Great trip. Twice as many sea days as port days (just wonderful).

Item: Maasdam
Rating: 4.9
Author: SpeedyBill

Maasdam Cruise Review to South Pacific

SpeedyBill

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 6

Overall rating:

4.9 out of 5

23 Night South Pacific Crossing (San Diego To Sydney)

Sail date: September 27, 2017

Ship: Maasdam

Cabin type: Inside

Cabin number: 352

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 7 years ago

Review summary

Very pleasant and smooth cruise overall. Departure was on September 27th, an ideal sailing time for this route. Daytime temperatures were mostly in the mid 70s, seas were reasonable calm except for the first two days when some ships motion could be felt (not enough to deter any activity).

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

I had open seating which suited me to a T. I settled in to eating at the Lido (buffet) for Breakfast and most lunches, then the dining room for dinner (which fostered new acquaintances). On late return shore days the Dive-In (poolside taco & hamburger bar) filled in the hunger gap. All the food was good, great of excellent.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Very comfortable queen/king size bed, two person sofa, desk, adequate storage space with personal safe. Bathroom fitted with shower, no tub. 2 Bathrobes & hair dryer included. Clean.

Ship tip

Soaps are supplied in bathrooms and the public laundry.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

San Diego, California Did not visit port

Airport arrival was only 3 hours before sailing time.

Thumbs Up 0

Honolulu, Oahu

5 out of 5

We got a day-pass on the public bus system for $2.00 (senior rate, must show Medicare card - otherwise $5.00). Bus route maps may be seen on TheBus.org. Better yet, the Google Maps App will show where to get busses , their routes, and your current location, transfer points, etc.

Thumbs Up 2

Pago Pago, American Samoa

5 out of 5

Enjoyable. Walked about then took local bus along shoreline, to airport and returned to ship. Cost was $10 per person.

Thumbs Up 1

Suva, Fiji

5 out of 5

Enjoyable. Walked about then returned to ship.

Thumbs Up 2

Dravuni Island, Fiji

4 out of 5

Interesting. Almost vacant island. Nice beachside sun bathing or coral snorkeling. Go for a walk up a steep hill.

Thumbs Up 0

Port Vila, Efate, Vanuatu

5 out of 5

Taxied a few miles to town, walked about. Enjoyed the waterfront parks and beaches. Took a boat taxi back to the ship.

Thumbs Up 1

Mare Isle, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia

4 out of 5

Interesting walk along shore. Small lagoons and pools.

Thumbs Up 1

Noumea, New Caledonia

5 out of 5

Nice port city. Took Choo Choo Train tour around town and onto hilltops. Excellent views.

Thumbs Up 4

Sydney, Australia

5 out of 5

Walked through town, downtown mall stores interesting. Visited the nice aquarium, but it was Saturday and filled with children. Took a Ferry back to the port. Not enough time. Several days or a week would be nice.

Thumbs Up 5

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

Good except I don't like 4 hour waiting time, at airport, for departure.

1 Comment

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise.

Thumbs Up 0

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