13 Night Australia & New Zealand (Auckland To Sydney)
Sail date: February 03, 2020
Ship:
Maasdam
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 135
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 4 years ago
Review summary
Wonderful itinerary and ports in gorgeous countries. The ship experience was very positive.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Seamless - very efficient and fast.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Very pleasantly surprised at the generally excellent food - especially the delicious seafood and prime-quality beef. Soups, cheeses and bakery items were very good, as always on Holland America. Enjoyed the generous happy hours each day with a choice of multiple bars.
Lido (buffet) was chaotic in the mornings.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Because Maasdam is a smaller ship, the choice of onboard activities was limited. The Exe programs were informative and enjoyable. The Microsoft classes and access to the lab (all free) were excellent.
Did not use fitness center or pools.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Some evening stage acts were good, others I didn't attend. The stage musicians were excellent, as were the classical duo, the piano player and other lounge musicians.
Especially appreciated that loud, annoying music was NOT piped throughout the ship.
Children's Programs
No children in my party.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Super friendly and responsive staff, including officers. (Much better than on other company's cruises I've taken during past several years.) The captain set the tone - friendly, outgoing and visible. Room stewards were excellent.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Loved the comfortable lounges throughout the ship, with great seating and areas for conversation or quiet reading. The Explorer Lounge/library was expansive and very welcoming. Ship was spotless throughout.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Furniture was a bit dated, but the space and number of drawers and closets were terrific! Very comfortable. Cabin was spotless.
Ship tip
Don't expect the same level of entertainment and onboard activities that you find on much larger ships.
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