Maasdam Review
Interesting and Boring at the Same Time
Rating by category
Additional details
One thing to note: The average age of guests was probably close to 70, much older than other cruises we've been on. Even older than guests on our other HAL cruise.
The day going through the Panama Canal was very interesting and worth the trip and, if you love sea days, this would be a perfect cruise for you. There were 7 named sea days and actually the canal day was a sea day in actuality. The ports visited were just OK in our opinion. Aruba was nice; not a lot to do in Punta Arenas, Costa Rica. Huatulco, Mexico was very small, not much shopping except straw markets. Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas were more interesting ports, but you had to be back on the ship at 1:30, so very little time in the ports.
The ship, although over 20 years old, is in beautiful shape. The crew was efficient and friendly and the food was excellent. Very extensive room service menu available 24 hours a day; on time breakfast delivery every morning.
Cabin Review
Verandah Suite
Typical cruise cabin with a few enhancements. Double closets with lots of hanging space. Bathroom with a tub and shower. (Note: Tub has VERY high sides and would be difficult for anyone with a mobility problem. I needed to hold the grab bars to get in/out safely.)
Vanity has a wonderful magnifying make-up mirror. On the negative side, the hair dryer has to be plugged in under the vanity (European socket.) and you needed to get down on your knees to plug it in.
Large sofa with throw pillows. Also in cabin are binoculars, a wool lap blanket and a big umbrella.
Door to the balcony in this cabin is shattered/cracked from some sort of impact. The pieces are being held into place with clear tape. Very distracting, like looking through a shattered windshield all the time.
Balcony is very deep and the chairs are very comfortable.
All in all, the cabin (except for the shattered door glass) was very nice and comfortable. Bed was OK, but a bit lumpy. Pillows were good ...and the bed time chocolates were much appreciated.