Maasdam as as Wonderful as Ever!!!!

[Copper10-8]

Sail - Enjoy your wonderful 2 weeks. Sure wish we were there with you. This time next year, see you in Ocean Bar on E-dam ;) .

 

Copper - That sure is a pretty pic you posted, but where IS it? The atrium on Maasdam? Ocean Bar?

 

Susan, that would be a shot of the Atrium area standing on Promenade deck looking aft from just outside the elevators. The Front Office is on the far left, and Shorex in between them and the big world map. Now having said that, the last time we were on Maasdam was in FEB 01 so lots of things might have changed since that pic was taken;)

[serendipity1499]

Sail..Thanks so much for taking the time to post..So Happy to hear that you are Home again & enjoying your lovely Maasdam... Hopefully we'll be able to sail her again next year..Wish you & your Hubby fair winds & calm seas..:) Betty

[earl_m]

sounds like you are off to a great start. ENJOY!!!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks sail for checking in.

[ldog]

I'm always so impressed with people who find the time to post while aboard. We never seem to have time to even check our email!

 

Thanks Sail.

[bobrich]

Sounds like you're really enjoying the cruise. My family will be on the Maasdam next week. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We rented a car in Halifax. Not sure what to do or see. In the other ports, we are still undecided. We are traveleing with a baby.

[marcb71a]

Hi,

We are going on the Maasdam 7/7/07 from Boston on the Voyage of the Vikings for 11 days.

How is the Explorations Cafe? Are the computer terminals busy or can you get on the NY Times website anytime you want.

In addition how far is the cruise terminal from Logan? Do you take a cab.

Keep posting, we are following your trip from Phoenix. It is a 110 degrees here today can't wait to get to Iceland.

Mary and Robert

[LizB1]

Sail...I do have one question and that is when is the Mariner's Reception scheduled for?? Will it be an evening affair or before noon. If it is scheduled for evening do you know the dress code for that evening??

 

Thanks.

 

Liz

[bostom]

Hi,

In addition how far is the cruise terminal from Logan? Do you take a cab.

Mary and Robert

 

The terminal is very near - in absolute terms - to the airport: assuming clear skies you'll see the ship as you land at Logan as it's on the opposite side of Boston Harbor.

 

But you'll need to take a cab as that same harbor separates airport from cruise terminal. It's as if you're driving around a "U" - down (into the city) one leg, rounding the harbor's edge then up the other. The cab will go through the Ted Williams Tunnel and into the new Seaport District. It shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes unless there's a tie-up at the cruise terminal end: Saturdays aren't otherwise like rush hour here.

 

$20-$25 should cover the ride as there's a large ($5-6 or so) surcharge on cabs from the airport. There are dispatchers outside each terminal at Logan organizing the line to get you into a cab.

[sail7seas]

Hi....I had a horrible time trying to log in but gave it one last try and succeeded.

 

FIRST OF ALL.......SO SORRY FOR ALL THE TYPOS in my last message. When paying for the internet time I admit to not proof reading. We can be really sure I'll be making more errors today. :(

 

This morning was sheer delight. DH opened our curtains and handed me a steaming cup of coffee right out of Neptune Lounge. While taking my first sip, I watched Maasdam quietly slip into Portland's harbor, past the lighthouse and it can't get much better than that.

 

A magnificent 90 degree day and we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast on our veranda. Because we've been here before, DH and I were satisifed walking a couple of hours around the city and returning to the ship for some serious sun and pool time at aft pool. Met some lovely folks traveling with three young sons and totally enjoyed whiling away a part of the afternoon. One of the boys came back from Lido toting a cappucino chocolate bomb ice cream. All the adults were salivating and I was dispatched to return with one for each of us......which I gladly disd!!! There went all my will power for diet! Do not miss the treat; worth every gram of fat and calorie. :)

 

Tonight is a barbeque/sailaway party and should be fun but DH and I are dining in Pinnacle afer we attend a cocktail party.

 

We have been treated to hot hors d'ouerves in Ocean Bar. They had been discontinued last summer but last night we had meatballs and salmon cakes. the night before we had fried wonton and spring rolls..... I only nibbled a bit. ;) But they were Good.

 

 

I meant to mention I actually listened to part of Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception. Was the first time in my memory but I really enjoyed it. He introduced all the senior officers etc and gave a very pleasant introduction and welcoming comments. Seemed like the traditional one that has always been what HAL Captains do. I don't think this was any new fangled format.

 

Last night we learned there will be a Master Chef's dinner. Last year's one on Maasdam was so loud my head still hurts remembering it. I hope they've lowered the volume. Let you know what we think of it.

 

I also forget to boast/crow/scream I actually won money in the casino. We almost never go anymore. Very, very rarely. On Monday, I had been in the ship picking up something for Laffnvegas (Lisa) and then was on my way to see Future Cruise Consultant and passed the casino. For some reason, the mood struck me so I stopped in. Put $20 in a quarter machine and walked out with a $250 jackpot. Didn't you hear me screaming.

 

Liz........ We will be having an evening Mariners Party, I believe. No more sea days so it can't be a morning one.

 

Bye for now, everyone.

Have to go walk the deck.....need to get some laps in. Four times around is a mile.

 

Hope to be 'back here' later in the week.

 

Sorry again for typos........

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Sail, are you having fun, yet?:D

 

Glad you got through to us poor land-locked mariners!

 

Hope you enjoyed every lick of your cappuccino chocolate bomb! I was introduced to HAL's cinnamon ice cream just last week ( plus a few other tasty items;) ). Yum Yum!

 

Karin

[localady]

Wow Sail!!

I must remember to get something for Lisa then go invest in the casino next cruise!! ;) Congrats on your winnings!! :D

That chocolate cappuccino thing does sound the "bomb" as my son would say!! We only live once, gotta splurge every so often!!:cool:

Continuing warm weather and calm seas!!:D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sail Congratulations on you winning. Gee.....maybe I brought you some luck;) :D

It does sound as though the Maasdam may still be doing the Traditional Captains Welcome Aboard and not the Toast Thing

Hmmmmm:) Cappucino Chocolate Ice Cream sounds wonderful. I am about to go get a Weight Watcher TV dinner out of the Micro wave I am having a late lunch due to trying to get caught up here at work.

We loved Portland Maine when we were there 2 years ago, actually we loved all of New England. One of these days we will return.

Sail Thanks again:)

[RuthC]

90 in Portland? :eek: Sounds like it's too hot for jeans. Have they made it out of the closet yet? ;)

[jhannah]

Remember, we are expecting a jeans photo! ;)

 

Glad you're having a great time and that your trip to the casino paid off.

[mamaofami]

WOW! Glad to hear someone actually wins in the casino. It was over 90 in NY today too. Much too hot for jeans. You need to go to Alaska to wear them this week.

[Solution]

Sail, glad to hear that you are having a great time. We are sailing on the Maasdam this Saturday and look forward to meeting you at the Meet-and-Greet.

[sail7seas]

[B]Hi Solution........keep getting more and more excited about coming to Maasdam!!! :) This cruise is wonderful and we are truly enjoying every moment.

Jim......Now, about those jeans. Yes..... I DID wear them yesterday. We did the On Deck for the Cure Walk and sure enough, I wore my jeans. Ran into Gimpie and Slinkie and they insisted on a photo......we all knew no one would believe me without proof positive.

He has threatened to 'doctor' it a bit so DON'T BELIEVE A THING HE TELLS YOU ABOUT THE PICTURE~~~ We'll talk about it when I get home.

Last night we had a second dinner in Pinnacle. Didn't really want to watch the Master chef's dinner again. I had a plain salmon with a sauce made from soy etc on the side. DH enjoyed a fantastic huge steak. A treat as he doesn't have it that often.

Today is raining/drizzling in Halifax but we cannot complain. First day without sun and 80's. So far we've had great weather. Haven't needed the jackets or warmer tops we've brought.

DH got in some pool time and I loved meeting up with folks we've befriended and chatting a few hours away. We then did the Walk for the Cure as I mentioned and Mariners Party was at 4:00 P.M. A traditional style Mariners with wine and champagne etc passed (even saw some bloody mary's). Hot hors d'ouerves and Captain Arjen was great. He added a few touches of humor into his talk and everyone was very receptive and seemed to enjoy.

Yesterday was the first time in a while we saw a Platinum Medallion presented. A lady with lots of enery and happy smile received it for 800 days. Haven't yet figured out why it took 100 days over the requisite 100 until she received it.

Maasdam looks and feels and is still wonderful. Her crew is as great as ever and is truly spoiling us. Hard job but we're glad to submit!!! :)

DH just came looking for me; But seeing as he brought me a wonderful coffee from Windstar I won't complain he says we must finish up.

I haven't even browsed the other messages here and hope everyone is well. (Hope Patrick and Tija are coming along. I keep thinking of them.)

Sorry, once again, for typos. I am sure there are at least a few. :(

Take care, folks.........



[/B]

[babyher]

WE NEED THAT PICTURE SAIL

In case you haven't heard , Paris Hilton was realeased from prison the other night and that is all the news us poor landlocked souls have been subjected to.

We need something to knock that grandstanding Bimbo off the front pages *LOL*


Just teaseing :) Very glad that you and DH are having such a great time . Thank you for sharing your trip with us

Enjoy:)

[jhannah]

[quote name='babyher']... Paris Hilton ... We need something to knock that grandstanding Bimbo off the front pages *LOL*[/quote] Well, we could all chip in and send her on a three-hour cruise tour aboard the ss Minnow! :D

[Jade13]

[quote name='sail7seas'][B]Hi....I had a horrible time trying to log in but gave it one last try and succeeded.[/B]

[B]FIRST OF ALL.......SO SORRY FOR ALL THE TYPOS in my last message. When paying for the internet time I admit to not proof reading. We can be really sure I'll be making more errors today. :([/B]

[B]This morning was sheer delight. DH opened our curtains and handed me a steaming cup of coffee right out of Neptune Lounge. While taking my first sip, I watched Maasdam quietly slip into Portland's harbor, past the lighthouse and it can't get much better than that.[/B]

[B]A magnificent 90 degree day and we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast on our veranda. Because we've been here before, DH and I were satisifed walking a couple of hours around the city and returning to the ship for some serious sun and pool time at aft pool. Met some lovely folks traveling with three young sons and totally enjoyed whiling away a part of the afternoon. One of the boys came back from Lido toting a cappucino chocolate bomb ice cream. All the adults were salivating and I was dispatched to return with one for each of us......which I gladly disd!!! There went all my will power for diet! Do not miss the treat; worth every gram of fat and calorie. :)[/B]

[B]Tonight is a barbeque/sailaway party and should be fun but DH and I are dining in Pinnacle afer we attend a cocktail party. [/B]

[B]We have been treated to hot hors d'ouerves in Ocean Bar. They had been discontinued last summer but last night we had meatballs and salmon cakes. the night before we had fried wonton and spring rolls..... I only nibbled a bit. ;) But they were Good.[/B]


[B]I meant to mention I actually listened to part of Captain's Welcome Aboard Reception. Was the first time in my memory but I really enjoyed it. He introduced all the senior officers etc and gave a very pleasant introduction and welcoming comments. Seemed like the traditional one that has always been what HAL Captains do. I don't think this was any new fangled format.[/B]

[B]Last night we learned there will be a Master Chef's dinner. Last year's one on Maasdam was so loud my head still hurts remembering it. I hope they've lowered the volume. Let you know what we think of it. [/B]

[B]I also forget to boast/crow/scream I actually won money in the casino. We almost never go anymore. Very, very rarely. On Monday, I had been in the ship picking up something for Laffnvegas (Lisa) and then was on my way to see Future Cruise Consultant and passed the casino. For some reason, the mood struck me so I stopped in. Put $20 in a quarter machine and walked out with a $250 jackpot. Didn't you hear me screaming.[/B]

[B]Liz........ We will be having an evening Mariners Party, I believe. No more sea days so it can't be a morning one.[/B]

[B]Bye for now, everyone.[/B]
[B]Have to go walk the deck.....need to get some laps in. Four times around is a mile.[/B]

[B]Hope to be 'back here' later in the week.[/B]

[B]Sorry again for typos........ [/B][/quote]

Wow. I have never heard of anyone winning anything on HAL casino slot machine.

[Crusing Bob]

Sail, from everything I have read on your present cruise on Maasdam, it is fantastic. There is a post regarding a New England cruiser(Gustavas) who has nothing good to say about the Maasdam and I know you love her.
My wife and I are on the Westerdam this Oct and I want to book the Maasdam for the Southern Caribbean next year. Please let me hear if you have any comments that are negative towards the Maasdam. Thanks,
Bob

[sail7seas]

[B]Hi..... back again. :)


Cruising Bob... :) I don't work for the company and am not trying to sell cruises..... it is simply a case of we love Maasdam. We love the physical layout/colors/decorating/size of Maasdam, we love the feel of her and we especially love her crew. We have never had a disappointing cruise on her. Yes....we have had cruises when maybe the toilet didn't work for a bit; the a/c could have been cranked up or something else of the sort. So what. It has happened in my house, as well. We report it and it gets fixed. I cannot too highly recommend this very beautiful ship. We love her. Just our opinion......:)

We had a grand time last night. Started with a pleasant drink in Ocean Bar and they again passed hot hors d'ouerves. Don't know why they are back but it's nice they are. We said No, Thank you last night but we liked having the choice.

Yesterday started cool and drizzly in Halifax but by noon the sun came through and it warmed up. We spent a lazy day reading, lounging, walking laps on deck. We've been to Halifax and just weren't in the mood to go ashore. Ahhhh, the luxury of knowing we have next week to go ashore if we wish.

Last night we had fog as the evening wore on. We were in Pinnacle with a lovely window view and we watched as the fog thickened. I adore that mystical, intriguing quality of being at sea in those conditions. I'm not sure those on the bridge love it quite so much. :) We expected to hear the fog horn sound but we did not so it could not have been that terrible visibility.

We chose to dine in Pinnacle to avoid Master Chef's dinner. We don't enjoy it...... find it too loud. We happily enjoyed a peaceful, elegant dinner in Pinnacle. I chose to have salmon and it was wonderful.

We went to the bow on the day we left Saint John. It was a bright, sunny afternoon and the beautiful bell on the bow sparkled in the sunshine. We snapped some pretty photos and enjoyed our sailaway as we left port. The view is so pretty.

I sit now in Explorers (hearing the coffee machine making mocha lattes or whatever) and am looking out as the tenders come and go from the ship. Pretty sight.

Last night we enjoyed an after dinner drink with Grumpie and Slinkie.....such very, very nice people. Very enjoyable.

This personifies HAL Service IMO

We love this story.
We were ashore in Bar Harbor this morning. We decided to have our lunch ashore at the restaurant near the tender dock. We were seated at the outdoor patio waiting our lunch to be delivered and our dining steward popped over to see if all was fine and did we need anything@#@$@#@ WHAT???? Nixon.....we're off the ship. This is a shoreside restaurant. I believe he would have gone into the kitchen to ask for whatever we needed if we didn't have it. :D I kid you not. He had been assigned to assist on the tender dock, noticed us seated in the restaurant and besides saying hello, really wanted to be sure we were fine. DOES IT GET BETTER ANYWHERE???? Wonder why we love this fellow???@$#%#

I have a teeny place inside me which is singing today......we are not packing to leave as others are doing. We're not going home..... Not Yet!

For those coming to Maasdam tomorrow (or any 'dam' ship), travel safely.

More later........

(Once again......sorry, didn't proofread. I didn't bring my own laptop so cannot write to word and copy/paste.) Maybe when we come back in August I'll bring my own computer.
[/B]

[jhannah]

What a wonderful feeling to know you're not having to get off when others are. Oh, the joys of a B2B!

Amazing that your dining steward was checking on you ashore. That's the HAL difference ... her people.

[Crusing Bob]

Sail, so glad you addressed my question and I had pretty much expected that it would be positive because nothing is perfect in life if only more people could accept that. When we cruise, we just feel fortunate that we can and nothing bothers us if a little something doesn't quite go as anticipated.
Have a wonderful b2b cruise.
Bob