Veendam 12 Day South American Passage

[kbjmws]

We are an early 60s couple who have taken 6 cruises (Legend of the Seas Panama Canal in 1997 tops our list). We have cruised RCL, Carnival & Princess. Looking for a winter cruise and would like to give HAL a try.

 

We are interested in the above cruise, Jan., Feb., 2011 time frame and had a few questions:

 

1. This goes from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires; what is the weather during that time, is it similar to Alaska in July?

2. Is a balcony (veranda) room recommended for this cruise or is the weather too cold? If so, which, the land side or sea side of the ship?

3. Has anyone stayed in the Lanai rooms with access to the promenade? What are they like? Seems that privacy would be an issue - have to keep your shades drawn all the time.

4. Finally, how was the cruise and ports of call - any don't miss stops?

 

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[RuthC]

We are interested in the above cruise, Jan., Feb., 2011 time frame and had a few questions:

I've done 22 and 20 day cruises from Rio to Santiago in January, so maybe I can shed some light on your questions.

 

I found Buenos Aires and Santiago to be very hot, and somewhat humid. It's summer in a hot climate there. The rest of the itinerary is cooler to possibly cold. Wind will add to the sense of being cold.

I would love to book a veranda cabin, but rather cruise more, so I'm a cave dweller.

The lanai cabin doors are coated so that no one can see in during the day. At night you need to keep the draperies closed, or people will see in when the lights are on. There are lights outside that remain on all night, so you may also want to keep the draperies closed when you're sleeping, too.

Try to stay in Buenos Aires for a few days. My first cruise there stayed two full days, and I could have stayed two more---there's that much to do there.

In Punta Arenas there are several tours that go out to a penguin colony. Well worth going to! Guaranteed lots of penguins up close and personal. It's a long walk to the shore, but worth it to see all the penguins playing on the beach and in the water. And you pass so many others on the way! :) When I was there last time, there were scooters for rent ($25) so people with mobility problems could go all the way out, too.

Anything else, please just ask. I love talking about this area of the world.

[dmpcruise]

we are on Veendam in Feb 2011. looking for hotel recommendations for Buenos Aires pres-cruise and Santiago post-cruise. any suggestions?

[CtheW0rld]

you should read some of the threads about the a/c problems with veendam then decide if it is worth risking a 'hot weather' cruise on it.