Maasdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
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We didn't want the cruise to end.

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Maasdam
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williebegoode
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Large Ocean-View Stateroom

Like all embarkations, this one involved large groups of people being processed in limited space, but we all were got on board without too much drama. Holland America representatives met us at the airport and took us by bus to the ship. On the short trip, an excellent and knowledgeable tour guide told us some interesting facts about Montreal. One of the travelers asked why all the roofs in Montreal were flat--the wind! Snow blows off the roofs so they have them flat.

On the ship, our luggage was waiting for us in our staterooms and we met the staff assigned to our stateroom. They were courteous and helpful, getting the distilled water and power bar we needed to plug in all of our electronic devices. (One reviewer described the staff as 'Phillipians'--I think he meant Filipinos--but they were Indonesian [Helps to know something about Dutch history in the Java Sea!]) In any event, they were eager to please and did so. We went directly to the cafeteria where most of the other passengers had gone as well, and it was the only time on the cruise where there were more passengers than tables available. However, we were welcomed to tables where other couples were already seated.

Our first stop was Quebec City, and the ship docked directly next to the old city below the upper city. We enjoyed shopping and site-seeing on our own. After a day at sea, we next landed in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Be sure to visit the Northern Watters Knit store. (Yes, there are two "t"s in Watters.) They have the only knitting machine of the type left in North America and the woolen goods are made right on the premises. (You can watch the knitters work the knitting machine.) The woolens are expensive, but if you buy a shawl cardigan in Boston or NYC, they're about $100 more than at the factory. We got the un-dyed wool made from sheep who are equally two-toned. Their slogan is "We are indeed a hundred years behind the times and wouldn't have it any other way."

Cabin Review

Large Ocean-View Stateroom

Cabin DD

We started with an FF room and were upgraded to DD. (In the center of the ship.) We had been offered an upgrade to a Lanai room for a reasonable charge but when we decided it was a good idea, they had all been snatched up by other guests! The cabin we were in provided an unobstructed view, and along the St. Lawrence seaway there's lots to see on the shores; so we were glad we got the room that we did. In the future, we'll consider getting the better views on upper decks.

Port Reviews

Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)

Wonderful people and don't miss the Northern Watters Knitwear store. (Yes...two "t"s in Watters.

Bar Harbor

Nice homemade crafts here.

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