Pleasant cruise

Item: Maasdam
Rating: 4.5
Author: Mindyschocolate

Maasdam Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Mindyschocolate

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 66

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 12, 2000

Ship: Maasdam

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

I was on this ship as part of a family reunion. Myself (then nearly 21) and my 17 year old sister were the youngest in our group, and probably in the lowest age category on the ship. I have no memory of a lot of young kids on the ship. Overall it was a pleasant cruise. Food and service was excellent and we had ample space in the cabin. What I remember best about this cruise (this was 20 years ago so bear with me) was the port excursions. They were super fun. The ship itself was fine, but I have very few memories of the ship itself outside of the restaurant, the atrium, and the line dancing I participated in. I have no memory of the pools, other shipboard activities, shows or literally anything. Nothing bad about that ship, but if I can't remember what I did at age 20 (I am 40 now so not super old) then it wasn't memorable either. This line is geared towards the older, seasoned cruiser. Think Viking cruise line people and that's your crowd here.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

Not bad. I had to wait for a while before my group was called. It was organized but there's still a wait to get on, even for the smaller ships. The larger ones make me shudder thinking about that wait time.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The food in the main dining room was excellent. I got to try a lot of new things and I enjoyed the food immensely.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

I tried the line dancing and a show. The dancing was fun, but I honestly can't remember much about the show.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Room was kept very clean. Waiters were most excellent and friendly. Loved the crew.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

It was easy to get around, mostly in part because it's a smaller class ship.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Can't remember the cabin number, but it was an inside cabin. Very quiet and since it had no windows it was super dark at night, which is how I like it. Cabin was good size for the three of us.

Ship tip

HAL is more of a traditional cruise line, so if you're an adrenaline junky, or want a lot of sporty things like rock climbing, go carts, water slides, etc., this line isn't for you.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Ft. Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

3 out of 5

Hard to rate this as we didn't do anything here but wait to board.

Thumbs Up 0

Cozumel, Mexico

4 out of 5

I loved their ethnic dances they had for us. The only weird thing was the military standing guard with their guns.

Thumbs Up 0

George Town, Grand Cayman

5 out of 5

The string ray excursion was fantastic!

Thumbs Up 1

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

5 out of 5

Very good port. If you have long hair, the local braiders will want to braid it.

Thumbs Up 0

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)

5 out of 5

Went horseback riding, including along and into the water. One of my favorite excursions.

Thumbs Up 1

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

No problems as I recall.

Traveler Photos

6 Comments

cruisereckoning 4 years ago

Thanks for the review and so glad you enjoyed.

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enjoyurdaysmile 4 years ago

Hubby and I took HAL on the Westerdam and very laid back. Sail away party wasn't good as there was no dancing and asked one of the crew about it. The people were just sitting and relaxing. I danced and a woman asked me if she can dance with me. I said yes. You have to make it for yourself.

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Cruiserike0322 4 years ago

Thanks

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Dadm 4 years ago

21....drinking age....is that why you don’t remember it???🙃🙃🙃

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papapot41 4 years ago

Just went on a recent cruise and probably reminiscing.

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Shh813 4 years ago

Why would you even bother putting a review out when the cruise was 20 years ago and you don’t remember it.?

Thumbs Up 1

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