Live from the Maasdam - March 28th Southern Caribbean

[jaspersmycat]

Kazu:

 

Is the Terrace Grill now the new Dive-In or the same old Terrace Grill menu?

[cruz chic]

Kazu ---- so good to know almost all the hiccups are gone and that you are having a wonderful time! But your reports often say something nice, and then you take it all back and complain, complain, complain. The caviar was excellent BUT we had to ask for spoons, etc. Remember, keep the glass half-full, please.

Really? I haven't gotten that impression at all. So what you are basically saying is no complaints at all? I'd like to hear the good and bad. There have been people that complain non stop in their live from threads. I can think of one person that loves Princess that did this. Even though I wanted to say something I think it's really bad form to say something like that because the person has been kind enough to spend their money doing a live from thread. There is always an option to skip a thread if you are not interested.

[kazu]

Kazu:

 

Is the Terrace Grill now the new Dive-In or the same old Terrace Grill menu?

 

Hi Elsie,

 

glad you are reading:D yes, the Terrace Grill is the 'new' Dive In It has several 'specialty' hamburgers and hotdogs and you can also order them as you want. FYI - DH tried their cannonball variety hamburg today and said it was quite good :D

[kazu]

I have booked a lanai for the 2 May Atlantic Coast. Although I love the Westerdam and prefer NCL's smaller ships, this will be my first HAL cruise on this class ship. Any comments about the climate control aboard? I have read such horror stories lately about lack of AC or heat in cabins. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your posts. Keep them coming!

 

Ahh yes, I have heard those horror stories too. I keep asking DH to turn the air up in our room (too cool for me -and he likes it cool). No issues at all with our air in our room. The main hallways felt warm the first day but the regular public areas seemed fine to me. By day two the hallways seemed better.

 

No issues here. Have talked with a number of people on this cruise (not just roll call members) and I have heard no complaints as of yesterday :D

 

Minor problem today for a few minutes - will elaborate later. But just a short problem and I think all is good again.

[kazu]

Barbados - we are doomed. The dam Emerald Princess has followed us to this port too.

 

The nice thing is that we are leaving an hour later. So we get to enjoy the Barbados longer or enjoy the Sea View Pool as we prepare to depart.

 

Emerald Princess already left and for you sail a way fans - what an awful sounding horn. There is no comparison to the dam ships at all.

 

There is a bbq going upstairs and daiquiris being poured on this deck and here for those that want them.

 

There is always a steel band player playing when we leave port. Now, I confess I am not a steel band fan - but this guy is GOOD. I can't believe I avoided two sail a ways to avoid the noise. It's not noise - it is really nice music - if you have the benefit of the same players on your cruise- take advantage. Very, very nice.

 

Last night we were invited to the Captain's party along another gazillion people. 1/2 hour long - but it was nice. Just too many people in the small space. I heard one of the officers asking if invitations were being checked? For whatever reason, I just felt I had to eat light that night.

 

What a sweetie our waiter was. I had the soup as my main course (watermelon and yummy) along with 1 crab cake. they did have watermelon pie that night and since it was mainly sorbet, I indulged - I picked out all the seeds (sorry RuthC as they were chocolate) but I just wanted to take it easy.

 

DH pulled a fast one on the waiter and he bit. DH can be a bit bad and our waiter has joined in the fun. Dh started to order every dessert on the menu and when he realized the waiter was furiously writing every one down - he stopped laughed and said, kidding, nothing.

 

Our waiter had the day off today and he and three others were taking the cutest girl to the beach. She is his friend, not his girlfriend - LOL.

 

We took it easy in Barbados and just bopped around. Taxis were quite reasonable $2 per person. Back at the the terminal in the dock I had spotted some beautiful flowers (you know what's coming right?) So once we got back and ate, I got back off in search of some limonata water (Found it! :)) and for the lady with the flowers. She offered a bamboo container even and arranged them for me - how much more can you ask for?

 

Came back with those beautiful ginger lilies (although they do not look like lilies) guaranteed to last for 3 weeks (one week will do) - 5 of them beautifully arranged with tons of filler (beautiful) and the bamboo container for a whole $14. Life is good now that I have a huge display of flowers in my room. Dh was not that surprised when it happened. He couldn't figure out why I didn't stay longer for the free wifi, but once I bought the flowers they had to get back to the ship. I knew she was closing early as no one told her our ship was staying later and heck the Emerald Princess is much bigger than us.

 

Another plus for HAL - once again we get into port earlier and leave later than the others. Same thing yesterday. Emerald had shuttle as it was a long way to go. We didn't, but in all honesty we didn't need one as our gangway was at the front of the ship and it was not a far walk.

 

It was also the same thing in St. Lucia - we were first there with the best location and the last to leave. You gotta smile about that one.

 

I forgot to mention that we did some scenic touring in St. Lucia down to Sourfriere to pick up those that were on HAL tours and were tendered on board. Our Cruise Director asked us not to throw anything overboard and apparently people will bring the boats up and dive for it and it is very dangerous for them to be so close to the engines. Well, some idiot did it and there was huge reminder. It is VERY dangerous for those that jump off their boats so please, if you have a stop here - listen to the advice and don't do it.

 

Internet has improved on the ship (yeah!) For IPAD users - if the new login doesn't work and then the 1.1.1.1. log in doesn't work - try log in.com - that's the one that finally worked for a few of us IPAD users.

 

Now that it is working it seems to be a bit faster - but we shall wait until the end of the cruise for the final analysis. My room has a wifi cone outside so I have full bars when I am in the room with no problem. I just couldn't get on for the first tow - three days of the cruise.

 

another long post with apologies - ask away and I will try to answer. Just bear with me but I will do it.

 

signing off from the beautiful Maasdam as I listen to that beautiful steel band :)

[mame42]

Ahh yes, I have heard those horror stories too. I keep asking DH to turn the air up in our room (too cool for me -and he likes it cool). No issues at all with our air in our room. The main hallways felt warm the first day but the regular public areas seemed fine to me. By day two the hallways seemed better.

 

No issues here. Have talked with a number of people on this cruise (not just roll call members) and I have heard no complaints as of yesterday :D

 

Minor problem today for a few minutes - will elaborate later. But just a short problem and I think all is good again.

 

Thank you so much. I am from Deep South; I cannot imagine anything more miserable than spring in North Atlantic in a cold cabin!

[kazu]

Ok, where did I leave off? oh yes. We were in Barbados. A fine day and again the ship was waiting for us with the cold cloths, water, etc. Innlady1 - we do have a new Captain apparently so I don't know if that has anything to do with it or not but we definitely have had the lovely plants, covered area and all the stuff that I associate with HAL on this cruise.

 

We headed for the dining room and our waiter told us that several in fixed dining have moved to open dining - all the better for us - they have more time for us and we are all having fun. We keep switching seats to 'confuse' them and the wine steward but so far it hasn't been successful.

 

We did throw them for a loop yesterday when we asked for the tea chest. I've been bringing teas with me and forgot them last night (heavens to murgatroid! - my table mates may disown me if I don't smarten up). Our waiter surprised us with new tea pots - much nicer - sort of like what they use for room service. Inside is thermal and the handles are not hot (yeah!). They were interested in our opinions and all the ladies gave them a huge thumbs up so those are ours for the rest of the cruise!

 

Dinner was excellent. Service is quick and efficient. We were out before 9:30 pm so we had plenty of choices for the evening.

 

Our wine steward came with an offer for the around the world wine tasting. DH and I have never done this before. Maybe some of you have but I don't recall it being offered a lot in the past? In any case, it appears to be very nice wines, so DH and I are going to try it on our sea day. I feel it my obligation to report any findings I can. LOL.

 

We all made a little visit to the casino - a couple of the roll call members are doing ok - regretfully the kazu is not doing well. surprise!! but it is fun.

 

Some headed to the show, some to the piano bar (great!!) but unfortunately none of us could go to the "Name that Tune". It is set for 9:00 pm so it is too early for us. One of my suggestions to the ship will be that they make that time a little later - if they had, we would have given them a run for their money - LOL.

 

Well, it is almost 5:00 pm and it takes time to make oneself beautiful (or as beautiful as they can) and we are actually doing early dining in the Pinnacle tonight.

 

I will update today later -Grenada. A fantastic day. As well as the PG tonight.

 

I hate to read that there is another storm headed for Atlantic Canada again (I can just see my snow plow bill when I get home). Looks like even though we took our Caribbean cruise in spring - we certainly timed it well. One of the worst weeks for storms. My sympathies to my friends up North and all I can say is I am glad I am here.

 

Signing off for now from the beautiful Maasdam.....but I shall return!!!!

[kazu]

We interrupt this live thread for a power interruption bulletin.

 

Yes, we lost power for at least 10 whole seconds. :rolleyes:The captain came on immediately and said they were investigating and, of course since we were in port there was no danger and they would not leave until they saw what had happened.

 

Turns out we are leaving right on time. Now, the ships are now getting power from the docks in some ports so I just wonder if that has anything to do with it?

 

In any case, it was no biggie. But to hear some of the passengers - OMG you would think we had lost power for 3 days. I just laughed when one couple said they had to come out to the sea view pool and said wouldn't you rather be here anyways? Talk about a real first world problem. :DThey need to be in cold, Atlantic Canada when you lose power for 2 or 3 days and then we can talk about a real 1st world problem. LOL. A/C was turned off for a few minutes as they shut down the engines to investigate. Regular power was back on after the 10 seconds and the A/C was back on in about 30 minutes. Honestly I can't see a room heating up that fast. The rooms are nice and cool. Ours was certainly fine.

 

anyways, we are sailing off for Bonaire - since it is 400 miles away the Captain can't be too worried.

[slabeaume]

I have a few more questions if you have time to answer them. We're assigned the room on the port side of the ship closest to the seaview pool. Is there a bar/food area there in the pool area? Do they still allow smoking there? Is the seaview pool area full of rowdy passengers? I guess we'll find all that out next week, but was wondering about that location. I can't seem to find pictures of that area and am hoping smoke and loud noise doesn't go straight to our lanai.

Also--I didn't know you could bring flowers on the boat with you! Good to know!!

Thanks,

sue

[lstrong]

Thank you so much for your reports. Sounds like you aRe having a lovely time and the Maasdam is back in glorious form

[erewhon]

Enjoying reading your reports.

Thank you.

[Travelbug 2]

I am enjoying your reports and am very relieved to hear that Maasdam is not the "disaster ship" that was reported in earlier posts. Keep her safe and well for my boarding on June 7th.

 

I am an ex Halifax resident and know only to well about the wild winters. Been living on the west coast for 13 years and loving it. :)

 

Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed and enjoy the rest of your cruiise, it sounds like you are having a ball.

[RuthC]

Let me thank you for all the information about the entertainment. I know you've been thinking of me when you do that, and I appreciate it. I love knowing a little something about the entertainers when I see them listed in my On Location. Your info helps.

 

Too often I an not signed in when I read your posts, so can't take the opportunity right then & there to let you know I am reading, and enjoying all you have to say. I must say, the Maasdam was in fine condition when I was on her last June. Glad to know that standards have been kept up.

[innlady1]

I am enjoying your reports and am very relieved to hear that Maasdam is not the "disaster ship" that was reported in earlier posts. Keep her safe and well for my boarding on June 7th.

 

I am an ex Halifax resident and know only to well about the wild winters. Been living on the west coast for 13 years and loving it. :)

 

Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed and enjoy the rest of your cruiise, it sounds like you are having a ball.

 

I am so glad, too. We were on the ship after drydock and it was not the Maasdam we know and love...so I'm relieved to hear that things seem to be sorted out.

 

On our Caribbean cruise, they didn't even serve the water and lemonade at the dock. Something that we've all become accustomed to.

[kazu]

I have a few more questions if you have time to answer them. We're assigned the room on the port side of the ship closest to the seaview pool. Is there a bar/food area there in the pool area? Do they still allow smoking there? Is the seaview pool area full of rowdy passengers? I guess we'll find all that out next week, but was wondering about that location. I can't seem to find pictures of that area and am hoping smoke and loud noise doesn't go straight to our lanai.

Also--I didn't know you could bring flowers on the boat with you! Good to know!!

Thanks,

sue

 

Happy to help if I can Sue.

 

I tried posting this earlier but the wifi dropped so back to copying and pasting.

 

Thanks for pointing out there are no Sea View Pool pics on HALfacts.com I didn't realize that so will be sure to snap some pics of that area for our new website.

 

I will take some other pics of course, but if there specific areas missing please give me a shout and I will make sure I get those as well.

 

The Sea View Pool is one of my favourite spots on this ship. You can easily get to it from the Navigation deck by just walking through the doors at the aft.

 

There is definitely a bar there and waiters who are happy to get you a drink. Food for the most part is on the Lido - one deck up. You can either climb the stairs outside which connect the Lido deck to the Sea View Pool area or just take the aft elevator inside.

 

There is smoking permitted in a small area on the right hand side (so it shouldn't affect you) at the beginning of the sea view pool. It is not a large area and, to be honest, you don't smell smoke in the rest of the Sea view Pool area.

 

There are no rowdy passengers in this area. It is much quieter than the Lido pool which is mid ship. I have not encountered any rowdiness on any ship that has a sea view pool. It is kind of a serene Oasis as there are usually fewer people than in the Lido (especially in the morning). That's been my experience on all of my cruises and definitely on this one. A nice group out there and I have met a lot of the fellow cruisers.

[kazu]

If I may I would like to talk about some staff for a few minutes

 

first of all - our Cruise Director Rick Barnes - he is absolutely incredible. The man is absolutely everywhere. He visits in the MDR to see how things are going, in the Pinnacle to see how things are going and make conversation. He is at shore side, at the tenders, etc. He is a charming man and an outstanding Cruise Director. Totally amazing. Unfortunately for those coming on the Maasdam, he is only on for a month.

 

He postponed his vacation and came on here and will get a well deserved vacation after a month's service here. For those who are lucky enough to have him - enjoy!!!!!

 

Megan and Mark - our Future Cruise Consultants - married for four years and still obviously in love (isn't it nice?) are on duty most times as a couple. So there is little wait time. No need for an appointment. No need for a reservation. Just walk by a couple of times and you will soon see that there is a seat for you. I have found them quite knowledgeable and helpful. They even gave solid advice on Future Cruise Deposits (Canadian versus U.S. $). Such a difference from other cruise consultants I have seen on some of the other ships. It is obvious that they like their jobs and their passengers and they are very patient and helpful. They have obviously learned that if you take care of your client, they will take care of you as I see them booking a lot of cruises as I pass by snapping pics.

 

Our Guest Services Manager (I believe her name is Sy). Many thanks to her indeed. I had inquired about the possibility of getting pics for the halfacts.com website and they were kind enough to grant me access to two empty cabins. I was escorted by her and our concierge Mitchie. Wow! I couldn't believe the size of the HC Lanai. They even showed me how the doors work :) I told them about the new website and they thought it was wonderful and offered to do anything they could to help. Really impressed and very grateful that they would kindly take the time to let me get these pics for the website. You could tell that it was a genuine gesture and that it was done happily.

 

Very much like so many crew - many things on this ship are done happily. What more can I say? I don't know how many of the crew read this blog but I did want to say thank you for the kindness that they have extended.

 

there are many crew members that do wonderful things on board but these were the outstanding ones that come to me at the top of my head today. There are many more, but I am boring enough as it is so I will end this post with a simple and sincere thank you.

[kazu]

Mariner's Luncheon & Reception:

 

Ok - I am going a bit out of order but I want to do this one while it is fresh in my mind.

 

The reception was very, very nice. The room wasn't crowded. They had the standard sparkling wine and stuff but happily supplied alternate drinks and the drinks were refreshed (especially the sparkling wine) if you were so inclined. Tuxes and everyone in full dress up. Really nice. The other thing I liked was that the reception was at noon instead of the standard 11:00 am or 11:30 am that I have seen more often. It ended at around 11:35 and we proceeded to the dining room and the doors were opened EARLY to allow the medallion reception people in (another thumbs up!).

 

We had the new Mariner's luncheon menu. YUMMMM!!!!!! Everyone at our table had enough of the selection that I could get feedback from everyone and we all agreed that it was very good :) And I do mean tasty. The dessert was a killer - delicious. Mine very rich and sweet (and since I am sweet enough I only had 1/2 - LOL) but everyone else finished theirs off. The sparkling wine flowed at the luncheon and no one did without.

 

We had great company, great food - what more can anyone ask for? More than 1,000 people on this ship are repeat HAL cruisers!

 

In the past I have been very neutral on the Mariner's luncheon and while it was a nice gesture, the lunch did not always thrill me. Everyone at our table enjoyed the new menu. So be adventurous and try it. We're very glad that we did.

 

I will post this a smidge later but right now it is nearly time for the Around the World Wine Tasting - never done it - going to try it and will report. All donations to the "help kazu pay for the onboard account in the interest of intrepid reporting' are greatly appreciated. LOL. (kidding, really).

 

Busy day at sea - and enjoying every minute.

[kazu]

Let me thank you for all the information about the entertainment. I know you've been thinking of me when you do that, and I appreciate it. I love knowing a little something about the entertainers when I see them listed in my On Location. Your info helps.

 

Too often I an not signed in when I read your posts, so can't take the opportunity right then & there to let you know I am reading, and enjoying all you have to say. I must say, the Maasdam was in fine condition when I was on her last June. Glad to know that standards have been kept up.

just a quick post before we head off to Bonaire :) Fantastic entertainment last night. Hopefully cc will co-operate with me later today and I will fill you all in. (I couldn't post yesterday - cc was very unco-operative.

[aliaschief]

Great reporting thanks for sharing your cruise experiences.

[TourGypsy]

I'm really enjoying your blog, Jacqui. Thanks for taking all this time to keep the "landbound" informed.

 

I'm intrigued by tuxedos at the Mariner luncheon. I've never experienced that before. Something new?? Was formal dress requested?

 

Judy

[cruz chic]

Mariner's Luncheon & Reception:

 

Ok - I am going a bit out of order but I want to do this one while it is fresh in my mind.

 

The reception was very, very nice. The room wasn't crowded. They had the standard sparkling wine and stuff but happily supplied alternate drinks and the drinks were refreshed (especially the sparkling wine) if you were so inclined. Tuxes and everyone in full dress up. Really nice. The other thing I liked was that the reception was at noon instead of the standard 11:00 am or 11:30 am that I have seen more often. It ended at around 11:35 and we proceeded to the dining room and the doors were opened EARLY to allow the medallion reception people in (another thumbs up!).

 

We had the new Mariner's luncheon menu. YUMMMM!!!!!! Everyone at our table had enough of the selection that I could get feedback from everyone and we all agreed that it was very good :) And I do mean tasty. The dessert was a killer - delicious. Mine very rich and sweet (and since I am sweet enough I only had 1/2 - LOL) but everyone else finished theirs off. The sparkling wine flowed at the luncheon and no one did without.

 

We had great company, great food - what more can anyone ask for? More than 1,000 people on this ship are repeat HAL cruisers!

 

In the past I have been very neutral on the Mariner's luncheon and while it was a nice gesture, the lunch did not always thrill me. Everyone at our table enjoyed the new menu. So be adventurous and try it. We're very glad that we did.

 

I will post this a smidge later but right now it is nearly time for the Around the World Wine Tasting - never done it - going to try it and will report. All donations to the "help kazu pay for the onboard account in the interest of intrepid reporting' are greatly appreciated. LOL. (kidding, really).

 

Busy day at sea - and enjoying every minute.

 

If possible can you give some details about the menu? I've haven't been fond of it in the past but I might give it another try. Thx.

Edited April 6, 2014 by cruz chic

[slabeaume]

Thanks, again, for taking time out of your vacation to answer my questions! It's greatly appreciated. I could find pictures of the Seaview pool looking towards the back of the ship, but not towards the front and their deck plan doesn't show a bar, just bathrooms. I told my husband he'll have his own bathroom---he'll just have to leave our room and go around the corner.

[solocanadian]

Kazu ---- so good to know almost all the hiccups are gone and that you are having a wonderful time! But your reports often say something nice, and then you take it all back and complain, complain, complain. The caviar was excellent BUT we had to ask for spoons, etc. Remember, keep the glass half-full, please.

 

Oh, polease! (this is not a spelling error):rolleyes:

[solocanadian]

Jacqui, so glad you are having a good time. I will have to remember the "hicup" thing. Just spent the last 10 minutes catching up reading your blog. Did not see it the first day - duh! Let me know what pictures you would like me to take of the Oosterdam public areas. Won't be long for me.:):D:)

[kazu]

If possible can you give some details about the menu? I've haven't been fond of it in the past but I might give it another try. Thx.

 

I am quite sure that we do have the new menu on HALFacts.com, but I did take a picture to be on the safe side :) If we don't have it on halfacts.com I will post it there once I return. Bear with me as I can't upload pics here with the ship's wifi. It was really good. Three choices for the main course, two choices for the appetizer and the dessert was the same but delish:D