Bit of a blog - HAL Oosterdam - South America & Antarctica - Dec/Jan 2023/24

[NorbertsNiece]

3 hours ago, 0bsessed said:

Enjoying your blog and getting lots of ideas!

 

What were your thoughts on wearing jewelry (rings, earrings, etc.)?  There seems to be mixed thoughts on wearing jewelry in both Buenos Aires and Santiago.  Some say no worries, others say no way.

When out I wore my pearl stud earrings, a couple of silver rings and a silver bangle which I hardly ever remove! I did leave a large jade stone ring behind.

 

A girl offered to take our pic outside the cemetery, she liked my look apparently, there was no way I was parting with my phone!

[FLCruiser97]

Have a good trip. Could you take a photo of the seas when you round Cape Horn. That area of the world has always intrigued me where 2 oceans come together.

[NorbertsNiece]

We've boarded, watched the Muster video, visited our Muster point and got a couple of cans of water (no plastic bottles on HAL). Unpacked and getting ready for dinner. Verandah cabin on Deck 6. The cabin door isn't magnetic!

 

I bought the birthday package as a surprise. Balloons, flowers and a solitary cupcake!

 

 

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Edited December 16, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[TravelBluebird]

30 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

We've boarded, watched the Muster video, visited our Muster point and got a couple of cans of water (no plastic bottles on HAL). Unpacked and getting ready for dinner. Verandah cabin on Deck 6. The cabin door isn't magnetic!

 

BON VOYAGE!  And thank you for sharing. Looking at your room, I’m worried that the “couch” in the balcony cabins will be too small to put my legs out on (I like to stretch them out due to my RA).

 

Glad you had what sounds like an easy embarkation! I’ve heard they can be chaotic and sometimes late in both Buenos Aires and Santiago, where we will be embarking.

 

I am very curious to see how the internet works for your trip. Which plan did you get?

 

Also curious about so much—the weather, the ports, Drake’s Passage!  

[FLCruiser97]

Is the door magnetic. I like to decorate the door. 

[NorbertsNiece]

@TravelBluebird wifi is with the included HIA package. Certainly isn't a sofa for stretching out on. Geoff has claimed it. I'll lounge on the bed!

 

@FLCruiser97 the door isn't magnetic. I've stuck my decals to the corridor bulkhead 

[FLCruiser97]

5 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

@TravelBluebird wifi is with the included HIA package. Certainly isn't a sofa for stretching out on. Geoff has claimed it. I'll lounge on the bed!

 

@FLCruiser97 the door isn't magnetic. I've stuck my decals to the corridor bulkhead 

Good to know. Are the interior cabin walls magnetic?

[NorbertsNiece]

Dinner was delightful. Sat with four others by a window at the aft so we had to get the blinds adjusted against the sun.

 

Currently sat in the Pinnacle bar with my usual first drink of a cruise..... Pimm's!!!

 

 

 

 

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Edited December 16, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Have taken just a few interior pics on my wanderings. She's a very pretty ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited December 16, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

11 minutes ago, FLCruiser97 said:

Good to know. Are the interior cabin walls magnetic?

Yes. I brought magnetic hooks with me. Currently have my laundry bag hanging on one!

[NorbertsNiece]

@FLCruiser97

HUGE apologies. The door IS magnetic..... it's my magnetic decals that aren't!!!!

[FLCruiser97]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Yes. I brought magnetic hooks with me. Currently have my laundry bag hanging on one!

Magnetic hooks are great. I have about 2 dozen and use them all.

[FLCruiser97]

10 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

@FLCruiser97

HUGE apologies. The door IS magnetic..... it's my magnetic decals that aren't!!!!

OH Cool. Thanks for checking again.

[JMMKUK]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Dinner was delightful. Sat with four others by a window at the aft so we had to get the blinds adjusted against the sun.

 

Currently sat in the Pinnacle bar with my usual first drink of a cruise..... Pimm's!!!

 

 

 

 

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Was the Pimms good? Surf 'n Turf would've been my main choice. Not impressed with the drink prices. Would really makes our end of cruise bill painful.

[NorbertsNiece]

33 minutes ago, JMMKUK said:

Was the Pimms good? Surf 'n Turf would've been my main choice. Not impressed with the drink prices. Would really makes our end of cruise bill painful.

Was surprised they had it on board if I'm honest. It was fine though Geoff requested the added fruit! I don't drink very much alcohol, barely any on land. More when I'm cruising.  Geoff enjoys several glasses/bottles of wine anywhere! The basic drinks package included in the HIA works for us.

Edited December 17, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[St Pete Cruiser]

Thanks for the pics of the Oosterdam.  I haven't been on her since 2016 when I did a 14 day cruise out of Tampa.  It was the only year there was a vista class ship in Tampa.  

There is more storage in your verandah than there was in ours on the N Statendam. However,  I do prefer the shower on the Pinnacle class.  We know at least 5 people onboard with you and I expect all good reports!

[TravelBluebird]

Thank you for the ship photos and also the menus—much appreciated!

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 2/23

Good morning and thanks for following.

 

I usually post chronologically but am interrupting with a Captain's announcement at 0820.

 

There was a storm over night in Buenos Aires where we are berthed. Power in the city interrupted. Terminal operations affected. Trees down. Containers stack collapsed. No one allowed ashore. Excursions affected.

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

We've been given a tote with the Daily Activity sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

A brief walkabout before T'ai Chi at the Lido

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

The Lido Market. Amazing buffet space. Loads of counters conveniently laid out. GF / vegan options on request. They have GF oat milk!! Self serve coffee etc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

Currently sat in the Explorations Café. Update..... ship has been cleared to disembark 1008.

 

Popped out on deck 10. Did not venture up to the cabana area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 17, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[Ellencruise]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Day 2/23

Good morning and thanks for following.

 

I usually post chronologically but am interrupting with a Captain's announcement at 0820.

 

There was a storm over night in Buenos Aires where we are berthed. Power in the city interrupted. Terminal operations affected. Trees down. Containers stack collapsed. No one allowed ashore. Excursions affected.

 

 

Wow. That’s crazy!

[Ellencruise]

My DH and I were on Oosterdam in March for the SA cruise. We loved the ship and the crew was fantastic. Enjoy !

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

I usually post chronologically but am interrupting with a Captain's announcement at 0820.

 

There was a storm over night in Buenos Aires where we are berthed. Power in the city interrupted. Terminal operations affected. Trees down. Containers stack collapsed. No one allowed ashore. Excursions affected.

 

WOW serious weather, and you haven’t even left Buenos Aires yet!