Maasdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
I booked a Canada/New England cruise aboard the ms. Maasdam last fall. After reading several negative comments about the ship and cruises on the Maasdam, I was a little concerned. After arriving a day early in Montreal to rainy weather and an overnight in Le Centre Sheraton, the embarkation day, Saturday was a definite improvement: sunny and warmer weather. Still I was a little worried that HAL cruises had dropped a notch. Would I see a rusting hulk tied off at the pier with inattentive staff standing around? On the contrary the Maasdam looked as she always did--gleaming blue and white exterior--in fact, a Genie Boom cage was in operation as painting work was being done by crew members. This happened in most ports of call--a Genie was waiting at the dock to continue exterior painting.
Embarkation took about forty minutes as passengers were given colored/numbered cards. The process, once begun, moved smoothly as passengers were checked in, photographed and given room key cards and ship maps. The ship’s photographers were available dockside to photograph oncoming passengers
Smiling crew members were available to direct passengers to their respective floors and staterooms and the Lido buffet was open for lunch. My stateroom was prepared for my arrival and I dropped off my carry-on bag and went to the Lido and spent the rest of the afternoon watching the operations on the dock below. By 3:30 p.m. my checked bag had arrived and I was able to unpack just before the mandatory life-boat drill which went smoothly and people were dismissed by 4:35. My cabin (#581) was clean and everything worked. I noticed that access into the bathtub/shower was a little steep. This could be an issue for guests with leg/knee problems. The cabin attendants, Rizal and Bhika, were pleasant and efficient. HAL still features a pretty extensive Room Service breakfast menu--something on which others cruise lines have cut back.
Cabin Review
Large Ocean-View Stateroom
The cabin was large enough for my needs. Plenty of closet/storage space though my large bag didn't fit in any of the closets (no big deal!). This cabin had a window but as the bed was situated in front of the window, looking outside required getting on the bed to do so. I would probably not book an window cabin in the future.
Port Reviews
Montreal
Attractive large city--many places accessible by walking. Le Centre Sheraton was a pleasant hotel, very comfortable. Food here is a bit pricey--found no bargains!
Quebec City
Beautiful city but if you walk to the upper part, you'll want to be in pretty good shape. The uphill climb can be strenuous--even if you use the stairs. Basilica de Notre Dame offers free Sunday afternoon concerts!
Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)
The city fathers in Charlottetown have made a very good effort to clean up the downtown area. The shopping mall is much improved from a few years ago and preservation of historic buildings in ongoing! The Art Museum is worth a look!
Sydney (Nova Scotia)
A small city which has a few historic places to visit. Bypass (or at least just look) around the craft area of the cruise terminal building but to get some home-crafted souvenirs, walk to St. George's Anglican Church (closed) and to the church hall behind--there is a craft fair every port day. Chat with the locals and buy some genuine souvenirs at the good price!
Halifax
Always a great place to walk--the Maritime Museum is very good (Seniors get a reduced admission fee!). The Public Gardens are very nice--well worth the walk!
Bar Harbor
An interesting New England town and a few places are interesting. The Christmas shops sell a few (far overpriced!!!) local items. Lobster rolls can be purchased---for a hefty price! Walking along the shoreway is pleasant in nice weather.
Boston
Spent most of the day at the airport waiting for my flight--on the plus side: it took off on time!