Dave’s Live from Maasdam 14-day Southern Caribbean, March 13-27, 2015

[slabeaume]

Thanks for all the menus. We loved having the daily menus delivered to the room when we stayed in a Pinnacle suite. Hopefully they'll use the same menu for our cruise in April.

[Spinner2]

Thanks, Dave, for the update on the DRM, Bagus Sugiantha. He's needed a brief leave; family emergency, and we were hoping he'd be back before we cruise in April. He's such a nice person, and such a fountain of information about Indonesian culture. We enjoy having a bit of time to spend with him when our cruise schedules mesh.

 

Thanks for continuing your cruise updates!

[RetiredMustang]

I too, have just found your great live from Maasdam thread, which I am reading with interest.

Thank you.

 

If you speak with a Senior Staff member, would you kindly ask if it's true that Maasdam will be sailing to Australia October next year, for the "down under" summer season??

 

OK, I finally have as good an answer as I think I am going to get: yes. Several members of the crew over the past several days have said that Maasdam was indeed staying in the HAL fleet, and was relocating next year to the South Pacific.

 

I took the opportunity while going through the line for the Mariner medallion ceremony this morning to ask Captain Jutten both questions. He confirmed yes to both. I did not have time to ask for any further details, as there was a long line, but all in all, I think we all can look forward to Maasdam down south in late 2016.

 

 

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

I really enjoy following you to the ports on my bucket list. Thank you for allowing me to see them thru your eyes. We will be on the Maasdam at the end of May and wonder what makes Happy Hour so special. Also, if you have time would you mind taking a picture of the Lower Promanade aft deck area? I wondered if there is room for chairs there. Enjoy your sea days

 

Happy hour: On HAL ships, a few of the bars, usually Ocean Bar and Crow’s Nest, have happy hours. This cruise, it usually is 4-5 p.m. in the Ocean Bar and 6-7 p.m. in the Crow’s Nest.

 

The times are set to coincide with pre-dinner drinks times for the two fixed dining times. What it is: during that hour, drinks that are under $7 (basically, the house wines, all the beers and specialty drinks, plus most liquors with mixers) are priced so that you pay for the first, and get the second of the same drink for one dollar extra. For two people, you can each order a different drink and get two each, or the same drink and each get one.

 

In the big picture of what we spent for the whole cruise, it is not a big savings, but it is nice that HAL does it. We normally have drinks at the time before dinner anyway, and this gives us a chance to get them at a reduced price. We like to sit at the bar, because there is also the chance to interact with other bar flies, and with the bartenders. It is fun to watch the bartenders making an incredible number of drinks of a wide variety in a short time, and to compare day’s experiences with fellow cruisers. Plus, at the bar, the bartenders will hold off on your second drink until you are ready – not important for red wine, for example, but handy for white wine or mixed drinks with ice, so the second ones don’t get warm or diluted.

 

 

Lower Promenade: I checked out the aft of the Lower Promenade, and there is room for chairs, but I don’t think the crew would put one there or let you move one, because that is the walk-round deck, and a chair would be in the way of the walkers. Photo:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/Lower_Promenade_Deck_6_aft.JPG

 

 

What you are probably looking for can be found on deck 9 aft, which is set up with loungers:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/Verandah_Deck_9_aft.JPG

 

 

You can access the deck 9 aft by stairs from the Seaview Pool on deck 10, or by walking down deck 9 corridors to the end doors and out to the loungers. It is a nice, quiet and fairly private sun deck.

 

 

Dave

Edited March 24, 2015 by RetiredMustang

[slabeaume]

Looking at the deck plan, it looks like there is an observation area at the front of the verandah deck (deck 9), too. Is that right, or am I not seeing it correctly? Are there chairs there? Thanks for all your time blogging your trip!

[RetiredMustang]

Tuesday, March 24, at sea (Cont.)

 

I went to the Mariner reception in the Show Lounge at 11:30 (DW passed). I not only learned that Maasdam was moving to the South Pacific later next year, but that HAL is still awarding the medallions for days at sea, in addition to the star-Mariner recognition program. A couple of dozen people were awarded their bronze medallions (100 days), two were awarded silver (300 days) and two gold (500 days). No platinums (700 days) were awarded, but several platinum members on board were recognized.

 

There was the Mariners Brunch followed in the lower MDR. The menu has changed over the years, but we still don’t usually go to the brunch. But, I got a shot of the current menu, and have transcribed it below:

 

Appetizer

- Crab, Shrimp and Avocado Timbale – Mango vinaigrette

- Spiced Chicken and Okra Gumbo – Smoked sausage, spiced tomatoes and rice, served with mini cornbread muffins

 

Entrees

- Slow Roasted Strip Loin of Beef – Garlic butter, garden vegetables, herb-roasted potatoes

-Seared haddock Fillet – Jamaican style corn fritters, peas and rice, leeks, cabbage

- Penne with Plum Tomato and Basil – Plum tomato, roasted garlic, shallots, fresh basil, garlic bread

- Baked Vegetarian Quiche “Bahamian Style” – Pesto assorted dried fruit brown rice, grilled pineapple spears

 

Dessert

- Coconut Creme Brulee with Fresh Fruits – Flavored with Captain Morgan’s dark rum

 

- Petit Fours, coffee, tea

 

 

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Tuesday, March 24, at sea (Cont.)

 

We had a pretty lazy afternoon, with me answering some questions, and then joingin DW on the balcony to watch the flying fish before getting ready for dinner.

 

Here is the dinner menu:

 

Starters * Soups * Salads

- Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Honey – citrus dressing

- Bresaola, Genoa Salami, Melon and Figs – crostini, olives, sun-dried tomato

- Crispy Crab Roll – wasabi-accented crab, avocado, cilantro, lemon-aioli dipping sauce

- Pumpkin and Squash Soup – nutmeg, cinnamon, cream, butter-bronzed apple, sage

- Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup – well-seasoned chicken broth, crisp garden vegetables, vermicelli noodles

- French Onion Soup “Les Halles” – Gruyere cheese crouton

- Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho – watermelon, lemon sorbet, lime leaves

- Romaine Lettuce Spears – red beet, cucumber, sweet corn, corn confetti

- Classic Caesar Salad – Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

 

Mains

- Spaghetti Puttanesca – marinara sauce, anchovies, capers, black olives, garlic, regano

- Grilled Chinese Five Spice Salmon and Crispy Tortilla Salad – romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, scallions, ginger-lime dressing

- Seafood Pot Pie – scallops, shrimp, cod, salmon, white sauce, Old Bay spice, peas, carrots, fennel, flaky pastry crust

- Grilled Salmon with Ginger-Cilantro Pesto – basmati rice, Swiss chard, garlic cherry tomatoes

- Prime Rib of Beef au jus – braised celery, roasted butternut squash, Jackson potato

- Broiled New York Strip Loin – cauliflower gratin, green peppercorn sauce

- Caribbean Curried Lamb – rice and beans, fried okra

- Pomegranate-Glazed Cornish Game Hen – brown rice stuffing, steamed broccoli, eggplant-tomato braise

- Oven-Roasted Chicken – quinoa pilaf, herb-roasted vegetables, jus

- Indian Red Lentil Dahl – turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cashew basmati rice, mango chutney, toasted coconut, papadum

 

We both had the pumpkin and squash soup, and the prime rib – third time on this cruise, and we are still not tired of the prime rib.

 

 

Here is the dessert menu:

 

Desserts

- Pumpkin-Chocolate Cake – Chocolate, cranberries, walnuts, chocolate glaze

- Chocolate Coconut Napoleon – Coconut crisps, dark chocolate mousse

- Warm Spiced Mullet Fruit – Wine poached apple, plum, fig and pear, macadamia nut ice cream

- Mango Mouse Feuillete no sugar added – Puff pastry, mango mousse, passion fruit, kiwi, strawberries

 

Frozen Treats

- Vanilla Ice Cream

- Coconut Ice Cream

- Raspberry Sorbet

- Heath Bar Crunch Frozen Yogurt

- No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream

- No Sugar Added Coffee Fudge Ice Cream

- Apple Sundae – French vanilla ice cream, cinnamon-spiced apples

 

Available Daily

- Crème Brulee – Creamy, dreamy Grand Marnier-scented custard with a sheer layer of crisply caramelized sugar

- Fruit Crisp of the Day: Pineapple Crisp – Fresh out of the oven, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

- Sliced Fruit Plate – An assorted selection of fresh fruit

- Cheese Plate – Brie, Fontina, Cheddar Sharp, Gouda

 

Espresso Drinks

- Espresso - $1.25

- Cappuccino - $1.75

- Extra shot - $0.50

 

Recommended Cordial of the Day: Hazel Eyes – Frangelico, Bailey’s & Kahlua - $5.95

 

DW had the Pumpkin-Chocolate Cake, while I went for a lighter dessert with the raspberry sorbet.

 

More later,

Dave

[cruz chic]

I was pleasantly surprised at the last Mariners brunch. I went to the cocktail party and I was walking out and a steward picked me out of the crowd and addressed me by name. At that point I got escorted to a table. This was the cruise after my silver medal and the first one I'd gone to in a long time. I found the food to be quite good.

[cruz chic]

Tuesday, March 24, at sea (Cont.)

 

We had a pretty lazy afternoon, with me answering some questions, and then joingin DW on the balcony to watch the flying fish before getting ready for dinner.

 

Here is the dinner menu:

 

Starters * Soups * Salads

- Fruit Salad with Yogurt and Honey – citrus dressing

- Bresaola, Genoa Salami, Melon and Figs – crostini, olives, sun-dried tomato

- Crispy Crab Roll – wasabi-accented crab, avocado, cilantro, lemon-aioli dipping sauce

- Pumpkin and Squash Soup – nutmeg, cinnamon, cream, butter-bronzed apple, sage

- Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup – well-seasoned chicken broth, crisp garden vegetables, vermicelli noodles

- French Onion Soup “Les Halles” – Gruyere cheese crouton

- Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho – watermelon, lemon sorbet, lime leaves

- Romaine Lettuce Spears – red beet, cucumber, sweet corn, corn confetti

- Classic Caesar Salad – Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

 

Mains

- Spaghetti Puttanesca – marinara sauce, anchovies, capers, black olives, garlic, regano

- Grilled Chinese Five Spice Salmon and Crispy Tortilla Salad – romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, scallions, ginger-lime dressing

- Seafood Pot Pie – scallops, shrimp, cod, salmon, white sauce, Old Bay spice, peas, carrots, fennel, flaky pastry crust

- Grilled Salmon with Ginger-Cilantro Pesto – basmati rice, Swiss chard, garlic cherry tomatoes

- Prime Rib of Beef au jus – braised celery, roasted butternut squash, Jackson potato

- Broiled New York Strip Loin – cauliflower gratin, green peppercorn sauce

- Caribbean Curried Lamb – rice and beans, fried okra

- Pomegranate-Glazed Cornish Game Hen – brown rice stuffing, steamed broccoli, eggplant-tomato braise

- Oven-Roasted Chicken – quinoa pilaf, herb-roasted vegetables, jus

- Indian Red Lentil Dahl – turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cashew basmati rice, mango chutney, toasted coconut, papadum

 

We both had the pumpkin and squash soup, and the prime rib – third time on this cruise, and we are still not tired of the prime rib.

 

 

Here is the dessert menu:

 

Desserts

- Pumpkin-Chocolate Cake – Chocolate, cranberries, walnuts, chocolate glaze

- Chocolate Coconut Napoleon – Coconut crisps, dark chocolate mousse

- Warm Spiced Mullet Fruit – Wine poached apple, plum, fig and pear, macadamia nut ice cream

- Mango Mouse Feuillete no sugar added – Puff pastry, mango mousse, passion fruit, kiwi, strawberries

 

Frozen Treats

- Vanilla Ice Cream

- Coconut Ice Cream

- Raspberry Sorbet

- Heath Bar Crunch Frozen Yogurt

- No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream

- No Sugar Added Coffee Fudge Ice Cream

- Apple Sundae – French vanilla ice cream, cinnamon-spiced apples

 

Available Daily

- Crème Brulee – Creamy, dreamy Grand Marnier-scented custard with a sheer layer of crisply caramelized sugar

- Fruit Crisp of the Day: Pineapple Crisp – Fresh out of the oven, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

- Sliced Fruit Plate – An assorted selection of fresh fruit

- Cheese Plate – Brie, Fontina, Cheddar Sharp, Gouda

 

Espresso Drinks

- Espresso - $1.25

- Cappuccino - $1.75

- Extra shot - $0.50

 

Recommended Cordial of the Day: Hazel Eyes – Frangelico, Bailey’s & Kahlua - $5.95

 

DW had the Pumpkin-Chocolate Cake, while I went for a lighter dessert with the raspberry sorbet.

 

More later,

Dave

I had the chocolate pumpkin cake on my last cruise and it was really bad. I see there is no comment about it so I'm wondering if it's still no better:D.

[twomommy]

Dave, thank you so much for the quick answers. We are bar flies also and look forward to finding 'our' spot. We will also take your advice for deck 9 it looks like a great place to watch the water. We booked too late for a balcony. Enjoy the rest of the cruise.

[RetiredMustang]

Wednesday, March 25, at sea

 

Another day at sea before arriving at Half Moon Cay tomorrow. Here are today’s On Location pages:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/25Mar15_Program_1.JPG

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/25Mar15_Program_2.JPG

 

 

More later,

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

I had the chocolate pumpkin cake on my last cruise and it was really bad. I see there is no comment about it so I'm wondering if it's still no better:D.

 

I asked DW, and she said she liked the pumpkin-chocolate cake. She said it was a pumpkin-spice muffin that would have been a little dry on its own, but was very good with the chocolate sauce.

 

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Wednesday, March 25, at sea (Cont.)

 

At about 8:20 this morning, well after we had passed Cuba to our port, the captain told us that we had a passenger who needed medical attention ashore, that he had sped up overnight, and that we would be at the rendezvous point with the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in about 5 minutes.

 

The ship cleared and closed all forward areas, such as the Crow’s Nest, spa, etc. The helo arrived and dropped a basket on the bow, and then circled the ship several times while the patient was prepared. The helo returned and picked up the patient and one of the ship’s nurses, and departed toward the east. The captain had said the helo would take them to the Turks and Caicos, for further transport to Florida.

 

More later,

Dave

[Mtn2Sea]

Certainly hope your fellow passenger gets the necessary medical assistance quickly and is okay. Can't imagine the stress the passenger and traveling companion(s) left behind on the ship must be feeling.

[RetiredMustang]

Looking at the deck plan, it looks like there is an observation area at the front of the verandah deck (deck 9), too. Is that right, or am I not seeing it correctly? Are there chairs there? Thanks for all your time blogging your trip!

 

Sue,

 

The ship crew does not want you to go to that forward area on deck 9. Those non-colored spaces you see on the diagram forward of the passenger cabins are offices and cabins for the ship’s officers. The open deck just forward of that has stairs leading down to equipment and work spaces forward of the show lounge, and up to the bridge. Passengers are discouraged from entering that area.

 

However, there are a few other alternatives. On deck 11, you can pass through a door on the port side of the gym aerobics area and come to a passenger observation deck. There are no chairs, but it is a great place to stand when entering port:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/Deck_11_forward_observation_deck.JPG

 

 

Also, there are a few loungers on each side of deck 12, aft of the Crow’s Nest. Not very private, but less crowded than the lower promenade deck:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/Deck_12_port_aft_of_Crow_s_Nest.JPG

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/Deck_12_starboard_aft_of_Crow_s_Nest.JPG

 

 

Dave

[RetiredMustang]

Wednesday, March 25, at sea (Cont.)

 

We devoted the entire afternoon to … um, well, nothing much at all. But, we enjoyed it a lot, especially the time on the balcony staring at the ocean. Then, it was time to get ready for happy hour and dinner.

 

 

Here is the dinner menu:

 

Starters * Soups * Salads

- Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail – American cocktail sauce

- Duck Pate, Caviar and Smoked Salmon – celery apple salad, classic condiments

- Escargot Bourguignon – herb garlic butter, Burgundy wine, French bread

- Tomato and Fennel Soup – crème fraiche

- Chicken and Barley Soup – diced vegetables, dry sherry

- French Onion Soup “Les Halles” – Gruyere cheese crouton

- Chilled Anjou Pear Soup – ginger, cinnamon, dried cherries

- Mixed Greens Salad with Fresh Pear – Blue cheese, toasted pecans

- Classic Caesar Salad – Parmesan cheese, garlic croutons, anchovies

 

Mains

- Mushroom Ravioli – garlic cream sauce, forest mushrooms, tomato ragout

- Mozzarella and Tomato Salad – tomatoes, mozzarella, lemon-dressed greens, basil, parsley

- Cornflake-Crusted Rainbow Trout – boiled new potatoes, sautéed vegetable medley, remoulade

- Grilled Salmon with Ginger-Cilantro Pesto – basmati rice, Swiss chard, garlic cherry tomatoes

- Surf and Turf – filet mignon, lobster tail, herb garlic butter, porcini basmati rice, sautéed vegetables

- Broiled New York Strip Loin – cauliflower gratin, green peppercorn sauce

- Crackling Pork Belly – braised red cabbage, boiled potatoes, raisin-apple chutney

- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast – honey-Dijon mustard sauce, mashed potatoes, sugar snap peas

- Oven-Roasted Chicken – quinoa pilaf, herb-roasted vegetables, jus

- Chile Rellenos – oven-roasted Poblano peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, green chili sauce, Mexican-style rice

 

 

Tonight was the last formal night, and the Farewell Dinner. For starter, DW went with the Chicken and Barley Soup, which she said was excellent, especially the unexpected note of dried cherries. I went with 95% of the crowd and had the shrimp cocktail. For main, DW stepped outside the box and ordered the crackling pork belly. She said it was rich, bacon-like but not smoked, like a fatty pork chop, and the slightly sour cabbage and the apples cut the richness. She really liked that dish (but she has 50-75% German extraction, so there may be a connection between those two data points). I went with the madding crowd and had the surf and turf. I refrained for ordering an extra lobster tail … which left room for the guy at the large table near us who had surf and surf and surf and turf, and everyone else at the table took pictures. Then it was time for dessert.

 

 

Here is the dessert menu:

 

Desserts

- Flourless Chocolate Cake – Molten chocolate center, whipped cream, assortment of berries

- Upside Down Apple Tartlet – Vanilla cream, Granny Smith apples

- Souffle au Grand Marnier – Vanilla-rum sauce

- Almond Fruit Cake no sugar added – Almond butter cake, cherries, berries, Frangelico whipped cream

 

Frozen Treats

- Vanilla Ice Cream

- Butter Pecan Cream

- Orange Sorbet

- Blueberry Frozen Yogurt

- No Sugar Added Vanilla Ice Cream

- No Sugar Added Coffee Fudge Ice Cream

- The Master Chef’s Sundae – French vanilla ice cream, tropical fruits, whipped cream, roasted macadamia nuts

 

Available Daily

- Crème Brulee – Creamy, dreamy Grand Marnier-scented custard with a sheer layer of crisply caramelized sugar

- Fruit Crisp of the Day: Rhubarb Crisp – Fresh out of the oven, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

- Sliced Fruit Plate – An assorted selection of fresh fruit

- Cheese Plate – Brie, Cheddar, Beecher’s Flagship Reserve, Leiden

 

Espresso Drinks

- Espresso - $1.25

- Cappuccino - $1.75

- Extra shot - $0.50

 

Recommended Cordial of the Day: After Eight – Kahlua, Crème de Menthe Green & Bailey’s Irish Cream - $5.95

 

DW was torn between two of her favorites, but in the end chose the Grand Marnier soufflé. I ordered her second favorite (and mine), the flourless chocolate cake, and we shared. Delicious as usual.

 

More later,

Dave

[cruz chic]

I'm glad your lovely wife chose the pork belly. I was curious about it.

[slabeaume]

Sue,

 

The ship crew does not want you to go to that forward area on deck 9. Those non-colored spaces you see on the diagram forward of the passenger cabins are offices and cabins for the ship’s officers. The open deck just forward of that has stairs leading down to equipment and work spaces forward of the show lounge, and up to the bridge. Passengers are discouraged from entering that area.

 

 

Dave

 

Thanks for the clarification, Dave. We're staying in a CQ oceanview. That deck looked so convenient to our room. Darn!

[Tripper10]

Thank you for the updates

[RetiredMustang]

Thursday, March 26, Half Moon Cay

 

We are looking forward to a day at Half Moon Cay – hopefully the forecast shwoers are few and far between. Here are today’s On Location pages, and the Explorer pages about HMC:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/26Mar_15_Program_1.JPG

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/26Mar_15_Program_2.JPG

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/HMC_1.JPG

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/520/HMC_2.JPG

 

 

 

More later,

Dave

[boards]

I am glad to see they haven't done away with the group "Amber and the Hal-cats". Did you have an opportunity to hear them?

[RetiredMustang]

Thursday, March 26, ... at sea

 

Well, actually, we are spending another day at sea. We arrived at Half Moon Cay before 8 and the large tenders were waiting, but they didn’t start loading. The captain came on and said he was trying to find a safe lee for tendering operations in brisk winds and seas. He kept us updated, but finally about 9:15 he said he could not safely operate tenders – the swells were five feet alongside, and the forecast was for increasing winds and squalls. So, he aborted the port call and we have headed back to sea, en route Ft. Lauderdale for an anticipated on-time arrival tomorrow.

 

Cruise Director Jeremy came on a short time later and announced a whole new line-up of activities for the day, and the casino was already open when we passed it going to our cabin.

 

More later,

Dave

[Cruiz'nBaers]

It is a disappointment to miss Half Moon Cay, it is my favorite port of call for a great beach day. We missed it in January 2014. We did: however, get onto the island in February this year and thoroughly enjoyed this little piece of paradise. There is always the next time, hopefully you will make it on shore then.

 

Linda

[Susie51]

I'm Glad the weather in Bonaire was nice,but sorry HMC had bad conditions for tendering.

 

I'm On Navigator right now so I'm not able to follow your thread as often.

[RetiredMustang]

It is a disappointment to miss Half Moon Cay' date=' it is my favorite port of call for a great beach day. We missed it in January 2014. We did: however, get onto the island in February this year and thoroughly enjoyed this little piece of paradise. There is always the next time, hopefully you will make it on shore then.

 

Linda[/quote']

 

Thanks, Linda,

 

We have been on HMC for more than a dozen times over the years, since visiting in early 1998, about a month after it opened. It is always nice to go there for a bit of paradise, but we have been shut out twice now. Oh well, we are booked on an Oosterdam b2b next year and will have two opportunities then.

 

Dave