Voyage of the Vikings 2012 HAL MS Maasdam

The Voyage of the Vikings is a once a year cruise following many of the old ports the Vikings were known to have visited. This year it was a 35 day round trip from Boston leaving July 14th and returning August 18th. We are almost 4 Star Mariners who have cruised on HAL ships for many years. Each year since the Carnival acquisition of the line we have noted a drop in overall quality of the cruise experience. Service by the hardworking crew was appreciated but they are spread thinly in some areas. The one big disappointment was the food. There was a general lack of flavor on dishes that were visually appealing. HAL should take notice of lines like Oceana where "cruising in the grand manner" still has some meaning.

To get a truly good meal on board one had to go to the Pinnacle Grill. The Maitre'd of the Pinnacle Grill for this cruise was Colin Dsouza, my favorite HAL Maitre'd I've met so far. He brings warmth and personal attention to the Pinnacle Grill which was sorely lacking from the Zaandam after he was transferred to the Maasdam. Read more