We chose this cruise for the Itinerary. 3-Star cruise, 5-Star itinerary with fun on the Polynesian Islands. We cruise often, usually long cruises. We are active retirees, swim, hike the jungle, snorkel, cliff jump, motorcycles. We enjoy 'Happy Hour' and socializing with like-minded cruisers. Very rarely we use Ship's Port Tours on HAL as they cater to a very sedentary clientele. Yes, I can see why some found it a great cruise. Us? Our times amongst the Coral Reefs and Volcanic jungle haunts was great, our Dining was fine, but there's the matter of our overall On-board experience. The ambiance aboard MAASDAM I would describe as 'sedated'. No...t'was funereal.

HAL is in trouble. Repeat...HAL is in trouble. Things have apparently changed recently on the HAL corporate level. Naughty, naughty HAL. Remember having a Librarian? Gone. 'Chocolate Extravaganza'? Gone. Ice sculpture carving? Gone. Poolside 'Beach Boy' live music? Gone. Sail-away Aft Deck Cocktails, HEATED Pools, Activity Directors for exercise, Volleyball, etc, BBQ Poolside Hog roast Luaus, all Deck Lounger chairs free for all passengers, late evening departures from Ports.... all gone. We actually hoisted anchor at our last Port...so we could sail home slo-oower/cheaper for 5 days. Really?? Thankfully, someone had a IPad with music for our 'entertainment' around the AFT Pool. But, hey, I had the Ice-cold Pools nearly to myself!! The one working Hot-tub and Men's Sauna was busy, Ha!! Now for the Problems.......... Nobody aboard was fooled.....we're not dumb.

MAASDAM has an obsolete lay-out compared to newer ships. It reminded me of the CHANDRIS line vessels I sailed on many decades ago. Times have changed.. Read more