Ports of Call: The 28-night cruise from San Diego to Lima and back aboard the Maasdam included Cabo San Lucas, Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas, Mexico; Fuerte Amador, Panama; Salaverry (Trujillo) and Lima (Callao), Peru, overnight; Manta, Ecuador; Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica; Corinto, Nicaragua; Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and returning to San Diego, California.
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Both were done in a professional and rapid manner with little to no waiting. Lunch was available upon embarkation with the usual options of hot and cold foods from the buffet on an upper deck. Cabins/staterooms were ready for occupancy in the early afternoon and made available in the order of suites, balcony rooms, ocean-view and inside rooms.
Stateroom: The Maasdam is an older ship, built in 1993 and refurbished in 2016. Our Vista Suite, a traditional balcony-type cabin, included a sitting area, private veranda, a tub with a shower, and plenty of closet space for longer cruises.
Services/Amenities: Food on board was of a high quality. The Maasdam has a limited number of dining options due to the size of the ship, including the main dining room, a buffet on a top deck and two specialty restaurants. There were also six bars and lounges. Service in the main dining room was slow, with two hours the normal duration for an evening meal; for older passengers and large tables, this was acceptable. Crew served an afternoon tea at 3 p.m. each day.
Services included a beauty salon/barber shop, a spa, eight elevators, Cellular at Sea (for a high price), self-service laundry and laundry/dry cleaning services for a fee. For relaxation and entertainment, passengers can enjoy pools and a hot tub, a library, a casino, a disco, a movie theater with multiple shows daily, an outdoor movie screen, a video arcade, shops and a showroom for evening entertainment and lectures for large groups.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ All events were well-organized and started on time.
◆ The crew members’ smiles and care for the passengers were remarkable.
◆ First-rate entertainers came from all over the world.
◆ Lectures, held almost daily, focused on the people, history and culture of upcoming ports of call and not on excursions that could be purchased.
◆ My wife enjoyed the craft classes held on at-sea days. The price of sewing classes included taking home the sewing machine!
◆ Internet prices were high and speeds were slow due to the satellite connection, something all cruise lines need to improve.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 13, 2025Sea Crest Beach Resort Announces Second Wave of Transformation
Cape Cod’s Sea Crest Beach Resort recently announced new and exciting improvements to enhance its accommodations, amenities and guest experience. Guests can expect upgrades to the guestrooms and pool area, the addition of a mural by and award-winning artist, and much more.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Jun 13, 2025East Naples, Italy, to Undergo Revitalization
In recent years, many architectural firms are adding deteriorated urban districts to their more known work of designing office buildings, residential housing, cultural institutions, athletic stadiums and airports. In Italy, London-based architectural firm Zaha Hadid Architects announced plans to design a masterplan for Napoli Porta Est, reconnecting Naples’ fragmented eastern end.
Daily
Jun 13, 2025Paul Gauguin Cruises Announces Experts for 2025 Yoga & Wellness Voyage
Paul Gauguin Cruises recently announced the return of its Yoga & Wellness program aboard newly refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin on the Sept. 27 sailing of the Society Islands & Tuamotus itinerary.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
Jun 12, 2025The Future of Hospitality: Private Residences Meet Resort Luxuries
With travelers looking for more personalized, spacious and luxurious accommodations, residence-style hotel stays are on the rise. These types of accommodations offer privacy and the comfort of staying in a vacation house with the luxury amenities of top resorts. Here are some of the most popular residence-style hotel accommodations to check out this summer:
Rancho Bernardo Inn Review
eFlyer Reviews
Jun 11, 2025eFlyer News
Jun 11, 2025First-Ever Flight from United States to Puglia, Italy, Launches
Neos, Italy’s second-largest airline, just debuted the first direct flight to southern Italy’s city of Bari from the United States. The new weekly service will be offered through fall 2025, connecting New York (JFK) with Bari (BRI).
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
eFlyer News
Jun 11, 2025Mandarin Oriental Expands in Malaysia with Beachfront Retreat
Mandarin Oriental revealed the upcoming rebranding of a resort and private residences on Malaysia’s southeastern coast of Desaru Coast, Johor, expanding its presence in the country. Located within 128 acres of rainforest along a stretch of beach overlooking the South China Sea, Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast opens January 2026.
ShareThis