Nieuw Amsterdam or Maasdam?

[JLBellaCC]

We are looking at two itineraries- one on the Nieuw Amsterdam and one on the Maasdam- either would be great. Also, we have sailed the NA once before and enjoyed. In light of that- which would you select?

[POA1]

We are looking at two itineraries- one on the Nieuw Amsterdam and one on the Maasdam- either would be great. Also, we have sailed the NA once before and enjoyed. In light of that- which would you select?

What are the itineraries?

[JLBellaCC]

NA- HMC, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Key West. (Which I think is the same itin as our last cruise. We are selecting between these two based on dates we can travel......

 

Maasdam- HMC, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Ocho Rios.

[OlsSalt]

I love the small, older ships. Decrepit as they are becoming. Sail them while you still can. The big ones will be around for a while. These grand old smaller ships of yore are all on the HAL sale rack right now. They can still get closer to some ports than the big ones -- big difference.

[JLBellaCC]

Have you been on the Maasdam?

[RMLincoln]

I've spent many more cruises on Maasdam, only one on NA....

 

What kind of room are you looking at? Same categories differ on NA compared to Maasdam. The older ships have larger rooms in many categories.

 

I like the library on Maasdam better than NA and the more comfortable show lounge. A lot fewer people getting on and off the Maasdam.

 

NA has a bigger thermal suite in the spa if that is important to you. And NA has the new bigger TVs.

 

If you are equal in the itineraries, I would say go for the ship that has the bigger cabin/room for the price. But that's me. Enjoy, m--

[JLBellaCC]

We would have a veranda on the NA- and a Lanai on the Maasdam. What is important to us are the pools, the casino and the food. Haha. And of course, most of all perhaps, is the itinerary- which I mentioned we like both!

 

Thank you for your info!

[RMLincoln]

We would have a veranda on the NA- and a Lanai on the Maasdam. What is important to us are the pools, the casino and the food. Haha. And of course, most of all perhaps, is the itinerary- which I mentioned we like both!

 

Thank you for your info!

 

The Maasdam Lanai room is shorter than the NA veranda room, so it has a love seat. I think our NA veranda room also had a loveseat but I'd have to check our photos to be certain. I have liked being on the lower promenade as long as you will not be under the galley!

 

The pools: both have 2 pools, mid and aft. The mid pool has a sliding cover.

 

Can't compare the casinos, sorry.

 

Ocho Rios is not a favorite of ours so we would avoid that port or just plan on a comfortable day on board while we were in port.

 

Enjoy! m--

[sail7seas]

Sail Maasdam while you can.

As you know, she is considerably smaller than NA but has a great fan club. Many of us think her a gem in the fleet. Yes, she has a bit of wear and tear but she is a beautiful ship. Her art is outstanding, her size perfect for many, her crew is always wonderful......... Cruise her while you still can. :)

 

Maasdam's aft pool on Navigation Deck was one of my DH's favorite spot on every HAL ship in the fleet (but for Prinsendam). He loved that pool area and we spent many days of our lives sitting there. :)

 

I am a bit biased as I've sailed her at least 35 or so cruises.

Edited January 26, 2016 by sail7seas

[JLBellaCC]

Thank you for your helpful information!

[cachouonacruise]

My DW and I were on the Maasdam last summer on the Montreal to Boston cruise. It was our forth cruise, including a previous cruise on the Rotterdam. Never tried the Niew Amsterdam. The small ship experience provided by the Maasdam included: The best wine tasting experience so far on a cruise. Michael was the Sommelier. ( Unfortunatele, I believe that he was nearing the end of his contract with HAL) Also, the Maître D on that cruise was fantastic. He was the only one in 4 cruises to pay attention to all passengers. ( we were not suite passengers. ) Boarding and disembarkation went well thrpughout the whole cruise and we really enjoyed the Piano man, at the bar. The small size of the ship allowed us to meet and share experiences with fellow passengers, which was an unexpected bonus. We really enjoyed the food throughout the cruise, however, I would not say that it was exceptional. On the less positive side, on-board activities during sea days were a bit limited. (we're not fans of computer workshops and being Quebec citizens, were not eligible for the Dance under the stars contest) In addition, the Auctionneer for the art sale was really "motivated" to make a sale. (a bit too much for our taste). The Maasdam does not offer the same level of beautiful art works throughout the ship, as what we saw on the Rotterdam; however, although her age started to show a bit, everything was functionnal and comfortable. All things considered, we sincerely enjoyed our cruise for the most part especially the ports of calls. My priorities would be from your perspective, to first choose your itinerary; and then to take into consideration that Lanai rooms open on the Promenade deck ( Your patio door is not see through both ways. From inside, you can see out, from outside, you cannot see in. But passengers can walk in front of your door, day and night. This said, you will have chairs on the Promenade deck, near your room, reserved for you.) This is different from a private Verandah. Either one could be enjoyable, depending on your taste. Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

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[Skoogs]

I've been on the Noordam once, Zuiderdam three times. Maasdam once. All them are unique and special in their own way. But, Maasdam is very special and very laid back. I love how intimate it feels and yet non-crowded. We'll be on the Maasdam twice this year, so that's how I feel about it. Either ship is great, your on a cruise!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed on the Maasdam and Nieuw Amsterdam quite a few times.

I would choose the Nieuw Amsterdam as she has the extra specialty restaurant -- Tamarind which we love.

Also we not care for Jamaica no matter what port they use there.

[JLBellaCC]

With all this great information- we are 95% leaning toward the NA. I am tempted by the allure of the smaller Maasdam- the ship tours I have seen online look lovely and the Lanai intrigues me. But the NA itinerary is a bit better- as I have heard that Jamaica is a not so hot port, plus I love Key West. Also, as mentioned here- the Tamarind is a hit. Plus, we will have a balcony for just a smidge more money.

 

I am a Libra, so this could still change- but I think it will be the NA this time.

 

:)

[EbayCruiser]

With all this great information- we are 95% leaning toward the NA. I am tempted by the allure of the smaller Maasdam- the ship tours I have seen online look lovely and the Lanai intrigues me. But the NA itinerary is a bit better- as I have heard that Jamaica is a not so hot port, plus I love Key West. Also, as mentioned here- the Tamarind is a hit. Plus, we will have a balcony for just a smidge more money.

 

I am a Libra, so this could still change- but I think it will be the NA this time.

 

:)

 

I would choose the NA. We have cruised on both and like the NA more. We rented a cabana on the pool deck of the NA and used it every day. We also LOVE Key West and do not like Jamaica.

[travelinjones]

We sailed on the Nieuw Amsterdam twice last year (Caribbean and Transatlantic) and we love the ship. (BB King, Cabana Club, Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Silk Den, and the new New York Pizza) And we prefer Key West to Jamaica. These links have lots of photos from around the Nieuw Amsterdam:

New York Pizza: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/11/19/a-look-at-new-york-pizza-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

Master Chef's Table: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/24/the-master-chefs-table-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

Cabana Club: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/09/the-cabana-club-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam/

Verandah Stateroom: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/03/05/a-look-inside-a-verandah-stateroom-on-holland-americas-nieuw-amsterdam-cruise-ship/

 

That said, we also sailed on the Maasdam last year from Montreal to Boston, and we're thrilled with the ship: fantastic, unique layout in the Crow's Nest, incredible staff and cruise director Jude Day, smaller, more intimate feel and many special touches. Here's links to lots of photos:

A Look Around Maasdam: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/07/14/a-look-around-holland-americas-maasdam-cruise-ship/

Service Superstars: http://www.travelingwiththejones.com/2015/07/21/11-hospitality-superstars-who-made-our-holland-america-cruise-special/

 

We'd choose based on if we wanted a smaller, more intimate ship experience or more amenities like BB King, Tamarind and the Cabana Club.

 

Have a great cruise!