Background:  This trip it was my husband and myself (both 32) and our two children (age 6 & 5).  We are from Central NY and have cruised twice prior on Princess, but this was our children's first cruise.

Ship/ Cabin:  The Maasdam was a lot smaller than our other two ships, but it was extremely clean.  Our cabin 417 was an inside room on the Lower Promenade.  The room was quite big with lots of closets and storage space and the location was perfect (thanks to the member who told me about it!).  Our room had a queen bed, 1 drop down, and a sofa bed.  It was the second to last room on the LP, but it had access to the promenade directly across from it.  We used this to quickly be outside for sailing away, coming in to port, or just to check the weather. We did feel vibration and hear a lot of noise when we were coming into port, but it did not bother us.  If you are a light or late sleeper you might want a room more forward on any of the 3 lower decks.  I imagine the 2 decks below us heard even more!

Service:  We received the best service of any of the ships we've been on.  The crew loves being on board and you can tell.  Hendrick in the Lido remembered my son and daughter and greeted them daily.  He answered questions and talked with them.  When they weren't with us, he inquired about them.  Hakim from AYWD was wonderful as well.  He entertained the children with napkin animals and taught them a few "magic" tricks when he saw us about one day!  Read more