Maasdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Best of Seven Cruises We Have Taken

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Maasdam
User Avatar
corvetteatthelake
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

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

We are not "Career Cruises." Age, for both; mid 60's. Both in reasonable shape with no physical problems. Flew into Montreal from Raleigh, NC, (RDU) the night before and stayed at the Lord Berri Hotel, close to the terminal. Hotel was functional, somewhat like a Holiday Inn. I would recommend it. Cab fare from airport was $40.00 CAD. Embarkation was quick and easy. Had cabin #523 on main deck. Wife liked the tub/shower. Those with mobility issues may not be able to negotiate the 23" step up over the side of the tub. Yes, I measured it. The cabin was fine; clean and a full size ocean view. Bring a power strip or multi-outlet extension cord(s) if you have chargers, CPAP or other appliances. Hair dryer in the cabin. One minor complaint: The TV was set back from the edge of the shelf and secured, making the use of the remote a chore since you had to raise it up high to clear the edge of the shelf. Service was great and the stewards took care of everything. Had a minor plumbing leak around the sink faucet. A call to the front desk brought rapid repair and a "sorry" letter.

This ship is 22 years old, older than most but in amazingly fine condition. The maintenance is ongoing and it is clean, bright and shining. Deck 5 was quiet all the time. Unlike the other "Fun Ships," there were no drunks or kids running up and down the passageways at all hours. Even though you were allowed to smoke in the cabins, I did not smell any tobacco smoke inside the ship. THAT WAS GREAT!!! This includes the Casino, which I did go to every night. Now if you are searching for fun and excitement on board, this cruise is not for you! As our sons would say, "Mom and Dad, you are cruising with the Blue Hairs." That's OK with us. I am aware that Carnival owns Holland America, but this is not a Carnival type ship. More class and less noise!

Food was great. The last night, I did not see anything that interested me and asked if I could have a steak. No problem; got it RARE the way I like it. All staff were helpful, courteous and smiling. I did not meet one sourpuss. Entertainment was average for a cruise ship. There was 2 "dress up" nights which is a pain to pack a suit, but I did. The second night, I wore the suit with a black t-shirt under. Looked fine and passed the test. The rest of the time it was smart casual. Translation: No holy jeans and no t-shirts. Sport shirt and slacks are fine. Lido deck for quick dining if you have a shore excursion. Food is fine there too. Lots of choices, Asian, Italian, sandwiches, salads, even scooped ice cream with waffle cones!

Cabin Review

Large Ocean-View Stateroom

Cabin E

Perfectly adequate if you have unpacked and stowed your suitcases. Kind of cramped if packing or unpacking. Good mood lighting, not enough outlets for chargers, CPAP, etc. Nice size twin his and her closets. 6 wide drawers in dresser and 2 small drawers in each nightstand. OK couch, TV was a pain to use with remote due to height of shelf and set back of TV did not give a clear path for remote signal unless you raised the remote above your head. Bathroom was fine except for a 23" step to get in the tub. Great bath towels, absorbent. EXCELLENT STEWARD SERVICE. THESE GUYS ARE FANTASTIC!! No complaints.

Port Reviews

Sydney (Nova Scotia)

All I can say is the town was nice and had a gigantic fiddle at the dock. I had to go ashore to change over some money. Did that and came back to the ship. Nothing to see/do here, folks.

8 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.