Caribbean Luxury on the Maasdam
by Robert Painter
 The anticipation of two
weeks sailing in the Southern Caribbean at the end of winter makes for a
head full of wonderful dreams. Beginning on a warm, sunny day in
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, it soon becomes clear that these dreams are soon to
be reality. I don’t know of any other port that sends your ship out past
condos that line the beautiful, wide sandy beach like this. As we wave
to the sunbathers on their balconies and then cruise alongside the opening
in the beach and out to the Atlantic Ocean we can see the shoreline
strollers and envision ourselves doing the same thing in a dozen ports
before completing this fabulous fantasy.
As soon as we clear the beach and head out into the ocean it’s time to
explore the ship, grab some food, read the daily program, grab some more
food, look at the program again and try to figure out what activities we
want to join in. I know I’ll be active when we get to the ports, so I
want to schedule some spa appointments right away. And, a few shore
excursions. I know I’m going to eat a lot on this journey so one of my
first tasks is to discover the exercise room and find out which decks are
best for walking.
 Having completed these
initial exercises I realize that it is time for an ice cream cone.
Fortunately, the ice cream stand is open and serving. Unfortunately,
it turns out that there are fresh, warm oatmeal raisin cookies on the
counter. For anyone with will power or, better yet, who just doesn’t
like warm oatmeal raisin cookies, this is not a problem. But, as you might
have guessed, they just happen to be my favorite. As if this weren’t
enough another problem arises the next day and continues throughout the
voyage. On a table in front of the ice cream stand and cookie
temptation counter some diabolical soul has decided to set up a self-serve
table with a daily changing variety of bread puddings. And, alongside the
bountiful bread puddings is to be found a container of delicious, warm
vanilla sauce.
 Just to put my problem
into perspective here you must remember that I have not yet had even a
single meal. Or, a glass of wine. Or, a dessert. It looks like
I’d better head to my very comfortable stateroom and see if my gym clothes
still fit. We have two glorious days at sea before we hit the ports so I’m
going to have to do a lot of walking on deck and strolling on the treadmill
to keep things under control. I’m allowing myself to put on a few pounds,
but I don’t want to be rolled off the ship when we get back to Florida.
The Maasdam is not Holland America’s newest ship, but it is a beauty.
The public rooms are beautiful. The Rembrandt Show Lounge is very
comfortable and even seating 600 people seems intimate with good views from
anywhere in the room.
The Culinary Arts Center seating over 200 is set up for cooking
demonstrations and classes that allow the onboard chefs to share their
favorite recipes.
The main Rotterdam Dining Room where I enjoyed most of my evening meals
is impressive. Even filled with 700 other guests it was easy to hold
conversations with table mates. Couple that with excellent service and
outstanding menus and you can’t ask for much more than that. And, a
well rounded wine lists doesn’t hurt either. Overall, I would contend that
Holland America ranks right up there in the top echelon of cruise lines when
it comes to meal time consistency. I don’t recall one single item in
14 days onboard the Maasdam that was not prepared to my liking. On the
contrary, some of the items, like the bread pudding, were too good!
 I’m not much of a gambler
so I can only tell you that the Casino was lively with frequent late night
players looking like they were having lots of fun. With 5 blackjack
tables, a roulette wheel, craps, several poker tables and over 100 slot
machines there was plenty of action. I did drop by to watch some of
the different tournament activity and that was pretty exciting.
One place I did spend a good bit of time was in the Microsoft Digital
Workshop. These were complimentary workshops led by Microsoft-trained “techsperts”
as they are called. Our guy was terrific. Very knowledgeable and very
patient. The sessions were designed to help guests better utilize
their photos and movies. Help with email, blogging, social networking,
scrapbooking and lots of new technology was available. Hours were
available when you could just come in and ask for individual help with
computer and camera related questions. And, yes, it was really free!
 You can go online to
learn more about the Maasdam and other Holland America Line ships by
checking the link at the end of my story here so now let me tell you about
some of the ports on this fabulous Southern Caribbean adventure.
 Our first port was San
Juan, Puerto Rico. Begin by realizing that the locals here are U.S.
citizens, the official language is English and the currency is the U.S.
dollar bill in your pocket. So, shopping is easy and you don’t need a
calculator in hand. If shopping is your thing, then remember that
onboard the Maasdam is the All Ashore Port & Shopping Ambassador who will be
presenting special talks and seminars on board for each port. You can also
pick up a shopping guide map before disembarking.
 My suggestion for San
Juan is that you should certainly visit the Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, the
six level fort with ramparts, tunnels and even dungeons. For a nice
walking day you can explore the Old San Juan plazas. Stop in at the Iglesia
de San Jose, a beautiful cathedral built in 1532.
 The next port is
Charlotte Amalie on the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas. This port may be
crowded with lots of cruise ships, but it is still a beautiful island.
For a little exercise be sure and find the 99 steps. You’ll have no trouble
finding anything here since once again English is the official language.
This is a good place to get in a bit of snorkeling. Charlotte Amalie struck
me as a wonderful little shopping city. You’ll be back on board in
time to rest your feet and maybe stay up late for the Filipino Crew Show.
Maybe one or more of your servers will be in the show – be sure and take
your camera.
 With almost a dozen
ports on this Caribbean adventure I can’t possibly tell you about
everything, but St. Kitts deserves special mention because of its tropical
appeal. A beautiful green island that merits a drive around the island.
You can choose to journey in an open safari vehicle or on the double-deck
St. Kitts Scenic Railway. The train offers a choice – lower level with A/C
and large picture windows or upstairs with an open-air observation deck.
St. Kitts is a good place to find beautiful Batik goods as well.
 Roseau on the island of
Dominica offers an opportunity to learn more about the few remaining 3,000
or so Carib Indians. You can visit the Carib Model Village and attend an
Indian folklorico show. Other possibilities here include a rain forest
hike with a Rasta guide that includes a swim at Twin Falls, river tubing,
mountain biking, snorkeling/scuba diving, and even 90 minute aerial tram
ride into the rain forest.
 If wildlife viewing is
part of your agenda, you’ll want to sign up for a catamaran sail & turtle
encounter in Barbados. Wear your swimsuit and bring along your
underwater camera to swim with turtles in the crystal clear waters from
Bridgetown. If you don’t swim you can find a submarine here that will
give you great views of coral reefs, tropical fish and a sunken shipwreck.
There is even a green monkey tour and you’ll also see deer, otters,
tortoises and exotic birds. Of course you can snorkel the historic
wreck of a torpedo vessel or just lie on the beach at the Malibu Visitor’s
Center.
Are you an underwater photographer and don’t like having a camera
strapped to your wrist while you’re trying to swim? I may have a
solution for you. I just found a snorkel mask with built in camera.
Check the link below and read all about it. It takes micro SD cards and you
can snap away to your heart’s content. The Liquid Image camera mask has 5
megapixels so all you need is some clear water, colorful fish and a bright
sunny day – it’s good to a depth of 15 feet if you decide to dive and pursue
a few fish or turtles.
 If you really want to
make it an easy, relaxing day just head straight for the Mount Gay Rum
factory for a tasting then stop off for a visit to the Banks Beer Brewery.
 One of my favorite days
was spent at St. Lucia. The bus ride to the interior tropical forest
led to an aerial tram ride through the lush landscape. A hike through
the forest to the beginning of a zipline circuit added to the anticipation
of sailing through the treetops. The downhill slides were exhilarating
and everyone was thrilled and happy with the day’s adventure. And, if
somehow you overdid it, the onboard Greenhouse Spa has a special night of
massages and other treatments waiting for your return.
 When you arrive at St.
John’s, Antigua, you have another chance for a catamaran sail. You’ll
be able to walk on the beach, swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sail and do
nothing! I talked to several people who joined in the Antigua Yacht
Racing adventure here and had a terrific time crewing a 65’ million dollar
racing craft. Where else can you do that? I should mention that
horseback riding is not only available here, but on several of the islands.
If that’s your interest you’ll have a number of opportunities in the
Caribbean. While in St. John’s try not to miss the Cathedral, Fort
James and English Harbour in Antigua’s historic district.
 As you might expect
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, is a spotlessly clean and beautiful island.
The Dutch side (the other side is French St. Martin) offers many of the
opportunities of the other Caribbean stops, including catamaran sailing,
snorkeling, swimming, and shopping. You can also get in some fishing,
motorcycling, off roading on ATVs, rhino riding (2 person inflatable power
boat), or even a chance to crew on an America’s Cup sailing craft. The beach
here is perfect, there is a wonderful walking strand and even free Wi-Fi if
you just want to sit in the sun and catch up on your email while you enjoy
the tropical day. Maybe the chef onboard the Maasdam will pick this stop as
the perfect evening for a Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza and offer chocolate
fountains, chocolate martinis, chocolate cake and . . . more chocolate!
 Have you been waiting
for a dolphin encounter? Road Town, Tortola will be your last chance,
so don’t miss it. This will also be a place to get in a little kayaking &
snorkeling. Or, you may want to visit the Sage Mountain National Park and
hike up to Mount Sage for some great panoramic views of the island. Don’t
get confused. Even though this British Virgin Island uses the U.S. dollar
for its currency they still drive on the “wrong” side of the road so watch
your step. For about $10 you can catch a ride to Long Bay on the Atlantic
side of the island, but always remember – if you take an excursion not
planned by the ship, you’re on your own. And by that I mean if you don’t get
back in time to catch your ship it’s up to you to get yourself to the next
port if that’s even possible. Last minute one-way fares can be pretty
expensive.
 One of the best parts of
this particular cruise was finishing up with a full day of relaxation at sea
before a full day of fun at Holland America’s very own private beach resort
of Half Moon Cay on the western side of Little San Salvador Island.
This can be any kind of day you want. Walk the beach, swim, snorkel,
lie in the sun, sit in the shade – you decide. You can rent a private
cabana on the beach with A/C, showers, chairs, refrigerator, etc. You
can make the day one of pure luxury with a Private Oasis package with hot
tub, a butler, lifeguard, island cocktails, fine china, champagne,
celebration cake, photos, special menu - you choose. How about a
Floating Bar on a surfboard and Dom Perignon?
After two weeks at sea I was happy to wake up the last morning in port in
Ft. Lauderdale, but not because I was happy the voyage had ended. I
was just glad my last few hours were sleeping rather than sitting on deck
wishing it wasn’t all coming to an end.
When You Go:
 Holland America:
www.hollandamerica.com.
Maasdam:
http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Maasdam
Underwater Camera Mask:
http://www.liquidimageco.com
Story and Photo by Robert Painter, Luxury Adventure Travel Editor
| 