Recent Maasdam reports

[Travelbug 2]

After reading the post dry dock reports of Maasdam I am becoming quite concerned. I am booked to sail on her in June and am hoping to hear positive reports before then.

Everyone has their own opinion and expectations, mine are very basic and I am not hard to please however from what I have read the Maasdam is on a downward spiral :eek: Has anyone had a positive experience on this ship recently?? If so I would love to hear about it. :)

 

Does anyone from HAL read these forums??

[Cinder Again]

After reading the post dry dock reports of Maasdam I am becoming quite concerned. I am booked to sail on her in June and am hoping to hear positive reports before then.

Everyone has their own opinion and expectations, mine are very basic and I am not hard to please however from what I have read the Maasdam is on a downward spiral :eek: Has anyone had a positive experience on this ship recently?? If so I would love to hear about it. :)

 

Does anyone from HAL read these forums??

 

Well, I just got off her Friday, after 21 days aboard, and I can honestly say my cabin was too cold, vs. no air conditioning!:D The five big issues (IMHO) for her were: 1. a group of Officers/Cruise Director staff who just seemed to be going through the motions. 2. many public bathrooms were out of service the whole 21 days I was aboard. 3. Internet was not working, especially if you wanted to read emails. After 40 minutes, I got on line, but still couldn't read or send emails. (and yet they continued to sell packages) 4. Two forward and one aft elevator that were often out of service. And, tragically, 5. NO Pizza anywhere on the ship!

They had no availability if you wanted to book the Pinnacle, even 20 days out, so no spur of the moment anniversary or birthday celebrations, and since dinners in the dining room were laborously slow, we rarely made a show, since they only had two, at 8 and 10. Even eating right at 5:45, we rarely got out in time to make the 8 o'clock show. They are clearly understaffed in the kitchens and dining rooms, so it's not the fault of the servers. They were trying, they just had too many tables with too little staff. If we missed a show, we couldn't make a movie, either, so there were a lot of quiet nights... I sent in the worst review I've ever given a HAL ship, and I was on the Rotterdam years ago, post drydock;)

[TheEmerson]

I also have a cruise booked in June. I am watching the reports until final payment day on 3/31 when I make that payment. Some issues presented do not bother me, such as pizza, shows.

Hopefully the crew will congeal into a well running group. But I will not cancel just yet.

[BeagleOne]

Glad you posted, thanks! I was thinking of booking an April cruise which has the itinerary I want, although that's a bit late in the year for me...the same itinerary is showing for January 2015 so I might wait and go then.

 

Will be following Maasdam reports with interest!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Well, I just got off her Friday, after 21 days aboard, and I can honestly say my cabin was too cold, vs. no air conditioning!:D The five big issues (IMHO) for her were: 1. a group of Officers/Cruise Director staff who just seemed to be going through the motions. 2. many public bathrooms were out of service the whole 21 days I was aboard. 3. Internet was not working, especially if you wanted to read emails. After 40 minutes, I got on line, but still couldn't read or send emails. (and yet they continued to sell packages) 4. Two forward and one aft elevator that were often out of service. And, tragically, 5. NO Pizza anywhere on the ship!

They had no availability if you wanted to book the Pinnacle, even 20 days out, so no spur of the moment anniversary or birthday celebrations, and since dinners in the dining room were laborously slow, we rarely made a show, since they only had two, at 8 and 10. Even eating right at 5:45, we rarely got out in time to make the 8 o'clock show. They are clearly understaffed in the kitchens and dining rooms, so it's not the fault of the servers. They were trying, they just had too many tables with too little staff. If we missed a show, we couldn't make a movie, either, so there were a lot of quiet nights... I sent in the worst review I've ever given a HAL ship, and I was on the Rotterdam years ago, post drydock;)

 

Thank you for your report.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Well, I just got off her Friday, after 21 days aboard, and I can honestly say my cabin was too cold, vs. no air conditioning!:D The five big issues (IMHO) for her were: 1. a group of Officers/Cruise Director staff who just seemed to be going through the motions. 2. many public bathrooms were out of service the whole 21 days I was aboard. 3. Internet was not working, especially if you wanted to read emails. After 40 minutes, I got on line, but still couldn't read or send emails. (and yet they continued to sell packages) 4. Two forward and one aft elevator that were often out of service. And, tragically, 5. NO Pizza anywhere on the ship!

They had no availability if you wanted to book the Pinnacle, even 20 days out, so no spur of the moment anniversary or birthday celebrations, and since dinners in the dining room were laborously slow, we rarely made a show, since they only had two, at 8 and 10. Even eating right at 5:45, we rarely got out in time to make the 8 o'clock show. They are clearly understaffed in the kitchens and dining rooms, so it's not the fault of the servers. They were trying, they just had too many tables with too little staff. If we missed a show, we couldn't make a movie, either, so there were a lot of quiet nights... I sent in the worst review I've ever given a HAL ship, and I was on the Rotterdam years ago, post drydock;)

That does not sound good :confused::confused:

[gigianne]

We will be on the Maasdam March 28th - we will definitely post on CC (provided we can get on the internet).

[thecleave]

I really need to start a separate topic with my review!

 

I disembarked last Friday too, and yes, there was (is?) an issue with the internet. Many people were unable to access email accounts - Gmail, Yahoo, etc. - by using the mail applications on their iPhone/iPad. The only way it worked for me was by using my browser and going directly to Gmail. I also had no problem using my laptop but couldn't get Gmail to load when I used the Maasdam's computer.

 

It's true - there is no pizza.

 

The only public toilet I noticed out of order a couple of times was the ladies room by the Sea View pool.

 

Had an outside cabin, no air conditioning issues.

 

Overall I quite enjoyed myself after not having sailed HAL in 10 years. I don't consider myself too hard to please, and perhaps I've downgraded my expectations when it comes to cruising. A couple of notables from my recent experience - probably the best desserts I've ever had on a cruise. The chocolate chip cookies are ridiculously good.

 

I guess I do have a quibble regarding service. The barista I saw most mornings in the Explorations Cafe was not the friendliest chap, and he oversteamed the milk every time, even though I asked him not to.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We will be on the Maasdam March 28th - we will definitely post on CC (provided we can get on the internet).

 

 

Whether you are able to post live or once you get home -- looking forward to your report.

[kazu]

We will be on the Maasdam March 28th - we will definitely post on CC (provided we can get on the internet).

 

If we have internet - you either have two reports or a joint report.

 

I am hoping that the bugs get worked out on the 49 day cruise before they come back to pick us up in FLL.

 

kazu likes to take a glass 1/2 full attitude but....................................

 

still looking forward to our cruise but with a little apprehension now. :eek:

[innlady1]

Well, I just got off her Friday, after 21 days aboard, and I can honestly say my cabin was too cold, vs. no air conditioning!:D The five big issues (IMHO) for her were: 1. a group of Officers/Cruise Director staff who just seemed to be going through the motions. 2. many public bathrooms were out of service the whole 21 days I was aboard. 3. Internet was not working, especially if you wanted to read emails. After 40 minutes, I got on line, but still couldn't read or send emails. (and yet they continued to sell packages) 4. Two forward and one aft elevator that were often out of service. And, tragically, 5. NO Pizza anywhere on the ship!

They had no availability if you wanted to book the Pinnacle, even 20 days out, so no spur of the moment anniversary or birthday celebrations, and since dinners in the dining room were laborously slow, we rarely made a show, since they only had two, at 8 and 10. Even eating right at 5:45, we rarely got out in time to make the 8 o'clock show. They are clearly understaffed in the kitchens and dining rooms, so it's not the fault of the servers. They were trying, they just had too many tables with too little staff. If we missed a show, we couldn't make a movie, either, so there were a lot of quiet nights... I sent in the worst review I've ever given a HAL ship, and I was on the Rotterdam years ago, post drydock;)

 

Bingo! IMHO, therein lies the current problems on the Maasdam. We went to a cocktail party in the Crow's Nest and sat fairly close to the receiving line...enough to notice the officers couldn't wait to bolt at 8 PM! I never saw any of them "out and about".

We came onboard Noordam when we disembarked Maasdam. It's quite interesting as with two cruises b2b but on different ships...we can draw very current comparisons. Noordam officers - all of them - are always all around the ship. This ship has a 'happy crew'...something we didn't see on Maasdam.

Hopefully those sailing once the current staff's contracts are over will be OK.

Was good to see you again, Kathi!

[boards]

What must it be like for the group now cruising on the 49 day cruise? Hope there was a big change in staff for that cruise.

[cruiseapril]

Does anyone here think that HAL will use some of the Maasdam's itineraries for other ships?

 

The Maasdam has seemed wonderful- is she tired?

[ColumbiaSC]

Some of these "reports" about the ms Maasdam are likely overblown and feeding on each other. Just because some officers are thought to be "antsy" to leave a reception at the designated end by a single couple does not mean they're doing something wrong. They're tired and ready to go to their cabins after a long day at sea! If they are not being "out and about" it probably means they have more important business to do --- such as running the ship! And about the internet --- well, I am sure it is slow and indifferent ---- but the same is the case with the ms Amsterdam on its current 2014 World Voyage!!! It's a HAL problem to solve --- and not restricted to the ms Maasdam. Some things simply don't always go the way some people who have time on their hands expect as they sit back in luxury eating grapes and yearning for a pizza.

[cruiseapril]

Issues like toilet problems, AC problems, and elevator problems do make us stop and wonder about maintenance.

 

The Maasdam has 2 wonderful itineraries which we would like to do. We have read the good past reviews.

 

Hope they fix everything soon and if problems persist, substitute a newer ship, until the Maasdam is in full repair. (I know this can be said about many ships on many different cruise lines- there just seem to be too many serious maintenance problems on ships nowadays.)

[sapper1]

Some of these "reports" about the ms Maasdam are likely overblown and feeding on each other. Just because some officers are thought to be "antsy" to leave a reception at the designated end by a single couple does not mean they're doing something wrong. They're tired and ready to go to their cabins after a long day at sea! If they are not being "out and about" it probably means they have more important business to do --- such as running the ship! And about the internet --- well, I am sure it is slow and indifferent ---- but the same is the case with the ms Amsterdam on its current 2014 World Voyage!!! It's a HAL problem to solve --- and not restricted to the ms Maasdam. Some things simply don't always go the way some people who have time on their hands expect as they sit back in luxury eating grapes and yearning for a pizza.

 

Innlady is a longtime respected and credible member of Cruise Critic and I seriously doubt if anyone would discount her reports re the Maasdam as overblown. If Innlady says that's what happened then that's what happened.

[G&G]

I posted a review in December 2013 after our 42 day cruise with the same issues in this post. Officers MIA, a/c issues, pipe breakage, but we did have pizza.

 

Also there were two men (independent contractors), one from Miami and the other from Italy working for half the cruise on the sliding glass doors and elevators; and the elevators still don't work ?

[Cinder Again]

Some of these "reports" about the ms Maasdam are likely overblown and feeding on each other. Just because some officers are thought to be "antsy" to leave a reception at the designated end by a single couple does not mean they're doing something wrong. They're tired and ready to go to their cabins after a long day at sea! If they are not being "out and about" it probably means they have more important business to do --- such as running the ship! And about the internet --- well, I am sure it is slow and indifferent ---- but the same is the case with the ms Amsterdam on its current 2014 World Voyage!!! It's a HAL problem to solve --- and not restricted to the ms Maasdam. Some things simply don't always go the way some people who have time on their hands expect as they sit back in luxury eating grapes and yearning for a pizza.

 

I respectfully disagree. Ok, I WAS yearning for pizza:D But I did say they have the BEST french fries I've ever tasted, on any ship! The desserts WERE good, and I loved the meringues and pavlovas, I have to admire a chef that would attempt them in the humid Caribbbean!

The staff had just boarded after drydock, so if anything, they should have been fresh and enthusiastic. We had no challenging weather, no tender ports, other than HMC, nor high winds to keep the Officers too busy to do what I consider the other half of their job. If they just want to Captain a ship, and not schmooze, then they should work on freighters. They are in the entertainment business, and they need to be sure that it's happening, and being done well.

The room stewards and dining staff were working hard, as was the security staff, all doing their very best, and always with a smile, but I never saw anyone in authority lift a finger to help them. Instead, I saw lots of dining room managers, standing around, peering at computer screens or staring into space instead of seeing what needed to be done or leading by example. Smiles are free. I rarely saw anyone smile, greet folks, or just generally seem to be enjoying their jobs. I don't think they need to mingle in all their free time, but a smile and good morning vs. stoney silence would make me more likely to assume it's the staff at issue. I only saw the Maitre'd (or any Assistants) ONCE at our table, the entire 21 days. The wine steward either rushed by too early for us to use his services, or never. Interestingly, the one night we were escorted upstairs to eat with the 8:00 fixed seating, our service was decidedly better, less rushed, with more assistants available to help. We actually got tea and coffee served WITH our dessert, a first on this cruise!

We had 3 out of 8 elevators out of service for 21 days. Did I see folks working on them from time to time? Yep. It just didn't get them working, or if they did get them working, they didn't stay that way for long. I know for a fact that many cabins didn't have hot water, and I overheard a lady asking about the possibility of being moved, since they hadn't had hot water for the first 11 days.

Admittedly, I didn't try to internet toward the end of the trip, because I simply had not been able to access my emails off my ipad AT ALL for 6 consecutive days, and HAL told me that either I just had to live with spotty internet, with no email, or they would refund my money. I opted for the latter, and just got email any time I was in ports. I get my internet by satellite at home too, so I'm not expecting FIOS speed, just working even if it's slow. It was not. I did feel sorry for the Librarian Courtney and the Internet guy Aubrey, they were getting an earful of complaints, and they had no answers, since even the wireless repair guys on board were puzzled by why emails weren't working.

In addition to the Seaview bathrooms, the Ladies room on BOTH floors near the dining rooms weren't working, and I saw a Ladies room on the upper level of near the show lounge out of service too. We finally decided it was closer to run back to our cabins vs. continuing the search. I'll qualify this, by saying that I didn't check them every day, so they may have worked some of the time, but just not when I tried them.

All this said, good friends and good ports of call make a trip. Meeting folks at the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet is fun, and I feel has netted me lasting friends and great excursion partners over the years. I'm not too sure of my # of cruise days with HAL, but I'm approaching 400; is all this going to stop me from cruising HAL? Not at this time, but maybe after the next booked cruise, should I see the same general malaise on the Statendam next year. To put this in perspective, I am certainly not asking for anything as recompense, so that should tell you I viewed all these issues as minor inconveniences, but collectively, certainly not the Signature of Excellence they hope to portray. I actually have always loved the Maasdam and I just don't think her Officers love her.

In addition to Inn Lady now being on board the Noordam (with positive things to say) IFLYRC5 is aboard with his lovely wife, and he confirms the positive differences between the two ships. Interestingly, he was aboard the Maasdam in the Fall for 49 days (with different officers and Cruise Director, but the same cabin stewards and cabin) and they had a fine time then. I really am convinced that with a different set of Officers, (and CD) I would be singing a different tune. They CAN make the difference, just in their attitude.

[sapper1]

I respectfully disagree. Ok, I WAS yearning for pizza:D But I did say they have the BEST french fries I've ever tasted, on any ship! The desserts WERE good, and I loved the meringues and pavlovas, I have to admire a chef that would attempt them in the humid Caribbbean!

The staff had just boarded after drydock, so if anything, they should have been fresh and enthusiastic. We had no challenging weather, no tender ports, other than HMC, nor high winds to keep the Officers too busy to do what I consider the other half of their job. If they just want to Captain a ship, and not schmooze, then they should work on freighters. They are in the entertainment business, and they need to be sure that it's happening, and being done well.

The room stewards and dining staff were working hard, as was the security staff, all doing their very best, and always with a smile, but I never saw anyone in authority lift a finger to help them. Instead, I saw lots of dining room managers, standing around, peering at computer screens or staring into space instead of seeing what needed to be done or leading by example. Smiles are free. I rarely saw anyone smile, greet folks, or just generally seem to be enjoying their jobs. I don't think they need to mingle in all their free time, but a smile and good morning vs. stoney silence would make me more likely to assume it's the staff at issue. I only saw the Maitre'd (or any Assistants) ONCE at our table, the entire 21 days. The wine steward either rushed by too early for us to use his services, or never. Interestingly, the one night we were escorted upstairs to eat with the 8:00 fixed seating, our service was decidedly better, less rushed, with more assistants available to help. We actually got tea and coffee served WITH our dessert, a first on this cruise!

We had 3 out of 8 elevators out of service for 21 days. Did I see folks working on them from time to time? Yep. It just didn't get them working, or if they did get them working, they didn't stay that way for long. I know for a fact that many cabins didn't have hot water, and I overheard a lady asking about the possibility of being moved, since they hadn't had hot water for the first 11 days.

Admittedly, I didn't try to internet toward the end of the trip, because I simply had not been able to access my emails off my ipad AT ALL for 6 consecutive days, and HAL told me that either I just had to live with spotty internet, with no email, or they would refund my money. I opted for the latter, and just got email any time I was in ports. I get my internet by satellite at home too, so I'm not expecting FIOS speed, just working even if it's slow. It was not. I did feel sorry for the Librarian Courtney and the Internet guy Aubrey, they were getting an earful of complaints, and they had no answers, since even the wireless repair guys on board were puzzled by why emails weren't working.

In addition to the Seaview bathrooms, the Ladies room on BOTH floors near the dining rooms weren't working, and I saw a Ladies room on the upper level of near the show lounge out of service too. We finally decided it was closer to run back to our cabins vs. continuing the search. I'll qualify this, by saying that I didn't check them every day, so they may have worked some of the time, but just not when I tried them.

All this said, good friends and good ports of call make a trip. Meeting folks at the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet is fun, and I feel has netted me lasting friends and great excursion partners over the years. I'm not too sure of my # of cruise days with HAL, but I'm approaching 400; is all this going to stop me from cruising HAL? Not at this time, but maybe after the next booked cruise, should I see the same general malaise on the Statendam next year. To put this in perspective, I am certainly not asking for anything as recompense, so that should tell you I viewed all these issues as minor inconveniences, but collectively, certainly not the Signature of Excellence they hope to portray. I actually have always loved the Maasdam and I just don't think her Officers love her.

In addition to Inn Lady now being on board the Noordam (with positive things to say) IFLYRC5 is aboard with his lovely wife, and he confirms the positive differences between the two ships. Interestingly, he was aboard the Maasdam in the Fall for 49 days (with different officers and Cruise Director, but the same cabin stewards and cabin) and they had a fine time then. I really am convinced that with a different set of Officers, (and CD) I would be singing a different tune. They CAN make the difference, just in their attitude.

 

Thank you for the detailed and very well written critique. It does not sound like a happy ship at this point.

[RuthC]

Some of these "reports" about the ms Maasdam are likely overblown and feeding on each other.

You do a great disservice to be so dismissive of some of the negative reports about the Maasdam. When long-time posters, with a high level of credibility, are saying negative things about this ship, it's best to pay attention. Add to that a same person continued on to a different ship and is giving an opposite report, then it's time to listen.

 

Would you be so dismissive of the reports had they been glowing? I think not.

[startwin]

Obviously many posts are missing now CC is back up, so I will repeat what I said yesterday - there are some people on this board whose word I would not doubt for a second, and Innlady is one of them. There are obviously very serious problems on the Maasdam, as she reported, and I just hope they can fix them.

[mamaofami]

I've cruised several times with Innlady, both on Maasdam (which we've always both loved) and on Noordam (again we both loved.)

 

With almost 15,000 posts, and very few complaints, she is someone who tells it like it is. Presently on the Noordam, she's experiencing two different cruises and I believe her.

Edited February 13, 2014 by mamaofami

[kazu]

You do a great disservice to be so dismissive of some of the negative reports about the Maasdam. When long-time posters, with a high level of credibility, are saying negative things about this ship, it's best to pay attention. Add to that a same person continued on to a different ship and is giving an opposite report, then it's time to listen.

 

Would you be so dismissive of the reports had they been glowing? I think not.

 

My reply from yesterday is gone, so I will simply state ditto to what RuthC has said here. I take those reports very seriously and have a worry in the back of my mind now about our upcoming Maasdam cruise. I hope things have turned around for the sake of those on the 49 day cruise on her and ours afterwards.

[sail7seas]

Innlady is a longtime respected and credible member of Cruise Critic and I seriously doubt if anyone would discount her reports re the Maasdam as overblown. If Innlady says that's what happened then that's what happened.

 

Obviously many posts are missing now CC is back up, so I will repeat what I said yesterday - there are some people on this board whose word I would not doubt for a second, and Innlady is one of them. There are obviously very serious problems on the Maasdam, as she reported, and I just hope they can fix them.

 

 

My post from yesterday is also missing.

 

I absolutely accept what Innlady and other posters have said as exactly what they experienced.

 

There are some posters here who have high credibility and Innlady is certainly one of them.

 

[sail7seas]

I respectfully disagree. Ok, I WAS yearning for pizza:D But I did say they have the BEST french fries I've ever tasted, on any ship! The desserts WERE good, and I loved the meringues and pavlovas, I have to admire a chef that would attempt them in the humid Caribbbean!

The staff had just boarded after drydock, so if anything, they should have been fresh and enthusiastic. <snip>

 

 

No full crew ever leaves a ship during dry dock. Actually, it is the opposite. Crews work very hard under uncomfortable conditions during drydock. There may have been some who had vacation as that was the end of their contract so a small percentage may have come and gone but by no means a full, new crew.

 

 

My bold.

Edited February 13, 2014 by sail7seas