Maasdam Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

EXC Circumnavigation Does Not Disappoint

Review for Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Maasdam
User Avatar
HokiePoq
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Oct 2019
Cabin: Large Ocean-View Stateroom

This itinerary has been a bucket list cruise for a number of years. By the time we were finally able to book it, it had become an EXC cruise. I am so pleased with the lectures given by the EXC naturalists. What an amazing group! Chris Cook, the leader, is not only knowledgeable but entertaining. Erin, the crocodile specialist, is absolutely amazing! I was impressed with every one of them. Dr. Anita Heiss joined the cruise in its final days to add her expertise as well. I chose Holland America over other lines who do the circumnavigation for the itinerary which included Komodo Island and Tasmania. These two were the highlights for me. We saw the dragons and went to Gunns Plain Cave in Tasmania to see the elusive glowworms that I have wanted to see for so long. Other highlights were the ship's excursions to Billabong Sanctuary out of Townsville, trike ride in Broome, Wildlife (at marvelous Healesville) and Wineries out of Melbourne and private excursions to Litchfield, Yanchep and Pinnacles National Parks. I highly recommend any excursion which includes Healesville. It is a division of the Victoria Zoo which Chris Cook is affiliated with. We saw so much there. It is not to be missed as the Victoria Zoo does things the right way. We enjoyed trivia where we met wonderful partners from around the world. Food exceeded expectations and service was excellent. Our steward was exemplary. Our cabin was spacious with lots of storage. Only disappointments were missing Exmouth and Kangaroo Island, both tender ports. Seas were extremely rough and Captain Ryan Whittaker made the right decision not to attempt tendering. I regret not booking one of the zodiac tours. Those I heard from really enjoyed them. By the time I had an opening in our schedule and slots available, the weather had turned rough and we had colds which made us not game for it.

The Maasdam is one of Holland America's older ships along with its sister ship the Veendam. I love both of them. The Maasdam is clean and well maintained. I would not hesitate to sail again on either of these. Their size and design is just what I like in a ship.

The entertainment was better than expected. Initially EXE cruises did not have traditional entertainment. We enjoyed the shows most nights. Our favorites were IDA (very talented sopranos from the West End), the Jersey Tenors, and the OZ Boys. All three performed multiple shows which we enjoyed.

Cabin Review

Large Ocean-View Stateroom

This is a very comfortable double porthole cabin on the A deck. It is a few cabins from the most forward. It is conveniently located directly under the theater and Crow's Nest. Elevators come unfilled to the A deck. We had plenty of storage as this cabin could house three people. It has a sofa as well as desk with chair. This was our first time on this low a deck but glad we were there for a number of days with rough seas. Only midship would be better.

Port Reviews

Komodo Island

I elected the ship's tour for Komodo. A longer private tour was available through roll call but two hours in the heat was all I could handle. We saw many dragons at the waterhole and then hiked before returning to the craft sales area. Highly recommend.

Geraldton

We took the shiip's excursion to Kalbarri National Park. I changed at the last minute from the river cruise to Kalbarri. I was really glad I did as that tour could not see the scenery due to low water. Beautiful views at several locations and a great lunch prepared by the bus owner/driver's wife!

9 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.