This was the first cruise for my sister and I. We had read all the reviews for Holland America's "Maasdam" and didn't know what to expect. We left Boston on 8/9/2008 for a 1 week trip up the New England and Canada Coast. All I can say is that it was absolutely wonderful.
Check in: We arrived at 11:30 a.m. at the cruise terminal, unloaded our bags, and parked the car at the Black Falcon Parking Terminal, which is within walking distance of the terminal. Although we had filed out the signature expedited request form, we still waited in line to be checked in, the line was long, but it eventually moved along. I was apprehensive on the amount of people there, will they all fit on the ship?, but once we got on board everyone disburses.
Our cabin was great - I had an outside stateroom with twin beds and was on the Promenade Deck, while my sister was 2 doors away with a queen size bed on the Promenade Deck. The room was clean and spacious, although my sister did say her room needed dusting. Anyway, there is plenty of closet space and the bathroom was perfect. Even a inside safe for your valuables.