Age: --- 76 & 71

How many cruises taken previously: --- 20, Mostly on Holland America

Traveller Type: --- Couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Maasdam

Cabin category and comments: --- We were on the Main Deck in cabin 529 5th deck. We are always satisfied with our accommodations aboard any of the Holland ships. This is a inside cabin,very comfortable and well taken care of by the cabin stewart. The beds are the most comfortable on any line that we have been on. Linens are top of the line,towels are Egyptian cotton,fluffy and soft. A waffle robe is always there for our use. All the toletries are from the Spa. Cabins are kept spotless as well as the rest of the ship. Let me say that when Holland says "Signature of Excellance" they mean just that. This cruise line is outstandy in everyway. The Maadam is a superb ship,with a excellant crew.

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Goes pretty smooth considering the amount of people getting off and on.We have had not problems dealing with this on any trip.

Food and Service: --- What can I say except its the Best of any line that we have been on. The food was excellant on the Maasdam,great variety,presentation and service. The Indonesia/Fillapino crew are by far the best. Always willing to go that extra mile, remembering names,know what you drink,Just friendly and smiling all the time. They are well trained. If I can say the reason we choose Holland to begin with was just this reason. The crew and the food. Ms. Maasdam is one of our favorite ships and this is the third time sailing with her.

Entertainment: --- The entertainment is just about the same on most ships. They have some good entertaniners that they bring on board,but other then that its the usual fare of on board dancers and singers.

Shore Excursions: --- We generally go on our own for the simple reason if we don't want to stay out for hours we can come back when we care too. Our understanding is the excursions are very good and interesting.

Onboard Activities: --- Lots to do aboard ship. And its NOT just bingo! They have various programs for everybody. The ship does not close down at 7:00 There are dances,all kind of fun stuff. And if you just want to hang out on the deck and read you can do that. The Explorations Cafe aboard the Holland ships is outstanding. Over 2000 books to chose from,interent on the same level,game playing,puzzles to do,listening to the music another thing to do. If I were to name all the activites that is available it would take up too much space. Believe me you will not be bored and if you are they you don't belong on any cruise ship.

Children’s Program: --- The Holland Line just update their ships to appeal to teenagers and younger children. On the very top deck is a wonderful place for teens,with their own space which is beautiful with lots of interesting spaces. Younger children have their own space too.

Overall impression of the Ship: --- Ms. Maasdam is a well cared for ship.Its very beautiful and lovely for a smaller ship. The cabins and public rooms are always kept in top condition. The crew is always cleaning and polishing everything. The pool area is always a busy place and towels are readly supplied and I have to say the crew goes that extra mile to make sure you have everything you need to make sure you are comfortable.I can't say enough good things about the Maadam. If I were taking a cruise for the first time I would certainly choose the Ms. Maasdam. You will love everything about this great ship and its crew because of the service and the way they make you feel.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- None

Posted: 01/15/2007

Age: --- 60

How many cruises taken previously: --- 15-20

Traveller Type: --- Couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Maasdam

Cabin category and comments: --- large outside cabin D level -- nice sized, BUT air conditioning very weak (problem existed on ship) -- we had to get a fan from the front desk in order to circulate air in the cabin; it was always necessary to remind our steward to replace toiletries (shampoo) and water

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Embarkation was a disaster -- there was a problem with computers and we ended up waiting in terminal warehouse for some 2 1/2 hours, dragging carryon up two flights of stairs on the ship and re-registering once again. Most passengers waited almost 4 hours to board. Supposedly, it was an unusual event. We certainly had never encountered a worse embarkation procedure. Disembarkation went very well. We could stay in our stateroom until "color" called (about 9:30) and there were people about to help retrieve luggage.

Food and Service: --- Breakfast (particularly room service) and Lido lunch was quite good. Ice cream readily available (as was pizza, hotdogs, hamburgers, etc). Dinner in the Dining Room was a big disappointment -- little choice (NO prime rib the whole 11 days) and horrible desserts. Thanks to Smart Cruiser, we were given vouchers for one night at Pinnacle Grill (lovely surprise, thanks so much). That was a great dinner -- spectacular Rib Steak and mouthwatering desserts. Service itself by dining room and bar staff was excellent -- efficient and cheerful.

Entertainment: --- Crew Shows and singers were great. We enjoyed the singing and dancing shows. We could have done without the comedian, banjo player, and illusionists (walked out of those shows).

Shore Excursions: --- Not appliable -- we didn't do any. Most people we knew just rented a taxi and did their own thing.

Onboard Activities: --- Blissfully, very few. Great team trivia . Activities are low key -- you're not always being interrupted with pool activities and loudspeaker announcements. Unfortunately, New Year's Eve Parties were pretty poor -- nothing like the Century.

Children’s Program: --- N/A

Overall impression of the Ship: --- Ship is showing its age. We like the size of the ship, but problems with air-conditioning, stabilizers, coffee (coffee machine was broken) suggest looking for a newer ship for next cruise.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- HAL offers a restful cruise experience. Unfortunately, food and service has declined over the past several years -- it's not the line it once was, but for those with realistic expectations, an enjoyable, relaxing cruise awaits you.

Posted: 01/08/2007

Age: --- 50

How many cruises taken previously: --- 8

Traveller Type: --- Couple

Name of cruise line and ship: --- Holland America, Maasdam

Cabin category and comments: --- Window inside midlevel

Embarkation/Disembarkation Experience: --- Great from Norfolk becasue it's so close to home

Food and Service: --- Great! I gain 10 lbs every time we go!

Entertainment: --- Great. Holland is a little old fashion with their music/dance they tend to go with the older group.

Shore Excursions: --- Usually on our own to sites and the beaches

Onboard Activities: --- Eatting/sleeping /pool/some exercising and walking the deck every day a must!

Children’s Program: ---

Overall impression of the Ship: Great! I'm ready to go again and we just got home 12/11/06!! Just wish that some of the ports were a little more modern.

Any comments that you may have that would benefit future cruisers who are contemplating sailing on this ship? --- It's the best vacation you could ever go on. Just bring some baggy close becasue they will be skin tight when you get off the ship!

Posted: 01/02/2007