Is Maasdam's boat deck ruined with the lanai cabins???

[fatcat04]

What's worse, in my estimation, is what's been done on the Upper Promenade Deck to the former Piano Bar/Sports Bar area. The Mix sounds like it may more adversely impact evening lounge usage ... and that's a greater concern for me. I've not seen The Mix yet, either, so I'll have to wait until I see and experience it for myself. However, from what I've heard from sources I trust, it's not exactly the best thought out reconfiguration.

 

I don't know if the setup of Mix is essentially the same on Veendam but here are some photos we took of Mix on Maasdam. We absolutely loved it. Spent every evening there.

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/582368898LVtdox

[sail7seas]

Maasdam had Lanai cabins built at her dry dock last spring. Maasdam did NOT

lose her aft pool and that area is still wonderful.

 

I doubt there are many who have sailed Maasdam more than us and we, in no way, see this whole uproar about the Lanais having ruined Maasdam. It simply isnt' so IMO

 

I also do not understand why someone cannot move a deck chair from one spot to another. If you don't like the view from wherever you find a vacant chair, not reserved for a Lanai dweller, move the 'dam' chair to a spot you like. Just because the Lanais have reserved chairs in that area does not mean everyone has to stay out of that area. It means you cannot use their chairs. Maybe you won't find a convenient spot dead in the middle but surely you can find a more than acceptable spot to sit and view the ocean.

 

IMO

[sail7seas]

We decided to skip the mentioned tour for several reasons. One was the Lanai cabin issue, Another reason we have done Hawaii several times on the 15 day cruise from San Diego. Another reason in 2011 we cruised New Zealand on the Volendam. We have the option of waiting for a Vista ship or again cruising on the Volendam going to south pacific from Australia or flying to Tahiti and cruising from there. There is even a good possibility that the Statendam may not receive the Lanai downgrade and we could cruise on her again. We will do that trip soon if God allows it in his plan for us.

 

 

Just in case you aren't aware.......

 

Oosterdam will be sailing Australia later this year.

 

You probably know but maybe not everyone does.

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you for the map, Greg. The Maasdam does look better than the Veendam. On the Veendam the area where the Hotel Managers office is on the Maasdam is lanai cabins and removes that block of desirable seating.

To put this simply: those 58 people (on the Maasdam there are 29 Lanai cabins) will not be trying to find a seat in the unrestricted premium viewing area because they already have their own chairs!

This brings up another reason we don't want a reserved chair - we do not want to be told 'you will sit HERE!'. We determine where we want to sit each day due to the wind, sun, views, and the proximity of smokers.

 

The cabins that are now lanai cabins have never been desirable to us. When we've booked outside cabins, the E category on A deck has been our choice. One of the reasons we've always said 'do not upgrade' is that we have NOT wanted to be moved to the Lower Promenade. We also haven't wanted Main deck as we can't depend upon others to obey the 'No Running' signs - but that is another discussion.

 

However, I'm still vehemently opposed to HAL converting public space for private use. I feel I've compromised my principles by booking a ship where HAL has done this. No reason I should feel happy about doing so.

[sail7seas]

Hotel Manager. Culinary Operations Manager and CD's offices on Maasdam have not been moved. They are where they always were.

However, the escalator to nowhere has been removed. :)

 

[SwissMyst]

......

What's worse, in my estimation, is what's been done on the Upper Promenade Deck to the former Piano Bar/Sports Bar area. The Mix sounds like it may more adversely impact evening lounge usage ... and that's a greater concern for me. I've not seen The Mix yet, either, so I'll have to wait until I see and experience it for myself. However, from what I've heard from sources I trust, it's not exactly the best thought out reconfiguration.

 

Now, you are talking about poor design and real public space interference. Just can't warm to this change myself. Mainly because of the intrusion of the brightly lighted shopping area - ruins the overall effect plus the over-allocation to the sports bar part of mix which rarely gets used and the lack of seating and/or sight lines for the piano bar. This change did bomb out on many levels, plus I don't think I ever saw anyone ordering a glass of champagne either from this part of the Mix. I would love to have been in on the early design conceptualization of this project which has now been forced too many of the wonderful HAL small ships. It was a big renovation so I suppose it will not be changed in any near future.

[fatcat04]

Different strokes, different folks I guess. Mix and our experience there was a highlight of our cruise on the Maasdam. We went every night.

 

We ordered champagne at the Champagne Bar. I think we had a glass each on both formal nights. We even gave a bottle to the piano man as a prize to the overall winner on the last night of trivia in the piano bar, which notably was the most packed place on the ship outside the MDR. We enjoyed beer at the Beer bar and tried all 4 kinds on tap. We had many cocktails and martinis at the Martini Bar. We actually enjoyed the open non-claustrophobic nature of the area that seemed to encourage guest interaction. The touch screen games were always being used as well.

 

We did go to the the Ocean Bar area a few times to listen to the wonderful jazz trio and there was generally a small crowd there but we, like many, gravitated back to the Mix. Also helped that our piano bar man and the piano man from the jazz trio would collaborate and entertained us thoroughly playing side by side. Such a treat.

 

The shops are quite bright but I never really even thought about it being distracting. The noise, light, and smoke from the casino was never even an issue. Never noticed it to be honest except when actually walking past.

 

I don't know what Maasdam was like before so I have no comparison but having gone to the piano bar on Westerdam and Zuiderdam, Mix beats the pants off them in our opinion. On those ships we always gravitated toward the Ocean Bar. But to each his own. :)

[raindropsalways]

Greg – Can you modify the copy of the deck plans? It appears that the aft open areas (non-obstructed) were omitted.

 

 

Betty

[Sir PMP]

While on a cruise. I walk the promenade deck every single day at various times. There's barely a soul out there. while walking it's 1 guy reading a book then 40 empty loungers then 1 woman knitting then 30 extra loungers.

 

There's a smattering of people out there at best. I even had no trouble getting a lounger going through the Panama Canal in 100 degree heat where everybody wanted to be to get some shade.

 

Just another case of 'War Of The Worlds" hysteria on these boards.

 

A big fat... much ado about nothing.

 

no trouble getting a lounger going through the Panama Canal in 100 degree heat, wonder why?

[Wakepatrol]

no trouble getting a lounger going through the Panama Canal in 100 degree heat, wonder why?

 

Keep wondering:)

[sail7seas]

We sail Canada/New England and Caribbean on Maasdam and I have stated my observations. Two different weather conditions.

[patrick65]

Greg,

 

Thank you for posting an excellent deck plan. After review I have concluded that Holland America did learn something from their Veendam experiance. Apparently the situation I found on the Veendam is far worse than the one which exist on the Maasdam. There are more chairs and the pool area was left intact. No leaks and no drive in size flat screen.

 

So much so I might take a chance on the Maasdam if the itinary was what I really wanted. It would have to be good.

 

It is still my prayer that they leave the Statendam alone. She is just fine the way she currently is.

[Amuse Bouche]

Isn't it sad when only a very few posters talk about this "ruining" an entire ship and in fact most posters stated just the opposite. Amazing how the negative news sticks, regardless of assurances to the contrary. So glad you hung in there to the bitter end of this discussion- My guess is you will wonder what all the whole lanai fuss was about once you get onboard.

 

And depending upon your itinerary and interest in other activities the whole Lower Promenade deck chair issue will seem very trivial. Plus you may also find other deck views you like even better than Lower Promenade, or even inside the Crows Net's fabulous views heading straight into where you are going. Happy travels.

 

:D Oh, isn't that so true??? The last few years, I get on CC, take notes, and prepare for everything I read on here. By the second day of my cruise, I've forgotten about all the negative things I was trying to be aware of.

There should be a warning for new CC members that reading the boards is the equivalent to putting the details under a magnifying glass. It's all great stuff to know, but you won't be as stressed as it seems now.

 

Well, except for the smoking issue.

[Y's Owl]

I was never attracted to a cabin on the lower promenade anyway. The idea of people on the other side of my window bothered me. On both my Maasdam cruises I had a amidships Main deck cabin with a nice big picture window. It was nice and quiet. If there were rough seas, you didn't move as much as the upper deck cabins and suites. There was a reason older ships were built lower to the sea, with first class cabins and the dining rooms down lower in the ship. It was better in rough seas.

Some of these newer larger ships seem to be skyscrapers on the sea with all their balcony cabins going 10 to 12 stories up higher than the promenade. I saw the new Royal Caribbean ship in Fort Lauderdale and it looked top heavy. Can you say Costa Concordia folks?

I used to get a cabin near that old escalator to no-where on the Maasdam so I could quickly go up it and be on the lower promenade deck. I guess now I will have to take an elevator or use the stairs. But it is a quick trip there and if I need to use a lounge chair, I know I will eventually get one somewhere on that beautiful ship. I am not going to pay more money to lose my personal privacy in one of those cabins that while although the same size as my cabin one deck down, it has less usable space because you have to leave room for the second door to open and close.

[kazu]

no trouble getting a lounger going through the Panama Canal in 100 degree heat, wonder why?

 

this should have a reply but whatever I would post would be xxxxx'd

 

seriously - verandas and the promenade are nice - we were there on the Panama and did make full use of it -and the areas they opened. my you like to be negative don't you?:confused: this is an experience and not to be missed JMO;)

[G&G]

Apparently there are some that do not realize that only a few of the cabins are Lanai and the only deck area that would be behind any structure would be on the outside of the DD and HH category cabins. If you refer to the deck plans, (http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlansFull.action?ship=ma_2&deck=m Select “Lower Promenade” deck) you can see that the deck area outside of all blue identified cabins is also open. If you would prefer the deck area outside the Lanai cabins, I would suggest that you book a Lanai cabin.

 

 

Normally when any ship line invest in changes, it is because sufficient passengers have request such changes.

 

 

Betty

 

"Book a Lanai cabin????" That's buying into their scheme FOR SURE !!! We've been on 45 cruises and are 4-star HAL, but I say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!" Okay, now you can flame me.

[sail7seas]

I was never attracted to a cabin on the lower promenade anyway. The idea of people on the other side of my window bothered me. On both my Maasdam cruises I had a amidships Main deck cabin with a nice big picture window. It was nice and quiet. If there were rough seas' date=' you didn't move as much as the upper deck cabins and suites. There was a reason older ships were built lower to the sea, with first class cabins and the dining rooms down lower in the ship. It was better in rough seas.[/font']

 

Some of these newer larger ships seem to be skyscrapers on the sea with all their balcony cabins going 10 to 12 stories up higher than the promenade. I saw the new Royal Caribbean ship in Fort Lauderdale and it looked top heavy. Can you say Costa Concordia folks?

 

I used to get a cabin near that old escalator to no-where on the Maasdam so I could quickly go up it and be on the lower promenade deck. I guess now I will have to take an elevator or use the stairs. But it is a quick trip there and if I need to use a lounge chair, I know I will eventually get one somewhere on that beautiful ship. I am not going to pay more money to lose my personal privacy in one of those cabins that while although the same size as my cabin one deck down, it has less usable space because you have to leave room for the second door to open and close.

 

 

All you say makes perfect sense and great you have found exactly what suits you. Perfect!

 

Just for someone else thinking about booking a Lanai.... no need to worry about losing space to the door that opens to Promenade Deck as it is a slider..... takes no space away from the cabin and you won't be opening it inward to the cabin.

 

[serendipity1499]

"Book a Lanai cabin????" That's buying into their scheme FOR SURE !!! We've been on 45 cruises and are 4-star HAL, but I say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!" Okay, now you can flame me.

 

What is "the scheme"supposed to mean?:confused::confused:..

IMO it was one of the best changes HAL made..You may not think so, but don't be so critical of something you have never tried.. HAL is in business to make a profit & apparently they are making a profit selling those Lanai's..As stockholders & also four star Mariners we applaud HAL"s decision to change the OV's into Lanai's..

We would book a Lanai if it was available on any HAL ship..We loved our Lanai on the Veendam & now are very spoiled..Every time we sail on a HAL ship, DH asks if we can book a Lanai..

 

Now taking away the AFT pool IMO was not a smart thing to do & agree with Greg that the Mix is not to our taste..However just because we don't like it, doesn't mean it was a dumb thing to do..

 

All you say makes perfect sense and great you have found exactly what suits you. Perfect!

 

Just for someone else thinking about booking a Lanai.... no need to worry about losing space to the door that opens to Promenade Deck as it is a slider..... takes no space away from the cabin and you won't be opening it inward to the cabin.

 

You took the words right out of my mouth..The sliding glass door doesn't take away from the space at all!

Cheers....Betty

[sail7seas]

This thread has me imagining that the crew on Maasdam must be removing chairs from that deck and then replacing them and then removing them.

 

The case of 'exactly how many chairs are there' on Promenade Deck?

How can some be seeing a generous number of chairs and others report they could not get a chair.

 

 

What's up? :D :D

 

There isn't anyone who loves Maasdam more than us........ may be some who love her as much but I seriously doubt anyone loves her more!!! ;)

 

 

 

[RuthC]

How can some be seeing a generous number of chairs and others report they could not get a chair.

Maybe it's one of those "Where you stand is determined by where you sit" things.

If you're merely observing the situation you might have a different perspective than if you have tried to find a suitable lounger, but have had a hard time.

[FLACRUISER99]

This thread has me imagining that the crew on Maasdam must be removing chairs from that deck and then replacing them and then removing them.

 

The case of 'exactly how many chairs are there' on Promenade Deck?

How can some be seeing a generous number of chairs and others report they could not get a chair.

 

 

What's up? :D :D

 

There isn't anyone who loves Maasdam more than us........ may be some who love her as much but I seriously doubt anyone loves her more!!! ;)

 

 

 

I think it depends on the Itinerary, I'm sure there lots of chairs at times and none when the ships goes through the Panama canal.

[sail7seas]

:shrug: Maybe they really do have more out sometimes and less other times?

 

Hard to imagine but it's also hard to imagine such variant reports of what 'witnesses' have actually viewed on the deck.

 

[Wakepatrol]

Problem solved... Just bring your own deck chair,put it any place you'd like.

 

just add it to the power strips,cases of wine,water and soda.

duct tape curling irons, hair dryers,and all the other "Must Haves"

 

Why not kick it up a notch, and just bring a barcalounger with you.

[RevNeal]

Greg – Can you modify the copy of the deck plans? It appears that the aft open areas (non-obstructed) were omitted.

 

Betty, as far as I know there are NO non-obstructed areas that are omitted. The aft deck on the S class ship has a solid-metal rail, meaning that the view is obstructed when one is reclining in a lounge chair.

[RevNeal]

"Book a Lanai cabin????" That's buying into their scheme FOR SURE !!! We've been on 45 cruises and are 4-star HAL, but I say "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!" Okay, now you can flame me.

 

I won't flame you. Not at all ... for I tend to agree. :)

However, I DID book a Lanai cabin for South America / Antarctica 2013 aboard the Veendam. I booked it precisely because I wanted to be able to directly and easily access the outside of the lower promenade deck. And, the deck chairs are nice too. :)