We boarded the Maasdam in Sydney on 1/15/17., destination San Diego, 39 days later.
The agenda was terrific; Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific Islands, Hawaii...pretty much to die for. We only missed one port in the agenda and that was due to the ship having a guaranteed passenger. Denied entry into Niue, a sparely populated island just north of Tonga. First time I ever saw that happen! The agenda provided great sightseeing, wine-tasting, onshore foods, beaches, snorkeling, whale-watching and relaxing. Couldn't ask for more !
The ship was another issue. We had many stateroom problems...see my cabin review. Maasdam is nicely decorated, clean and stable.
Worst cabin I've had in my considerable cruising experience. We actually boarded in Sydney on 1/15/17. This site doesn't recognize Collector's Voyages, so my comments start with Sydney. We had 3 toilet stoppages in the first 4 days followed by a toilet overflow. Our cabin was nor pleasant to be in. We slept for a night on couches in the elevator area. Then there were A/C issues. Temps in the room ranged from 67%F to 77%F WITHOUT EVER TOUCHING THE THERMOSTAT (aka, wall decoration). There were also water issues...temperature and gurgling noises from the pipes. The worst problem was the constant noise coming from our window...so loud as to keep me awake, even with earplugs. Maintenance couldn't fix the window noise. Every attempt made it worse. So we suffered. .I had to erect an sound-muffling screen made up of sofa cushions and pillows to soften the noise, but it did only SOME good. Early on we asked (politely, I might add) for a room change but we were not accommodated. Terrible Customer Service! AVOID Stateroom 544 (Cat. DA) on Maasdam! We had friends staying in a Lanai cabin (348) and they had significant problems with noise...not resolved until two day before disembarkation. Disgraceful!
Beautiful city full of things to do.
Nice city but big.
Surprisingly excellent wines produced in Tasmania. Emelia Winery produces a great pinot noir.
Rainy, windy day in Dunedin.
Visited the Marlborough wine region...5 wineries. Great wines!
I find nothing compelling about "windy" Wellington. A wasted day.
Great wineries in Hawkes Bay.
Neat little place!