this month to continue her conversion to an excursion ship, more emphasis on culture of the smaller and exotic ports. The Zodiacs will not be installed yet for the cruise beginning Sept. 10, traditional song & dance entertainment will be discontinued. This will be a ship that "thinking & curious" passengers should enjoy. Cuisine and lectures reflecting the various ports will be featured. HAL has a website explaining more of the changes. I am excited to be on this first cruise.

The Maasdam is going into dry dock later this month to continue her conversion to an excursion ship, more emphasis on culture of the smaller and exotic ports. The Zodiacs will not be installed yet for the cruise beginning Sept. 10, traditional song & dance entertainment will be discontinued. This will be a ship that "thinking & curious" passengers should enjoy. Cuisine and lectures reflecting the various ports will be featured. HAL has a website explaining more of the changes. I am excited to be on this first cruise.

I believe the Zodiacs have already been installed, but will not be available for passenger excursions until a few cruises after her inaugural one starting this September. We certainly will learn more in a few more weeks. See you on board.

Yes, we did enjoy the ports. The kids were a bit bored on PEI and Sydney, but I appreciated the history. Everyone loved Quebec City and Bar Harbor. We decided to freestyle rather than have planned excursions in each port, which for the most part, worked out fine.

 

 

 

Your group like Halifax? We enjoyed many visits there.

 

Thanks for your review. i enjoyed reading it. :)

 

 

 

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Maasdam is a terrific ship IMO Very special

Yes, we did enjoy the ports. The kids were a bit bored on PEI and Sydney, but I appreciated the history. Everyone loved Quebec City and Bar Harbor. We decided to freestyle rather than have planned excursions in each port, which for the most part, worked out fine.

 

 

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If there are two ports where one should allow for shore excursions they are Sydney and PEI - both have fabulous offerings. Either the coal mine tour or Fort Louisburg in Sydney are well worth budgeting the extra expense, especially for young people. Traveling to the Ann of Green Gables house on PEI was also a not to be missed highlight for the island's beautiful countryside, as well as the charm of both the Green Gables location and reaquaintance with this enduring coming of age story itself. Other ports on the New England Canada cruise can be DYI, but these two ports are far better appreciated when getting out of town and experiencing the deep history and beauty of the surrounding areas.

I sailed on her for 22 days this past November, my first Holland Cruise as well and I truly enjoyed it.

Was this close to booking one of the 14 day Tahiti cruises due to a great casino discount but after careful consideration decided for Panama Canal cruise this year (never been). Maasdam is easily one of my top favorite cruises taken.

If there are two ports where one should allow for shore excursions they are Sydney and PEI - both have fabulous offerings. Either the coal mine tour or Fort Louisburg in Sydney are well worth budgeting the extra expense, especially for young people. Traveling to the Ann of Green Gables house on PEI was also a not to be missed highlight for the island's beautiful countryside, as well as the charm of both the Green Gables location and reaquaintance with this enduring coming of age story itself. Other ports on the New England Canada cruise can be DYI, but these two ports are far better appreciated when getting out of town and experiencing the deep history and beauty of the surrounding areas.

In Sydney, we did the Big Fiddle, and the concert was well worth it. DW did do Anne of Green Gables and said she enjoyed it very much.