Maasdam - state of staterooms post-drydock

Maybe I missed something but from what I can find on here, it looks like the Neptune Suites (and likely all staterooms) on the Maasdam were not updated in this recent drydock and still have the older furniture, carpet, and soft goods, tiny televisions (and therefore not the vastly improved interactive large-screen TVs we just had in a Neptune Suite on the Zuidie), old bathrooms, verandah furniture, lighting, etc. - true or false? And if they have not been upgraded, is there another upcoming drydock scheduled to bring the staterooms to be more in line with the other recent HAL ship refurbs?

Maybe I missed something but from what I can find on here, it looks like the Neptune Suites (and likely all staterooms) on the Maasdam were not updated in this recent drydock and still have the older furniture, carpet, and soft goods, tiny televisions (and therefore not the vastly improved interactive large-screen TVs we just had in a Neptune Suite on the Zuidie), old bathrooms, verandah furniture, lighting, etc. - true or false? And if they have not been upgraded, is there another upcoming drydock scheduled to bring the staterooms to be more in line with the other recent HAL ship refurbs?

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Maybe I missed something but from what I can find on here, it looks like the Neptune Suites (and likely all staterooms) on the Maasdam were not updated in this recent drydock and still have the older furniture, carpet, and soft goods, tiny televisions (and therefore not the vastly improved interactive large-screen TVs we just had in a Neptune Suite on the Zuidie), old bathrooms, verandah furniture, lighting, etc. - true or false? And if they have not been upgraded, is there another upcoming drydock scheduled to bring the staterooms to be more in line with the other recent HAL ship refurbs?

The new Cruise Atlas shows that On-Demand TV (the large screen upgrade) is not on Maasdam. If it is scheduled then a circle or square would appear. Images are attached with the fleet table (I hope).

The HAL Fleet amenities tables in PDF format.

HAL_Fleet_2019-2020.pdf

Currently on the Maasdam - and our verandah cabin and most of the public indoor spaces have been refreshed decor wise -very lovely.

However, we still have the regular TV and DVD set up. No docking outlets for electronics, just one 110 outlet at the desk area, and a long reach under the desk to plug in the cabin's 220 hairdryer. The bathroom has been refurbished, but still has a tub and there is the small shaver only outlet high above the sink.

Carpets pretty much throughout the ship have been replaced and are very lovely and coordinated. Lighter toned carpets in our cabin - again very lovely ,but still the brown leather sofa and orange and brown hibiscus pillows and bed cover.

Elevator bank and foyers very lovely - copper-toned metal work, soft tone suede upper wall covering, very nice glass fan shaped chandeliers and a nice fun marble panels inside the elevators and the day of the week mats. Most welcome are ship direction (forward -aft) mats on each floor in the main corridors when you enter from the stairwell- elevator foyers.

Food has been very good, including the Pinnacle. New InDepth format is very rich and almost too busy as several are in competition with each other time wise - it is blending into a nicely coordinated whole experience as we learn to sort out the topics and speakers. Santa Marta, Columbia and San Blas. Panama both very enjoyable port stops so far. Panama Canal surprisingly very un-busy and we saw no ships using the new wider canal during our transit on Sat - Sept 15.

Currently on the Maasdam - and our verandah cabin and most of the public indoor spaces have been refreshed decor wise -very lovely.

 

However, we still have the regular TV and DVD set up. No docking outlets for electronics, just one 110 outlet at the desk area, and a long reach under the desk to plug in the cabin's 220 hairdryer. The bathroom has been refurbished, but still has a tub and there is the small shaver only outlet high above the sink.

 

Carpets pretty much throughout the ship have been replaced and are very lovely and coordinated. Lighter toned carpets in our cabin - again very lovely ,but still the brown leather sofa and orange and brown hibiscus pillows and bed cover.

 

Elevator bank and foyers very lovely - copper-toned metal work, soft tone suede upper wall covering, very nice glass fan shaped chandeliers and a nice fun marble panels inside the elevators and the day of the week mats. Most welcome are ship direction (forward -aft) mats on each floor in the main corridors when you enter from the stairwell- elevator foyers.

 

Food has been very good, including the Pinnacle. New InDepth format is very rich and almost too busy as several are in competition with each other time wise - it is blending into a nicely coordinated whole experience as we learn to sort out the topics and speakers. Santa Marta, Columbia and San Blas. Panama both very enjoyable port stops so far. Panama Canal surprisingly very un-busy and we saw no ships using the new wider canal during our transit on Sat - Sept 15.

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The HAL Fleet amenities tables in PDF format.

Quite informational! Many thanks for posting!

Currently on the Maasdam - and our verandah cabin and most of the public indoor spaces have been refreshed decor wise -very lovely.

 

However, we still have the regular TV and DVD set up. No docking outlets for electronics, just one 110 outlet at the desk area, and a long reach under the desk to plug in the cabin's 220 hairdryer. The bathroom has been refurbished, but still has a tub and there is the small shaver only outlet high above the sink.

 

Carpets pretty much throughout the ship have been replaced and are very lovely and coordinated. Lighter toned carpets in our cabin - again very lovely ,but still the brown leather sofa and orange and brown hibiscus pillows and bed cover.

 

Elevator bank and foyers very lovely - copper-toned metal work, soft tone suede upper wall covering, very nice glass fan shaped chandeliers and a nice fun marble panels inside the elevators and the day of the week mats. Most welcome are ship direction (forward -aft) mats on each floor in the main corridors when you enter from the stairwell- elevator foyers.

 

Food has been very good, including the Pinnacle. New InDepth format is very rich and almost too busy as several are in competition with each other time wise - it is blending into a nicely coordinated whole experience as we learn to sort out the topics and speakers. Santa Marta, Columbia and San Blas. Panama both very enjoyable port stops so far. Panama Canal surprisingly very un-busy and we saw no ships using the new wider canal during our transit on Sat - Sept 15.

Thanks for posting while you're onboard. Sorry to hear that they haven't done much in the staterooms. May have to rethink spending 29 nights on her in 2020.

Thanks for posting while you're onboard. Sorry to hear that they haven't done much in the staterooms. May have to rethink spending 29 nights on her in 2020.

The newly refreshed staterooms are lovely. But if a "new" TV set up and an independent UBS port are critical to you cruise enjoyment, yes you do need to pick another ship. Overall, the ship is the prettiest it has ever been. We will enjoy our 34 days, not withstanding the "obstructed" view issue we have in our cabin overlooking the clothing optional aft deck.

The newly refreshed staterooms are lovely. But if a "new" TV set up and an independent UBS port are critical to you cruise enjoyment, yes you do need to pick another ship. Overall, the ship is the prettiest it has ever been. We will enjoy our 34 days, not withstanding the "obstructed" view issue we have in our cabin overlooking the clothing optional aft deck.

What was refreshed besides carpet? From what you described, it sounds like everything else is the same... can you elaborate please?

And yes, it’s about time HAL joins the 21st century and installs interactive tv systems on all ships as we really did like having access to accounts, direct movies, menus, port info, etc. and on a bigger screen tv.

Clothing optional deck?? Is that something new?

Clothing optional deck?? Is that something new?

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2679808

Unfortunately, with the ages of Maasdam and Veendam and the high costs of such technological upgrades, they are focussing on resources where they make financial sense such as the R class, Vista, Signature..... I wouldn't be surprised to see Maasdam and Veendam finally sold off in the next couple of years. Sad for me, Maasdam was my first ship, though I was sadder to see Statendam and Ryndam go. Loved those two ships. Never had a good experience with the Veendam...that one won't be such a difficult loss for me.

Can't argue with that logic. Of the four ships you mention, we've only sailed on Statendam and really enjoyed her. We always choose cruises for the itinerary so we'll just go into this one knowing not to expect anything more than what she is and hope we're blown away by the cruise anyway! :D

The newly refreshed staterooms are lovely. But if a "new" TV set up and an independent UBS port are critical to you cruise enjoyment, yes you do need to pick another ship. Overall, the ship is the prettiest it has ever been. We will enjoy our 34 days, not withstanding the "obstructed" view issue we have in our cabin overlooking the clothing optional aft deck.

Turns out the clothing optional sign on deck door was put up as a joke. This info was provided by HAL PR Dept. and on the other thread you started about Maasdam

I was under the impression, as DAMshipcruiser mentioned earlier, the necessary wiring harnesses needed to upgrade to interactive TVs on the Maasdam would be to costly to install. However, it would be nice to have a HAL app downloadable to a cell phone or ipad which would allow a passenger to check their account, ship's daily itinerary, etc. Anyone heard if HAL is working on such an app?

Good to learn it is /ALL VERY LOVELY :D :D

Thank you for sharing your description with us. I'd be happy to see any more description maybe you would like to add. ;).

Enjoy.

Good to hear she is in good shape. We are considering a 35-day Pacific Crossing in 2019 and with all the changes, wonder if there is still some classical music onboard. (We were told by a Future Cruise Consultant on our recent trip that "of course they will have Lincoln Center on the Maasdam after her recent drydock". But I think that was not correct information:confused:.) And did they keep a library? If so, DH will be extremely happy....

Kathy

I was under the impression, as DAMshipcruiser mentioned earlier, the necessary wiring harnesses needed to upgrade to interactive TVs on the Maasdam would be to costly to install. However, it would be nice to have a HAL app downloadable to a cell phone or ipad which would allow a passenger to check their account, ship's daily itinerary, etc. Anyone heard if HAL is working on such an app?

We were on the Maasdam in March and the Holland Navigator App was available to download and use. You could access your onboard account, look at the daily activities and dining room menus all from your Ipad or phone, Worked great!

We were on the Maasdam in March and the Holland Navigator App was available to download and use. You could access your onboard account, look at the daily activities and dining room menus all from your Ipad or phone, Worked great!

Cool! That’s all we need as we like to bring our own dvds to watch when there is downtime. However, from what I’ve been reading, there seems to be plenty to do on the longer Maasdam voyages.

Turns out the clothing optional sign on deck door was put up as a joke. This info was provided by HAL PR Dept. and on the other thread you started about Maasdam

Joke signs or not, the activity continued as of yesterday.

Good to hear she is in good shape. We are considering a 35-day Pacific Crossing in 2019 and with all the changes, wonder if there is still some classical music onboard. (We were told by a Future Cruise Consultant on our recent trip that "of course they will have Lincoln Center on the Maasdam after her recent drydock". But I think that was not correct information:confused:.) And did they keep a library? If so, DH will be extremely happy....

 

Kathy

Library is still pretty much intact and well used - took out the librarian's desk and changed the carpets, upholstery and colors - and overall very nice. Already enjoyed several new "discovery books" i would not have thought about picking out on my own. Not necessarily up to date editions but still very good reading.

The typical onboard evening activities are thinly attended - Ocean Bar and the dance music seems the most active. They have a string quartet in the Explorers Lounge who unfortunately are not very good at all so that is not well attended. Piano Bar has a small group of regulars but never more than just around the piano itself - performer is okay but not compelling delivery to bring in passing crowds.

The one big surprise is zero activity in the casino - non of the tables are used at all as the dealers and croupiers stand at duty all day and night long with no customers - a few play the slot machines but it seems sad as the dealers seem so engaging in well intended to provide this activity for those who enjoy it. Sign of the times, or this particular passenger base and cruise format? Casino was much more active on our May/June Zaandam Alaska cruise - but that might also have had special Club 21 pricing being early season since all the poker tables and 21 tables were full. .

So there is a different passenger mix which will make an impact on future InDepth cruise planning. The variety of lectures and InDepth options are well or fairly well attended - my feeling is this new concept caught many of the passengers by surprise, but is growing on many as it slowly comes together into a very comprehensive whole. The ports have been off the beaten track and wonderful.

A general strike in Costa Rica prevented HAL shore excursions from traveling outside of Puntarenas so that turned out to be more of a quiet at-sea day spending most of the time onboard. The prior stops were so good, this was not a great loss and this was a port many had already visited several times already.

Food in the main dining room has been very good. Tonight was the second Gala night and for the late seating, it was very well attended and most everyone dressed up - a few tuxedos and most of the rest in dark suits- women wore the range of short to long dressy - lots of sparkle. There were more people on this second Gala night than the first so everyone seems to be enjoying the idea of keeping this tradition.

 

The variety of lectures and InDepth options are well or fairly well attended - my feeling is this new concept caught many of the passengers by surprise, but is growing on many as it slowly comes together into a very comprehensive whole.

 

Can you share more about the lectures (topics, quality of speakers) and other enrichment activities?

It's an area that greatly interests me. :)

Can you share more about the lectures (topics, quality of speakers) and other enrichment activities?

 

It's an area that greatly interests me. :)

Today -at sea - Neptune Ceremony so not a typical morning - Neptune Ceremony very nicely done and a lot of fun.

I have not been saving the daily programs so I will try to share more in the future

There are maybe a dozen enrichment speakers on board who wear a distinctive lanyard and welcome passenger conversations at any time, as well as local specialists coming in a various ports.

Today - Sept 21 - left three port stops in Costa Rica -Golfito, Quepos and Puntarenas, after stops in Santa Marta Columbia (liked it very much) and San Blas Islands which was also very enjoyable.

9:30 am - Port Perspectives with four of the speakers - on the Costa Rican ports - their observations as well as passenger questions and comments about their own experiences

10:am - Neptune Ceremony

11 am: Take better Photos - Guest Photographer Ben Brian

11:30am - Meet the Marsupials -Cohen

2:30pm - Thor Heyerdahl and the Kontiki - Kim McQuarrie who actually met him

3:30pm - The Amazing Coral Reef - Dr Jack Hardy

7:30pm - Evening Insight - Oceanographer Al Trulillo - short personal topics by InDepth speakers

9:00pm - Stories with your travel and port stories with EXC port specialists - Crows Nest

Showroom evening shows: Juan Pablo - Latin American virtuoso pianists and entertainer

Last night they did a surcharge "Costa Rican Dinner" in the Pinnacle.

Other typical onboard activities also available - digital workshop, the "health and spa" talks, gemstone talks. no art sales or talks, fitness classes, bridge, Friends to Bill, etc, religious services, wine and spirits tastings, movies (last night the Mr Rogers movie)

Today -at sea - Neptune Ceremony so not a typical morning - Neptune Ceremony very nicely done and a lot of fun.

 

I have not been saving the daily programs so I will try to share more in the future

There are maybe a dozen enrichment speakers on board who wear a distinctive lanyard and welcome passenger conversations at any time, as well as local specialists coming in a various ports.

 

Today - Sept 21 - left three port stops in Costa Rica -Golfito, Quepos and Puntarenas, after stops in Santa Marta Columbia (liked it very much) and San Blas Islands which was also very enjoyable.

 

9:30 am - Port Perspectives with four of the speakers - on the Costa Rican ports - their observations as well as passenger questions and comments about their own experiences

 

10:am - Neptune Ceremony

11 am: Take better Photos - Guest Photographer Ben Brian

11:30am - Meet the Marsupials -Cohen

2:30pm - Thor Heyerdahl and the Kontiki - Kim McQuarrie who actually met him

3:30pm - The Amazing Coral Reef - Dr Jack Hardy

7:30pm - Evening Insight - Oceanographer Al Trulillo - short personal topics by InDepth speakers

9:00pm - Stories with your travel and port stories with EXC port specialists - Crows Nest

Showroom evening shows: Juan Pablo - Latin American virtuoso pianists and entertainer

 

Last night they did a surcharge "Costa Rican Dinner" in the Pinnacle.

 

Other typical onboard activities also available - digital workshop, the "health and spa" talks, gemstone talks. no art sales or talks, fitness classes, bridge, Friends to Bill, etc, religious services, wine and spirits tastings, movies (last night the Mr Rogers movie)

Thanks -- sounds very promising....