LIVE from Maasdam

[emsachs]

Thought I'd take a few minutes on our one sea day (heading to Quebec) to post.

Sort of my way to say thanks to everyone for the great info I got to help prepare for our cruise....

 

We are all having a fabulous time.

Happy to report that the Maasdam is in excellent shape.

Some very SMALL signs of wear and tear. Hardly noticeable.

A few chips and cracks, but she is in excellent shape.

 

This is our first cruise on a smaller ship and we absolutely LOVE IT!!

Easy access to all parts of ship and not too far to walk.

WeE are with 3 87yr olds and they had a more difficult time on larger ships..(Golden Princess comes to mind).

Nothing has been too crowded and have gotten to know many great people.

 

Staff is sensational as usual on HAL, but exceptionally so on this cruise.

Not sure if this is because of it being a smaller ship, but many of the staff have actually taken the time to learn my name and greet me with a "Hello Eric". This happens all over the ship In the casino, in the Lido, my cabin steward, shore excursion desk and in the dining room, etc...the girl who cooks my eggs in the Lido in the morning greets me with a hello and smile and remembers how I like my eggs. Love it!!

 

Leaf color has been very minimal so far.

Bar Harbor/Acadia Nat'l Park still about 80-85%green

Halifax 95%green (although the public gardens will be BEAUTIFUL in about a couple weeks.

Don't forget to bring passport to Peggys Cove..They will stamp it for you.

Sydney was 90%green, but we took a tour to the Cabot trail and it was almost 50% color. (Should peak about a week or so) in Just beautiful!! Long drive, but we loved it!!

 

P.E.I. still 95% green

 

Adagio Strings every night in the Explorers lounge with a scotch or cognac is just a great way to end our day.

 

Food has been extremely good.

Did NOT do the formal night for first time ever, and won't do it tonight either. Same menu in the Lido.

We enjoyed it so much that our group says we will do it like this from now on.

 

NO Wi-FI in cabins, but have internet access in library area.

VERY slow on sea days, but much better when in port.

 

Weather has been spectacular.. Sunny and low-mid 60's every day except today. (Raining)

Hoping for a nice day and some color in Quebec.

 

Hope everyone is having fun in reality.

I will be there soon enough, but for now it's up to the Lido deck to lounge, breathe easy and watch the sea go by.

 

Aloha!!

[lka1012]

Glad you are enjoying your cruise. Take care of the M'dam for me, I will be on her in four weeks.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for taking time from your vacatiton to check in with us. Sounds like Maasdam is doing her wonderful magic. She truly is a great ship with an awesome crew. :)

 

Continue to Enjoy. Quebec City is fabulous.

 

[aliaschief]

Thanks for the live report. What a great ship and crew.

[IRL_Joanie]

Fantastic!! Just wish that you could have the beautiful fall colors that normally would be showing so beautifully abount now.

 

I hope today does turn sunny and clears up for y'all:)

 

Continue to enjoy your Fantastic Cruise!!

 

Joanie

[Cinder Again]

Thanks for the report! Take good care of her, we sail her in January!

[Aruba]

Thanks for the report and hope you continue to enjoy your cruise!

[Aruba]

PS - does anyone know when Maasdam is going into drydock for renovations and what the extent of those renovations will be?

[NoWhiners]

thanks for the report and glad you are having a great time--I am so jealous!! We still have 6 months to wait for our next cruise!

 

Now, onto the question of the hour--did you purchase a wine card before the policy changed to beverage card? And, if so, did HAL honor it??

 

Inquiring minds want to know!!

 

ML

[airlink diva]

Thanks for your live review Emsachs!

The Maasdam is my fave ship of all time and I love any review from other cruisers!

I can't wait to board her in December!

Keep the review coming!!!!

[sail7seas]

PS - does anyone know when Maasdam is going into drydock for renovations and what the extent of those renovations will be?

 

Not positive but I think she goes to dry dock about April 8 to April 24.

[Aruba]

Thank you. Anyone know of (or know how I could find out) what the renovations entail -- for example, adding the "Retreat" or "Mix" or lanai cabins on the Promenade Deck?

[MACPC]

Maasdam - Our first cruise, our first Dam ship, Boston to Quebec. It's not surprising we fell in love with cruising and HAL all in one fell swoop.

 

We'll be on her again a year from now.

[sail7seas]

Maasdam - Our first cruise, our first Dam ship, Boston to Quebec. It's not surprising we fell in love with cruising and HAL all in one fell swoop.

 

We'll be on her again a year from now.

 

 

You're so right. Maasdam's Boston to Montreal itinerary is one of the best short cruises HAL offers IMO

 

Maasdam will get MIX, changes to Show Lounge (which I think is too bad... her lounge with all the Delft tile is very beautiful now IMO) but happily she will not get Retreat at her dry dock. :)

[esther e]

We board 2 weeks from today and I am very excited! It's been several years since we sailed her.

[durangoscots]

Emsachs.... if you get a chance, say hello to Daryl in the Piano Bar. He was on the VOV and is now on again for a number of cruises. Good piano.

 

Susan

[Aruba]

Are you another Daryl-ict like me?! :) He was on the Ryndam earlier in the year.

[MACPC]

You're so right. Maasdam's Boston to Montreal itinerary is one of the best short cruises HAL offers IMO

 

We'll get to enjoy her for 13 days next trip - from Montreal to FLL. I'm looking forward to the extra days of just being shipboard. Sigh.

[sail7seas]

Doesn't Maasdam board guests tomorrow in Montreal for the FLL repositioning or are you doing that cruise next year?

 

 

(edit: just saw your signature and you are on for October '11. Great cruise to look forward to. :) )