Maasdam Review
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We have discussed going on this cruise for a few years, and finally booked it this summer. We live in South Florida, so it was a great break from the summer heat. We flew into Montreal on Friday, got an uber to the Embassy Suites in Old Town (great location and nice hotel). That gave us time to explore the wonderful old city and port/waterfront on Friday night and Saturday morning. Embarkation was very smooth. We actually walked with our luggage from the hotel to the pier within about 12 minutes and were able to get on the ship around 11 or 11:30. After eating lunch, we went back out into town for a while, which was a plus.
Other than an Alaskan Cunard cruise I took years ago, this is the smallest ship I've ever gone on in my 20 cruises. The public areas are very clean and well maintained. Our favorite spot was floor 6 outdoor promenade. After spending a day in port, we walked around there several times before the ship left and as it departed ports. We got great pictures and met lots of very friendly people while out there. The ship is not flashy or super fancy with spectacular public areas, but that was ok for us. I would suggest that they add some more chaise lounges on the 6th floor because many are reserved for the sliding glass doors rooms.
We had cabin 655, on floor 5, interior. It was better than I expected. Based on some review I had read, I was nervous. But, it was very clean, and really comfortable. The shower was tiny, but it worked and we had enough room for 3 of us to rest and sleep. The sofa becomes a twin bed. Our son is 6'4", so is was a tad short, but he just slept at a tiny angle. There was only 1 electric socket, and we had 3 phones, but our steward immediately got us a power strip, so he solved that issue.
Cabin Review
Large Interior Stateroom
Cabin was very clean with comfortable beds and pillows. Television was a bit small with strange sound but worked fine. Bathroom was probably updated at some point and had a small shower with curtain. Room was fairly quiet, too and is on floor five. We had more than enough storage space for clothing, suitcases, toiletries and clothes.
Port Reviews
Montreal
Old Town was beautiful. We stayed in the Embassy Suites in Old Town. Great location close to the basilica. Took a self guided walking tour and explored for several hours at night, in the morning and afternoon after checking in at the ship. There's lot of history and beautiful architecture. People speak French but everyone I talked to spoke English, too. The waterfront is a great place to go, too. I could have spent several days here.
Quebec City
Quebec City was incredible! Be prepared to walk, A LOT! And, be prepared for hundreds and hundreds of stairs! I love to walk, and wow, did I walk a lot - like 14 miles! It's a lovely town, reminding me of a place in Europe. There's lot of interesting history, and are many churches and old buildings to see. I had found a self guided walking tour in Frommer's, and did that, twice - once with my husband and once with my son. If you have to choose between the two, I'd choose upper town over lower, but did get to see both.
Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island)
Charlottetown was a lovely town and we enjoyed walking around here. A lot of the things people do are away from town, but you can spend most of your time in the town. I noticed that lots of people were wearing PEI shirts afterward.
Sydney (Nova Scotia)
We did enjoy Sydney, but it was our least favorite. People there were very friendly.
Halifax
The waterfront was incredible and we walked the whole boardwalk. The Public Gardens are beautiful. It's a really neat town with lots to see as you walk.
Bar Harbor
My husband's favorite port. The Ocean Path is a must do in Bar Harbor. There is a church with Tiffany stained glass windows. I had a lady say she did a tour and was disppointed because they drove BY the church but couldn't go in. We went in and spent some time there. We got such wonderful pictures from the ocean path and from the promenade on floor 6. Be sure to be outside as the ship leaves, too, for even more views and pictures.