Maasdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
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Hooray for Holland America

Review for Canada & New England Cruise on Maasdam

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Sail Date: Jun 2008
Traveled with children

We are avid cruisers. Having sailed on Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney and the now defunct Glacier Bay Cruise Lines. Each is unique and family-friendly. Holland American's "older" clientele lent an air of sophistication that some of the "party ships" with tattooed passengers holding beers in each hand lack. Family-Friendly Ports: Traveling with a toddler and teenager, what excited us about Holland America's Maasdam, was the cruise itinerary offering interesting ports to visit each day. Starting in Montreal, we stayed at the Square Phillips Hotel and Suites (www.square phillips.com) and experienced a French/European feel without having to pay the euro-dollar exchange rate. The free continental breakfast fortified us each morning as we explored Old Montreal with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. We bought picnic items at the Atwater Market and dined on aromatic cheese, fresh baguettes, fruits and pastries, while watching the Montreal International Jazz Festival. We also took the Metro to see the 1976 Olympic Village and Tower and strolled through 30 colorful-gardens in the Botanical Gardens. The Montreal Tourism office (www.tourisme-montreal.org.)was very helpful in supplying maps, upcoming festival information, lodging and tour discounts. Once onboard the Maasdam we were pleasantly surprised how spacious our cabin was for the four of us. A bunk was pulled down for our teen, two extremely comfortable twin beds were together for my husband and I, and our toddler slept on the couch/bed. There were enough drawers and closet space for us. Up at the festive Bon Voyage party, the Maasdam set sail on the St. Lawrence River past casinos, amusement parks, and tiny towns to Quebec City. Each night aboard the Holland America's Maasdam, a cruise fairy came into our cabin in the early evening and left special treats. After dinner, our three-year-old looked forward to going back to our cabin to see the transformation. The "fairy" put chocolates on our pillows and turned down our sheets. On the girl's bed, animals were created from washcloths with attached paper eyes, sunglasses, or a hat on top. This was one of the many highlights we experienced while cruising from Montreal to Boston. Quebec City: The light rain didn't damper our spirits walking to the world-famous, multi-turreted castle of Chateau Frontenac Hotel. A 40-minute horse carriage ride took us through a French storybook city, Old Quebec. Built 400 years ago, 95% of the population is Francophone, (most of the residents speak English too), we enjoyed a lunch at the French cafe Le Petit Cochon Dingue for fresh quiche, homemade carrot and ginger soup and fluffy cupcakes. Back on the ship we joined others for an elegant afternoon tea with scones, jam and clotted cream. Our Kate delighted in meeting new friends at Club Hal every evening for games, crafts and activities, while we dined in the formal dining room for delicious four-course meals. A Day At Sea: After a tour of the kitchen and watching a cooking demonstration of New England Lobster Pie and Chicken Breasts baked in Quebec Maple Syrup, we explored the extensive library and checked out books, games and DVDs. Since the ship was docking in Prince Edward Islands the next day, it was fitting to catch the matinee showing of Anne of Green Gables in the movie theatre. That evening we dined at the four-star Pinnacle Grill. The $20 service charge is worthwhile for the quality of the food and service. My husband ate a Rib-Eye steak that was better than the popular chain Ruth Chris or Flemmings. Our teen daughter dined on lobster and received two tails. My maple-crusted chicken was moist and sweet. For dessert, we received a tray of cookies, chocolates and fresh fruit. It was a dining treat. Charlottetown, P.E.I.: The town was celebrating Canada Day (similar to our 4th of July) and a festival was in full progress next to the cruise terminal. There were concerts, a petting zoo, carnival rides, and food booths next to the water. We first took the Ultimate Anne of Green Gables excursion to see what life was like in the early 1900s. We met with "Anne", drank raspberry cordials, saw a museum of the author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and took a carriage ride. Written 100 years ago, the book has sold over 50 million copies. After the tour we bought ice cream at the popular Cow's ice-cream parlor and participated in the Canada Day festival. Sydney, Nova Scotia: Walking off the ship and along the waterfront we found two parks. One had a play area for children and the other a pond with a large fountain. Sydney is not as exciting or charming as some of the other ports. We should have taken an excursion to the Fortress of Louisbourg. Later we were told, the tour took visitors back into 1744, with the period-costumed interpreters. The highlight of the evening was sampling tasty treats at the Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Founded in 1749, a British stronghold counterbalancing the French Louisbourg, is the famous star-shaped Citadel. Built into a hill for protection, we toured the museum, and listened to bagpipe musicians in period-costumes, leading visitors to the daily noontime firing of the cannon. Halifax was the rescue and recovery operations port for the HMS Titanic. Three cemeteries were used to bury victims. Fairview cemetery has 100 passengers buried with granite headstones all inscribed, April 15, 1912. Along the waterfront the city offers charming shops, restaurants and friendly and talented street performers. Since it was Formal night, we dressed early to attend a Captain's Cocktail party, and enjoy the Master Chef's Dinner. Our waiters sang and danced in mini skits between each delicious course. Bar Harbor, Maine: As we walked through this attractive town, everyone was either in a festive Fourth of July parade or sitting on the sidewalks watching it. Stars and Stripes were on every home and business. Walking to the city park for an old-fashion "all-American" Lobster Bake lunch, we noticed some of the old spacious mansions many New York and Boston millionaires own. This town is friendly with an air of high society. After lunch, we took an excursion to the glacier-carved Acadia National Park. The sweeping views of the various islands, forested mountainside, and secluded coves were spectacular. Our bus stopped at various view sites for us to snap a few photos and take in the beauty of the park. Back on board the Maasdam, the ship was getting ready for its last evening sail. We dressed for the Variety Special pre-dinner show and thoroughly enjoyed our last meal. Boston: When the ship docked in Boston at 7 a.m. we were determined to be one of the last passengers off the ship. Our wonderful week-long cruise had come to an end. There was so much we didn't see or do. I never visited the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, barely walked into the Casino, and never attended the wine-tasting demonstration. Instead, we met some of the nicest people and staff, visited interesting ports, and learned some interesting historical facts. Most of all we relaxed with our daughters and enjoyed the special week being together. August, September and October are ideal months to cruise Canada and New England to see the Fall leaves change. Call your travel agent or go to Holland America's website: www.hollandamerica.com. 

Cabin Review

Cabin SO

Spacious for 4 people. Quiet Location. Washer and Dry on the floor above.

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