After having been on many larger ships it was a joy to try the smallest ship we've been on. The Maasdam is so personal! It seemed each time I was returning to the forward section, I was astounded that I was there so quickly. I have decided that I really like small ships!! The Maasdam has the decor, ambience, and amenities of a larger ship, but nowhere near the footwear!

The entire cruise was wonderful from start to finish. Embarkation was a breeze - and the room (541) was ready when we boarded - and was around the corner from the gangway at this port. Luggage was delivered before we had even had a chance to explore the ship completely. We did a quick tour and grabbed a bit to eat in the Lido - with tables set up poolside, so we enjoyed a relaxing lunch, and then headed back to the cabin. Luggage was there - so by muster time, we were unpacked and ready to go. Muster wasn't quite as easy as on some other lines, but not impossible - we didn't have to bring life jackets out, but otherwise it was pretty routine, just a bit bothersome when they had to keep calling several cabins who did not check in promptly.

Cabin - exceptional! 541 was an outside - we often want a verandah, but there aren't a lot on this class ship, and the price was not really worth the jump up in our opinion. there was so much storage that we ended up not even using some spaces. full size couch - not just the little faux leather benches you find on so many lines. no refrigerator, but that was not a problem for us. Fruit bowl was not filled but had a form if you wished fruit - so we put in pear and banana -- they promptly appeared the next morning, and then replaced when we ate anything, plus they added apples as we went thru the week. Tub is not the greatest since it has a high step in, but other than that was fine -- shower in this tub worked well (hand held hansgrohe unit had a leaky hose, but that didn't interfere with the function etc) Read more