Zaandam Jan 30 Antarctic Review

[travelers07]

This is a review the Zaandam South America and Antarctic cruise that began January 30 in Valparaiso. We are still sailing but we arrive Monday in Montevideo and I should be able to post this then using my cellular (T Mobile Simple Choice gives you free data. We used it in Chile and Ushuaia but not available in the Falklands.)

 

The reason for this review is that I have appreciated others for doing reviews of sailings that we have considered over the years. Reading other peoples` opinions is so helpful even if you don`t always agree.

 

The cruise has been fantastic and we have seen and done amazing things. I have just a couple of negatives that I will add at the end just to inform others but they in no way take away from the fantastic voyage that we are having.

 

First, the Captain and every one of the crew have been outstanding. Captain PJ`s sense of humor fits very well with this sailing as does his serious side when the weather has been a little rough.

 

We have had 3 expedition leaders who have given outstanding presentations as we have progressed. HAL has truly found experts- who spent many years in Antarctica- to provide the extra information to make this cruise so special. There is also an ice specialist who gave a wonderful talk on his duties during our cruise through the ice areas. The port lecturer Lance has also been adequate but occasionally abrupt with passenger questions.

 

We have had very good luck with our weather and have made all of our stops including the Falklands on Friday. Antarctica was absolutely unbelievable and the Captain adjusted the planned route to see the most and avoid some of the more foggy areas. It was all that we could have imagined and more- just as we have heard from others.

 

Beginning with our arrival in Santiago- we booked at the Sheraton Miramar in Vina del Mar. We asked them for a car service recommendation and they set us up with a service that is located right in the hotel lobby. He met us with a sign right outside of the secure area at Santiago airport and we had a nice hour and a half ride to the hotel. It was $180 that we added to our hotel bill so we got Sheraton points on the amount. We also set up a ride to the port in Valparaiso and that was fine also. The hotel itself is fine but the staff is a little uneven. We waited quite awhile past our promised check in time only to be given a different type room than we had booked. When we asked to be moved to our booked room type, the manager got involved and everything was straightened out. She even sent chocolates as a gift for our trouble. We walked to the Casino and beyond in Vina and had a nice walk and lunch. There is not too much nearby but it was a pleasant stay and a nice start to our vacation.

 

Check in at Valparaiso was the fastest we have ever had. We arrived about 10:30 and we immediately checked in. There were a couple of souvenir and wine stands in the terminal and then we boarded a bus to the ship. We got on board the Zaandam but were told the rooms were not ready. This was expected as it was not even 11:30 yet. We wandered around and then the announcement for rooms came about noon. We quickly unpacked- we only do carry on- and then went for lunch in the dining room. Everything was very nice and we had the afternoon to look around the ship.

 

Our first sea day was good and we had a very good meeting with our Cruise Critic Roll Call. Unfortunately there was a safety drill for crew during this time so none of the officers were there in the beginning. But about a half hour later, the Cruise Director and a few of her staff arrived so that was very nice. Our Roll Call also planned a lunch for later in the cruise and that was very nice too.

 

Porto Montt was as expected. We had done an around the Horn (not Antarctica) on Celebrity Mercury about 15 years ago and had taken shore excursions at each stop. Since we had already seen most of the western ports, we just got off here, Punta Arenas, and Ushuaia and walked around the towns. They are all very pleasant and had shops and grocery stores if you need anything. Puerto Chacabuco was new for us but since there is nothing at the port, we stayed onboard and sat out on the back deck for most of the day and enjoyed the scenery and sunshine.

 

Cruising the Chilean Fjords was also new for us and we really enjoyed the scenery. The port side- where most of the viewing was- in a veranda cabin was an excellent way to spend the day. The Drake Passage was a little rough but certainly nothing too bad. We had very good views of Cape Horn from all sides of the ship and then headed south to Antarctica.

 

The icebergs, mountains, and fjords were magnificent and I cannot do them justice in a description. Viewing the penguins on the beaches (and smelling them!) and swimming was unbelievable. And we saw many whales and sea lions in the water as well. This is the reason to do a cruise of Antarctica.

 

We had a little rough weather going back through the Drake but again not as bad as some peoples` sailings. The Falkland Islands were a question as the winds were predicted to be a little too much. But the Captain decided it was a go so we all headed to get tender tickets or cruise stickers. The Staff Captain was at the exit to the tender and we thanked him for letting us stop. He replied that it was very close to being cancelled as the weather was borderline. The tender distance is about 2 miles and outside of the harbor part of the way. They said it could take 25 minutes but ours was more like 20. The water was very rough looking but I thought the tenders handled it well and no one looked too distressed. We had an afternoon double decker bus tour and spent the morning walking around the small town and shopping. There are more souvenir stores than I expected and they had a good variety of merchandise at fairly reasonable prices. And when are you coming back to the Falkland Islands? One place not to miss- The West Store is a huge grocery store with lots of British products. It is just past the church near the dock. My husband makes fun of my going to a grocery store in most every port we have ever visited but I just tell him to wait outside.

 

We just attended another enrichment lecture on artists in Antarctica which was very informative. We have a list of books that we want to read now. This afternoon`s lecture is on the ozone hole. Tomorrow we have heard there is a Q and A with the expedition team.

 

We got our certificates for rounding Cape Horn and making it to Antarctica. The Captain`s sense of humor came through again and we will keep these as great mementos of our trip.

 

Full disclosure- we are enjoying our cruise so much that I hate to mention anything negative. But the following are meant to be educational for others. Please don`t criticize me for informing others of a couple of things that we did not like.

 

First, the smoking on the balconies. We do have a veranda and like to leave it open for fresh air. This was not possible because of the smoke smell that came into our cabin whenever we had the door open and the people next door were smoking. And they did smoke a lot. The only good thing is that in Antarctic waters, smoking is only allowed by the back pool and not on the verandas. This was great as we spent much time on our verandah. FYI- there is no eating or drinking allowed on open decks in Antarctica waters.

 

Second, we do frequent the bars but we also enjoy a late coffee and dessert some evenings. The coffee bar closes at 9 and the Lido at 8:30. The Lido opens again at 11 with hot food- we assume more for the staff than passengers- but it is available. But during the prime time- for us- to get a coffee and small dessert, there is nothing available. Yes, we could do room service but the point is we want to be out and about.

 

Third, and this is more for your information only. We saw a watch at the shop that was just what my husband wanted. We have never bought much onboard but this was a very nice watch in just the style he wanted. The sign said tax and duty free and we match prices. We had always assumed that these items would be less on any ship than you could find elsewhere. Since we were not that familiar with the brand, we Googled it. Amazingly, we found the exact same watch for almost a third less on Amazon. Now we didn`t expect them to lower the price to Amazon`s but there was the price match guarantee sign. We went back to the same salesman and showed him the Amazon listing. He immediately said that they don`t match online pricing. OK- so what store do you think we can find to compare with here in South America and Antarctica? He mumbled something about it would need to be full service dealer so there probably was not one. So for everyone thinking about a major watch or other purchase- check the price either before you go or online to make sure the price is fair. We did not buy onboard but will purchase the watch from Amazon when we get home.

 

So this is my rather long review. I plan to post on our day in Montevideo. We disembark the next day in Buenos Aries. The Zaandam overnights in Buenos Aires and most everyone else is staying aboard until the second day. We made our flight reservations using United miles and the flights home were only available if we depart the ship one day early. This has been no problem for Holland America- and it was one of the options on the paperwork we filled out once we were on board. We have a car service that was recommended online to pick us up at the cruise terminal and paid ahead with Paypal. I will add this to the review after we get to the airport. I am sure it will go well!

 

Hope this info is helpful to others. We have truly enjoyed our voyage. We may not sail HAL again (we are 3 star Mariners) but who knows. The balcony smoking and lack of late evening coffee and snacks are our biggest issues- and we admit they are very insignificant. But when you have a choice, you always consider the small things too.

 

Sue (and Curt)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[puppycanducruise]

Thank you for posting your review.

I have not been to the Antarctic, but I'd love to.

Glad you had a good cruise.

[take us away]

Thanks for your review - awesome cruise!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review.

Glad you had a wonderful cruise.

[portofrome]

Thanks for your review.

[Mtn2Sea]

Thank you for taking the time to write your review - a lot of good information.

[freestyling]

Thank-you for the review. We board the Zaandam next month. Was she in good shape?

[RuthC]

First, the smoking on the balconies. We do have a veranda and like to leave it open for fresh air. This was not possible because of the smoke smell that came into our cabin whenever we had the door open and the people next door were smoking.

So, there is an "up side" in HAL allowing balcony smoking after all---it forced you to close your balcony door. You are not supposed to leave the door open at all, except when passing through it, as it cuts off air supply to other cabins.

[brainyblonde]

I can see no "upside" to balcony smoking. We had a particularly unpleasant voyage of six weeks with a cigar smoker next to us. His routine was to light up when the ship was about to leave port. Like the rest of us, we enjoyed being on our balcony when the ship left port also. The stench, and I mean stench, was so bad that the odor seeped into our cabin, the residual smell remained on the balcony for a long time even at sea. My clothes smelled of cigar if I trespassed onto my balcony.

 

Yes, we still book balconies. I breathe a sigh of relief when we do not have smokers anywhere around us. I am also resolved that I will not tolerate this condition again. The front office will know me well until I can change cabins.

 

I consider second hand smoke a health hazard.

 

brainyblonde

[travelers07]

So, there is an "up side" in HAL allowing balcony smoking after all---it forced you to close your balcony door. You are not supposed to leave the door open at all, except when passing through it, as it cuts off air supply to other cabins.

 

Sorry Ruth- that makes no sense. I know having the door open affects my cabin- and we don't run the air conditioning when it is open. But we book a balcony for the fresh air- and no staff has ever told us there is a problem leaving it open.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited February 16, 2015 by travelers07

[SilvertoGold]

So, there is an "up side" in HAL allowing balcony smoking after all---it forced you to close your balcony door. You are not supposed to leave the door open at all, except when passing through it, as it cuts off air supply to other cabins.

 

Thank you for noting this, Ruth!

 

We've been told many times that balcony doors are not to be left open!

Edited February 16, 2015 by SilvertoGold

[I_r_a]

Thanx for posting, Sue.

 

Maybe, one day, HAL will realize that allowing a minority to indulge their smoking habit harms the majority.

 

Ira

[RuthC]

Thank you for noting this, Ruth!

 

We've been told many times that balcony doors are not to be left open!

 

I guess the little sign isn't good enough. :rolleyes:

[Loreto]

Thanks for posting your review, Travelers07! It brought back memories of our Antarctica Holiday Zaandam Cruise in Dec. 2013...probably the best cruise ever and best viewed from a verandah, smoke or not. Mine was one of the glowing reviews you probably read. :) Glad to hear the enrichment lectures were outstanding...it sounds like the same ones we had.

 

Karen

[Mary Ellen]

Sorry Ruth- that makes no sense. I know having the door open affects my cabin- and we don't run the air conditioning when it is open. But we book a balcony for the fresh air- and no staff has ever told us there is a problem leaving it open.

Just because you don't understand the workings of the a/c doesn't mean "it doesn't make sense". :rolleyes: On one of our cruises with a lot of sea days we went to a chat with someone from the engineering department. What he told us confirmed what RuthC posted. I trust their expertise.

 

We've always found the notice HAL has on the doors of every balcony cabin we've ever had, saying that for proper functioning of the climate system doors need to be kept shut, sufficient indication that it is a problem if kept open.

[PathfinderEss]

So, there is an "up side" in HAL allowing balcony smoking after all---it forced you to close your balcony door. You are not supposed to leave the door open at all, except when passing through it, as it cuts off air supply to other cabins.

 

 

Thank you for noting this, Ruth!

 

We've been told many times that balcony doors are not to be left open!

 

I guess the little sign isn't good enough. :rolleyes:

 

 

Travelers, glad to hear you have had a great cruise so far and I agree you have one of Hal's best Captains. Thanks for taking the time to write and post your review. Just watch keeping your balcony door open, please.

 

You are absolutly right RuthC and SilvertoGold. Apparently like you said RuthC, those little sign by the door are not enough, maybe they need to make them bigger.

 

[mollyanne]

It continues to amaze me how this person can write such an interesting review and then be taken to task for leaving her balcony door open. Really people - just let it go.

 

To the OP - thanks for your thoughts. Sounds like a perfectly wonderful cruise

[erewhon]

Thank you for your review.

Sorry that you had smoking neighbours.

[gui218]

Thank you for the review. You are so right, Antarctic is spectacular with the glaciers, mountains, snow and wildlife. The ship presentations and staff make this a must do destination.

Cheers:):):)

[Groningen]

Sue, THANK YOU! I really appreciate all the effort you put in your report! We will be taking the same cruise in 2016, so it is very helpful.

 

I would have been extremely upset about the smoking. This will be our first cruise, and I'm aware HAL is one of the few cruise lines that still allows smoking. If there is a problem with it, I will not sail them again!

[Caribbean Chris]

Enjoyed your review! My brother and his wife were on the sailing after yours, and we had dinner Sunday night to hear all about it. They also had a lovely time overall.

 

(I should get commission from HAL...my brother finally retired and now has taken four HAL cruises so far because he remembered we liked the ships!)

[senorjim]

This is a review the Zaandam South America and Antarctic cruise that began January 30 in Valparaiso. We are still sailing but we arrive Monday in Montevideo and I should be able to post this then using my cellular (T Mobile Simple Choice gives you free data. We used it in Chile and Ushuaia but not available in the Falklands.)

 

The reason for this review is that I have appreciated others for doing reviews of sailings that we have considered over the years. Reading other peoples` opinions is so helpful even if you don`t always agree.

 

The cruise has been fantastic and we have seen and done amazing things. I have just a couple of negatives that I will add at the end just to inform others but they in no way take away from the fantastic voyage that we are having.

 

First, the Captain and every one of the crew have been outstanding. Captain PJ`s sense of humor fits very well with this sailing as does his serious side when the weather has been a little rough.

 

We have had 3 expedition leaders who have given outstanding presentations as we have progressed. HAL has truly found experts- who spent many years in Antarctica- to provide the extra information to make this cruise so special. There is also an ice specialist who gave a wonderful talk on his duties during our cruise through the ice areas. The port lecturer Lance has also been adequate but occasionally abrupt with passenger questions.

 

We have had very good luck with our weather and have made all of our stops including the Falklands on Friday. Antarctica was absolutely unbelievable and the Captain adjusted the planned route to see the most and avoid some of the more foggy areas. It was all that we could have imagined and more- just as we have heard from others.

 

Beginning with our arrival in Santiago- we booked at the Sheraton Miramar in Vina del Mar. We asked them for a car service recommendation and they set us up with a service that is located right in the hotel lobby. He met us with a sign right outside of the secure area at Santiago airport and we had a nice hour and a half ride to the hotel. It was $180 that we added to our hotel bill so we got Sheraton points on the amount. We also set up a ride to the port in Valparaiso and that was fine also. The hotel itself is fine but the staff is a little uneven. We waited quite awhile past our promised check in time only to be given a different type room than we had booked. When we asked to be moved to our booked room type, the manager got involved and everything was straightened out. She even sent chocolates as a gift for our trouble. We walked to the Casino and beyond in Vina and had a nice walk and lunch. There is not too much nearby but it was a pleasant stay and a nice start to our vacation.

 

Check in at Valparaiso was the fastest we have ever had. We arrived about 10:30 and we immediately checked in. There were a couple of souvenir and wine stands in the terminal and then we boarded a bus to the ship. We got on board the Zaandam but were told the rooms were not ready. This was expected as it was not even 11:30 yet. We wandered around and then the announcement for rooms came about noon. We quickly unpacked- we only do carry on- and then went for lunch in the dining room. Everything was very nice and we had the afternoon to look around the ship.

 

Our first sea day was good and we had a very good meeting with our Cruise Critic Roll Call. Unfortunately there was a safety drill for crew during this time so none of the officers were there in the beginning. But about a half hour later, the Cruise Director and a few of her staff arrived so that was very nice. Our Roll Call also planned a lunch for later in the cruise and that was very nice too.

 

Porto Montt was as expected. We had done an around the Horn (not Antarctica) on Celebrity Mercury about 15 years ago and had taken shore excursions at each stop. Since we had already seen most of the western ports, we just got off here, Punta Arenas, and Ushuaia and walked around the towns. They are all very pleasant and had shops and grocery stores if you need anything. Puerto Chacabuco was new for us but since there is nothing at the port, we stayed onboard and sat out on the back deck for most of the day and enjoyed the scenery and sunshine.

 

Cruising the Chilean Fjords was also new for us and we really enjoyed the scenery. The port side- where most of the viewing was- in a veranda cabin was an excellent way to spend the day. The Drake Passage was a little rough but certainly nothing too bad. We had very good views of Cape Horn from all sides of the ship and then headed south to Antarctica.

 

The icebergs, mountains, and fjords were magnificent and I cannot do them justice in a description. Viewing the penguins on the beaches (and smelling them!) and swimming was unbelievable. And we saw many whales and sea lions in the water as well. This is the reason to do a cruise of Antarctica.

 

We had a little rough weather going back through the Drake but again not as bad as some peoples` sailings. The Falkland Islands were a question as the winds were predicted to be a little too much. But the Captain decided it was a go so we all headed to get tender tickets or cruise stickers. The Staff Captain was at the exit to the tender and we thanked him for letting us stop. He replied that it was very close to being cancelled as the weather was borderline. The tender distance is about 2 miles and outside of the harbor part of the way. They said it could take 25 minutes but ours was more like 20. The water was very rough looking but I thought the tenders handled it well and no one looked too distressed. We had an afternoon double decker bus tour and spent the morning walking around the small town and shopping. There are more souvenir stores than I expected and they had a good variety of merchandise at fairly reasonable prices. And when are you coming back to the Falkland Islands? One place not to miss- The West Store is a huge grocery store with lots of British products. It is just past the church near the dock. My husband makes fun of my going to a grocery store in most every port we have ever visited but I just tell him to wait outside.

 

We just attended another enrichment lecture on artists in Antarctica which was very informative. We have a list of books that we want to read now. This afternoon`s lecture is on the ozone hole. Tomorrow we have heard there is a Q and A with the expedition team.

 

We got our certificates for rounding Cape Horn and making it to Antarctica. The Captain`s sense of humor came through again and we will keep these as great mementos of our trip.

 

Full disclosure- we are enjoying our cruise so much that I hate to mention anything negative. But the following are meant to be educational for others. Please don`t criticize me for informing others of a couple of things that we did not like.

 

First, the smoking on the balconies. We do have a veranda and like to leave it open for fresh air. This was not possible because of the smoke smell that came into our cabin whenever we had the door open and the people next door were smoking. And they did smoke a lot. The only good thing is that in Antarctic waters, smoking is only allowed by the back pool and not on the verandas. This was great as we spent much time on our verandah. FYI- there is no eating or drinking allowed on open decks in Antarctica waters.

 

Second, we do frequent the bars but we also enjoy a late coffee and dessert some evenings. The coffee bar closes at 9 and the Lido at 8:30. The Lido opens again at 11 with hot food- we assume more for the staff than passengers- but it is available. But during the prime time- for us- to get a coffee and small dessert, there is nothing available. Yes, we could do room service but the point is we want to be out and about.

 

Third, and this is more for your information only. We saw a watch at the shop that was just what my husband wanted. We have never bought much onboard but this was a very nice watch in just the style he wanted. The sign said tax and duty free and we match prices. We had always assumed that these items would be less on any ship than you could find elsewhere. Since we were not that familiar with the brand, we Googled it. Amazingly, we found the exact same watch for almost a third less on Amazon. Now we didn`t expect them to lower the price to Amazon`s but there was the price match guarantee sign. We went back to the same salesman and showed him the Amazon listing. He immediately said that they don`t match online pricing. OK- so what store do you think we can find to compare with here in South America and Antarctica? He mumbled something about it would need to be full service dealer so there probably was not one. So for everyone thinking about a major watch or other purchase- check the price either before you go or online to make sure the price is fair. We did not buy onboard but will purchase the watch from Amazon when we get home.

 

So this is my rather long review. I plan to post on our day in Montevideo. We disembark the next day in Buenos Aries. The Zaandam overnights in Buenos Aires and most everyone else is staying aboard until the second day. We made our flight reservations using United miles and the flights home were only available if we depart the ship one day early. This has been no problem for Holland America- and it was one of the options on the paperwork we filled out once we were on board. We have a car service that was recommended online to pick us up at the cruise terminal and paid ahead with Paypal. I will add this to the review after we get to the airport. I am sure it will go well!

 

Hope this info is helpful to others. We have truly enjoyed our voyage. We may not sail HAL again (we are 3 star Mariners) but who knows. The balcony smoking and lack of late evening coffee and snacks are our biggest issues- and we admit they are very insignificant. But when you have a choice, you always consider the small things too.

 

Sue (and Curt)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

Great review Sue!

Funny thing that you mentioned Lance the on location guide. We also found him to be abrupt and bordering on rude while at his desk doing his job answering port related questions.

It was great getting to know you and Curt!

Gloria and I are looking forward to seeing you in sunny Florida very soon.

Jim

[travelers07]

Thanks everyone- it was a wonderful cruise.

 

Jim- see you soon. Went by your new place- what a great location! We just booked Ryndam Apr 12- 7 day out of Tampa. Had to use a leftover credit. Can't let it go to waste! Come join us if you can!

 

Sue

[vinodoc]

Thanks for the review. Really enjoy it. Hope one day we will be able to go on similar cruise.

 

As a self proclaimed watch aficionado, and out of curiosity, what's the brand of the watch? Thanks

 

Kevin

[travelers07]

Oris. We had never heard of it but great reviews and has a black rubber band. Nice for warm weather where we live. He loves it.