 |
 |
|
Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Michael Evans
Email: michael.evans@gte.net
Age: 55
Occupation: Airline
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: September 24-October 6, 1997
Itinerary: Rome-Istanbul-Rome
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 88
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 88
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 60
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 65
ShoreExcValue: 50
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 50
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 88
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Oct 1998
Time: 01:01:39
Remote Name: 208.253.68.65
Remote User:
Comments
Our initial contact with Holland America was our embarcation at Civitavecchia out side of
Rome. It was a long, hot, walk, or a very
expensive($20)taxi ride (less than 1/2mile), from the train station to shipside. Once at
shipside H/A had a very long table set up with their
representatives sitting there to check you in. It was a very hot day(90f)with the sun
blazing down and only shade was that created by the awning
over the heads of the check-in people. E
veryone one else stood in the blazing sun and heat, and dust everytime another minibus
or cab brought
other cruisers to the area, waiting their turn to check-in and receive the cruise card,
etc. It took us, and many others, 70 minutes of standing
before we got in line to get on board the ship.
Once on board we were greeted by a sometimes friendly, sometimes lukewarm staff and
showed to
our cabin. From the first moment the ship itself seemed very special and it just kept
getting more special throughout our 12 days. There really isn't
anything not to like about the ship from its lovely shape, its stability(like a rock), the
very tasteful decor, the beautiful antiques, furniture, and the
orderly manner in which it is kept. Excellent flow throughout the ship and a good mix of
stairwell and elevators. Our cabin was an outside cabin with
a large porthole that was difficult to see through.
The cabin itself was smallish with poor sound insulation between the adjoining cabins
on each
side and we were, unfortunately, located close to the motors controlling the thrusters. So
90 minutes before arrival in port(which was often
5am)this noise began and was so intense no human being could possibly sleep through it.
The same noise held true for each departure. One hour
before departing, during departure, and for about an hour after clearing the dock the
thruster motors were kept operating. Avoid these rooms
near the thruster motors unless an engine room atmsosphere is what you are looking for.
Inside rooms just across the hall from our room did not
have this problem.
The dining room was on two levels and attractive to look at. There are good views from
the dining room as it is aft in the ship.
The food was, in presentation, excellent. It really looked good, so we were surprised that
it did not have much taste. It did not taste bad, it just was
bland, or had a non taste. The bread and rolls were not so good. The waiters and dining
room staff were pleasant but a bit unrefined. There was,
at times, throughout the ship, difficulty in communication with the staff. The officers
and the pursurs desk were for the most part unfriendly,
unyielding, and unsmiling, seeming more in tune with maximizing profits than with pleasing
the customer. The shore excursions were over priced
and poorly presented.
We took three excursions in Greece and every time we had a guide who presented the
historical information about the
areas on our current tour from the very same guidebook sold, for one dollar, on the
excursion busses before they even left dockside. Very, very
superficial. And we were always dragged by some relative of the tour guides to shop at
another relative or friends shop. In fact, on the Acropolos
tour we spent more time at the shop stop than at any of the wonders of the world. All the
lounges and show lounges were attractive and
comfortable and the entertainment good. The cruise director was friendly and funny. We
used the excercise room alot and it was small but well
equipped and had an excellent location looking out over the bow of the ship.
We did think it was nice that they had a self-service launderette until
we saw the washer and dryer held maybe 4 pairs of socks, or one towel and COST 8 quarters
PER LOAD. It seemed like one was nickel and dimed
everywhere. Yet tipping the staff is not required. One wonders. All in all it is a
wonderful ship that goes to some wonderful ports. If excellent cuisine
is not important to you then this could be the cruise line to be sailing with. Everything
about the ship itself is quality.
Name: Anita Niser
Email: anitamich@aol.com
Age: 55
Occupation: retired teacher/real estate investor
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: Oct 6
Itinerary: Panama Canal - 13 nts
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 99
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 96
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 96
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 98
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 96
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 98
BeautySalonStaff: 98
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 88
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 88
CruiseActivities: 98
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 88
DeckSpace: 96
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 96
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Oct 1998
Time: 11:00:18
Remote Name: 205.188.192.181
Remote User:
Comments
I just returned Oct 19 from a 13 nt LA to Fort Lauderdale cruise. This was my second
Holland
American cruise. Even better than my first which was to Alaska. Holland American has their
act
together in a very positive way. Although the wait in line to go over business seemed
interminably
long, it went smoothly and entrance on the ship once processed was okay. Debarkation also
went
fine.........most people being off way before ten.
I was reasonably satisfied with my room. I had it all to myself. The usual hot hair dryer
was there
in all its glory. Tv stations were not all functioning. CNN was not coming in as it should
have
been. Evidently there was a problem with the satellite dish. Still and all one likes to
keep up with
current events when gone for so long. Cabin Steward was excellent and kept the room
spotless.
One area that Holland American excels in is their food service. I always order two entrees
in case
I don't like one of them. I usually enjoyed both of them. I eat sparingly of the beginning
items...........preferring the main courses. Desserts are outstanding..........each one
more
delicious than the next. This is unlike other ships where they look wonderful but are
pastey/dry/lacking taste or just plain unedible.
Breakfast and lunch in the Lido is a great alternative. Lunch is incredible and I ate
there daily
preferring the selections there to the dining rooms. The ice cream bar there is great.
They have
this wonderful bread pudding with a vanilla sauce which is to die for, every day.
Pools are excellent. They seem more like a real pool than the usual cruise ship pool.
Chairs were
always available as were towels. There was also an interesting selection of food outside
on the
deck near the pools. There were the usual hamburgers and special sausage sandwiches with
Mexican items and Chinese /Italian items also, depending on the day. In the later part of
the
afternoon, between four and five, pizza was served by the pool. That tasted fresh and good
also.
Nice and comfortable movie theater with some very good films. I made sure that I could see
most
of them. Activities were good. There was an educational lecturer who was interesting.
Duplicate
and party bridge was going on almost daily when not at port. The bridge director had
brought
with a friend who was rather unpleasant and attributed to several people not returning to
play
bridge..............and that included me. But bridge is an interesting way to meet people
and spend
the afternoon out at sea. The library was an improvement over most of the ones I've seen.
I read
a John Chisholm, The Chamber and enjoyed it. There were also a selection of paperbacks
that
people had left from past cruises that you could just read without the usual signout
obligation.
Oh and the gentleman hosts............... There were four of them, all older and they were
busy
dancing and attending to the many single and older women aboard the ship.
Now that I think of it, the crowd is much older but perhaps this is to be expected because
of the
length of the cruise. Not many younger working people can afford the time of a two week
cruise.
There was one child on the cruise and I found that to be refreshing.
Please feel free to email me and I will be happy to respond.
Name: Edgar Dworsky
Email: edgar@consumerworld.org
Age: 48
Occupation: consumer advocate
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: June 6, 1999
Itinerary: Copenhagen, Estonia, St. Petersburg, & Baltics
Cabin: 375/I
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 75
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 30 Jul 1999
Time: 08:43:36
Remote Name: edgar.tiac.net
Remote User:
Comments
My mother and I took the June 6, 1999 twelve-night Holland America cruise on the Maasdam
from Copenhagen to
London via Russia.
The cities visited included: Estonia, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Visby,
Warnemunde (Germany), Arhus
(Denmark), and Oslo.
Embarkation in Copenhagen was slow, as there was no reception area other than a small tent
immediately outside
the ship. Busses of passengers being transferred from the airport waited in line at the
ship before being
off-loaded one at a time as space opened up in the tent. Surprisingly, we were given our
on board credit cards
without having to first present a MasterCard or Visa to back it up! (We finally had to
provide it, but only after
several days at sea.)
The Maasdam holds about 1266 passengers and a crew of about 600. It was built in 1993.
Despite what others
might feel, I did not find the ship to be particularly elegant. In fact, it did not have
an ultra-modern look, and I could
well have believed that it was built 15 years ago. There were a lot of lounges/bars with
public seating areas. There
were quite a number of onboard stores, all over-priced (surprise!). The casino was not
huge and I suspect was
underutilized by this crowd of travelers. The showroom lounge was fairly typical of a
newer ship, but comfortable in
size. You rarely felt crowded on the Maasdam.
We had cabin 375, on the lower promenade deck. This was a perfect location because the
dining room and
showroom were just one floor above. The cabin was large, with four closet doors, two small
bureaus, one slightly
larger one, a small couch, and in the bathroom - drum roll - a bathtub! This was a
standard outside cabin, with
obstructed view. We did have some room issues, however. We had to call about poor/no air
conditioning four
times, and the toilet vacuum system was out of order for hours and hours on two days. I
was able to overlook
these problems because of the superb service I received elsewhere on board, particularly
in the dining room.
Food in the dining room was very good, and some might say excellent. I have special
dietary requirements, so the
Assistant Maitre d'Hotel on a daily basis would go over the next day's menus in advance to
determine what I could
eat and what I could not. When I discovered that they had non-dairy margarine on board, I
asked if the pastry chef
could make me non-dairy baklava. Honest to goodness, the next night, they served me
non-dairy baklava for
dessert! Other dishes were occasionally specially prepared leaving out offending
ingredients. (They managed my
food issues, and the food itself, better than any of the other four cruises I have taken
on Princess, Royal
Caribbean, Commodore and Dolphin.) Surprisingly, they had no midnight buffet (they were at
11pm), and no
"Chef's Gala" (with all the fancy ice carvings, food art, buffet, etc.)
The entertainment was second-rate. While the Maasdam singers and dancers were quite
talented, the choice of
songs (often obscure, unfamiliar, and not particularly melodious) was poor, show after
show. Comedians (who
follow Holland America's conservative/no dirty humor protocol), musicians, and a magician
were also not top
notch, but Yacov Noy, a pantomime artist, was very good. A violinist was also quite
talented. The local German
folkloric dance troop show was terribly boring (watching others square dance is not
particularly entertaining). The
ship's cruise director was female - a rarity at sea. She wasn't awfully funny and she
really did not ooze warmth, but
she did a competent job. The Maadam orchestra was very, very good.
The crowd on the Maadam definitely skews older. The vast, vast majority (more than 85%,
I'd say) were active
seniors.
With the exception of a day at sea at either end of the cruise, we were in different ports
each day (except 2 days
in St. Petersburg). We usually did not take the ship's overpriced tours (which generally
were well-received by
those who took them), but rather walked to the shopping area in each port city. Our
general sense was that 7
days on this trip would have been too short, but that 12 days probably was two ports too
many. It became difficult
to discern one city from another at some point late in the cruise.
The beginning of June was an excellent time to go to the Baltics, because the temperature
in the morning was
maybe 55 degrees, and it warmed up to 65 to 72 by afternoon. It was perfect non-sweating
tourist weather. The
indoor pool with retractable roof above was under-populated, but lovely. While some people
grabbed towels at the
fully outdoor pool to sun themselves, others grabbed blankets to keep warm!
Holland America has a "no tipping required" policy, which tends to do away with
the overly sugary attitude of
service people. Our cabin steward was inconspicuous, but always said "hi" when
we say him. The waiter and
busboy were supremely competent, kept the meal moving, and rarely goofed up an order. I
was only asked once
in 12 days if I wanted a drink (either at the showroom or near the pool), compared to
constant nagging on other
cruise lines). The photographers were their usual obnoxious selves.
In short, we really liked Holland America, and would definitely travel with them again (if
the price were right).
Name: d tarka
Email: lidomoon@yahoo.com
Age: 50
Occupation: underwriter
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: 8/29/99
Itinerary: Transatlantic
Cabin: 192 Minisuite
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 70
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall:
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 70
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Sep 1999
Time: 08:47:49
Remote Name: ip120.king-of-prussia.pa.pub-ip.psi.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was an England to Boston transatlantic crossing which allowed an excellent
opportunity to explore the ship,
take advantage of onboard activities and unwind.
Embarkation was surprisingly disorganized and tedious starting with our arrival at
Heathrow, the transfer to
Harwich and finally getting on the ship. We arrived at Heathrow at 6:30 am (London time)
after a transatlantic flight
and didn’t board till about 1:00 pm (local time) and spent the time in between mostly
waiting at the airport with our
luggage, waiting on the bus for the transfer, waiting at the unnecessary "rest
stop" during the transfer and more
waiting at Harwich to board. An altogether unpleasant way to being a vacation.
Once onboard though we spent a blissful week doing nothing and/or taking advantage of a
bountiful array of
activities with no distracting shore excursions. There were several speakers during the
week offering lectures on
geology, cruising history and the current situation in the former USSR. While I
didn’t attend any of the lectures, my
spouse found them interesting and the talks were taped and available on the ship’s
television.
I found this to be a beautiful and well laid out ship with lots of artwork and public
rooms for reading, socializing
and/or relaxing. I especially liked the Crows Nest which was a wonderful place for whale
and dolphin watching.
The food in the Rotterdam Dining Room (we had first seating at a table for six) was
beautifully presented though a
tad disappointing in taste. Dining room service also wasn’t entirely top notch. For
some reason our table was
served last and we would just be starting on dessert when most people were exiting making
us feel rushed to
finish to make room for the next seating. The dining room staff though was friendly. (as
was all of the ship’s staff
and crew).
The Lido food for breakfast and lunch was varied, plentiful and overall rather good. The
Lido staff was attentive,
friendly and eager to please.
We had the rare opportunity to have a minisuite with verandah for this cruise and could
become quite accustomed
to this type of accommodation! Surprisingly though our cabin stewart was not overly
attentive and was nowhere to
be found for any special requests.
Overall, we had a wonderful week on the Maasdam alternately doing nothing, attending
lectures and/or collecting
‘stamps’ for the excellent Passport to Fitness program, an excellent way to work
off those calories, have fun and
meet new people. And I would definitely sail HAL again.
Name: DeAnne Curto
Email: curtod@mpinet.net
Age: 29
Occupation: Project Director
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Holland-Maasdam
SailingDate: December 11, 1999
Itinerary: Southern Carribean
Cabin: 619 / Main Deck
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 60
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 60
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Dec 1999
Time: 20:09:01
Remote Name: cacheflow2.mpinet.net
Remote User:
Comments
This was our 3rd cruise on Holland America. We have also enjoyed the Statendam and the
Rotterdam.
Embarkation / Disembarkation took place in Ft. Lauderdale. Some waiting but smooth
handling
and comfortable facilities.
HAL has really stepped up the quality. This year we received a color brochure at the desk
explaining the services that were avaiable once we boarded the ship during our departure
day.
Instead of paper ID cards, we received permanent plastic cards with all necessary
identification.
We used an electronic scan system to enter / exit the vessel at all ports.
We had a wonderful outside stateroom on the Main Deck (#619) with large picture window,
queen
bed, sofa, table and ample drawer and closet space. Wish there were more selections for
the
in-room movies, but we appreciated the itinerary tracking channel with the latest weather
/ sea
conditions.
The ship was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Fresh flowers throughout. You will
never feel
crowded on this line. You can meet new friends or find a quiet spot to read.
You will also never be hungry. You can choose the Lido buffet or a formal meal in the
dining room
for breakfast, lunch and dinner on most nights. Dinner is only served in the Rotterdam
Dining
Room on formal nights. You can also choose from hot dogs, hamburgers, stir fry, tacos and
pizza
by the pool.
We visited Antigua, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Barbados, St. Thomas and the private island. We
enjoyed every island a great deal except for Guadeloupe. The citizens only speak French
and
refused to let us purchase anything.
My only unfortunate experience was in the Ocean Spa. With all the cruises I've taken, I
have never
visited the spa. I normally get physical theraphy for neck trouble, so I decided to try a
massage /
spa combo to get some relief. The girl told me to go across the hall to find a place to
change, did
not offer me water in spite of the heat of the room, brought me a small plastic glass from
the pool
when I asked for water, and put the eye gel packs in my glass after the treatment.
Certainly not the
treatment I would expect to get from a spa.
We would definitely recommend Holland America to anyone looking for a restful vacation.
Please
contact us if you have any questions.
Want to book your cruise at a great rate?
Click here.
Questions or comments? Mail to webmaster@cruiseopinion.com.
Copyright ©1996-2001 CruiseOpinion.com. Last modified: March 22, 2000.