jillorpy

Thanks for the great descriptions. Looking forward to doing the Auckland to SF next year and then on to Alaska.

Sent from my iPad using Forums

You may wish to ask for an Australian newspaper......we read the Australian paper each day during a cruise.

We were on the Maasdam last year and you had to collect your newspaper either from the front desk or near the restaurants. They will print it for you at the front desk if you can’t find it.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We loved our trip on the Maasdam this year and are planning on booking another in 2019. I too heard that it will probably continue in the fleet and do more specialty cruises in the future. Has fast become one of our favorite HAL ships.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Has anyone been in cabins 101 or 103 on the Maasdam and if so are there any issues with them?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Spent 4 weeks on the Maasdam earlier this year and loved it. Planning on joining her again in 2019. We have sailed on about 8 HAL ships and she is one of our favorites. No problems except toilet didn't flush a couple of times but was fixed within minutes of a phone call. Only downside is that it doesn't have the Tamarind!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We did this trip on the Maasdam after sailing on her from San Diego earlier this year. Loved it and the Maasdam is now one of our favorite HAL ships.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Have done several repositioning cruises and enjoy them. But you do need to like sea days which we do. Done them on volendam Noordam and Maasdam and loved them all.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Just left the Maasdam in Montreal 2 weeks ago and loved the ship.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Have always used the laundry. No problems. Some things I wouldn't send but then I would hand wash them at home. Love not having to wash the clothes.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

And if I wanted I could drive down to the NW Coast of Tasmania to Burnie and wave to the Maasdam before we sail on her in April.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

This is one of the reasons we sail with HAL. No wild parties keeping us awake.

Cartagena is great to just wander around. Hop on bus in Monaco is ok. First time we did the Nice and Eze which was good. From Livorno have done Lucca which was easy and also Cinque Terre which was outstanding. In Gibraltar we took a taxi tour with some people we just picked up! Hop on bus in Cadiz is also easy.

If you are worried about the cost of gratuities you shouldn't be cruising.

Have had both several times and would recommend not. Libre with wines is exceptional.

Have been to Cartagena in Spain and found it vey easy to get around by ourselves. A great city.

Hot in Sydney but not in Melbourne. It is a big country. Safe sailing for both the Noordam and spirit. Jill in tasmania.

I can't understand why anyone worries about this. If you can afford to cruise with HAL you can afford to buy the wine on board.

Last year on the eurodam they were so loud in the ocean bar conversation was dead. And the lead singer couldn't!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

Enjoying your reports. Looking forward to our 9th HAL cruise on the Volendam in April.

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

We've I benighted in the port before and had a great deal which included transfers from the airport and ship plus dinner. I think it was San Giorgio or similar

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

I think crenelated brûlée is on the available daily menu.

Just need to look on the other pat of the menu

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

After 8 cruises with

HAL I discovered that you can use both US and European plugs!!! All this time I've been using just the US plugs!!

Sent from my iPhone using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

We got these on the Rotterdam earlier this year.