Maasdam Review
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This was our 16th cruise but only our second with HAL. We had a particularly bad trip with them in 2016, but decided to give them a second chance (we also got a great deal on the price!) We had to catch the ship in Auckland so flew out there from Vancouver, spent a couple of days sightseeing before boarding the ship. Embarkation was a breeze since there were only 400 of us boarding the ship for this leg....no lines and I think we were having lunch in the Lido 15 minutes after arriving at the port. The ship is getting on a bit in years, but the crew work assiduously keeping everything shipshape.
We travel with another couple and the four of us have generally low expectations, so when things go exactly as planned, that is a bonus. When things don't always go as planned, well just roll with the punches and be prepared to be flexible.
We had a great cabin, just an oceanview, but one that is slightly larger than average and that makes a tremendous difference. HAL crams the cabin with furniture, but some of this can be shifted out of the way....however, since we don't do much more than sleep and shower in the cabin, it was more than adequate for our requirements. One day, there was no hot water but a call to the passenger services brought a technician within an hour and he had it fixed in 10 minutes. One day there was a bit of an odour from paint thinner which, since I am a wood-worker, didn't bother me in the least. In any case, HAL gave us an additional $25 in on-board credit in compensation.
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
The four cabins that look over the stern on the lower promenade deck are slightly larger than most oceanviews. Perhaps it is only a couple of square metres, but it makes quite a difference. Adequate storage space (suitcases under the bed), bathroom counter a little on the small side, only one electrical outlet, great bed. Outstanding cabin stewards!
Port Reviews
Rarotonga
We booked our own excursion here on shore. There were eight of us, an extremely knowledgeable guide, but a bit rough because of the back country roads. No crowding at the stops, no searching for stragglers--the reasons we generally avoid ship's tours.
Tahiti (Papeete)
Just another small city--could have been anywhere in the world.
Moorea
Arranged our own on shore. Great experience and very cheap.
Auckland
Been here several times before. Took advantage of the free shuttle to Hilo Hattie's and a pearl factory, then to the Alamoana mall for some free wi-fi and window shopping.
Honolulu
We have been here several times before, so just took a "free" shuttle to Hilo Hattie's and the A La Moana mall for free wi-fi and window shopping.
Maui
We tried to find a whale watching tour ashore (we have done this before here) but were unsuccessful, so instead just walked around the town, making like tourists.