I have read the reviews of the three others who criticized this particular cruise in the MAASDAM; my main reaction is "Picky, picky, picky!" My wife and I are newly-minted "Bronze" Mariners with Holland America, so I can safely compare our most recent experience with the others we have had.

First, we drove 1100 kilometers from Kingston, Ontario, to Norfolk (in 2 days), so that we could enjoy the autumn scenery. Except for the snow in New York and Pennsylvania, it was an enjoyable drive. We booked a room at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel, about 3 blocks from the Cruise Terminal. It was a good choice, although the hotel's management is not keeping a good eye on maintenance or cleanliness.

Embarkation was an experience. We arrived at the terminal by car at 1100 and were met with a large number of disembarking passengers, so confusion was rampant. However, we left our luggage with a porter and took our car to the Norfolk Cruise Parking ($10 per day), where a shuttle bus took us back to the ship. The actual embarkation was quick and efficient, especially notable because we had been upgraded at the last minute, to an outside stateroom (we have always taken an inside stateroom, because they rock and roll less, and because we only use our cabin for sleeping and changing clothes). (I actually felt that the outside cabin was a little smaller, or tighter, than a comparable inside cabin.) Read more