Maasdam Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose the cruise for a couple of reasons. Firstly it covered Christmas and New Year. secondly we live in Fremantle so only had to fly one way then cruise back to our home port. We enjoyed the ports although most of them we had visited previously. The one big disappointment on this cruise was the dire entertainment programme. There wasn’t a single production show. On 2 evenings a film was shown in the theatre. Most of the entertainers were not what I would call top class - second rate mainly. We were not the only people who were surprised at the standard of the shows. It would certainly put us off choosing Holland America again without doing some serious research into the on board schedule. Overall the food was good and varied. Wine prices, like most cruise ships, are too high. Drinks packages are not an option for us as we don’t drink enough to make it worth it financially.
Cabin Review
Spa Verandah Suite
Well laid out with plenty storage. Good size verandah. Good position on ship - very handy for lifts/stairs but not so close that we could hear lift noise. Easy access to restaurants and lido.
Port Reviews
Melbourne
We opted to walk from the ship to St. Kilda - 5.5k each way on very flat promenade alongside the ocean. Lots of European cake shops to choose from for a reviving cuppa and cake!
Hobart
Private tour with a friend who is a resident up to the top of Mount Wellington. Great views on a clear day.
Port Arthur
Visited only a year ago so didn’t disembark but it is a fascinating site for first time visitors. Mostly free if you don’t mind doing a self guided tour.
Adelaide
Easy access to the train station. Australian seniors travel free at certain times. Visited Port Adelaide on our first day - lovely old federation buildings and small port area. Day 2 we met friends who took us to Mount Lofty - great views on a clear day - unfortunately it rained when we visited. City centre is easily walked - city of churches - lots of them! Beautiful botanical gardens.
Kangaroo Island
Walked around the port area of Penneshaw- interesting area. Market on for the cruise ship selling local goods. Nice pub/hotel for a reviving drink.
Esperance
Beautiful beaches, walked around museum area.
Albany (Australia)
Anzac Museum is a must. Cabs are a bit of a problem and public transport doesn’t go there. Hop on hop off bus stops there but at $40 per person + $20 entry fee it can be expensive for a group
Bunbury
Nice town. Market on the day we were there. Live music and lots of stalls selling local goods and produce