Maasdam as as Wonderful as Ever!!!!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

[SIZE=3]Sail, I am so glad you are having a great time and being so well taken care of:) I think I know which restaurant you are talking about in Bar Harbor, we ate there as well and ate outside. I am happy you have another week:cool: [/SIZE]

[Copper10-8]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]S7S, sounds like you're having a great time, keep it up![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]BTW, who is your cruise director? [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[sail7seas]

[B]Thanks for the nice messages.

John..... Our Cruise Director is David.....joined on saturday, June 23, the say we did.

Last night was, of course, formal night. Made it my business to look around the dining room and within my range (with my glasses on :D) only saw one man without a jacket and tie. The ladies all made an effort and it showed. The very beautiful Maasdam's dining room looked festive and beautiful....they even had the chair covers on the seats.

A lovely family of five is seated just forward from us. Mom and Dad were so proud of their two teen daughters and son last night. They looked Wonderful!! Saw with my own eyes, there are plenty of young teens who happily dress appropriately when Mom and Dad provide the 'suggestion and guidance'. This was a happy table with kids and parents chatting away, laughing and having a wonderful time. What memories they are making.....what a lovely family.

Funny thing about the Casino. I mentioned above I made a nice winning but didn't mention how odd there are loads of nickel and penny slot machines..... I think there are actually more of them than quarter machines. Never saw that before.

Immigration was a breeze this morning. I realize the Officials specify their requirements and how they want it done but picture them having us enter through the Casino to pass by the officials in Explorations Cafe. It flowed quickly and smoothly but a bit unusual. We were more used to them using the Rembrandt.

Band in Ocean Bar has been wonderful. Music is good and lots of folks dancing. Always pleasant for our pre dinner drink or after dinner.


Douglas Hernandez, our VERY wonderful Hotel Manager, leaves the ship tomorrow and heads to Oosterdam. Firmin van Walle will be coming back to his ship and we look forward to seeing him again. We have greatly enjoyed the chance to meet and get to know Mr. Hernandez a bit as he is newly with HAL. A wonderful addition IMO

Hope our beautiful weather continues.......

Looking forward to leaving the ship in Boston tomorrow and roaming around a little. Do a few errands...... Afterall, that is home to us when we are not at our 'second home'........the ms Maasdam. :)

And tomorrow begins what we know will be another wonderful Maasdam cruise.

[/B]

[Krazy Kruizers]

[B]Got my computer back this afternoon - boy is it slow. I don't know what HP did to it.

But I do have a lot of reading to do here.[/B]

[Krazy Kruizers]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]The chairs are covered in the dining room on the last formal night??[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]We didn't have that when we were on the Maasdam in Feb/Mar.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[lkmamom]

Sail, thanks for thinking of all of us! It is your vacation after all, so kind of you:) I can hardly wait until August. I have already started packing things (little things) that I know that I will need and making lists, crazy I know.:rolleyes:
I love the way that you cruise....get off and then get right back on:D I really an going to do that someday. Are you sure that you don't want to come with us on the Aug 11 sailing, we would love to have you sail with us!
Linda

[Spender Nui]

[quote name='Krazy Kruizers'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]The chairs are covered in the dining room on the last formal night??[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]We didn't have that when we were on the Maasdam in Feb/Mar.[/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

I wouldn't complain. I've never liked the chair coverings.

[Bill S]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Hi Sail! I am enjoying your posts from your Maasdam very much and it good to hear that she is in good shape. We sailed on her in 2000 and had a very nice time. It must be great to do a B2B especially, on the 6th and 7th days! I hope that the second half is as enjoyable as the first half was for you and DH. Can't wait to see the jeans pic! :) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[mamaofami]

Sail, I'm so glad the first half of your cruise has been so great. Here's to an equally good cruise next week. :)

[sail7seas]

[B]I was up early this morning and watched as Maasdam quietly sailed into Boston. We are starboard to the dock so can't see luggage loading/unloading from our veranda. I enjoy watching stores being loaded etc so we'll go to aft pool for viewing. :)

Disembarkation started at about 8:10 and is progressing rapidly.
We were able to process our cruise ticket for the next cruise in Neptune Lounge and have no plans to leave the ship today. We might change our minds and head over to Copley Place and do a little shopping.

There are only four people doing back-to-backs this week. One other couple besides us. We will be at our regular table again next week with our fabulous dining steward, Nixon.

The food is so good on Maasdam I groan to think of getting on a scale when our wonderful time aboard comes to an end. The Executive Chef is Robert Schumann and he and his Chefs are putting out wonderful meals. Lido is really excellent and the dining room is very, very, very good. We have not had one thing served to us that disappointed. Nixon brings everything hot and cold as appropriate and everything has been cooked to perfection. We did not see Chef last week but I hope to this week in order to have the chance to tell him our appreciation and thank you.

It's a gorgeous, warm sunny day in Boston.....wonderful boarding a ship and a sailaway party. DH is at the pool sunning right now.

In the 'old days', we used to have hours when we had the ship to ourselves on 'turnaround day'. Not anymore. New guests will start boarding within about 2 hours.

Gotta run.........

Be back later.

Have a good weekend everyone and Happy Canada and holiday weekend to our friends from Canada. :)



[/B]

[Jade13]

[quote name='sail7seas'][B]We will be at our regular table again next week with our fabulous dining steward, Nixon. [/B]




[/quote]

Do you normally get a table for 2, or do you get a larger table to meet new people?

[jhannah]

Thanks for your report. Glad things continue to go well. Sounds like the Maasdam is pushing the envelope regarding turnaround. That's great for those anxiously waiting in the terminal.

[luvnorway]

Disappointed to hear Chef's Dinner is still alive on Maasdam, but glad to hear someone else shares our dislike of it (along with most of the Dining Room staff we've asked about it - off the record, of course).

IMO, it spoils the more sedate atmosphere of the dining experience and turns it into a carnival (and Carnival) atmosphere.
It puts an extra burden on the Dining Room staff whose time is already full trying to provide prompt service to every table. Expecting servers to take time away from their tables to juggle vegetables and parade is just downright ridiculous - doesn't fit with the image HAL tries to promote at all.

Don't know whether they do this on all ships, but on our recent Veendam Transatlantic/Greek Is cruise in April, Chef's Dinner reached the height of ridiculousness by having the string quartet (whose time playing in the Dining Room has been severely cut back from 'the good old days on HAL) miming playing instruments made of plastic vegetables - a downright insult to their musical talents!

[Krazy Kruizers]

[B]I do believe that when we get on the Maasdam we will either book the Pinnacle or go to the Lido when the Chef's Dinner is in the dining room. We enjoyed it once. Now it is just boring.[/B]

[lkmamom]

I hope that you do not mind a question from a newbie. What is the Chef's dinner? We are still trying to plan when we want to go to the Pinnacle and if this is something that does not sound like fun, well, I would rather have dinner in the Pinnacle Grill.

Also, could someone please explain the particulars of the self service laundry? Do I provide my own detergent etc. and do you happen to know the cost? Sorry for all of the questions, this will be our second HAL cruise and this is a different ship than our first cruise onboard the Zuiderdam.

Thanks for the help:D
Linda

[RuthC]

[quote name='lkmamom']Also, could someone please explain the particulars of the self service laundry? Do I provide my own detergent etc. and do you happen to know the cost? [/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]I'll let someone else explain the Chef's Dinner to you. You don't want to get me started on it. :rolleyes: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]As for laundry---that I'll tackle. Detergent is provided for you; bring your own dryer sheets. Cost is $2.00 to wash and $1.00 to dry (or reverse; I never can remember). You can obtain quarters at the Front Desk. There's a table for folding when it's done, and baskets to carry it back to your cabin. There's also iron/board to use if that's your pleasure. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Sail, you have such a glorious day for a sail-away this afternoon. It's going to be beautiful---wish I were there. I have friends boarding; I'm sure they'll tell me all about it and make me sorry I didn't go too. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Have a great second time around! :) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi, Sail!!!:D I am so happy you're having such a fabulous time ... not at all surprised you're enjoying Grumpy and Slinkie, two of the nicest and fun people!

I only just got a chance to read this thread because as you know I was in Key West all week (fantastic time):) .

So I jumped on here today knowing you were half way through and hoping you'd checked in with us CC landlubbers. It has to be such a great feeling to know you have another whole week to go! I know how you love the Maasdam and I'm so looking forward to "our" cruise on the Veendam with you later on this year.

Keep having a joyful and relaxing time!

[lkmamom]

[quote name='RuthC'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]I'll let someone else explain the Chef's Dinner to you. You don't want to get me started on it. :rolleyes: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]As for laundry---that I'll tackle. Detergent is provided for you; bring your own dryer sheets. Cost is $2.00 to wash and $1.00 to dry (or reverse; I never can remember). You can obtain quarters at the Front Desk. There's a table for folding when it's done, and baskets to carry it back to your cabin. There's also iron/board to use if that's your pleasure. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Sail, you have such a glorious day for a sail-away this afternoon. It's going to be beautiful---wish I were there. I have friends boarding; I'm sure they'll tell me all about it and make me sorry I didn't go too. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Have a great second time around! :) [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

Thanks Ruth, you are a dear:) The laundry advice really helps.

Sail, have a very wonderful second part of your cruise!!
Linda

[mariner]

Sail,

Was soo nice hearing from you today, albeit, a Heineken on my deck chair on the patio isn't the same.

Glad u extended greats to Grumpy. Don't know why he won't adopt me.

Continue to enjoy that wonderful cruise and those treats that follow a knock on your door. DH sounded very happy. One word: SPF!

A certain captain will be calling (see email). Ask him about his weed whacker.

Loving the report.

[Krazy Kruizers]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]lkmamom[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]I wrote up about the Master Chef's dinner some time ago.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]I will try to hunt up that report for you.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[Krazy Kruizers]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]lkmamom[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]I found the report from when we were on the Volendam. The Maasdam this past spring was nearly the same.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B]Master Chef Dinner[/B]
[B]There were only 2 dining times for this: 5:45 and 8:30.[/B]

[B]It was on day #7 - an Informal night.[/B]

[B]The group "The Mix" from the Crow's Nest played the music about 80% of the time. The crew staff and dancers from the production shows led the waitstaff in the dance routines. The lead singer from the cast did the opening song. It was the only time she sang. Since she was on the steps, halfway down, many people didn't even know that she was singing. [/B]

[B]When we entered the dining room there was already a Parker House with various seeds on top on the butter plate which was under your chef's toque and menu. The menu was a special cut out showing a spatula, cork screw, rolling pin, chopping knife and big spoon.[/B]

[B]Then we had the Ballet Service. This was the only time we had a singer. The waitstaff entered both levels of the dining room to the tune of "Swan Lake". The assistant waiter held the try of napkins while the waiter placed them in our laps. The crew and cast had to help out here in some sections as there weren't enough waitstaff to quickly get the napkins to everyone.[/B]

[B]Act 1 - Once again the waitstaff, crew and cast entered the dining room carrying the Chef's Amuse Surprise -- mushroom mousse with asparagus en bouche. This was a tiny empty puff pastry with a tiny dab of mouuse on top.[/B]

[B]After those dishes were cleared away, the waitstaff. crew and cast again assembled in the hall and entered the dining room to begin Act 2 -- The Swing Service. The crew and staff "mixed" the salad in HUGE salad bowls to music -- waitstaff get throwing in fake tomatoes, peppers, etc -- some of the waitstaff tried to juggle the peppers -- very funny. Show Salad Spectacular: menu said that we were to have assorted baby greens, pepper rings, mushrooms, scallions & cherry tomatoes with a honey mustard dressing. What we actually got was a tomato stuffed with the assorted baby greens, enoki mushrooms with chopped up onion, scallions and peppers sprinkled on top and the honey mustard dressing drizzled over everything.[/B]

[B][B]Then the waiters came around and took our orders for the Starters and Entrees.[/B]

[B]Starters:[/B]
[B]1.Dialogue of Alaskan Salmon Tartare with avocado: cold smoked, pickled and chipotle-hot-smoked salmon with lime-avocado-tomato sauce. DH had this -- loved it the first segment. 2nd segment -- it was mostly BIG chunks of onion and very little salmon.[/B]

[B]2.Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough served with a cinnamon-spiced apple cranberry compote -- have had this many times in the past -- love it -- it was excellent the first segment -- not completely heated through -- brie -- wasn't even melted a little bit.[/B]

[B]3.Lobster Bisque sensuously smooth classical shellfish soup enhanced with aged French cognac and whipped cream. We both have had this in the past -- it's okay -- not one of our favorites.[/B]

[B]4.Oxtail En Crote - flavorful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust -- excellent both segments.[/B]

[B]Entrees:[/B]

[B]1.Tagliatelli with Roasted Chicken & Portobello Muchrooms tossed in olive oil and lemon cream.[/B]

[B]2.Sauteed shrimps "Provencales" scented with Mediterranean herbs, tomato concassee', florets of crisp, tender broccoli and sticky rice -- you got 4 medium size shrimps -- some people ordered 3 of this dish in order to get more shrimp -- which sent the waiter into a tizzy since they were on a time schedule.[/B]

[B]3.Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soya Garlic and Ginger Spalsh -- I have had this on other ships and love it. 1st segment -- excellent RED sockeye salmon -- 2nd segment -- pink salmon -- tasteless.[/B]

[B]4.Duck Breast a l'Orange - the old time favorite, oven roasted until crisp amd served with a Grand Marnier sauce, braised red cabbage, pea pods, carrots julienne and William potatoes. DH had this the first segment -- excellent.[/B]

[B]5.Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef on an earthy bed of calvados-spiked mushroom ragout, with vegetable bundle, braised onion & horseradish mashed potato. DH had this the second time -- beef was tough and fatty.[/B]

[B]6.Wild Mushroom Strudel - selected forest mushroom spinach & feta cheese rolled in Phyllo dough and baked until crisp and flaky. Served with a Thai red curry sauce and a timbale of basmati rice.[/B]

Act 3 - The Final Service --- the waitstaff, crew and cast began to assemble out in the hallway around 7:15 for this. Then they came parading into the dining room carrying trays of Chef's Rudi's "Hat's Off" dessert. Some of the cast and crew members had bottles of fake champagne that when they popped the corks, some bottles sent out streamers aimed towards the chandeliers which also landed on the people and tables directly below. Other fake botles of champagne gave off smoke. We have had this dessert before. There is a small piece of cake resembling a peg that holds the chef's hat in place - the chef's hat is made out of white chocolate - chef's hat conceals a small amount of chocolate mousse. It was excellent the 1st segment. The second segment -- the cake was flavored in mint -- the mousse was flavored in mint. All you could taste was mint!! A lot of white chocolate went to waste. Many people could not (including us) break the hat up -- it was too thick in places.


[/B]

[Jade13]

They did not do the Chefs dinner on Veendam last summer. They did do the baked Alaska parade but that was not a big deal.

[Crazy]

Sail - I enjoy so much reading your posts. I look forward to meeting you next year on the Eurodam.

Emily

[lkmamom]

First of all Hi Sail!! I hope that by this time you have already had your steaming cup of coffee on your veranda and are peacefully enjoying the views. Have a very wonderful cruise!! I tried to watch the Maasdam sailaway on the live cam site that you posted a while ago but could not get it to work. I hope that you had a beautiful sailaway:)

KK, thank you so much for finding your review on the Chef's dinner! That was so thoughtful and I am so sorry that I missed it the first time that you posted it. Wow! That sounds like some production! Are you getting excited for your cruise onboard the Maasdam this summer?
Linda

[Krazy Kruizers]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]lkmamom[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4]Like sail -we have done this cruise before and have sailed many times on the Maasdam. In fact before we left in March, our Cabin steward told that he will still be on the ship when we get on in Aug for our back-to-backs. I hate to say it, but we don't geet as excited about cruises like we used to. Maybe we have cruised too often or just too many things happen here at home right before a cruise.[/SIZE][/FONT]