Maasdam Repositioning Cruise 8 May Review

[aliaschief]

This is our fourth Holland America cruise since June 07. We are 63 and 58 years old and are happy to say that Holland America again exceeded “The Standards of Excellence” on this cruise. We found the MS Maasdam to be in exceptional condition for a ship of her years of service. As Sail7Seas has often expressed her love for the Maasdam and crew, we also are believers and can easily boast about this beautiful ship and simply the best crew we have experienced. This is not stated lightly as all our cruises on Holland America have been outstanding.

 

Our cabin was 048 A verandah on the Navigation Deck. Our previous cruises have been in Deluxe Verandahs and a SY on a Vista ship. After a couple of days we got use to our smaller cabin and found it to be quite suitable. In this particular location, you do get some deck noise from above from chairs or tables being moved but this was not an issue for us. This usually occurred at only specific periods of time and was short in duration. We did have some AC problems the first couple of days and than some heating issues in colder climates. It was eventually corrected and it did not ruin our cruise. Without asking we were amply compensated with on board credit and very nice bottle of champagne for the inconvenience.

 

Captain Henk Draper was our Captain

Doug Hernandez- Hotel Manager

Hans Becker- Beverage Manager

Drew Murdock-Cruise Director

 

We flew to Fort Lauderdale a day in advance and stayed at the Marriott Renaissance. We had stayed at this hotel last November prior to our MS Noordam cruise and found it be quite adequate and centrally located to good restaurants and Wine World.

 

This cruise had the largest Roll Call for the Maasdam in quite awhile. There were over sixty of us and we dubbed our cruise “The Repose”. Cola Kid and Polar Bear Mom from Ontario, Canada did a fantastic job of making this the best Roll Call we have ever attended. A few of us met at the Renaissance the evening prior to cruising for a mini M&G and dinner afterwards.

 

EMBARKATION

 

Took a cab from the Marriott to the Port Everglades terminal for six dollars each, arrived at 11:00 AM and was onboard the Maasdam by 11:40 AM. Headed to the Lido which was starting to bristle with activity. Sue elected to choose from the Lido line and I had hamburger/fries from the Terrace Grill.

 

Cabins were ready at 1:30, which is the norm. Baggage arrived thirty minutes later. Unpacked, did some dining table changes with Roll Call members, life boat drill, and than a bottle of champagne was uncorked in preparation for sail away. Port Everglades is fun for sail away port as there are plenty of Mariners that live in condos on the port side. With Bon Voyage banners, air horns and a few extra ship horn blast as we left port and turned north for our cruise up the Atlantic coast.

 

 

We purchased the Suites Amenities package for this cruise. Felt we came out pretty good; seeing we got two Holland America Robes monogrammed with our choice of three letters. We also received:

• initial bar set up 2 liquors and 2 wines
  
• 2 ten punch Explorer Coffee Cards
  
• flowers in room
  
• unlimited laundry and pressing (dry clean not incl.)
  
• two nights Pinnacle dinner for two
  
• breakfast in the Pinnacle on disembarkation
  
• allowed Neptune while waiting for disembarkation
  
• free cold canapés or High Tea in room each day. (Order in the morning)
  
• pillow choices
  
• free DVD selection and popcorn
  
• early disembarkation between 8:15 and 9:30
  

This package cannot be ordered online under Hal gifts. You basically have to download the gift list and then call ship services to get the price for the cruise, depending upon the number of days. Not many people get this package and there was some initial confusion of making sure that all was in place. However, between our telephone concierge and our diligence we received everything offered.

 

DINING:

 

Food is subjective but we found the food to be the best we have experienced with Holland America.

Our table was #30 upper port side aft window. Our waiters Abdul and Fridaus “Friday” were outstanding. Wine steward Enrique and Hadi the Maitre De were so good that we have made arrangements for them to be our wait staff in October. Some of our great table mates were a little finicky with food and if they made the wrong choice they were immediately given another selection. After the first night I was given the Indonesian spicy condiment Sambal. Now I like spicy food so as the days went on they were getting the Sambal from the crew’s dining and every night it was getting hotter and hotter. They never broke me but they did get a kick out my enjoying it. We would arrive at 7:45 and without ever feeling rushed we were usually done on most evenings by 9:00 even with after dinner special coffees.

 

Other dining highlights included being invited to a special Heritage luncheon of Indonesian& Filipino food. Fantastic presentation and great food.

 

We were invited guests of Doug Hernandez on the last formal night and that was a most memorable meal with a gracious host and gentleman. If we never get invited to a head table again we will never forget this evening of impeccable service, fine wine and food.

 

Sommeliers wine tasting dinner in the Pinnacle with Wine Cellar Master Fernando was one of the best wine/food pairings that we have ever been to on land or sea.

 

Hans Becker the Beverage Manager also honored our table by joining us on a couple of evenings.

 

Formal Nights: The demographics of this cruise officially, was average age 69 with over 750 passengers between the ages of 75 and 93. Not surprisingly as it was a 15day cruise. One three year old child on board was adopted by the many grandparents. As witnessed only around ten per cent of us wore tuxes and the rest were in business type suits. We witnessed only one lady the entire cruise with a full length gown and most were dressed in chic cocktail dresses or nice pant suit combinations. Many stated the current airline bag restrictions plus need for warm clothing as the main reason for their clothing options. We had four formal evenings.

 

We ate a number of lunches on land as we are avid seafood lovers. However we found breakfast in the Lido to be well done each day. We did not eat dinner in the Lido but elected to stay with our tablemates or in the Pinnacle Grill. Room service breakfast was a must for early excursion days and was always on time.

 

To be continued.

[aliaschief]

Daily Log:

 

As many future cruisers have expressed interest in what this cruise offers and are awaiting word on excursions we took. I will give you a brief diary of daily happenings.

 

May 8:

 

As noted our embarkation rooms ready, muster dill and sail away went smoothly. Dinner at 7:45 was the usual prime rib and Sue had a pork chop dish. Cruising along slowly at 11.2 knots. Overview of entertainment presented by Drew Murdock our Cruise Director. Dancing and drinking the Crow’s Nest followed. Nice way to start a cruise.

 

May 9: Our first full sea day and slowly heading north to Charleston on smooth seas. I swear a sailboat was making better time than us!

 

There were over 830 Mariners on board and so the Marinars’ luncheon was broken up on different days in order to accommodate all levels. It was a nice luncheon. Medallions were given out at another event.

 

Sixty CC members attended our great M&G in the Crow’s Nest. The Cola Kid and Polar Bear Mom made it the best Roll Call ever. They had made special name tags and special prizes for various passengers. We had made the time for the M&G and ensuing Cabin Crawl for 2:00 PM and would suggest 11:00-11:30 for future Roll Calls where you will get a better chance of getting more key officers to attend. There were conflicts of schedules but Han Becker and Drew Murdock attended.

 

This was our first formal night. When I went to put the formal shirt on I quickly realized I had brought an old shirt with a 15.5 neck trying to squeeze around a 16.5 neck. All were instructed that if I passed out to unbutton my collar! Thankfully, there was a Joseph Banks next to the pier in Newport, RI.

 

May 10

 

Woke up @ 5:00 AM so we could experience the Pilot picking up the Maasdam and sailing into Charleston Harbor. Use to live in Charleston so it was great to experience sailing by Fort Sumter on our port and Patriot’s Point and the retired Yorktown on our Starboard side.

 

We elected to do a self walking tour. It was a hot humid day and after a couple of hours of sweating we had a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch at the High Cotton restaurant which was voted best restaurant in Charleston in 2008. Bloody Mary’s rimmed with Old Bay seasoning and a pickled green bean were a nice touch accompanied with BBQ Duck Hash with Fried Egg and Eggs Benedict with the usual Hollandaise sauce but served over fried green tomatoes instead of usual English Muffins.

 

Got back to the ship and jumped into the pool. We were entertained by five dolphins that stayed directly under our Verandah for forty minutes. Today we renamed our room steward Eddie “Sneaky Eddie” as he would be able to come into the room, fill the ice bucket, deliver laundry and never be seen or heard. He had thirteen cabins and was working solo were others on Navigation deck were working in pairs. Our room was always made up early. Extra towels were left when requested along with ice in the bucket promptly at 4 PM each day. Left Charleston on time and headed north for another sea day.

 

May 11

 

Awoke 7 AM to overcast skies, rain, temperature 62, winds 22 and cruising at 19.3 knots. A little motion; enough to know were at sea. Great breakfast in the Lido, Lunch in the Rembrandt followed by both of us getting full facials in the spa. The “Repose” trivia team competed at Trivia (but didn’t win) and than our first night of three in the Pinnacle. Great food and service.

 

May 12

 

Another early morning as we wanted to experience sailing into Newport, RI. Great room service breakfast. Always on time, always warm, flowers and good taste.

 

Our first Holland America excursion was the Breakers and Cliff Walk tour. The Vanderbilts definitely had a nice pad. All 33,000 square feet of it! The tour inside the Breakers lasted around 45 minutes with an IPOD included (no photos) and then another 40 minutes of walking along the cliffs looking at the huge estates from the Atlantic side. Quite a bit of walking on this tour but we enjoyed it. Many did this tour on their own and we could see that it would be easy to do.

 

Walked around Newport, took in a small museum (15 min), a visit to Joseph Banks and lunch at the Black Pearl. Great clam chowder and we split a lunch special of two lobster tails. We can feel the weight gain starting! Returned to the ship by tender and lounged around the pool and enjoyed a Wang Wang made by new friend Antonio. Antonio in the Crow’s Nest and Antonio in the Sea View bar are great. The ship held a party in the Lido tonight and had some nice ice carvings and a mini chocolate extravaganza with music furnished by Kim and the Hellcats. Sue got to dance a few times with Drew Murdock the cruise director who disappointed some ladies when he announced he was engaged to be married to another lucky gal. After a flaming Spanish coffee it was off to bed.

 

May 13

 

Awoke at 6:30 and stepped out on the Verandah to experience the Atlantic Ocean as smooth as a plane of glass. Immediately, started seeing schools of dolphins and a half an hour later the first whale sighting. Shipping alerts were that schools of right whales were in the area off of Nantucket and that ships should reduce speed or avoid the area. Spent most of the day doing my favorite thing to do at sea – binoculars in hand, watching the ocean and cruising the decks. No problem going slow on this cruise. With few miles between ports combined with calm seas you wondered at times if we are still moored at the pier. In need of libations we signed up for Mixology class. 3-4 short drinks. Later afternoon brought hundred’s of dolphin sightings and a full whale breach. Early in the season but you got to look for them.

 

Another formal night as many crab legs as we could eat. Stopped by to watch Tom Briscoe comedian and being on the front row I got a little bit of the “Don Rickles” act but received a free CD for my participation. A Remy Martin at the aft pool and off to bed. Excursions every day starting tomorrow.

 

May 14

 

Arrived in beautiful Frenchman’s Cave, Bar Harbor, Maine around 6:30 and set anchor. Breakfast in room and than took first tender into Bar Harbor. We booked a quick bus tour through Holland of Acadia National Park. If you want to get out and take pictures than this may not be the tour for you. Sit on the left side of the bus as it goes around Acadia clockwise. Today was clear around 58 degrees Fahrenheit but atop Cadillac Mountain it was cold. Our first time that we were glad we had brought the right clothing. Had lunch at Geddy’s Restaurant of fresh fried clams, steamers and split a lobster roll. A unique nautical setting and they take a picture of you at the table and it will be on their web site in a couple of weeks. Good food. Team “Repose” came in second and than Canapés and cocktails with our new found friends and another meet for libations at 7:00 PM in the Crow’s Nest. 2 for 1 cocktails between 4:30 and 5:30 PM were very popular on this cruise. After that we felt like the Crow’s Nest was our private venue. A note that tonight we moved our clocks forward to Atlantic Time warranted going to bed earlier to compensate for the lost hour for our next port Halifax.

 

May 15

 

We woke early to watch our sailing into Halifax. It was 48, overcast and with strong winds - felt much cooler. We were welcomed at the dock with bagpipers. Disembarked and boarded a nice tour bus for a Holland America sponsored tour to Peggy’s Cove. A nice scenic and informative ride to Peggy’s Cove which is a quaint fishing village and one of the most photographed areas in Canada. Our recommendation is to sit on the left side of the bus. Approximately 2.5 hours of which about an hour was spent at Peggy’s Cove. A good tour.

 

After returning to the ship we took a right and headed down the boardwalk a 10-15 minute jaunt depending on your pace and had lunch at Tug’s Pub. Tug’s boast the largest selection of different types of fresh oysters in town. At $3:00 a piece we selected a few and they were some of the tastiest raw oysters we have ever had. This was followed by chowder with shrimp, oysters, mussels and fish. Delicious! Finished off our lunch and split a large bowl of mussels that were flavored with a spicy sauce. The official beer of Nova Scotia Alexander Keith’s is a must for beer lovers.

 

After being fully sated we returned to the ship in a cold mist for a much needed nap. With all these excursions in a row staying up late in the Crow’s Nest was starting to take its toll! Bagpipers in their entire regal splendor piped us away as we set sail. We also had a bagpiper passenger onboard who returned the salute from the Sports Deck. Neat. Peter Mezoian the 1985 US banjo champions entertained us and a stop over in the Piano Bar to listen Reynald perform. After Jimmy Maddox performing on the Noordam last October Reynald was a disappointment. A flaming Spanish Brandy Decaf Coffee was a perfect conclusion to a wonderful day.

 

May 16

 

Breakfast delivered in room, and than off to a nice motor coach for the Hal sponsored tour Bras d’ Or Lakes Grand Tour. Recommendation is to sit on the right side of the bus. This was an excellent and informative tour of the area. Our first stop was at Nova Scotia Highland Village. Nice overview of what life was like here years ago, lot of keen antiques and beautiful views. A surprise to us was a nice buffet luncheon at an upscale resort (Inverary Resort) that was included in the price of the tour. For some reason we were not aware that lunch was included. Soup, fish, chicken and an assortment of vegetables and great cookies were enjoyed by all. The weight gain continues!! Than we set off to the Alexander Graham Bell museum for a 45 minute stop. Never knew that Bell was so involved in other areas. Grand views from the museum and the tulips were in full bloom with temperatures in the 60’s; being sunny just graced the day. After that we drove to the town of Baddick were we had 45 minutes for walking around town or shopping. We went to the local bank and used the ATM to get some Canadian currency and tried a Canadian Coca Cola. Our Canadian Roll Callers had urged to try Canadian Coke as it is the original recipe. Have to agree that it did have a taste more like cola from our childhood. This was a nice tour and we would recommend it. Back to Sydney and the ship and a ten piece band played for our sail away and again the favor from our onboard bagpiper was returned. Second passenger in two days was taken of the ship via ambulance before sail away.

 

Tonight was our anniversary and we dined in the Pinnacle. Another great evening and meal especially since we had our new friends join us to help celebrate our special day. Comedian/Ventriloquist Mike Robinson put on a good show in the Rembrandt lounge.

To be continued

[aliaschief]

May 17

 

Arrived in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on time and was awed with Captain Draper doing a 180 and a perfect docking. He stated on an interview that docking was his favorite part of sailing. A little cooler today and overcast with temperature starting at 57 F. Café Latte from Explorers and bran muffin and than it was off for another Holland sponsored tour. Island Finest. Nice overview of Prince Edward Island. We enjoyed an informative guide and nice coach. Sitting on either side of the bus works. A nice lunch was provided in the price including a whole lobster, cole slaw, potato salad, curry based seafood chowder topped off a decadent raspberry cheesecake. After lunch we had a short drive to the Anne of Green Gables house and had about 60 minute’s to explore. With the weather turning worse with overcast skies and occasional rain our waterproof jackets were invaluable. Anne of Greene Gables is very popular and surprisingly the Japanese have embraced this story with fervor. Let’s just say “been there done that.” Returned to the ship for team trivia and now the routine cocktail hours! Tonight was another formal night, followed by a Black and White Ball in the Crow’s Nest. In lieu of the Black and White show time was early tonight. Guest entertainer was Brandi Chapman a vocalist that can belt out a song. She had been named Entertainer of the Year three times in Branson. Good entertainment but the toll of early excursions another one scheduled in the morning the Black and White was skipped for a restful evening on the wonderful Hal bedding.

 

May 18

 

Anchored on time in Gaspe, Quebec. Lots of people on the pier to welcome us. They had draped a “Bienvenue” banner across the overpass. Had a wonderful breakfast in the Lido and than waited a few minutes to ride the second tender into town. Greeted by the High School band, city dignitaries, and many residents. As in most ports we were the first cruise ship of the year. Today another Hal sponsored tour. Perce and Cruise around Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock sectors. Best views are from the left side of the bus going out but no worry as you return on the same highway coming back. Getting cooler every day but we enjoyed a 45 minute picturesque ride to Perce and were personally greeted by the Mayor of Perce who gave each of us a souvenir pin. Immediately boarded a tour boat that brought us out to and around Perce Rock and Bonaventure Ile. This is”Kodak moment” tour with the massive rock formations and the highlight was the largest colony of gannets in the world. Over two hundred fifty thousand! There were many other species of birds including some puffin and even a couple of seals. Great tour and highly recommend. Dress warm when on tour boats because between the air and sea temperature it can be quite invigorating.

 

We had lunch (not provided) at La Table ‘a Roland . a great French Onion soup and we split a lobster club sandwich.

 

Tonight we attended the Wine Sommelier’s Wine Pairing and Dinner. Again Fernando and crew did a fantastic job and we feel it is definitely worth the extra cost to attend if your budget allows. Again with the feeling of another pound gained and very sated it was off to bed. As tomorrow we are going to be a part of a historic event. The first cruise ship ever to visit Sept Iles, Quebec.

 

May 19

 

Arose early for this special day in Sept Iles. What a welcome! Looked like the whole town showed up to Bienvenue us. Fire boat spraying and people lining the shore line. For this first time in history event they even had closed the schools. I had been having discussions on our Roll Call with a gentleman from Sept Iles so I held up a paper with his screen name written on it and was immediately greeted by him. Turns out he was the Harbor Master! Our choice was a train ride (Hal tour) of about 45 minutes duration each way to an Innu Village, rode by a roaring river. We were on Canadian television, interviewed by a couple of times by the media. The ride had entertainment from children and two elderly ladies all in native costume. Getting to the make shift village we were entertained and educated in the tribes culture and history.

 

Upon our 45 minute ride on the train back to Sept Iles we were again entertained, interviewed by television and different media outlets. You could feel the excitement all around and everyone on board was raving about the wonderful welcome accorded to the MS Maasdam passengers and crew.

 

Had lunch at a nice dock side restaurant consisting of lobster bisque, fresh scallops for Sue and more delicious mussels for moi! Had another nice visit and photo ops with the Harbor Master and than tendered back to the ship. The weather held up beautifully until our sail away were it got colder and started raining. At team trivia we again had a losing effort but respectable finish in second place. Usual cocktail hours and nice dinner. Up to the Crow’s Nest for some dancing and joined by Hans Becker the ships Beverage Manager. By then the excitement of the whole day dictated getting to sleep as tomorrow would find us up very early to enjoy our scenic cruise of the Saguenay Fjords.

 

May 20

 

Up at 5:30 and it was cold! 34 degrees F! It had rained during the night and the Lido Deck pool area was coated with ice in several places. In Gaspe, Sept Iles and Saguenay there was still remnants of winter snow to be found. In the fjords there were several occasions of ice chunks floating by. With camera, binoculars and Eddie Bauer two layered coats and gloves we stayed outside and was awed by the scenic beauty all around us. Started the morning with a couple of whale sightings. Saw the beautiful monument of the Blessed Virgin right before we arrived in Saguenay at 10:00 AM. We booked the Hal tour Saguenay and Ste Anne du Nord tour. This is a long tour and approximately 6.5 hours. Didn’t see much advantage to sitting on either side of the bus. We have a very experienced and knowledgeable tour guide. Tours included two museums (brief stops) a lunch provided stop at a nice resort overlooking the Saguenay. Stopped at an Angora sheep farm and learned about the process of raising, looming etc. Nice 40 minute stop in Ste Anne du Nord where some shopped and we took a short nature trail. Last stop was at a soap factory which was not our cup of tea. By than we were anxious to get back to the ship in order to prepare for our last formal night. Upon returning to our room we were excited to find a invitation to join the Hotel Manager Doug Hernandez at his table for this last formal night What a wonderful evening hosted by a true gentleman. Specialized menu’s that were taken and later returned the next days with signatures from the executive chef, Doug and Fernado. It was a great evening of filet and lobster tails, deserts and a wonderful selection of wines and impeccable service. If an invitation like this only happens once in our cruising history suffice to say it will never be forgotten. After dinner we adjourned to the Crow’s Nest, our private domain, as there were usually only about ten of us. Hans Becker joined us to cap off a perfect day!

 

To be continued

[aliaschief]

May 21

Arrived on time in Quebec City. Loved our assigned room because all you had to do was walk around the elevators and out the door to the Sea View pool deck. What a view from starboard of Quebec City and the looming Chateau Frontenac above us. For our first morning in Quebec we chose the Hal sponsored Quebec City Walking Tour and Carriage Ride with our horse Black Jack leading the way. This tour consisted of quite a bit of walking but some older participants did quite well. Our guide was informative and was very knowledgeable on the history of this city. Quebec City is beautiful, clean and offers something for all. The weather was in the seventies! Nicest day of the year! For anyone cruising between Boston and Montreal don’t let the weather we experienced fool you in not bringing the proper clothing. As our carriage tour guide stated; “we don’t plant tomatoes until the first moon in June for fear of frost.” The city was abloom with tulips and the leaves on trees had just sprouted. The horse and buggy was nice as we rode up near Parliament, Plains of Abraham, and Citadel and than met back with our tour guide to finish the walking tour. We enjoyed this tour but you could do it on your own. We tend to enjoy a guide explaining the buildings etc. and sharing their knowledge versus walking by a place and not having any idea about it’s past. We liked this tour. Following our tour we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a French Bistro (L’Echard). Got to taste black pudding (delics). Choices abound! We had the luxury on this port of spending overnight in Quebec City. We returned to the ship and just enjoyed the people of Quebec enjoying this beautiful day. Not sure many were working as it appeared everyone was outdoors relishing the abnormally warm weather. Dinner on board and than enjoyed our regular routine. It was early to bed tonight as the late evenings and early risings are taking its toll on us.

May 22

We arose early again with coffee in the room and than off to an early excursion of Montmorency Falls and Saint Anne Du Bupre. Beautiful falls in a beautiful setting. Right side of bus is recommended. There was a mass going on at St. Anne’s so cameras could not be used inside. The tour at Saint Anne’s (50 minutes) was a little to brief for us but it is a beautiful church with beautiful art and stained windows.

We headed back to Quebec City for a nice lunch at Café Du Mond that is located in the cruise terminal. Good food. OK! It is that time that all cruisers despise. It was now time to return to the ship and start packing in preparation for our disembarking in Montreal the next morning. That being done we met our Roll Call Gang for pre-dinner cocktails and than enjoyed our new friends at the table and wait staff. After exchanging goodbyes, hugs, passing out envelopes to our wait staff it was off to the gift shop for a last minute purchase. Upon arrival to the gift shop things got a little dicey. The ship listed heavily to starboard and stuff started falling all over the place. In other venues onboard, dishes and glasses were breaking. I got Sue out of the gift shop away from falling debris. The ship righted itself and for a few seconds it felt like we had stopped and a thought of hitting something crossed our mind. There was a lot of work to be done on the ship that night! Crew was pretty mum about what happened but the unofficial rumor was that the Pilot was headed for a sandbar and Captain Draper took over and made the necessary maneuver to avoid the sand bar. Thank You Captain Draper! We do feel there should have been announcement to calm the fears of many passengers. Bags out side our door and to bed at 11:00 AM. Reality is quickly settling in but we do have the weekend in Montreal to look forward to.

May 23

Woke up at day light and enjoyed a beautiful sun rise from the Verandah. Captain Draper was asked earlier in the cruise what was the hardest port to dock at? His answer was “Montreal”. A raging current combined with close quarters and having to pick up speed against the current and than abruptly stop because the harbor ends is a testament to the talent of Capt Draper and crew.

What we did in Montreal. Took a harbor boat tour. This was nice but after sailing in that morning already new about most of the sightings. Lunch of smoked meat sandwich and poutin (French Fries) laced with smoked meat sauce is a calorie buster. Dinner at Bonaparte’s was a great experience and the next day we chose Gray Line’s Hop Off and On Upper Deck Bus ride. We went the full circle without getting off. Ticket was good for all day but you do have to be aware of pick up times and places. We stayed at Marriott’s Springhill Suites and found the hotel to be conveniently

May 24

The party is over as our flight has been delayed an hour and we will miss our connecting flight to Florida from Atlanta. Got home a couple of hours later than planned but the important thing is we got here.

This has been a very lengthy account of our wonderful cruise on the MS Maasdam. We are so looking forward to boarding the MS Maasdam and reuniting with the outstanding crew for the repositioning cruise in foliage bloom this October.

This is a cruise you should book at least once during your cruising years. Great itinerary combined with an outstanding crew and ship will bring memories that will last a lifetime. Sorry for the length but hopefully future passengers booked on this cruise can get a feel of what it like and some ideas on what excursions to take. Any questions? We will try and answer them.

Happy Mariners,

Bruce & Sue

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for taking the time to write your review.

We did a similar one in 2004 and loved it.

[eh2zed]

Very comprehensive. It took quite a while to put it together. Thanks so much.

[sail7seas]

Bruce......

 

:) What a Wonderful Review. I hung on your every word and enjoyed it so.

Of course, nothing makes me happier than for someone of such obviously good taste with you are clearly blessed :) to love Maasdam and her crew the way we do.

 

You visited ports to which we've never been despite our many Canada cruises. One of these days, we'll have to do the reposition cruise to see those places.

 

Thanks so much for all your time and effort to share such a great review with us.

 

Makes me even more eager to return to 'my' ;) beautiful Maasdam.

[Rabbitlady]

Thank you for taking us on a wonderful journey with you.......

 

RL

[lazey1]

Thank you Bruce & Sue Wonderful review.

Looking forward to meeting you on the fall foliage repo in Oct. Do you know if we will have the same officers?

Will have more questions for you on our roll-call.

Jane & Gary

[sail7seas]

Bruce....

 

Sorry. Forgot to ask but it's something I fret about each spring.

 

About the pipers in Halifax -

 

When they came out to greet Maasdam, was there a senior gent in a wheelchair being pushed by a lady wearing plaids? He reads the Proclamation of Welcome each time Maasdam calls and I always worry a bit he may not be well enough each spring. So hoping he was there to read again on your call there.

 

Thanks if you remember.

 

[aliaschief]

Bruce....

 

Sorry. Forgot to ask but it's something I fret about each spring.

 

About the pipers in Halifax -

 

When they came out to greet Maasdam, was there a senior gent in a wheelchair being pushed by a lady wearing plaids? He reads the Proclamation of Welcome each time Maasdam calls and I always worry a bit he may not be well enough each spring. So hoping he was there to read again on your call there.

 

Thanks if you remember.

 

 

Sorry we did not see someone with that description but we were watching from Sea View pool area and our view was a little obstructed.

[sail7seas]

Thanks, Bruce.

Now I'll worry. :(

For some reason, I feel a tie to that gent and hope he's okay.

 

[aliaschief]

Thank you Bruce & Sue Wonderful review.

Looking forward to meeting you on the fall foliage repo in Oct. Do you know if we will have the same officers?

Will have more questions for you on our roll-call.

Jane & Gary

 

Hans Becker was still negotiating and not sure. Drew Murdock was going sometime in July and not sure of his next assignment. Capt Draper could very well be back after a summer break and Doug Hernandez thought he would be on board. Many of the same bar/wait/and stewards will still be onboard for our October cruise and we repeatedly heard "see you Mr. Bruce and Mrs. Sue in October" on a regular basis. The love pouring from this crew will leave tears in your eyes upon saying goodbye!

[many cruises]

Thanks for your wonderful review. We'll be on the Maasdam in July & we're glad to hear that the food & service was top notch! :)

[Kimjergen]

May 21

 

 

This has been a very lengthy account of our wonderful cruise on the MS Maasdam. We are so looking forward to boarding the MS Maasdam and reuniting with the outstanding crew for the repositioning cruise in foliage bloom this October.

 

This is a cruise you should book at least once during your cruising years. Great itinerary combined with an outstanding crew and ship will bring memories that will last a lifetime. Sorry for the length but hopefully future passengers booked on this cruise can get a feel of what it like and some ideas on what excursions to take. Any questions? We will try and answer them.

 

Happy Mariners,

 

Bruce & Sue

 

Dear Bruce and Sue,

 

Thank you so much for the wonderfully detailed review of your Maasdam cruise experience. As a future passenger boarding the Maasdam this Saturday in Boston, I more than appreciated and enjoyed reading your account of this cruise. Now, I am like a child waiting for Christmas with anticipation and using any extra time I find to make sure I've packed the waterproof jackets for everybody, extra sweaters, etc and even went out and got a new camera, charger and extra set of batteries and now you've reminded me to try and get or borrow some binoculars too - I'd love to see some whales and even as a native Miamian, I still love to witness a pod of playful dolphins - lucky you!

 

We can't wait to visit Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, PEI, Quebec and Montreal. Your review is already enhancing our vacation, thanks again for your devotion to writing such a detailed and honest review! How will you ever be able to wait until October for your repose II cruise?:D

Kim

 

ps- could you answer a few additional questions...

Was there a string quartet onboard?

Also my 13 year old wondered if they had a taco bar at the pool as on other HAL ships in the afternoon?:rolleyes:

[aliaschief]

Dear Bruce and Sue,

 

Thank you so much for the wonderfully detailed review of your Maasdam cruise experience. As a future passenger boarding the Maasdam this Saturday in Boston, I more than appreciated and enjoyed reading your account of this cruise. Now, I am like a child waiting for Christmas with anticipation and using any extra time I find to make sure I've packed the waterproof jackets for everybody, extra sweaters, etc and even went out and got a new camera, charger and extra set of batteries and now you've reminded me to try and get or borrow some binoculars too - I'd love to see some whales and even as a native Miamian, I still love to witness a pod of playful dolphins - lucky you!

 

We can't wait to visit Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, PEI, Quebec and Montreal. Your review is already enhancing our vacation, thanks again for your devotion to writing such a detailed and honest review! How will you ever be able to wait until October for your repose II cruise?:D

Kim

 

ps- could you answer a few additional questions...

Was there a string quartet onboard?

Also my 13 year old wondered if they had a taco bar at the pool as on other HAL ships in the afternoon?:rolleyes:

 

 

Rosario Strings performed in the Crow's Nest from around 6-6:45 and in the Explorers Lounge after dinner and during some meals in the Rembrandt dining room. Taco's available at the Terrace Grill adjacent to the center Lido pool.

 

Thanks,

 

Bruce

[Kimjergen]

Thanks, Bruce.

Now I'll worry. :(

For some reason, I feel a tie to that gent and hope he's okay.

 

 

Hi sail7seas,

 

We will arrive on the Maasdam in Halifax on June 1st and I promise to look for this gentlemen for you and report back after our cruise. I too become attached to the kind and interesting people we meet in port so your post touched me.

 

Best,

Kim

[Kimjergen]

Rosario Strings performed in the Crow's Nest from around 6-6:45 and in the Explorers Lounge after dinner and during some meals in the Rembrandt dining room. Taco's available at the Terrace Grill adjacent to the center Lido pool.

 

Thanks,

 

Bruce

 

Thanks so much for the expeditious reply, I appreciate it. My son says you rock!

 

kind regards,

Kim

[Colakid]

Thanks Bruce: I am worn out just taking the time to read this wonderful review. It was as if I was there with you. Silly me DW and I were with you most of the time. Other than a few different tours that we took you pretty well said everything about this cruise. The one disappointment we had with the M&G (and I take the blame) was that we did not get a picture of the group when we were all together. It was fun putting on the meeting and afterwards for 13 more days we knew many faces and names in advance instead of learning them. If anyone has a chance to attend a M&G I would highly say attend by all means. The ship was in good a shape as any ship we have every travelled on in 8 HAL former cruises. We even booked a future cruise whilst aboard and made tentative plans to travel again with some of the same group. I am not sure that HAL is ready to see us coming again so soon. We were the loudest group they had seen in a long time. We had much fun and was all in good taste. We even had local dining room table neighbours wonder if everything was ok when non of us showed for one meal. They said it was the dullest meal they had all trip. I know Abdul and Firdaus and Enrique never had a dull momment around table 30 late sitting upper dining room. MS Maasdam and HAL - we will return. We felt the excitement. Colakid

[Himself]

Ft. Lauderdale to Quebec. You really went from the frying pan to the ice-box and all on one cruise. Thanks for a very thorough and complete review.

[sail7seas]

Thank you, Kim. That is very kind of you and I shall look for your post.

 

We won't be in Halifax until two cruises after you so the heads up will be very welcome.

 

Hope you have a fabulous time on the very beautiful Maasdam. She's a great ship with an awesome crew as I say here so often. :) ~

[pipedreams62]

For taking the time to write a wonderful detailed (and interesting) review. I'm starting to get excited now. I'm two weeks out.

 

Great job.

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

For taking the time to write a wonderful detailed (and interesting) review. I'm starting to get excited now. I'm two weeks out.

 

Great job.

 

 

 

Pipe as much as I enjoy your wit, humor and posts; I definitely appreciated the roaring applause. I must add where was the standing ovation!:D Thanks, and hope you enjoy your cruise as much as we did.

 

Bruce

[Chulat]

May 17

 

 

May 19

 

Arose early for this special day in Sept Iles. What a welcome! Looked like the whole town showed up to Bienvenue us. Fire boat spraying and people lining the shore line. For this first time in history event they even had closed the schools. I had been having discussions on our Roll Call with a gentleman from Sept Iles so I held up a paper with his screen name written on it and was immediately greeted by him. Turns out he was the Harbor Master! Our choice was a train ride (Hal tour) of about 45 minutes duration each way to an Innu Village, rode by a roaring river. We were on Canadian television, interviewed by a couple of times by the media. The ride had entertainment from children and two elderly ladies all in native costume. Getting to the make shift village we were entertained and educated in the tribes culture and history.

 

Upon our 45 minute ride on the train back to Sept Iles we were again entertained, interviewed by television and different media outlets. You could feel the excitement all around and everyone on board was raving about the wonderful welcome accorded to the MS Maasdam passengers and crew.

 

Had lunch at a nice dock side restaurant consisting of lobster bisque, fresh scallops for Sue and more delicious mussels for moi! Had another nice visit and photo ops with the Harbor Master and than tendered back to the ship. The weather held up beautifully until our sail away were it got colder and started raining. At team trivia we again had a losing effort but respectable finish in second place. Usual cocktail hours and nice dinner. Up to the Crow’s Nest for some dancing and joined by Hans Becker the ships Beverage Manager. By then the excitement of the whole day dictated getting to sleep as tomorrow would find us up very early to enjoy our scenic cruise of the Saguenay Fjords.

 

 

Aliaschief, the pleasure was all mine. What a proud moment for this small community! Thanks again and I do hope to see you again soon!

 

Shawn

[KruzinAl]

Bruce, You tired me out reading your review. Thanks for all your news. Great rundown on everything you did. You certainly did lots of touring. My mother & I enjoyed being a bit more laid back and did most things on our own. We enjoyed not having to rush off the ship at any certain time. We had both been throughout the Eastern Provinces numerous times throughout the years as I was born in New Brunswick and we vacationed in the east. It was enjoyable to see the ports and a dear friend toured us around Halifax & Peggy's Cove. I don't feel like I gained any extra weight but I think if I had lunched & dined with you continuously that I would have a few extra grams. It was my first HAL cruise (#16 cruise) and I would certainly not hesitate to cruise again with them. Put down for a future cruise credit so will decide later where & when. Loved the fresh flowers throughout the ship and the freshly squeezed orange juice every morning. Best Lido breakfast of any ship yet, well organized and good food. Met lots of friends and am having trouble adapting to home life again. 'til next time, Smooth Sailing! Judi