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Thank you so much. I saw Sentir Patagonia Travel recommended in another thread and looked at their website. I will check it again. This sounds like a great tour and just what we are looking for. I had read about Magellanic penguins on Peninsula Valdes but a couple tour operators said there are none, you have to go to Punta Tombo. Thank you again for the details of your tour. Cherie

We would like to go to Peninsula de Valdes when in Puerto Madryn. Has anyone been able to visit small penguin colonies here, maybe Caleta Valdes? We do not want to go to Punto Tombo to see the large colony. Google leads me to believe that there are 2 small colonies on the Peninsula de Valdes but private tours seem to be unaware. Looking forward to seeing elephant seals and other wildlife also. This cruise will be in January. Thank you, Cherie

We would like to spend a couple days at a vineyard near Puerto San Antonio, Chile. No need for high end spa, etc. Would like to enjoy a couple nights in the country before the cruise. Thank you for any suggestions, Cherie

We chose the HAL Oosterdam in January 2024 because of the itinerary and the reviews. I have also seen photos from this cruise and similar cruises. We're really looking forward to the adventure. Cherie

We are doing a tour with Tours by Locals in Montevideo. When you look at a tour you can also see reviews of the guide. I use tour guides who meet the needs for our day and are flexible. Tours by Locals is a really good option. Cherie

I think that Lincoln Centre Stage is not on any HAL ship. Many have been sorry to see it go. Apparently it is a result of new entertainment contracts. Cherie

Hiltner, sorry you had such a disastrous 42 days of entertainment on HAL in Japan. Some itineraries do not need entertainment until 1 a.m. when the the best viewing begins at 7 a.m. And, others who want to stay up later usually meet a group with similar interests and there is never a night without fun. That's just our experience. We seem to always meet passengers who want to get together and enjoy an "after hours" beverage. And, I think that there is always one location on the ship open for this. JMO. Cherie

Yes, thank you for the reminder. Laffnvegas did describe it as an Espresso Coffee machine. There's always room service!! Cherie

Thank you Oakridger and Laffnvegas, Nice to know we should have nice veranda furnishings and there will be a coffee machine in the suite. I will bring a small container for milk to keep in the frig for the coffee. It will be a wonderful cruise and I appreciate the comments. Cherie

Thank you for the responses. Good info on both rooms. We are not concerned about being close to the Neptune Lounge. I am especially happy to hear that the equipment on 4180 side balcony is not a problem. I was surprised to see it in the photos. The photos of 5190 are much nicer and show nicer outdoor furniture but I'm sure the furnishings would be the same. I just don't know if I could be in a corner suite with a totally covered balcony for 22 days. And, we, of course, do not plan to spend all of our time in our room and balcony, but I have read that it is nice to be able to use the ship's public areas and have the convenience of your own balcony. I'm not sure I would feel comfortable going to the Crows Nest in my p.j.s and slippers with my first cup of coffee in the a.m., it's really not a glamorous sight. Again, I really thank all of you for the very informative posts. Cherie

I have read the thread dated May 28, 2010 with the same question, but it was closed long ago. This thread was for an Alaskan cruise. We are on a 22 day January, 2024 Oosterdam cruise. We currently have 5190 that has a covered balcony which is not a plus for me because I like the night sky and sunshine. But 4180 seems to have some of the ships equipment blocking the view from the side balcony. I think I read that there is about 2-3 feet aft on the 5190 balcony where you can get direct sun and view the night sky. Any comments? Thank you, Cherie

Sounds like you are "considering" the Holland America 133 day Pole to Pole. Awesome itinerary. And if you can get the perfect cabin it will be fabulous. Happy cruising to you, Cherie

Yes, I just found my notes..."All Good Things: From Paris to Tahiti" a memoir by Sarah Turnbull. Ordering now. Cherie

And this has nothing to do with this Westerdam cruise. It proves there are cooking demos on other ships but not the Westerdam. Lucky for those on the Zaandam. Cherie

Sorry I thought your post referred to the Westerdam, and possibly OP would be able to enjoy other demos during his cruise. My mistake. The Zaandam is listed on Chef Torres' schedule from April 18-29. I'm really not interested in the cooking demos for this year on HAL, just what pertains to this cruise since Op is unhappy. I don't see the Westerdam on the schedule. Cherie

Is your post #570 inaccurate? Just curious if I made false assumptions. Really thought Chef Jaques Torres was on board and doing demonstrations. I cannot imagine that the captain did not do the best he could with weather conditions. Really hoping that OP will make the best of his cruise. And we all know that HAL is not in his future. The good news is that there are cruise lines for everyone. JMO. Cherie

? So Chef Jaques Torres is not onboard the Zaandam? Yikes. No cooking demos? Yikes. Hoping you can endure the rest of your adventure. Cherie

Is it possible to arrange an "after hours club"? Why not ask all of the people you like to dine with if they will meet in a certain place on the ship? Even if it's only the "20 awake passengers" it would be fun. It could be a huge hit. BYOB, maybe someone can bring music, and voila...you have an after 11 p.m. party. If there are so many people disappointed in the bars closing down there could be a great response. Even if it's only a few people enjoying a beverage, laughing, and talking it's fun. What do you have to lose? JMO. Cherie

stobe1, Have you made a decision? Nightlife seems to be limited on the Zaandam. I thought it had a music walk, a CC review of the ship prior to 2020 indicating that a Music Walk was in the future, but current descriptions of the ship do not indicate that. If musical entertainment and bars open after 11pm are something you enjoy I hope you get some comments from recent passengers. The itinerary is amazing but if you also enjoy nightlife I'm not sure. Totally understand you not wanting to be disappointed. Cherie

Why think of "suffering through a few more Temples"? Do something else. I am like you with religious art and cathedrals in Europe. After I am no longer enjoying it, it's time for something else. Cherie

Avalon1025, Bon Voyage and wishing you a really wonderful cruise. I think you have a great attitude!! Cherie

Not sure why Cgerue showed up. Should have been Cherie. Sorry for not paying attenttion.

Rich, You answered a question I was going to ask at the end of your cruise: "Are there any places you have visited that you would like to revisit on a land vacation?" We only spent a night in Oslo in December but the surrounding area looked amazing when flying in and out. Thank you for letting us cruise with you!! Cgerue

BeachBum47, So happy to hear that your mom is good and she had good care. Your Mom looks great at 82!!!! Great news about your mom and it is a reminder to all traveling to get medical insurance. We have for several years. I don't care about trip interruption or travel costs, the medical is important. And we also get it for young adults traveling with us. I hope you have another adventure in the future for you and your Mom. Cherie

OlsSalt, Love the comparison to a plastic dog collar. I heard a program about health during the winter months many years ago and the most important thing was "DO NOT TOUCH YOU EYES, NOSE, OR MOUTH" before you have washed your hands. Great advice. It works for me, but when driving home from a store I have to remind myself not to scratch the itch on my nose or eyes. If you touch something that is contaminated it will not cause you a problem unless you transfer the contamination to your face. Of course there are airborne diseases but that's another topic. JMO. Cherie