South America in March

[Carolyn1907]

Although I'm somewhat familiar with these boards, this is the first time I've had some questions important enough about a future cruise on HAL to post and seek advice from all you HAL experts!

We're sailing with friends on Mar. 3, 2008 from Rio to Valpariso on the Rotterdam. Although we've sailed on HAL several times and enjoyed it immensely, I'm trying to get "a feel" about what to expect from those who have sailed this itinerary before. We'll be spending a couple of days in Rio at the Intercontinental prior to sailing. Although we've cruised in Europe, the Med and the Caribbean, we've never been to SA before.

I will also post on the SA board....but what I am most curious about is the question of whether to take the ship's tours or tour independently with a guide. My concern is twofold: How can we make a smart choice as to someone reliable and trustworthy AND....we have serious concerns about touring independently and "missing the boat" so to speak (as this has almost happened to us on a couple of occasions in Europe). Much as we don't want to be "herded" around.....we also don't want to have to figure out how to catch up with the ship as it sails into the sunset!! Any suggestions for a really good guide in Rio, BA, Stanley and Puerto Montt?

Now, on to the SA board!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Can't help you as we did all ships tours when we went from Rio to Ft Lauderdale a few years ago.

[Carolyn1907]

Thanks KK!

Were you happy with the tours offered by HAL and which ones would you recommend?

[arzz]

We were on the Prinsendam in January-Feb from Callao to Buenos Aires.

We did not book shore excursions for every port -- we read about the areas and read what HAL offered and chose our excursions from there. We decided that we were much too far from home, and had waited too long to do this trip to risk missing the ship. On at least two occasions we, indeed, found ourselves on the "broken bus" and were delayed -- once the ship waited a couple of hours for our bus, and the other time we were possibly the last, or close to the last passengers on board. Since they were HAL excursions the Prinsendam was still there when we arrived back at the dock, and we were met by our wonderful, smiling crew members.

In general we were pleased with the excursions that we chose -- there was one excursion that was, in retrospect, a very poor choice for us but that port was in Northern Chile and is not on your itinerary. On those excursions where issues arose (like the broken bus syndrome) they were handled very professionally and we have only praise for those who operated our excursions. HAL always had at least one staff member on each bus and they took excellent care of all of us.

I can speak to what we chose to do but you must chose what YOU wish to do based upon what you are most interested in seeing and experiencing.

Puerto Montt would have been an interesting port to have some time to just wander on foot -- we, however, chose an excursion that filled virtually our whole time in port -- but it was one of the best excursions that we did so we do not regret our choice at all. We went to the Alerce Lodge and the Lake of Reflections. Our call for the tour was at 6:45 am -- we were in a caravan of four wheel drive vehicles, with three passengers and a driver to each vehicle -- there were, maybe 5 or 6 cars in all. We were driven through the rain forests of Patagonia, over increasingly rough road -- we stopped occasionally for views and to experience some of the older of the alerce trees (similar to the sequoias in California) these trees grow very slowly and live to be 3000-4000 years old -- the ride ended at a lake so still it looked like a mirror where we were boarded a raft that was silently pulled across the lake with a rope. Across the lake was a charming lodge where we were fed a snack and then led on an incredible hike through the rain forest -- the hike was followed by an exquisite lunch at the lodge and then the drive back to Puerto Montt. The diverse vegetation of the rain forests should be seen. What an incredible day!

It should be noted that several people on board spoke very highly of their shore excursion choices at Puerto Montt so the Alerce Lodge trip is not the only good one at this port.

In Stanley we chose not to tour -- just walked around town and visited the pubs which were full of very interesting folk.

We left the ship on our second day in Buenos Aires and we traveled independently to Iguazu Falls before going home. The falls are not to be missed if you have a way to do them. We spent two nights and three days at the falls for less money (air, meals and hotel included) than HAL was charging for a one day fly in and fly out excursion. We, however, did not have to get back to meet the ship and so could afford to "absorb" any difficulties over timing or missed connections had they arisen.

On our first day in Buenos Aires we took a half day city tour which was quite interesting but not spectacular in any way. Buenos Aires is also a city that is worth spending time in -- walking the streets, etc. Had there been more time a tour would probably have been unnecessary.

Rio was not on our itinerary as we left the Prinsendam before it got to Rio so I cannot help you there at all.

I hope this helps -- do ask more questions if they arise.

[Marianne]

Hi Carolyn -- On our first cruise around South America we signed on for the HAL tours. Like you, we did not want to "miss the boat". Since we had never been there before we signed on for the general type tours, usually 1/2 day to mainly get a general idea of each area/country. All the tours we were on were worth our time, actually quite good. On our second time around South America, we knew more about the places, and in some cases walked around, or grabbed a cab to some shopping area, or took another scheduled HAL tour. We've never been disappointed. If you have any specific areas you are interested in just ask. In Punta Arenas you can get around easily by walking. Lots to see and lots of fun shopping in the square. Great people to visit with. Often too, I would find an Internet Cafe, but I also used the one on the ship. Hope this info helps. Be sure you take a warm jacket or coat and a sweater. For about four days of the trip it is colder than the other climes you will cruise in. A wooley hat is good too.
Marianne

[arzz]

In Punta Arenas we very much enjoyed the tour to Otway Bay to see the Magellan penguins. They are protected by "blinds" arranged so that you can stand and watch them do their various penguin things. This was worthwhile to us. Otway Bay is quite a way out of town. I did see some folk who took taxis there but I have no idea as to the cost or availability.

Our mantra centered around not only being able to get back to the ship, but we had waited a long time to take this trip and we did not want to miss anything that, for us, was a must see. So .... we arranged in advance to be able to do the "must see" places. It would be a shame to spend the money for the cruise, and especially for the airfare to SA and miss something of prime importance.

We, too, hired a taxi for short tours in a few locations -- but only at ports where we had no overriding imperatives on the sight seeing calendar.

[Carolyn1907]

Great! I appreciate your info and suggestions. Now to sit down, scope out the tours HAL is offering and make some choices. I have to confess, there's part of me that feels like a "wimp" for not being more adventuresome and just "winging it" at some of the ports. Something tells me though that it would not be easy to catch up with the ship from several of those ports on our itinerary. I'll be much more comfortable in Rio (2 days) and BA (2 days) and I expect that we'll probably engage a private tour guide at these ports.

[Boo37]

We're traveling on the Princedam in Jan '08, right after you. But won't return until March 11th.

[tjcox9]

While in SA on the Rotterdam in 2006, we used http://www.privatetours.com.ar/ing/default.htm. We found Carlos to be very professional, reasonable and knowledgeable.

We took a full day tour (just the two of us) which included lunch in the Puerto Madryn area at an Brazilian style restaurant. In the evening we had him make arrangements for a tango show including transportation. He had a cab pick us up and there was one there following the show to take us back to the ship.

I'd recommend this company to anyone, however, can only speak about Carlos as a guide and I think he may be the owner.

We'll be in BA pre-cruise two day in March of 2008 and will probably just do the town on our own.

[cdkempton]

We took a SA cruise around SA in 2001. We chose to use the ship's tours which, at that time, were all very good. We went from San Diego to Rio so hit a lot more ports but I've refreshed from my log book and will offer what I can.
You'll start in Rio which is just fabulous. If you do your own tours, just don't miss Corcovado or Sugar Loaf and, of course, Rio at Night includes a wonderful Brazilian BBQ and a fabulous Samba show. We also managed a trek up to Petropolis which was very interesting and beautiful.
Montevideo, Uruguay was not too impressive. We took a "highlights" tour and were warned not to walk in certain areas where there was a bad element and later went by shuttle to Avenida 18th Julio for shopping. Nothing to write home about.
Buenos Aires.... ahhhhhh.. Beautiful. Took the 1/2 day city tour which included La Boca Bario (not to be missed) where we bought a couple of leather masks ($5 ea) and should have bought more. Got them home and everyone was wishing we'd brought them back for them. Maybe next time...
That evening we went to a fabulous Tango show. It truly was wonderful.
Our second day in BA we went on tour "Fiesta on the Pampas". It was so much fun. After driving about 1-1/2 hours out of town through beautiful flat countryside we reached our destination. We were served tapas and drinks while we waited for the in-ground BBQ to be prepared. The gaucho show was great fun as was the rest of the entertainment. They served their own estate wine which was very good. BBQ was chorizo sausage & beef. Also, there was a salad and other sides. For desert there was home-made ice cream which I have never enjoyed the likes of...EVER! It was yummy. We had an excellent guide for the bus ride and he explained all about the gaucho attire and the gourd & bombilla for drinking the mate. Picked up a really nice gourd & bombilla to take home. Great conversation piece.
Pt. Stanley was very windy & cold but not raining. We walked off the tender, and up the road about a block and picked up a shuttle for a few dollars and went out to Gypsy Cove. Plenty of penquins there but, as it was November, they were nesting. It was still a fun day. Hit the pub on the way back and that was also a lot of fun.
Ushuaia is a picturesque city. We didn't go on tour here because I had made out all our Christmas cards to be sent from here (or from Cape Horn, actually) and we ended up spending about 2 hours in the post office trying to get the job done. (Lesson learned).
Puerto Montt, Chile - Took a lovely tour through Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas and Frutillar on Lake Llanquihue. Beautiful views of dormant volcanoes. German influence in the lovely little Frutillar. Back at portside were several blocks of handicraft shops to pick up inexpensive but very nice jewelry, etc.
Beautiful port.
Valpraiso - Delightful tour of city and Vina del Mar. Everything & everywhere we went was surprisingly clean considering the amount of people that live here. Very nice.
Hope this adds a little to your future cruise. I sure enjoyed re-living mine. Hope you don't mind. Bon Voyage and have great, fun time!
Colette :D:D

[edinburgher]

CAROLYN1907

We have a Roll Call going for the sailing you are on. There are still only a few of us on it so do think about joining. The more the better.

If you want to meet with others sailing with you and exchange ideas and info, here is the link (you will need to be logged on for this)

Rotterdam SA Rio-Valpariaso Mar 3 2008 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=530910)

If the link does not work, go to HAL ROLL CALLS then ROTTERDAM then look for the sail date. Again you will need to be logged on for this.

[Carolyn1907]

We certainly will join the roll call!:)

[Jade13]

Although I'm somewhat familiar with these boards, this is the first time I've had some questions important enough about a future cruise on HAL to post and seek advice from all you HAL experts!

We're sailing with friends on Mar. 3, 2008 from Rio to Valpariso on the Rotterdam. Although we've sailed on HAL several times and enjoyed it immensely, I'm trying to get "a feel" about what to expect from those who have sailed this itinerary before. We'll be spending a couple of days in Rio at the Intercontinental prior to sailing. Although we've cruised in Europe, the Med and the Caribbean, we've never been to SA before.

I will also post on the SA board....but what I am most curious about is the question of whether to take the ship's tours or tour independently with a guide. My concern is twofold: How can we make a smart choice as to someone reliable and trustworthy AND....we have serious concerns about touring independently and "missing the boat" so to speak (as this has almost happened to us on a couple of occasions in Europe). Much as we don't want to be "herded" around.....we also don't want to have to figure out how to catch up with the ship as it sails into the sunset!! Any suggestions for a really good guide in Rio, BA, Stanley and Puerto Montt?

Now, on to the SA board!

I hope to do that itinerary one day. It sounds great! As far as tours. I have done both independant and HAL. I research what I want to see. This past year in the Med I arranged 6 private tours. Besides the smaller group, all included things that HAL was not offering such as climbing the Tower of Pisa (from Liverno), going to a Jewish Synagogue in Tunesia, going to Segesta (and Monreale Cathedral) from Palermo, St Paul De Vence, Nice and Monaco from Monaco and going to both Pompeii and a drive along the Amalfi Coast from Naples (HAL only offered one or the other). Now, where I will generally do a ships tour is in locations with a short stop such as Mallorca this past summer. We took HAL (7 buses of 400 people - exactly what I expected) to the Caves of Drach. If a stop is short there is really only time to go to one location. We also did a Canopy Tour through HAL in Alaska. As the ship docked at 2:00pm it was the only way to go (plus I called the company and it was only $13.00pp more to go through HAL and that included transportation). That was a small group of 18 further divided into groups of 6.

So, you should look at HAL's tours and see what interests you, and also join your roll call to see if anyone has any better ideas. We also will just wandering around on our own in many places.

Btw, where did you miss the ship? I would be interested to know what happened. A young couple missed the ship in Monaco and were fortunate as the captain stopped, announced that since we weren't far enough out to sea, he would wait until they were being brought by boat.

[arzz]

We traveled from Lima to Buenos Aires in January/February on the Prinsendam. We returned from our tour at Arica, Chile a couple of hours after the ship was to have left port -- had it not been an HAL excursion we would have missed the ship. This was not the only excursion that we took that arrived late to the ship. Each time we were on HAL tours, each bus had a ship's crew member with a cell phone aboard, and we never missed the ship. We have no basis for comparison -- except for a luxurious Abercrombie and Kent tour purchased for us by our TA in Valparaiso(Santiago), Chile -- which was incredible but my guess is these tours are very expensive -- and we had a flat tire on this tour (truck in front of our van dropped some sharp rocks....) and again almost missed the ship-- this time, my guess is that they would not have waited as we were not out with HAL.

We also hired taxi drivers for a tour at a couple of ports.

I really do not know what to advise here. We were very pleased with all of our HAL tours but with only a couple of exceptions they were tour bus based (mass market). I can really see the desire to be out with smaller, more personal groups.