New York City

It’s Sunday night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City—and I am obviously waaaaay behind.  But I hope to catch up over the next few days and report on the remaining ports that we visited on Prince Edward Island and in Nova Scotia, as well as the port visit that was cancelled in Bar Harbor, ME, and the Amtrak ride from Boston to Penn Station in New York.  So it’s back to . . .

Monday, 20 May 2013 
On the ms Maasdam Sailing Northeast on the St Lawrence River

This is our one planned sea day on the Maasdam, and it gives us a chance to sleep a little late and to enjoy all the varied pleasures of the ship.  Although she carries only 1250 passengers, all the public rooms you find on Holland America’s larger ships—like the Eurodam—are neatly fitted into the more limited and intimate space of the Maasdam.  Our Neptune Suite is on Deck 10, way toward the top of the ship and just behind the navigation bridge and the staterooms used by the Captain and other members of the sailing crew.  It is well over twice the size of the staterooms I am used to, with a dressing room as well as bathroom with Jacuzzi tub.  The king-size bed and large sleep sofa across the room look out full-size windows and doors to the double-size veranda with chaise lounges, chairs, and table (too bad it isn’t warmer, we could enjoy our breakfast out here).   

There is a private lounge reserved for suite guests in the center of the deck and it provides continental breakfast as well as snacks and beverages throughout the day (and night).  Best of all, there are two concierges to assist us with any special requests.  Other perks of being in a suite include free laundry and dry cleaning throughout the cruise, a gift bottle of champagne, special tendering privileges (which we don’t get to use; more about that later), and invitations to three cocktail parties with the Captain and members of the crew (we decide to stick mostly to champagne for this cruise).  And because I have over 100 sailing days on Holland America, I also enjoy special discounts in the shops and specialty restaurants.

In the late morning, the “Dancing with the Stars,” contest begins—it will last all week on the Maasdam and continue through the year on all Holland America ships.  Will and I don’t participate but it is a hoot to watch other passengers of all ages muster the courage to dance the samba, waltz, and cha-cha with members of the stage productions cast.  At the end of today’s auditions it is time for the special Mariner’s Lunch, to which repeat cruisers are invited and made to feel special (and, therefore, want to book more cruises).  Actually, it is fun, and Holland America indeed has the highest percentage of repeat cruisers in the entire industry.

In the afternoon we watch a rehearsal for tonight’s show—with the HAL singers and dancers—since we don’t usually make it to the 10pm show after dinner.  After that we decide not to do much except get ready for the first formal night Captain’s Dinner at 8pm.