Back to the Maasdam

[Alcarondas]

For my 100th post on Cruise Critic (I know, it only seems like more because I have a hard time saying anything in a few words), I'm very happy to announce that I'll be back on the Maasdam for the first time in 10 years (+27 days, to be precise) for the 11/30/12 voyage to the eastern Caribbean.

 

This will by my 4th trip on that esteemed vessel, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the ol' girl again. In the intervening decade, our paths crossed several times, most recently at the end of my 2011 Westerdam trip, when M. arrived at Fort Lauderdale just after we did and tied up behind us.

 

My first-ever HAL cruise (and first "real" ocean voyage) was on M. in 1999, for a hastily-arranged nonstop Transatlantic. That trip was an adventure for several reasons (most good, some otherwise), as the ship and I and 1200 other new friends survived a North Atlantic crossing through the remnants of a hurricane (Cindy). Despite (or perhaps because of?) the adversity, I was permanently afflicted with the Cruise Bug, and have enjoyed many great cruises on the Maasdam and her sisters and cousins since then.

 

I've been off the boards here for several months, but a quick scan seems to show a general consensus that M. is still in fine fettle and playing to good reviews. If anyone has any recent Maasdam memories or current info to share, I'd welcome it here. Thanks!

[sail7seas]

Congratulations on your 100th post. Looking forward to seeing many more by you. :)

 

You picked one of my favorite ships about which to write your post.

We have sailed Maasdam something like 35 cruises and have a very strong attachment to her and her crew.

 

She's still a great ship IMO

 

(and we have two more cruises booked on her. :)

[BumperII]

We just returned from a 14 day Canada - New England, Boston to Montreal and back to Boston. Yes, she is still in fine shape. We have taken 21 HAL cruises, ten of them aboard the Ms Maasdam.

I remember our first Maasdam cruise well, and as we were disembarking the ship we were trying to figure out how to get back aboard and repeat the experience.

This time we booked another 15 day Maasdam cruise for May of 2013 before we left the ship. :) I truely don't care where she is sailing, or what time of year. The Maasdam is the destination for me.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You will see some changes on the Maasdam.

The enclosed Piano Bar is gone. The old Sports Bar and old Piano Bar have been reoplaced with the MIX which consists of the Champagne Bar where the Piano is located -- and there will be a Piano Man playing starting at 9 PM. The area is also made up of the Martini Bar -- but you can get other drinks there. And the Sports Bar -- only one TV and there is guitarist that plays there usually from 5 - 9 PM.

The Java Cafe is gone and in its place is the Wine Bar. Not too much happens there.

The Wajang Theatre is also the Culinary Arts Center.

There is the Explorations Cafe where you can buy speciality coffees and teas -- and with your order you get a free pastry. This area is also the new, larger library and Internet Cafe.

Part of the Explorers Lounge and the King's Room were converted into the Pinnacle Grill.

[sail7seas]

When we boarded the first time to sail after MIX was added to Maasdam we expected to really hate it. We were very surprised to find we like it.....mostly.

 

The part that bothers us about it is the bright lights of the shops in the evening. It impacts the atmosphere so I have learned to put my back to the shops and it doesn't bother me as much. :)

 

I love Maasdam's Explorations Cafe. I think it's comfy and attractive, practical and very nice, welcoming space.

[PathfinderEss]

Congratulations on your 100 post and on your cruise on the Maasdam. We have been on the Maasdam and like Sails loved her. I hear nothing but good reports about her, have a great cruise.

[Alcarondas]

I did notice on the deck plans that the Explorers' Lounge looks more like an "Explorers' Nook" now. Does the usual string quartet (trio, quintet, whatever) still play there, or have they been relocated? The space doesn't look big enough to host a band and an audience at the same time. :confused:

[KirkNC]

Hope you have a great cruise!

[RuthC]

I did notice on the deck plans that the Explorers' Lounge looks more like an "Explorers' Nook" now. Does the usual string quartet (trio, quintet, whatever) still play there, or have they been relocated? The space doesn't look big enough to host a band and an audience at the same time. :confused:

Yes, the Adagio Strings still play in the Explorers Lounge (love the term "nook", though ;)). It can get full in there, especially if you are looking for a seat after late dining.

If you dine in the forward area of the Pinnacle, you can hear the strings playing in the background, which is lovely.

[ZSandy25]

Our very first cruise was on the Maasdam in 1994, we fell in love with her and HAL. We will be sailing with her again on a holiday cruise. This will be our 4th cruise with her. The past three we booked the same cabin:) good karma. This time we are going to try the lanai cabin, looking forward to seeing the changes.

[HALFans]

Love, the Maasdam, HATE the new 'Bar-less' piano bar for the lack of intimacy and the torture devices posing as seats around the piano.

 

The Mix would be a nice area if they hadn't smooshed the piano into it. :(

[hal lover]

ms Maasdam was my first ship and I have cruised on her more than any other ship in the HA fleet. She is my favorite and always will be.

I too never really care where she is going as long as I am on her. To me she is the destination.

Wishing you a wonderful cruise!

[mamaofami]

We love the Maasdam. Congratulations on your 100th post.

[Typhoon1]

Have a great cruise on one of the jewels of the HAL fleet.

[Harry1954]

Just got off that great ship a couple hours ago (waiting for our flight at the moment). It is still a wonderful ship. You will find the crew top notch, cheerful and always there to assist. We also have been on her several times, always looking forward to the next one.

I fully agree that the piano bar is a bit discombobulated now .. I like the "squished piano" comment in particular as it rings true.

One item that surprised us in February and is worse now is that there is absolutely no music .. live or piped in during predinner cocktail hour for early seating in Ocean Bar. It is very sad, especially sine we had been on Amsterdam previously last year for three cruises and they still have the right kind of piano bar and music for predinner cocktails.

Otherwise, it is still a great ship and your trip will truly be enhanced because if it IMHO.

 

harry

[margretha]

Just got off the Maasdam and home now, missing her already. Have to agree about the "Mix" and Piano Bar squished into it. What used to be an interesting side bar now is part of the sort of mall set-up with the casino on one side, the shops on the other side and the "mix" in the middle. Ocean Bar had wonderful band for our trip but sadly they departed when we did. If there was one area most people we sat with seemed wistful for, it was the old heavily draped and sort of hokey but in a neat way Piano Bar. margretha

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Congrats...:):)

[innlady1]

When we boarded the first time to sail after MIX was added to Maasdam we expected to really hate it. We were very surprised to find we like it.....mostly.

 

The part that bothers us about it is the bright lights of the shops in the evening. It impacts the atmosphere so I have learned to put my back to the shops and it doesn't bother me as much. :)

 

I love Maasdam's Explorations Cafe. I think it's comfy and attractive, practical and very nice, welcoming space.

 

I agree on the bright lights. Spoils what atmosphere remains. I love the Explorations Cafe on the "S" class ships. We've only been on Maasdam and Veendam, but enjoyed both...and look forward to the Ryndam in January!

[maxie99]

For my 100th post on Cruise Critic (I know, it only seems like more because I have a hard time saying anything in a few words), I'm very happy to announce that I'll be back on the Maasdam for the first time in 10 years (+27 days, to be precise) for the 11/30/12 voyage to the eastern Caribbean.

 

This will by my 4th trip on that esteemed vessel, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the ol' girl again. In the intervening decade, our paths crossed several times, most recently at the end of my 2011 Westerdam trip, when M. arrived at Fort Lauderdale just after we did and tied up behind us.

 

My first-ever HAL cruise (and first "real" ocean voyage) was on M. in 1999, for a hastily-arranged nonstop Transatlantic. That trip was an adventure for several reasons (most good, some otherwise), as the ship and I and 1200 other new friends survived a North Atlantic crossing through the remnants of a hurricane (Cindy). Despite (or perhaps because of?) the adversity, I was permanently afflicted with the Cruise Bug, and have enjoyed many great cruises on the Maasdam and her sisters and cousins since then.

 

I've been off the boards here for several months, but a quick scan seems to show a general consensus that M. is still in fine fettle and playing to good reviews. If anyone has any recent Maasdam memories or current info to share, I'd welcome it here. Thanks!

-:D- O M G--i was one of those new friends, aug. 1999 out of harwich, that i all most missed due to no one calling me in london, that she was leaving early, i was with some of the really tough ones that enjoyed the rocking and rolling, i was hanging out with the ww2 gang and the bar staff had trouble going really green, so a couple of us played bartenders-- i recall a group of us in the crows nest cheering every time a massive wave hit the windows, it was later as i got off the ship in boston and looked up to see how big those waves where:eek:--,,, nice to meet you,, :)

[maxie99]

-:D- O M G--i was one of those new friends, aug. 1999 out of harwich, that i all most missed due to no one calling me in london, that she was leaving early, i was with some of the really tough ones that enjoyed the rocking and rolling, i was hanging out with the ww2 gang and the bar staff had trouble going really green, so a couple of us played bartenders-- i recall a group of us in the crows nest cheering every time a massive wave hit the windows, it was later as i got off the ship in boston and looked up to see how big those waves where:eek:--,,, nice to meet you,, :)

OOOH-- the memories, after the storm, the ship slowed going over where the Titanic went down, the bridge blew the horn 3 times and the water was like glass,, very surreal, then the fog set in, and you couldnt see more than 18 inches in front of you when you went outside, and the fog horn:eek: wow,thanks for making me remember

[magandab]

There is the Explorations Cafe where you can buy speciality coffees and teas -- and with your order you get a free pastry.

 

Is there now a requirement to purchase a drink in order to get a pastry? I have, on a few occasions, nipped up to get a few yummies to take back to the cabin, without purchasing anything. No charge, no problem, and no limit!

[Alcarondas]

-:D- O M G--i was one of those new friends, aug. 1999 out of harwich, that i all most missed due to no one calling me in london, that she was leaving early, i was with some of the really tough ones that enjoyed the rocking and rolling, i was hanging out with the ww2 gang and the bar staff had trouble going really green, so a couple of us played bartenders-- i recall a group of us in the crows nest cheering every time a massive wave hit the windows, it was later as i got off the ship in boston and looked up to see how big those waves where:eek:--,,, nice to meet you,, :)

 

Yes indeed, it was quite a trip. Speaking of the Titanic, one of the lecturers on board gave several talks about it, the disaster, and that time in the history of ocean travel generally, even dressing up in a period officer's costume at one point.

 

The ocean-motion started in earnest in the afternoon of the first full day, when we left the Channel and got into the Atlantic proper. I was down for the count that night - I missed the first formal dinner completely (after dragging not one but two tuxedo jackets with me, one black, one white - oh, the folly of youth!) and although I felt mighty lousy for myself, I felt terrible for my table companions - all of whom rode out the storm with aplomb. They thought that I had abandoned "the old fogeys" in hopes of a younger crowd, and were thrilled to see me (still a bit green around the gills) the next night. Great bunch of folks, all seasoned cruisers (obviously); we had a great time the whole trip. Still one the most interesting tables I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

 

The headline entertainment was the Harry James Orchestra, who played on through thick and thin. At one point when the ship was shuddering against its own stabilizers (those who have felt this know what I'm talking about), the trumpeter quipped that the ship's captain kept bumping the curbs!

 

Argh, I could go on and on... And I usually do. But I'll stop now. ;)

[kiwimum]

No, you do not need to purchase a beverage to have one of the tasty snacks in Explorations. Energy bars are a great pick me up.

[maxie99]

Yes indeed, it was quite a trip. Speaking of the Titanic, one of the lecturers on board gave several talks about it, the disaster, and that time in the history of ocean travel generally, even dressing up in a period officer's costume at one point.

 

The ocean-motion started in earnest in the afternoon of the first full day, when we left the Channel and got into the Atlantic proper. I was down for the count that night - I missed the first formal dinner completely (after dragging not one but two tuxedo jackets with me, one black, one white - oh, the folly of youth!) and although I felt mighty lousy for myself, I felt terrible for my table companions - all of whom rode out the storm with aplomb. They thought that I had abandoned "the old fogeys" in hopes of a younger crowd, and were thrilled to see me (still a bit green around the gills) the next night. Great bunch of folks, all seasoned cruisers (obviously); we had a great time the whole trip. Still one the most interesting tables I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

 

The headline entertainment was the Harry James Orchestra, who played on through thick and thin. At one point when the ship was shuddering against its own stabilizers (those who have felt this know what I'm talking about), the trumpeter quipped that the ship's captain kept bumping the curbs!

 

Argh, I could go on and on... And I usually do. But I'll stop now. ;)

-- this could be my imagination but i think i remember the captain make a announcement "" batten down all hatches, its going to be a bumpy ride"",, or something like that?- do you recall anything like that ?

[Alcarondas]

-- this could be my imagination but i think i remember the captain make a announcement "" batten down all hatches, its going to be a bumpy ride"",, or something like that?- do you recall anything like that ?

 

I don't recall hearing that message specifically, but I do remember there being a lot of talk about the conditions generally. I know that the captain (Jack van Coevorden) did alter course to take a more southerly route and avoid the roughest part of the storm.