Entertainment/Shore Tours

[Rabbit lady]

Am planning a 12 day South American tour on the Veendam. What type of entertainment can we expect. We are rock 'n roll and 70's-80's mostly type people. Like Las Vegas type shows.

Can anyone tell me anything about the following shore tours:
Puerto Montt, Chile>Osmo volcano
Punta Arenas>Magdalena Penguin Reserve or Torres De Paine national park.

[RuthC]

Can anyone tell me anything about the following shore tours:
Punta Arenas>Magdalena Penguin Reserve or Torres De Paine national park.
The penguin reserve will be crowded, as most every HAL tour goes there. But I thought it was well-worth it. There's a long walk on a boardwalk, out to the beach area. You'll pass many penguins on the way.
At the beach there's a pavillion, and you can look out at the hundreds of penguins doing thier penguin thing. You are never in a position to touch them, but you get a real up close and personal view.

I have trouble walking, and am still happy I trekked out there. I wish I had known there are scooters for rent. When I was there it was $25, and I didn't have that much cash with me. I'm pointing this out so people with mobility problems can be aware they can enjoy this, too.

[highland cruiser]

Am planning a 12 day South American tour on the Veendam. What type of entertainment can we expect. We are rock 'n roll and 70's-80's mostly type people. Like Las Vegas type shows.

Can anyone tell me anything about the following shore tours:
Puerto Montt, Chile>Osmo volcano
Punta Arenas>Magdalena Penguin Reserve or Torres De Paine national park.


As far a Punta Arenas is concerned...we have done both the penguin reserve and Torrres De Paine. We actually spent a week at Torres De Paine hiking until we couldn't trek anymore. What do they say about this tour? I find it interesting that you can do a day trip to the park. So much of the park is best seen by walking.
I loved the Penguins..actually have been their twice...once on tour and saw a lot of penguins..another time on our own and there were fewer penguins and both times we were there in March. It is very windy at the penguin reserve..as well at the park...dress warmly. Too bad you can't do both!! For a day tour I probably would do the penguins. It will be a long bus day to the park and back.
If you have any questions...I'll try and answer them!!
Mary

[Richard in Panama]

Am planning a 12 day South American tour on the Veendam. What type of entertainment can we expect.


In a word, IMHO, fantastic! HAL introduced a new "Showroom At Sea" concept on VEENDAM this spring and it is the best approach I know of for entertainment on a smaller vessel. See my review at http://richarddetrich.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/showroom-at-sea/ And if Joseph Pokorski and Tobi Foster are still on as featured performers in the shows you are in for a real treat!

Regards, Richard

[Protseq]

I think Joseph Pokorski is now or very close to leaving the show. I think Tobi leaves the show in December. I liked the lounge entertainment concept on our b2b Veendam cruise, but the shows repeated on the southbound leg. I don't know what the plan is for longer cruises. Tom

[PCruzer]

Joseph Pokorski was the cruise director on our 33-day Hawaii/South Pacific cruise which departed San Diego on January 4, 2010.