Staff Travel

My first cruise aboard the M/S Maasdam, one of Holland America's dam ships. After sending many clients on these ships and hearing them rave, I had to get some for myself. Leaving from Ft. Lauderdale is a breeze and a wonderful intercoastal city to do pre or post. Port Everglades is a short ride from Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

The ship is about eight years old but aged very well. It is spotless, well laid out and easy to get around. The food was excellent. The crew Indonesian and Philippine were very friendly and helpfull. I especially enjoyed the lunches in the dining room versus the Lido Buffet or the burgers/franks by the pool.

Loved the 24 hour room service. You have a great menu in your stateroom and if your stomach growls, food is just a phone call away.

The Crows Neck lounge has a great view and is great for pre-dinner cocktails. They also offer hot hors d'ourves every night and dancing after dinner. The casino is small but adequate. They offer a nice selections of movies to view in your room or in the movie theatre and free popcorn.

They have two pools, one outside with ample deck chairs and one inside with a retractable roof and also ample deck chairs. Our sailing was sold out for the December 9th sailing which I found amazing as the world thinks nobody is travelling, but there was never a problem with line, deck chairs, etc.

The cruise was just what I needed before the holidays and I came back to reality feeling quite relaxed, pampered, enthused and FAT. (Only kidding I only gained a couple of pounds as you can work it off in the great work out room, and wrap around walking teak decks.)

Holland America is now offering terrific deals and a vacation like this is worth every penny.