Maasdam features a teak promenade deck and her interior motifs pay homage to the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company. The centerpiece of the ship's atrium is a sculpture crafted by Luciano Vistosi and features over 2,000 pieces of glass. Other pieces of ancient artifacts and art pieces are also spread throughout the ship.
Construction and career
Maasdam is a member of the line's, otherwise known as S class. She was ordered in November 1989 alongside two sister ships of her class, and was designated Hull Number 5882. Her keel was laid by Fincantieri in early 1992. Throughout 1992 and 1993, the ship was completed and underwent sea trials, and on 3 December 1993, Maasdam was christened by actress June Allyson at Port Everglades, Florida. Upon her maiden voyage into the Caribbean Sea, she became the fifth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Maasdam. During her early planning and architectural design phases, there were concerns that Maasdam and the S class would not be in compliance with specific vessel stability requirements mandated by SOLAS 90. The hull design of Maasdam and her sister ships are largely based on Costa Classica, a ship operated by sister brand Costa Cruises. These fears were alleviated, however, following the successful sea trials of the class's lead ship, MS Statendam. Maasdam serves different regions of the world based on the seasons. During winter months, she cruises to the Caribbean from Port Everglades. During the summer season, she sails from Boston, Massachusetts to Europe, Atlantic Canada and New England. In 2006, Maasdam underwent dry dock renovations at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Grand Bahama. In 2011, Maasdam'' underwent dry dock renovations at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Grand Bahama which increased her passenger capacity. In July 2020 it was announced that the ship was sold to an undisclosed buyer with a planned delivery in August 2020.
Route
In December 2016, she visited Oceania, where she undertook voyages from New Zealand.
Incidents
On 7 November 2018, during a 'Polynesian & South Seas Sampler' cruise, a 70-year-old female American passenger fell between the ship's Deck 3 tender platform and one of the ship's tenders. She was crushed, and she fell into the waters off of Rarotonga, Cook Islands and was later pronounced dead on board the same day. Maasdam returned to Rarotonga a few days later, but despite much calmer seas, Captain Ryan Whitaker canceled all tender operations.
Coronavirus Pandemic
On 19 March 2020, 842 guests and 542 crew members on board Maasdam were barred from disembarkation in Honolulu, Hawaii due to fears surrounding COVID-19. The ship was allowed to take on appropriate provisions and supplies, however, and began a return journey to the Port of San Diego for debarkation.
