Maasdam -- Charter vs, 'Regular' Cruise

['The Bear']

We recently returned from a B2B, aboard the Maasdam -- 1/5 - 1/15; 1/15 - 1/25. The first segment was a chartered cruise by the 'JazzSea' organization & hosted by Carol & Bob Neumman (sp??); and the second half was a normal/regular cruise.

 

I had originally booked this B2B prior to the 'JazzSea' charter, and I would like to thank Carol for accomodating my DW & I (complete jazz neophites!). She, and my 'brick & mortar TA, co-operated/interfaced very well to ensure that my boookings and connections were a seamless experience ---- Kudos to you both !! :)

 

These two cruises were both very enjoyable, but quite different! This was the JazzSea group's silver jubilee cruise and, of course there were many repeaters -- everyone appeared to know everyone else, sort of one big happy family. These people appeared to be here entirely for the Jazz experience, and any of the regular cruise activities that so many of us so enjoy, were a distant second, to the jazz, for this group. Examples of this was the lack of attendance at the Rembrant for the nightly shows (there were always plenty of seats!) There was only one photographer ever set-up and he wasn't busy, and the second seating for dinner at the Rotterdam was virtually deserted; apparently those scheduled for this seating, ate at the Lido earlier so that they wouldn't miss any of the Jazz Band performances. HAL actually cancelled several of the Shore Excursions due to lack of participation. A lot of the attendees didn't leave the ship, they were all-consumed by the music, much as I used to be with Duplicate Bridge!

 

The professional bands were superb and they performed a rigourous schedule at all venues. In addition to the professional band memebers, there were many musicans, all competent, who had 'jam sessions' several times a day at various venues. Everyone seemed so talented, but this is coming from someone who has troubles playing a radio !!

 

This group was more elderly than my previous and following Maasdam cruises, but they were also much more active!! There was never sufficient space to accomodate the dancers, even at the Crow's Nest and especially at the Ocean Bar. During the afternoons, people were dancing in the Lido Pool area, adjacent to the band area. This area was so crowded that movement through this area, to the ship's fore area, was difficult. These people were very, very friendly, and it was refreshing to witness their camaraderie and 'joie de vivre'. There were no formal nights --- it was a very casual cruise!!

 

The service was exceptional, as we have become accustomed to --- I have no idea how they can be so upbeat especially considering the extensive hours that they work. We are getting to know more & more of the waiters and room stewards, and they are, to a man, upbeat and jovial; HAL has certainly done well in that department!!

 

I realize that food quality is so subjective, but we were pleased overall with the food quality and selection. There were some things we avoid, for example, coming from the northeast of the continent, we don't care for the rock lobsters, compared to what we are used to, so we simply avoid them --- there are so many menu options available that this isn't a problem for us. They also use too much oil at the egg & ommelet stations at the Lido, for my taste, so I avoid that, and eat something else for breakfast, or, if I really crave these items on a particular day, then I go to the Rotterdam dining room for breakfast! The food quality and variety overall was good and the service was superb!

 

In the evenings, as a break to the Jazz music, we went to the Piano Bar where J-P Nadeau was playing!! J-P was born and raised in our home town, and we know several of his relatives, so it was nice to connect with him, and get to know him --- he is a very talented, friendly and entertaining performer. We also attended the 'Gloria String Quartet' prior to dinner, but you had to arrive early during the jazz cruise, if you wanted to get a seat. They were well attended, by this group --- they appreciate good music, no matter what the genre!

 

I won't comment much on the islands visited because we all have our favourites, and those that we don't mind missing.

 

But Martinique, one of our favourite islands, did suffer more earthquake damage than I was led to believe. That whole area across the street from the fort, including the park (La Savanne), and the buildings adjacent to La Savanne, the Library etc. were all roped off with no admittance.

 

Curacao appears to be developing quickly, with little regard for coastline protection-- this is sad to witness, because it is such a beautiful island!

 

Oranjstaad, Aruba, with its many casinos reminded me of a mini-Vegas (without the hookers!!)

 

Both of these cruises were very enjoyable, relaxing, experiences, although quite different, and the on-board ambiance on the Maasdam would be hard to beat IMHO.

 

We were also fortunate enough to have no AC issues,or sewage incidents on these two cruises, contrary to what others have experienced!

 

So ends this diatribe ------ I would be happy to answer any specific questions that anyone might have.

[dakrewser]

Thanks! It's great to read a review of one of these "musical" theme charters from someone who's brand new to them, sort of an "accidental fan"!

[jhannah]

Thanks for your comments. You were fortunate with your experience with this charter. Good deal!

[PHYLLISR]

Bear-

Sorry we didn't get to meet you. Maybe another time- another cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed this cruise...one of our favorites

Phyllis

['The Bear']

Phyllis -- So sorry we missed our rendezvouz, the other couple and I completely forgot about the CC meeting, we must have been doing too much partying !! ;) We did meet Peter at the cooking event at the Culinary Arts Center, later on in the week!! Perhaps our paths will cross on another cruise, --- again, please forgive my absent mindedness (old age, I imagine :) )

[sail7seas]

Bear... Totally enjoyed reading all your comments and, of course, was delighted to hear that Maasdam did not disappoint.

 

It was interesting to read your comments about the charter vs. a regular and usual cruise.

 

Welcome back and thanks for your wonderful post.

[hammybee]

I am thrilled that your BTB worked out. It is not lost on many of us, that the charter organizer, JazzSea accommodated you without imposing the charter rates. I hope this kind of good will comes back at them in spades.

 

 

I am curious if you had to choose just one of your two sails, which was the best overall experience, independent of the ports?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome home.

 

Appreciate you review between a charter and a regular cruise.

['The Bear']

Hammy ... My DW & I enjoy dressing up on formal night, and we were on that segment with close friends, so my nod would probably go to the second (normal) cruise; although, I wouldn't hesitate to travel with JazzSea again --- it was a hoot!! :)

 

I expect that within a few years the formal nights, that we so like, will go the way of the "Buggy Whips" --- it'll just be a part of the progression from yesterday's standard fare, to todays 'as you wish', to tommorow 'totally casual'. :(

 

The only other consideration would be that HAL would start to cancel or phase out some of the other activities that I like, like the Culinary Arts Classes, due to lack of participation, & that would be a shame!

 

I'm sure that a great portion of my uneasiness with these impending changes, revolves around the 'resistance to change' phenomenon. :o

[Roo]

Hi there,

We were hoping to find someone with recent Massdam experience to ask a few questions, if you don't mind: I understand the Maasdam was refurbished a few years ago - how does it measure up to the newer ships? How much more motion do you feel on this size ship compared to the big guys (we hope to sail to Iceland this summer) and will encounter some open seas) ? Also, do you know the size of the cabin part of the verandah suites - how it compares to the Large/Window suites. The difference in the prices between these two types of cabins seems higher than usual - any comment? Thanks!:)

['The Bear']

'Roo' --- In response to your questions --- This was our second & third cruise on the Maasdam, so obviously we are pleased with her condition. Although the oldest ship in the fleet, she is well maintained IMHO, there are personnel constantly cleaning, vacuuming, polishing brass etc on the inside, and touching up white painted areas on the outside.

 

I haven't yet sailed on other HAL ships so I can't make an informed comparison, between the various classes of ships. (We are presently inquiring about a B2B on the Noordam next January-February)

 

Regarding motion --- I do feel more motion on this class ship, than I did on the behemoths of Carnival that I previously sailed on! In order to combat the motion, (and also 'cause I'm frugal/cheap ;) ), I book an inside cabin on a lower deck, mid-ships --- closer to the center of gravity, and there appears to be much less motion in rough seas, in the cabins in that location, than there is on the higher decks.

 

There will certainly be rough seas travelling to Greenland & Iceland, any time of the year, so this midships idea might help to alleviate this issue. In any case, we always bring seasick meds with us when we cruise.

 

These inside cabins are 184 square feet, which are larger than the Vista Class ships, and, I believe, the largest in the mass market cruise lines.

 

I would be happy to answer any other questions about the Maasdam; but 'Sail7Seas' would be far more informative --- she has far more experience on this ship than almost any of the frequent posters! I'm certain that she would be pleased to answer any of your questions !!

[dakrewser]

'Roo' --- In response to your questions --- This was our second & third cruise on the Maasdam' date=' so obviously we are pleased with her condition. Although the oldest ship in the fleet, she is well maintained IMHO, [/quote']

 

While the Maasdam is an older S class ship (built in '93), the Prinsendam is the eldest of the fleet, turning 20 years old this year. And still the "elegant explorer".