We have just returned from a wonderful week cruising from Montreal to Boston aboard the Maasdam. This is our first HAL cruise and also our first inside cabin.We arrived in Montreal and took a taxicab to the ship for $38. plus tip compared to the transfer through the cruise line of $58. each. We were on the ship by 11:30am and went to lunch as cabins would not be ready until 1:00pm Several of us thought the Terrace Grill was the lunch area. But not so - We should have gone through that area to the Lido restaurant but the Terrace Grill was fine. Great pizza and tacos.Our cabin was on the main deck starboard side near the front of the ship. Some noise when docking but not a problem.Everything was very clean and the cabin had a great deal of storage which is always nice. Our room steward was Suwarman (arman for short) He was always very pleasant although we did not ask for any special services. The ship is easy to navigate. This ship is much smaller than we are used to and to our surprise we loved it.Due to some personal issues we ate all our meals in the Lido. The rooms are nicely appointed and most importantly the food was delicious. We had most of the same choices for appetizers, main courses and desserts as the main dining room. The staff were so pleasant and helpful. Hendrix was great as was Carlos (the omelet maker).Weather not great - mostly fog and clouds but only one short period of rain so all the tours went ahead. Entertainment was very good in the theater. Singers and dancers were the best overall grooup we have seen on our 14 prior cruises and four of the group did a show called "Unforgettable" which was also great. Don't miss the magician - Jamie Allan. He was very clever and very funny. Paul Pappas played the piano and did all types of music. We did not care for the comedy by Jim Labriola - it was not our taste. The groups in the lounges were okay. Some of the cocktail hours were "buy one get one free". You can not use the drink cards for this so you may think twice about buying the card.The cooking classes in the cook center/movie theater were fun. The library is very large and well supplied. Very nice. The computer courses were the most enjoyable for us. John offers eight classes plus free time for practice. All the classes had to do with applications for photography. The classes were made up of novices so no one felt out of place.We will definitely sail with HAL again. Never heard any complaints about anything and certainly this cruise lived up to our expectations and a great deal more.
Inside cabin. So much storage space. Lighting makes you feel you are in an outside cabin. Larger than usual space.Seems well insulated for sound. Enjoyed very much. First time in an inside cabin.