Joel Solomon

Age: 48
Occupation: financial consultant
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Holland America Line
Ship: Maasdam
Sailing Date: August 4th, 2002
Itinerary: Ft. Lauderdale, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Half Moon Cay

First let me say, that Holland America lived up to every expectation for exemplary service and food.

The weather and seas for the 7 day cruise were perfect. We had Suite 28. Extremely spacious, beautifully appointed with closet and drawer space plentiful--even for the 2 of us.

The Philippine staff knows how to serve and please the guests. They can never do enough or ask you enough what you need or if you need ANYTHING!

The food in the main Rotterdam dining room is exceptional. We live in Miami where there are manifold wonderful restaurants so for us to say it--believe it. The lamb chops are to die for.

The entertainment is 1st class. Mike Robinson, a ventriloquist, was a marvel as was the juggler-Edge. Not typical juggling--sort of new age and very entertaining. The main cast shows were excellent and the costumes vibrant and Cher like.

As for the ports and excursions:

Cozumel: we went shopping in town--had a great time

Grand Cayman- went to stingray city--a must--it really is fun and a once in a lifetime experience for all ages

Jamaica--Dunn's river falls was terrific fun and beautiful--we took the Catamaran and I recommend it.

We shopped the rest of the day at the Taj Mahal and Sony village-some very good bargains in Jewelry or watches if you are interested.

Half Moon Cay--although we have been to other private islands before, here is different. The most beautiful beach I've seen--nicer than Nigril Jamaica; the $10 million or so they invested really makes a difference. The sand is magnificent and the barbecue matched. We spent the day in the water on the beach

Play Bingo! we had loads of fun every day- We won one of them, but the snowball jackpot was won by someone else--$5400!!! on Saturday night at 10:15PM

Did I mention the cheeseburgers on the LIDO deck? If I didn't, get them--they are great!

Maybe it was because of the season, but we found the age group to be very diversified--probably 5% over 65, 25% between 55 and 65, 50% between 40 and 55, 15% between 30 and 40 and yes there were many children of all ages; it was very mainstream

If anyone needs to chat about this ship and our experience, please feel free to contact me. By the way, we were on the inaugural voyage of Explorer of the Seas two years ago; so we can help with the comparison

Joel

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