The Happy Wanderer---Summertime Down South

[RuthC]

Yeah, right now I'm living easy
Life is slowing down no doubt
But that's just the way I love it
When it's Summertime down south

Yes, it's Summertime south of the Equator and that's just where The Happy Wanderer---along with several of her cohorts---will be spending the next three weeks.
Now, Summertime on this cruise will take us from the heat and humidity of Rio, to the frigid cold of Antarctica, and right back up the thermometer on the other side.

It's sure to be a grand time so---com'on along for the ride!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Oh Ruth I am so looking forward to traveling along with you via your reports, but I will miss the final week because the Yum Yum Man will be calling me to the Oosterdam:D

[boards]

We are very much looking forward the ride. Have a great one.

[hammybee]

My seatbelt is fastoned and I am eager for the journey to begin.:)

[localady]

I have a feeling this ride will bring back some wonderful memories of my South American Honeymoon in 2003!!;)
BON VOYAGE Ruth and Cohorts!!:D :D
Looking forward to each and every report!:D

[Sage]

I'm looking forward to the postings. Hello to the CC group on board.

[cruznon]

Ruth,
Delighted to hear from you as you depart on a new adventure. Hope you all have a glorious trip. Thanks for bringing us along again! Can't wait to hear your commentary of this fabulous itinerary.

[innlady1]

I can't wait for your reports, Ruth! I'm ready to come along on your journey.

I'll enjoy it for the first ten days...then the Noordam is calling to me!;) And, I'll have the remainder to look forward to when we get home.

[mamaofami]

Ruth, glad you made it aboard safe and sound. I'm looking forward to reading all about your adventures. Have a pillow chocolate for me !

[jhannah]

I'm jealous! This cruise is on my to-do list for sure. I know you'll have a great time.

I was about to suggest you keep an eye on Greg to keep him out of trouble. Then the thought occurred to me that perhaps he needs to keep an eye on you! :D

Houston, we have a conundrum!

[crystal808]

I was about to suggest you keep an eye on Greg to keep him out of trouble. Then the thought occurred to me that perhaps he needs to keep an eye on you! :D

Houston, we have a conundrum!

I'm thinking that maybe they'll just avoid each other's glances! :eek: :D

Have a fabulous time, Ms. Ruth; regards to Greg for me, and thanks for taking us along again!

Paul

[arzz]

Happy to wander right along with you through my favorite parts of the world! Thanks for posting.:)

[obriendan]

Looking forward to your reports, Ruth. I am really jealous! Wishing you smooth seas crossing the Drake Passage!

[BldLvr]

I wish you all a fantastic adventure. DH and I did this exact cruise over the holidays in 06/07 and we loved every minute of it! I sure hope you get to do iceberg alley, we saw thousands of bergs, wonderful. And we got to experience the "Drake Shake" and loved that. Neither of us gets sea sick so we enjoyed the ride! I will read your log everyday and be with you in spirit. ENJOY.....Marian

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ruth, I want to wish you an amazingly wonderful cruise:) ! There's no doubt of that, though, because I know wherever you go will be a joyous time. Hope the ship rocks enough for you ... I know how you like your seas!;)

Headed up to your airport Thursday ... sorry to miss you!

[cdkempton]

Bon Voyage and look forward to your posts. Hope all goes well and all your anticipations are satisfied! Cheers, Colette

[bepsf]

Ruth--

Please give Adele and Greg big hugs from those of us here in the wet and rainy west - Wish we were there with you!

Nearly anything would beat sitting here in Seatac waiting for my delayed flight back to dreary SFO right now...
;)

[RustaRoo]

Ruth - all the best and enjoy this cruise! Hi to Greg, Adele, Mary Ellen and Karl from me - thanks! Don't disappoint on the dance floor - shake it up baby now!:D

[tomc]

Ruth...

I brought your name up to Grannynurse at the CC m&g today in the Crow's Nest. We wondered how things were going as, I think, you boarded today (Sunday) with the Rev and some others.

All goes well here. The m&g was great, with potent liquids supplied by HAL.

[Aussie Gal]

Ruth,

Am looking forward to your reports as always. I am so envious, as I would love to return to that wonderful part of the world. It is 2 years since we were there. Time does flies! Hope you have fantastic weather and good seas.

Jennie

[Bill S]

Ruth: have a wonderful cruise! Also, please let us know if chocolate tastes the same south of the equator! :)

[FinelyRetired]

Thanks so much for taking us along on what will be an excellent adventure.

My oh my..........am I correct in that you went nearly to the top of the world this summer? And now, nearly to the bottom. You surely will go to the ends of the earth for those Maramor chocolates!

Safe travels.

Martha

[Flyingfish]

I'll be tagging along with everyone else Ruth, enjoying the ride!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Looking forward to your reports!!

[Copper10-8]

Have a great time on Rotterdam, Ruth!:)

[Tricia724]

Lots of details, please, and penguin sitings. :) We are doing that trip on the Amsterdam in December for the holidays.

[RuthC]

RuthC and the band of Spammed headed off to the first supper to find a lone gentleman waiting at the table. I'm betting he didn't have a clue what awaited him; I suspect he got a hint during the meal. :D That left two vacant seats. In short order a couple entered the room and was directed over and she stopped short, announced she was not sitting there, and proceeded to cause a scene at the Maitre d's podium. :eek:
Could we have a reputation already? :confused: Couldn't have. Could we?
Well, their loss.

I was planning on a 4-hour tour to Sugarloaf today; Adele wanted to do the 4-hour tour to Corcovado. So she made me switch to hers. Then she changed it to the 8-hour tour to both! :eek:
I'm beat. Some time I'll tell you about the guide, though.
Did escaping Germans hide in Brazil after WWII?

[DFD1]

Wow! This is gonna' be fun!

[hammybee]

Could we have a reputation already? :confused: Couldn't have. Could we?


Could they have "photophobophia"? :D

[NoNoNanette]

Could they have "photophobophia"? :D

Who could blame 'em? (Sounds logical to me, baby!) :)

[Sartorial Wit]

Greetings Ruth!
This is my first post in ages. I promised Greg I’d try harder.
So I hear your little group is already infamous on board. Love it, love it! Are the two seats still vacant at dinner? They won’t be for long. If I remember correctly, on the last cruise there was a waiting list to join our table. Ask Adele and Greg. Soon the dining room will be divided into two factions: those longing to join you, and those with their noses in the air who disapprove of anyone having so much fun (without them). Oh how I wish I were there! Can’t wait for more updates from you and Greg.
Hugs all around.

[jhannah]

... she stopped short, announced she was not sitting there ... Did this person provide any clue as to why? That's incredible!

[tomc]

It was Ruth's chocolate steak, chocolate potatoes and chocolate vegetables that did it.

Ruth: Cats and bags. It's all over.

[hammybee]

It was Ruth's chocolate steak, chocolate potatoes and chocolate vegetables that did it.



Now this is precious. :)

[Tricia724]

.....In short order a couple entered the room and was directed over and she stopped short, announced she was not sitting there, and proceeded to cause a scene at the Maitre d's podium. :eek:


I'm sure it's not you, because the same thing happened to us on Oosterdam. We were sitting at the table with another couple having a nice conversation when the waiter escorted a woman to our table. She took one look at the four of us and said, "OH, NO" in a very loud and distressed tone and turned around and stormed out. We all just looked at each other and started to laugh. Obviously we had just dodged a bullet.

Even HAL gets a few classless passengers now and then.

[AlohaPride]

2 questions, my Ruthless:

1) Do the toilets REALLY flow the opposite way?

2) Is the chocolate as sweet?

Please give hugs to all, and ask Greg to give you a hug for me? ;)

[Love Cruises]

Ruth, Greg and Adele ... Have a wonderful cruise eventhough I am "GREEN WITH ENVY"

I so look forward to anytime any of you go on a cruise. I know all of us cruise critic friends are in for lots of great humor and fantastic summaries of your time on board one of our favorite "dam" ships. Thanks for taking the time away from your cruise to fill us all in.

Can't wait until your next update. SWEET DREAMS (with all those chocolate treats on your pillow each evening)!

[mamaofami]

Ruth, it sounds like you're off to a fun start for a great cruise. Can't wait to hear more.:)

[localady]

Ruth- I think it must be something in the Southern Hemisphere....we were being seated at breakfast one morning in the Amsterdam's Dining Room and this "Lady" let loose with some unlady-like words and said we were not welcome to sit at "her" table......:eek:
(like we'd want to sit at 'Her" table! :rolleyes: )
Continued smooth seas and sunny skies!:D

[RuthC]

At least I hope we're all happy together and our dinner table is set finally. Last night we were joined by two single women each sailing alone. Both were refugees from open sitting and had to fight to be switched. One woman was very unhappy with how much effort it took to get something she had requested a year ago.
I mentioned this to the Hotel Manager at the CC meet & greet this morning. His reply was that there's a singles/solo lunch and efforts would be made there to place people at the same dinner tables, too.
OK---so I could someday have to go to a lunch I don't want to go to, at a time I don't want to eat, to get the dinner I do want? :confused:
Nope. Not me. I didn't go to "The tail wags the Dog School of Business".

Apparently the couple who didn't want to eat with us wanted a table for two or four. She had the most sour look on her face---we truly dodged a bullet with her.

Robert---our single gentleman from the first night---returned. Greg and Adele have decided he's perfect for me and are going to play matchmaker. :eek:

We've been meeting for cocktails every night and making a toast to a different CC'er each time.
Tonight it could be your turn to be remembered! ;)

[jhannah]

Thanks for your report on the AYW experiment. I'm sure that is going to happen more often.

Thanks for remembering us landlubbers holding down the fort back up here in the Northern Hemisphere. Winds are gusting in excess of 50 mph here in North Texas this afternoon!

[jhannah]

G-r-r-r-r !

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We've been meeting for cocktails every night and making a toast to a different CC'er each time.
Tonight it could be your turn to be remembered! ;)
Oh Ruth I have done this, that is how I got to enjoy my first Wang Wang and there were several CCer's we toasted to then:D ;)

[BCEagle78]

Ruth,

With all the talk about chocolate, I did not see any reports about whether this cruise has any of the "good nuts" available...

Inquiring minds want to know!

Paul & Debbi

[kryos]

Ruth- I think it must be something in the Southern Hemisphere....we were being seated at breakfast one morning in the Amsterdam's Dining Room and this "Lady" let loose with some unlady-like words and said we were not welcome to sit at "her" table......:eek:
(like we'd want to sit at 'Her" table! :rolleyes: )
Continued smooth seas and sunny skies!:D
Her table? Breakfast and lunch is open seating in HAL's dining room, isn't it?

I have seen this sort of thing before at dinner, though. On my last cruise, we didn't go to the dining room the first night because we were too tired. On the second night, we decided to appear. We found we were assigned to a table for four. A short while after we were seated, another couple arrived at the table. The woman took one look at me sitting there, and said "who the h*ll are you?" Here she thought just she and her husband were going to get that nice table for four. Surprise! After they were seated and we broke the ice, we did manage to have a fairly pleasant dinner, but the guy (who was sitting next to me, and thus I couldn't really see what he was doing) apparently had a nose-picking problem. After the dinner, my friend said no way was she sitting with them again. We finally wound up moving to a table for ten with a bunch of other Cruise Critic friends. The rest of our dinners were a blast!

I guess it is because of people like this that HAL started the AYW Dining. I guess a couple like that could insist on a table for two even if it meant waiting for it. Obviously they are not interested in sharing.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[AlohaPride]

Ruth, have you visited Antarctica before? I vaguely remember you talking about it one October day. How many trips is this of yours?

Because of you, Antarctica is the #1 place I want to visit before I die.

Is Greg taking a lot of pictures?? I can't wait to see them.

[jhannah]

Is Greg taking a lot of pictures??
I think you can safely lay money on that one, Mary! :cool:

[AlohaPride]

I think you can safely lay money on that one, Mary! :cool:

Here's my sign. . . :p doh!

[RevNeal]

Hello, my dear Cruise Critic Friends! It's a joy to be aboard the lovely ms Rotterdam cruising the South Atlantic. I haven't yet had time to read this thread (I'm going to download it and read it once I'm done with this post). However, I wanted to post a few photos of our sail away from Rio. What a beautiful sail away it was ... the cloud formations were quite remarkable, and it was a thrill each time the statue of Jesus appeared in the clouds!

To view the photos, click HERE (http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot3.html).

Here are a few samples:

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rio60.jpg

and

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rio62.jpg

and

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rio61.jpg

I never tire of these images of Jesus in the clouds. It was as if we were being blessed on our way out of the harbor. :)

[lorekauf]

Wow as usual you take the most awesome pictures RevNeal. Thank you.

[jrzebird]

Those photos are simply awe-inspiring. Thank you for giving me my daily meditation for today.

[jhannah]

All I can say is ... WOW!!

[Coolcruise02]

What wonderful pictures! Thanks first sharing. :)

[DFD1]

Preacher: You've outdone yourself! Those are remarkable pictures. What a treat!

[drdentist]

Wow! Inspiring pictures! Awesome. :) :)

[BCEagle78]

These pictures ARE quite inspiring. They tell a story all on their own.

[tomc]

Ruth & Company --

Things are going well over here on the Noordam in the Caribbean (Dominica Island at the moment). No nasty people with bullets to dodge; maybe that's an effect of crossing the Equator. I have AYW, although I asked for Traditional -- and so far it's worked out fine. I could take either in the future.

I loved those pix of Christ of the Andes. Very impressive.

Take care, my antipodean friends.

tomc

[BldLvr]

AWESOME photos, keep them coming. Marian

[RuthC]

Last night was the first (of only five) formal nights, so Adele and I plunked ouselves down with the best view to watch the fashion parade. I'm thrilled to say that almost everyone at least met the code, most looked verrry nice, and a few were exceptionally well-dressed. Makes you glad you cleaned your glasses. :D
The men at our table were spiffy in tux (in Greg's case, clerics) and the ladies glittered.

We saw one man in tux with beaded jacket---I kept looking to see if he was carrying a candleabra---and cowboy hat (black, to match, of course). He certainly did draw the eye, and would have looked just as good if the coat were off---if you get my drift. :eek: There were a few thumbs out and about; I hope the soreness wears off before long, but I doubt they even realize it. :rolleyes:

Tonight's "toast of the day" will have to be postponed as it's the night of the VIP party. I guess we'll just have to have two tomorrow. ;)

[jhannah]

Now, Ruth ... You be careful with your man-watching. Wouldn't want your heart rate to go into overdrive! And I can certainly sense some elevation in your evening report! ;)

[purplenorway]

I'm glad you are enjoying your cruise, Ruth!

Those photos are wonderful, Greg!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thankf for reporting in - First formal night and they scheduled the VIP party already?

[purplenorway]

My very first double post.

[the2ofus]

Ruth, I'm enjoying your reports as usual. Please give my greetings to Adele, Greg, Mary Ellen and Karl. I'll look forward to your newsy and quirky reports and to Greg's photos.

[tomc]

I just got back from a midnight "laying on a deck chair under the stars" with a couple people up on the Sky Deck, or Observation Deck. Very peaceful, nice temps. Can you do that at your latitude?

We had a VIP party, but I slept thru it in the Lido while reading and having a mug of tea.

All goes well on the Noordam.

tomc

[RuthC]

About four hours after we sailed from Rio Monday night there was a "Bright Star" alert. A woman had a heart attack outside the show lounge. Word is she was lost, then brought back and stabilized.
Yesterday, on the way to Buenos Aires, we stopped near Montevideo so she could be transferred to a boat and brought ashore. I watched from Lower Promenade as she (and her luggage) were moved over. The staff seemed to take great care and were comforting her. She was awake and looked alert.

We'll probably never know the outcome, but I know there are several hundred strangers praying for her recovery.

Off to tour BA!

[jhannah]

My very first double post. Congratulations! Live long and prosper! :D

Ruth, how sad. But how reassuring to know HAL supplies their ships with skilled caregivers who can respond to such emergencies.

[mamaofami]

Ruth, that is very disturbing. But, I agree it's good to know that HAL can cope well with these emergencies.

So glad there's a chocolate on your pillow. There'll be one on mine soon.:D

[innlady1]

About four hours after we sailed from Rio Monday night there was a "Bright Star" alert. A woman had a heart attack outside the show lounge. Word is she was lost, then brought back and stabilized.
Yesterday, on the way to Buenos Aires, we stopped near Montevideo so she could be transferred to a boat and brought ashore. I watched from Lower Promenade as she (and her luggage) were moved over. The staff seemed to take great care and were comforting her. She was awake and looked alert.

We'll probably never know the outcome, but I know there are several hundred strangers praying for her recovery.

Off to tour BA!

I'm sorry to hear that, Ruth, but am glad that she seemed to be stabilized. It's always sad to see someone who, for one reason or another, has their cruise interrupted. When we sailed on Princess, it happened twice.

[ldog]

I'm following you every step of the way.

[RuthC]

That's what Montevideo has been promising us since the first day. You see, the ship is out---or nearly out---of some critical items. We haven't had peanuts at cocktail time, nor "the good nuts" on the first formal evening. Out; "We hope to get some in Montevideo". There were six cans of Caffeine Free Diet Coke (all expired)---"We hope to get more in Montevideo". There's no heavy-stock paper for the Daily Program, so we get photocopies. There's no plain iced tea, certain tea bags, several wines, and we're low on soap and TP. :eek:
There were 20 containers waiting to be on-loaded when we arrived today. I sure "hope" Montevideo came through for us. ;)

[localady]

Thank goodness for Montevideo Ruth!!;) No one wants the ships occupants to smell like those cute little penguins!!:eek:
Seems you will be in luck- Buenos Aires is just lovely during the weekend when the traffic is not gridlock downtown!! If you all are still there Sunday go to the antique market, it is a totally wonderful experience!:D :D :D
Continued safe seas!!

[jhannah]

Oh, my gosh, Ruth. How could they run out of THOSE things so soon into the cruise? I smell larceny here! ;)

[SharonN]

That's what Montevideo has been promising us since the first day. You see, the ship is out---or nearly out---of some critical items. We haven't had peanuts at cocktail time, nor "the good nuts" on the first formal evening. Out; "We hope to get some in Montevideo". There were six cans of Caffeine Free Diet Coke (all expired)---"We hope to get more in Montevideo". There's no heavy-stock paper for the Daily Program, so we get photocopies. There's no plain iced tea, certain tea bags, several wines, and we're low on soap and TP. :eek:
There were 20 containers waiting to be on-loaded when we arrived today. I sure "hope" Montevideo came through for us. ;)
I'm hoping they got everything loaded too RuthC! They're also low on Kleenex (I actually had to ask my Steward for some the 2nd day) and the Yum Yum man is handing out the striped red peppermints instead of after-dinner mints.

[Sunshine91]

There's no plain iced tea, certain tea bags, several wines, and we're low on soap and TP. :eek:
There were 20 containers waiting to be on-loaded when we arrived today. ;)

Ruth dearest - Am loving your travelogue, as usual. Keep up the good work. :)

John would be soooo disappointed about the lack of iced tea, and I'm guessing everyone must be concerned about the low TP supplies. :p

Was there any danger of the chocolate running low? :eek: Sure hope all those pallets waiting on the dock had everything Rotterdam needed. Wonder why she wasn't re-provisioned in Rio?

[RevNeal]

Greetings from the glorious Rotterdam! We're on our first day at sea out of Montevideo heading to the Fauklands. The seas are lovely, but the sky is overcast. We had fog this morning. I enjoyed a nice, leisurely breakfast in the main dining room with Adele. It was so nice being served without having to run around and get what I want/need. And, better yet, the food was excellent! :D

I have photos to prepare and upload from BA and Montevideo ... we had a great time in both ports, and the Tango sure was fun! :D ;)

Yes, we were re-provisioned in Montevideo! They don't do a re-provisioning in Rio because the port operations isn't as trustworthy there, while in Montevideo it is ... and, it's cheaper (which, I suspect, is the real reason).

Last night at dinner they passed around Dining Comment/Survey cards asking for our remarks and rating of food and service. It was nice to note that they're trying to get feed back this early-on in the cruise. My biggest complaint is that the selection of items has been thin on the menus. Oh, don't misunderstand me: everything I've eaten I've enjoyed, and I'll never go hungry aboard ship; however, I would appreciate a greater variety of items from which to select each evening. Thus far I've only once had to select between two items that I wanted ... usually the choice has been easy, and twice I've had to order off the "Available Every Day" section for my entree. The soups have been excellent, though I'm told that the chilled soups could be colder. The Appetizers are good ... don't miss the pasta appetizers, which are good and can be had as a main course. The fruit appetizers are excellent too (yes, I DO eat fruit, Christopher!). The desserts have been somewhat disappointing ... but, again, I'm always happy with ice cream, so I've got nothing to complain about there.

Last night was a glorious night. After the show and dancing with Adele up in the Crows Nest I went up onto the Sky Deck (above the Crows Nest) and lay down to star gaze the southern Hemisphere heavens. Glorious! For the first time in my life I got a view of the Southern Cross! Wonderful! I also got a good view of Alpha Centauri (the closest star system to ours at 4.3 light years away), which is brighter than I thought it would be.

Look for photos from me within the next few hours. I need to run an errand before they close the shore excursion office ... so I'll sign off for now.

[mamaofami]

Hi Greg, So glad you and the gang are having fun. What's available on the every night menu? I remember steak, salmon and some sort of grilled chicken.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

[RuthC]

Longer, exotic itineraries tend to have excellent lecture series, and on this one we are blessed. Even the Port Lecturer takes it up several notches above what you hear on the Caribbean cruises. When you listen to Ian Denton you would think you were at an Explorations Series lecture. He talks about history, geography, economics, as well as recommends what (but not where) to buy.
We also have Warren Sallenger giving talks on Brazil---Latin American Giant, The Southern Cone---Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and Patagonia. Our Antarctic team of Caroline Gunn and Bernard Stonehouse started off with two lectures on The Southern Oceans---History and Wildlife, and My Friend the Penguin.
After three hours in "class" today I feel like I'm back in college. ;) And there's plenty more to come.

The supply order seems to have been well-filled. Peanuts appeared with the cocktails. :D Yippee!

[innlady1]

Love the reports, Ruth and Greg! Sounds like you're all having a marvelous time!

[AlohaPride]

I can't WAIT to see all the pictures!!

[Susie51]

Rev Neal,The picture of Christ in the clouds was exceptional. Have published your pix? They are amazing!

I'm glad this is a long cruise. I need a cruise fix, because I don't have one booked right now. I have been enjoying TomC's thread.

Everyone have a great cruise.

[mtnmommy]

Rev Neal and Ruth,
Thank you so much for your wonderful posts! I am a loyal lurker here and always enjoy vicariously cruising with you. As an added bonus, this time I'm keeping tabs on my Mom and her husband, who are on board with you. I'm assuming Mom is behaving, since you haven't yet posted about any outrageous behavior from a small, red-headed woman answering to the name of Barb. You know how wild these retired school teachers from Nebraska can be.

Ruth, I'm so glad the ship was re-stocked, and this can now be a Voyage of the Good Nuts. I do hope they didn't run low on the caffeinated Diet Coke--you would have seen my Mom swimming for shore. It is truly the woman's only vice, as opposed to my Grey Goose martini habit. Well, if you run into Mom, tell her to pour some rum into the Coke and rest up, because in two months she's taking my whole family on the Maasdam (aka Voyage of the Generous Grandma!)

Happy Sailing!--Lisa P.

[RuthC]

Even though I've taken this cruise before The Happy Wanderer hadn't gone into business, so I'll tell you a little about our stops in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. It's way past time.
We sailed up the Rio de la Plata (overshooting Montevideo on the way) to Buenos Aires where we had only one day, which could have easily been extended to four. Mary Ellen had done a lot of research (thanks M E ;) ) and arranged a private tour for the five of us. We managed to squeeze in a stop at the Cathedral (beautiful), a train ride to the delta, a boat trip on the Tigre River, shopping, lunch, a Tango Show, a visit to Ricoletta Cemetery, and a quick stop at the Hard Rock Cafe. Whew! What a full day.
If you can arrange it, and have some others to go with, a private tour is the way to go.

By Friday we were back at the mouth of the river for a day in Montevideo. Even though it's a large city it seemed a nice respite after the bustle of B. A. I had a HAL tour with only 12 other people. It felt like another private tour. I loved getting that personal attention again.

The Master Chef's Dinner was scheduled for tonight, so plans had been made to go to the Pinnacele. You know what they say about plans. They change. :rolleyes: Maybe it's because the Patriots are playing some other team on TV, don't know for sure, but the dinner has been put off 'til tomorrow.
All the better for me to see the game, m'dear! :D

Go Pats!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for checking in Ruth!!

[Susie51]

Ruth your private tour sounds amazing. How did you manage to get all of your luggage to the ship? Or am I thinking of the wrong Ruth?

[innlady1]

Even though I've taken this cruise before The Happy Wanderer hadn't gone into business, so I'll tell you a little about our stops in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. It's way past time.
We sailed up the Rio de la Plata (overshooting Montevideo on the way) to Buenos Aires where we had only one day, which could have easily been extended to four. Mary Ellen had done a lot of research (thanks M E ;) ) and arranged a private tour for the five of us. We managed to squeeze in a stop at the Cathedral (beautiful), a train ride to the delta, a boat trip on the Tigre River, shopping, lunch, a Tango Show, a visit to Ricoletta Cemetery, and a quick stop at the Hard Rock Cafe. Whew! What a full day.
If you can arrange it, and have some others to go with, a private tour is the way to go.

By Friday we were back at the mouth of the river for a day in Montevideo. Even though it's a large city it seemed a nice respite after the bustle of B. A. I had a HAL tour with only 12 other people. It felt like another private tour. I loved getting that personal attention again.

The Master Chef's Dinner was scheduled for tonight, so plans had been made to go to the Pinnacele. You know what they say about plans. They change. :rolleyes: Maybe it's because the Patriots are playing some other team on TV, don't know for sure, but the dinner has been put off 'til tomorrow.
All the better for me to see the game, m'dear! :D


Go Pats!


Taking a break during half time and reading the Board! Good diversion during such a nail biter! I echo your thoughts, Ruth....


:D Go Pats! :D

[RevNeal]

Hi Greg, So glad you and the gang are having fun. What's available on the every night menu? I remember steak, salmon and some sort of grilled chicken.

Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Thank you so much! I actually enjoy reporting via photo even more than writing up my reports. Since Ruth does a good job with her own reports, and I don't see any reason duplicating her fine efforts, my photos of our sights see to me to be a good alternative.

From the "Available Daily" section of tonight's Menu (I'm reading it as I type it).

French Onion Les Halles
Classical Caesar Salad
Grilled Wild Salmon
Perfectly Grilled Breast of Chicken (as opposed to imperfectly?)
New York Steak (prepared on the Rotterdam in the South Atlantic!)

I'm currently sitting in the Explorers Lounge. The Super Bowl is on in the Sports Bar (the place is packed) so I've escaped to here, am one of the few listening to the lovely classical music, and am enjoying myself writing up this report. I'm also waiting for my photos to finish uploading. Once they're up (about 20 minutes from now) I'll be able to post a link to them for ya'll to see selections from touring BA and MV. Tomorrow we arrive at Stanley ... they're telling us the chances of our going ashore are not good. I'm praying DOWN the storm. :D

[RevNeal]

And ... YES ... we DID get to see Tango dancing in BA!! :D

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ba05.jpg

And, no ... it wasn't Adele and Ruth doing the dancing! :D

Here's the link to my photo samples: http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot4.html

As always, once I'm home and internet isn't outrageously expensive (and slow) I'll be uploading hundreds more ... and in much larger sizes.

[RevNeal]

And, YES, I did some nice touring in Montevideo.

http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot5.html

[RevNeal]

Sea days are glorious!
Especially on this cruise.
We began with warm and sunny, and things are now turning cool and sunny. Soon, they will be cold and sunny!

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rot01.jpg

I've love this, and I wish you all where here with us!

The SAD news is that, within just a day or so, we will drop off the Internet Sat net. Once we're past Stanley we won't be able to get line-of-sight with the Geostationary Satellites that the Internet-At-Sea uses. As a result, we will be out of contact for between 3 - 5 days. Once we're back in range, Ruth and I will be happy to come back and share our experiences of the bottom of the planet. I plan on having photos to share, too. :)

Blessings and Peace to all of you.

[lorekauf]

Ruth your private tour sounds amazing. How did you manage to get all of your luggage to the ship? Or am I thinking of the wrong Ruth?

In terms of the luggage you have the wrong Ruth. I think you are talking about Ruth and Jim. That posters id is JimVrhovac.

[innlady1]

In terms of the luggage you have the wrong Ruth. I think you are talking about Ruth and Jim. That posters id is JimVrhovac.

I think so, too. "This" Ruth was adament about not overdoing the luggage on her cruise.

[lorekauf]

Sea days are glorious!
Especially on this cruise.
We began with warm and sunny, and things are now turning cool and sunny. Soon, they will be cold and sunny!

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rot01.jpg

I've love this, and I wish you all where here with us!


Blessings and Peace to all of you.

I wish we were all there with you guys too:D I've have to be happy with all your awesome pictures. Thanks again!

[lorekauf]

Sea days are glorious!
Especially on this cruise.
We began with warm and sunny, and things are now turning cool and sunny. Soon, they will be cold and sunny!

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rot01.jpg

I've love this, and I wish you all where here with us!


Blessings and Peace to all of you.

I wish we were all there with you guys too:D I have to be happy with all your awesome pictures instead. Thanks again!

[mancunian]

Could one of you please tell me what time it goes dark? Many thanks. I ask because after we leave Ushuiaia we seem to have a lot of scenic cruising that day. Here we go dark at 5 pm.

Thank you for the super reports and particularly the pictures. It is strange Rev Neal that you went to the Panama just before us and whetted my appetite for our Christmas cruise, and now you are in SA just before us, though of course we are just doing the straight cruise Rio to Valparaiso and not the Antarctic.

I am so looking forward to it. Last weekend my husband was in hospital and it looked as if we were not going at all - anyway news is now good and I am counting the days for 28 Feb when we fly out to Rio.

[jhannah]

Sounds like things are going swimmingly! Continue to enjoy your journey to the bottom of the earth.

Note to Ruth: Sorry about your Pats. They just couldn't pull it off.

[RuthC]

It's all Greg's fault. We weren't able to stop at Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, this morning. And it's all Greg's fault. You see, last night he was saying how he hoped we would get in. He was also busting my chops and saying he hoped the Patriots would lose. :eek: As soon as the Giants became Super Bowl champions (congrats, New Yorkers, btw) I knew. Greg got one out of two of his wishes.
And he so wanted to get ashore! Bet he's sorry now.
Maybe he should have cheered for my team. :D Or at least stayed neutral on the subject. ;)

The seas are being called "rough" at 26' with 55 MPH winds. I agree that walking is dangerous and have even taken to using my cane aboard---for the first time ever. :(

Oh, well. This, too, shall pass. Perhaps by as early as tonight! Until then we have a brand spanking new schedule of activities and plenty of time to watch the angry sea.

I'll repeat something Greg has already mentioned---we'll be losing the satelite signal for several days, so there won't be any reports while we're in Antarctica. But I'll be back at the keyboard as soon as possible afterward. Stay tuned and keep checking back here.

manchunian, right now sunset is after 10:00 PM, with a long twilight after. Of course, as time goes on the days will become shorter. Hope that helps. We were told there's a possibility we will see the Aurora Australis. That would be nice. :)

[innlady1]

The loss was pretty sad for us New Englanders, Ruth. I'm hoping it's not a premonition of things to come with your cruise (not being able to go to Stanley) and with our cruise.

Tomc posted last night that they had to turn around back toward San Juan to rendevous with a helicopter to transport a pax who became ill. Captain Scott announced the ship would be late arriving in NYC...more updates to follow. So, that, the fact that it's predicted we'll have high seas on Wednesday, and the Patriots loss :confused:

Have a good journey and make the most of an unexpected sea day!

Love your reports...and loved Greg's photo of you and Adele!

[DFD1]

Wonderful reports, Ruth and Rev. What a fascinating part of the world. Thank you both! Stay safe.

[mamaofami]

Great hearing from you, Ruth and Greg,
If you are experiening such high seas, I guess we shouldn't be worried about the expected 15 foot seas on Wednesday night on the Noordam. As usual, Seattle doesn't even know the ship will be late arriving into NY.

Sorry about the super bowl, Ruth, but it was a wonderful win for my 11 year old grandson who went to his first super bowl game.

Enjoy Antartica.:D

[Susie51]

Thank you for answering my question about Ruth. Also, Rev Neal I went to your website to see the pics. Now I have bookmarked your website. I want to read your sermons, writings, and books. Thank you for sharing.

I'm looking forward to when you will be able to post again. When I was watching the Super Bowl last night, I was thinking about you, Ruth. Sorry about the Pats.

[mancunian]

Ruth. Thank you very much for the information re sunset. That makes it much clearer why we are doing the scenic trip afternoon/evening.

So sorry about the Falklands. I know we all go knowing there is a chance we won't get there, but still disappointing for you all. I must admit 26' waves have made me gasp a bit. I have been following oceanweather.inc and over the last fortnight SA has been pretty good. The really bad seas seem to have been around Britain. Must buy an extra packet of Stugeron!!

Enjoy Antarctica. Really looking forward to hearing about it and to seeing Rev Neal's photos.

[tomc]

Noordam schedule to dock NYC close to 10:00am Wednesday. Making max speed just north of the Florida Keys, in the Sargasso Sea, with chance of weather off Hatteras. Medivac'ed patient doing well in PR.

More on Live from the Noordam with Tomc.

[RuthC]

We're sailing along with another cold, windy day---and frankly, I'm getting a bit tired of it. :eek: Me? Yes---isn't that funny. It was too windy (as in "dangerous") to go outside yesterday, and today I think it's too cold (at 40 degrees)---even for me.
The seas have calmed significantly, though, to a maximum of about 12'-15'. Not bad.
By tonight it should be interesting again. We'll have about 3 hours of scenic cruising of Elephant Island starting around 6:00 PM. This is where Shackleton left his men to survive for (IIRC) 22 months while he went to get help. (They did; all of them.) Then we'll officially be in Antarctica! Yippee! :D

How's that for the Summertime Down South!

[jhannah]

Too cold and windy for YOU? Mercy! ;)

Thanks for checking in. We'll look forward to your update once you exit from your communications blackout. (It's just like going to the moon, isn't it?)

[GmaPajama]

Brrrrr, Ruth! I'm so glad you're enjoying this fabulous trip - but it sounds a little too wintery for me. I know you love the rocking of the ship, but I'd be flat on my back in bed by now. Best for me to travel this one by reading your thread - so THANKS for keeping it up!

[localady]

EEK Ruth!!:eek: Sounds pretty cold to me! We Yummers shall have a margarita for our Antarctic cruiser friends!!:D :D

Hope the weather holds for your visit to Elephant Island. Stay warm and safe seas!!!:D

[Sunshine91]

The supply order seems to have been well-filled. Peanuts appeared with the cocktails. :D Yippee!

Ruth - only peanuts? No good nuts? Did everyone at least keep their fingers out of the jars? :eek:

We managed to squeeze in a stop at the Cathedral (beautiful), a train ride to the delta, a boat trip on the Tigre River, shopping, lunch, a Tango Show, a visit to Ricoletta Cemetery, and a quick stop at the Hard Rock Cafe. Whew! What a full day.

What an incredibly busy, full day! Did you say hello to Evita at Ricoletta?


We'll look forward to your update once you exit from your communications blackout. (It's just like going to the moon, isn't it?)

I've been thinking the exact same thing! :) Of course, some of the Antarctic landscape photos I've seen do look like moonscapes.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ruth, those temps sound the same as the ones I just found when I passed through Warwick yesterday!:) Little too cold for me and the seas a bit too high, but it sounds like (as usual) you're still enjoying yourself.

Such an exciting trip. We'll miss you while you're in Antartica!

[AlohaPride]

I can't even imagine that kind of cold :eek: :D hee hee hee...
http://toolbar.cafemom.com/icons/smile.gif (http://toolbar.cafemom.com/index.php?utm_medium=cmi&utm_source=toolbar&utm_campaign=icon&utm_content=866886&p_id=smile)
I've been mourning the Pat's loss. How COULD they lose!! It's been over a year since they lost, so I guess it had to happen SOME time. . .
http://toolbar.cafemom.com/icons/crying.gif (http://toolbar.cafemom.com/index.php?utm_medium=cmi&utm_source=toolbar&utm_campaign=icon&utm_content=866886&p_id=crying)
Can't wait till you get back from "the moon" and can tell us all about it

http://toolbar.cafemom.com/icons/having_chocolate.gif (http://toolbar.cafemom.com/index.php?utm_medium=cmi&utm_source=toolbar&utm_campaign=icon&utm_content=866886&p_id=having+chocolate) And how ARE the pillow chocolates?? Have you tried a chocolate martini? It's right up your alley.

[nancycoop1]

Ruth - how was the shopping in BA? Did you use your credit cards or get Argentina pesos?

We will be there in a couple of weeks. Thanks for all your info.

[bobpatj]

We got home from our WONDERFUL mostly warm Ryndam cruise, last night. I can now spend much more time on Cruise Critic and am enjoying coming along with you on your cruise. Loved the Ryndam, but missed the center stairs and elevators. We took advantage of booking on board and will be joining you on the Noordam, next January and adding the 10 days before for a back-to-back.

[tomc]

I'm back from the Noordam's Southern Caribbean cruise and will be hanging out here more than before -- mostly because the meter's not running!

[edinburgher]

Enjoying reading all your posts as we sail from Rio March 3rd.

Sorry you missed Stanley and hoping we have better luck and manage in.

Thinking about our packing. Once you are back in range, could one of you kindly confirm if you have a Black and White Ball and/or a Tropical/Caribbean type themed evening? Or indeed, any other "theme" :)

Thanks.

[tomc]

RuthC --

I assume we haven't heard from you penguins because you don't have satellite service wherever you are. If that be the case, here's a greeting from someone on shore who wishes he weren't.

[Susie51]

I'm looking forward to the blackout being over and we can see more pics and read all about your experiences. Hope you can keep warm.

[RuthC]

I'm back. :)

When you are as far south as any human can expect to go the Summer is nothing like you have ever experienced before. Sure, cold, ice, and even snow are part of the deal---but that's only the beginning. None of my humble efforts to describe Antarctica---not even Greg's supurb pictures---will begin to do it justice.
A visit to Antarctica is something experienced with every sense. We have completed over three days there and I'm on sensory overload. The sights of ice, snow, and rock, with lichen and algae growth; the sounds of ice cracking---even the sounds of silence; the smells of penguin colonies :eek: and clean, fresh air; even the taste of the air and snow flakes on your tongue assault with their constancy. There is nothing with with to compare.

Kind of like childbirth, I suppose. :confused:

This part of the cruise has made me want to come for a longer time---perhaps on an expedition cruise.
We'll see.

But I did get one traditional part of Summer here---my face has a bit of a burn. :D


Ruth - how was the shopping in BA? Did you use your credit cards or get Argentina pesos?

Sorry, nancycoop1. I don't shop.
Once you are back in range, could one of you kindly confirm if you have a Black and White Ball and/or a Tropical/Caribbean type themed evening? Or indeed, any other "theme" :)

Near as I can tell there won't be any special themed evenings this cruise. We had a list of the formal/smart casual nights in the first Daily Program, but nothing special was listed there. One formal night was switched---probably due to sea conditions---but we did make it up last night. Hopefully we'll have the full five formal nights.

[hammybee]

I'm back. :)

A visit to Antarctica is something experienced with every sense. We have completed over three days there and I'm on sensory overload. The sights of ice, snow, and rock, with lichen and algae growth; the sounds of ice cracking---even the sounds of silence; the smells of penguin colonies :eek: and clean, fresh air; even the taste of the air and snow flakes on your tongue assault with their constancy. There is nothing with with to compare.

Whoa. For a minute there, I thought you were describing my town, in the land beyond ORD, but I cannot locate the penguins. I have snow piles taller than me right now, at the end of the drive way. It's an amazing way to walk the dog with one's arm up in the air while he does his business from above. I digress.

Thanks for checking in and making us all fell like we are there with you.

[jhannah]

Ruth, you make my long-desired visit to Antarctica even stronger. I'm sure it is an experience that defies description.

Glad you all are back from your communications blackout.

[dakrewser]

I am SO-O-O-OO jealous!

:confused:

[RevNeal]

Yes, we're back on the net. I would have posted sooner, but we were coming up on the Horn tonight and that changed everybody's schedule. :)

Here's my report from Antarctica ... you can read and see all the sample photos on my website at this address:

http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot6.html

***

Antarctica:

No words, no pictures, no nothing can ever capture the glory and majesty of the bottom of the world. The Antarctica Continent is amazing. It is a complex of contrasts -- freezing cold wind, ice and snow on the one hand, wild life and the indescribable beauty of stark desolation on the other. It was everything I could have ever imagined it to be, and a whole lot more. Our 3 days Cruising along the Antarctic shore , visiting the outlying volcanic islands and the continental mainland itself, went by so fast that I find myself still wondering "where did those days go?" They were glorious, joyous, awe-inspiring, and breathtaking. My memories of these three days will be highlighted by the amazingly fresh air, the refreshing yet bracing cold wind, the blessedly calm seas, the cute and engaging penguins, the lazy seals, soaring birds, and the breaching whales ... all of whom appeared to be putting on a show for our benefit alone! And, through it all, I was repeatedly finding myself being overwhelmed by a clear sense of being in the immediate presence of the Almighty Creator of it all.

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ant12.jpg

Words and photographs cannot possibly touch on the totality of the glory which is Antarctica. But, perhaps a few selections from the massive volume of the photos which I took will suffice to provide a little bit of an impression of what it is like.

CLICK HERE for my longer report with sample photos from Antarctica. (http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot6.html)

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ant33.jpg

And one of my favorite photos -- this one of RuthC -- taken during a snow storm while we were cruising the Antarctica Channels:

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ant19.jpg

[hammybee]

Stunning pictures, Greg. I wonder how some of them would look in black and white. Might make for a fun project, some day.

[RustaRoo]

Oh Greg and Ruth - how wonderful! It's great to hear from you again! Just looking at your photos, Greg, leaves me in awe and wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed your link and extra views of this remarkable part of our world. Words cannot do it justice whatsoever, as am sure photos are unable to also. Curses on you:D, now another trip added to my 'to do' list!!

[lorekauf]

Thank you once again Greg for the amazing photos. Coming from the land of ice and snow this cruise just does not appeal to me. It's great to be able to see such great pictures through someone elses eyes however. Thank you for taking the time (and money) to post them.

[jhannah]

Awe and wonder are good words ... but hardly express it! Fantastic pix, Greg. Thanks for posting them here and on your website.

Love the picture of RuthC catching snowflakes! Priceless!!! ;)

[cdkempton]

Absolutely beautiful photos. Thank you so much for taking the time to share.
Colette

[Sunshine91]

Absolutely love the pic of Ruth! You look like a doll. :) Makes me realize just how much I miss both of you.

You both write so beautifully descritptively. Greg - I'll look at your extended report & photos tomorrow when I'm not bleary-eyed. :rolleyes:

Do you have any human company down there? Have you seen any other ships in the area or researchers? Just curious.

[Mary Ellen]

We´re also checking in. Antarctica was spectacular!!! We´d expected this to be a ónce in a lifetime´cruise, but once isn´t enough. We´ll be back.

Also, I´ve found the perfect medications to handle my seasickness - the patch and 2 ginger capsules 2x a day. I wasn´t even queazy in the 45 foot sets out of the Falklands!!! Trust me, everyone is quite happy about that. ;)

I was surprised to see Ruth mention our Hard Rock stop. I´ve exposed her to the HRC guitar pins. :eek

[ldog]

Wow!!!

[edinburgher]

Wonderful photos. Envious as ours doesnt include Antartica, only straightforward Rio to Valparaiso.

Ruth, thanks for the info re no Black and White or Tropical or otherwise themed evenings. Should this change please put a couple of words to that effect onto this thread....no more than that needed.

Counting the days until we leave........:)

[RustaRoo]

We´re also checking in. Antarctica was spectacular!!! Glad to hear that you and Karl are having such a fantastic time, Mary Ellen. Have you seen the future cruise consultant yet to book the "Voyage of the Good Nuts"?

Have fun for the rest of your cruise?

PS - is your team scoring well in trivia? I mean it goes without question....but

[DFD1]

Greg: Your pictures are just incredible. What a treat! Thank you to taking them and for sharing them with us. Outstanding!

[cruisinjudy]

Wow! Fantastic pictures! I will have to see if I can convince my husband to do that some day!

[HeatherInFlorida]

If possible your words are more expressive than your pictures which are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to post and to describe something I will undoubtedly never see.

We can see all the pictures in the world, but when someone we feel we know is actually there and expresses the magnificent beauty of being there, it somehow makes it all so much more real ... almost as if we are there a little bit ourselves.

Thank you.

[Peggy Sue]

Thank you all for sharing your experience with us ... amazing, beautiful, inspirational descriptions and pictures ... loved the picture of Ruth catching a snowflake ..

There will be in a time in our lives when we can take longer vacations ..I just shared this thread and pictures with my husband and we both agree that we will add this cruise to the top of our list!

Thank you ..and enjoy the upcoming ports of call!

Peggy

[RuthC]

I was heading down my passageway a few minutes ago when I passed two stewards carrying goodies. One had a wine cooler with a bottle, and the other had a tray of chocolate truffles. Not surprisingly, my eyes grew large. When I returned from the infirmary I found that same wine and chocolate in my cabin! :D

:confused: Huh, you may ask? Infirmary? Yeah. :( Last night Humpty Dumpty (aka RuthC) had a great fall into an elevator when the deck level was lower than the lift. "Ouch" does not begin to cover it.
A few trips to the nurses and a visit to the doctor later it appears that I'll be good as new---eventually.

After all, I did make it to this morning's shore excursion rather than go back for more treatment. :rolleyes: Can't keep me from a good time!

[Sage]

Ruth, that sounds like a nasty fall. I see that they sent the perfect treatment, wine an chocolate though. It sounds like everyone is having a wonderful time. Thanks for posting and letting us share in your adventures.

[Margie_Lady]

Take care, Ruth! You wouldn't want to miss a moment of that wonderful cruise. Congratulations on scoring the extra CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!

[Bill S]

Ruth: I hope you are recovering from your fall! The extra chocolate won't hurt!

Greg: awesome photos! Thanks for posting/sharing!

[Susie51]

Ruth, you look adorable catching snowflakes. I hope you heal quickly.

RevNeal, thank you for the AWESOME pics.

[Flyingfish]

Now if you fell into a handsome man's arms ... No keeping you down Ruth, feel better.

[longtimecruiser]

Rev, what up?! Your pictures are awesome, thanks for doing such a great job showing off Antarctica. I wish I was there with you guys! I sure do miss you and Ruthie. Thanks for adding to my Mom's good time on yet another cruise. Can't wait for the EURODAM in JULY!!! :D :D

Love ya,
Emily

[RuthC]

It's been a very busy past few days. Is it only Monday? We've sure packed a lot in. On Saturday night we sailed back and forth at Cape Horn---the seas were absolutely flat. How lucky can you get! :D We gave wide berth to the NCL Dream (they've been known to hit another ship, doncha know), then I tried to head off to bed early. That little detour to the infirmary put the kibosh on that plan, but I did manage to get up at 5:00 AM :eek: for my tour in Ushuaia.

We had a too-early docking there and were sent right off to various places. My tour started on a catamaran for a ride along the Beagle Channel where I saw (and smelled :rolleyes: )lots of sea lions. We then sailed even further out where we switched to busses for a tour of the National Park. Gorgeous.

Ushuaia has to be set in one of the most beautiful places on earth! It is surrounded on three sides by rugged mountains dusted as if with confectioner's sugar. One passenger said the ride up the Channel reminded her of the Pacific Northwest. I suspect it looks similar to Switzerland when you're riding on the lakes.

Today was a not-quite-so-early tour in Punta Arenas, Chile. I went out to Ortway Bay where I hiked---on my injured knee, mind you---one mile out to a colony of Magellantic penguins up close and personal. Then a 1-mile hike back.
It was worth every ache and pain. :D

I hope tomorrow's sea-day grants a much-needed rest. Somehow or other they never do.
So, we'll see.

Now if you fell into a handsome man's arms ... No keeping you down Ruth, feel better.
er, I suppose I should be embarrased about this, but it did go in the nurse's report that I asked that the officers sent to help me were cute. :o

[jhannah]

... it did go in the nurse's report that I asked that the officers sent to help me were cute. :o RuthC ... you little vixen you! :D

Sounds like you had a great excursion along Beagle Channel. I hope you get your sea day rest. Yeah ... right! ;)

[dakrewser]

I was heading down my passageway a few minutes ago when I passed two stewards carrying goodies. One had a wine cooler with a bottle, and the other had a tray of chocolate truffles. Not surprisingly, my eyes grew large. When I returned from the infirmary I found that same wine and chocolate in my cabin!

It is truly amazing the depths you will go to just for more chocolate. This is now past being a simple "liking" or even a traditional "craving" - to throw yourself down an elevator shaft just on the off chance someone might send you truffles is way over the top. I think your fellow passengers should perform an intervention, and stand guard to insure that no chocolate crosses your threshold! Greg might even need to perform an exorcism to cast out that cocoa demon. You've got a chocolate monkey on your back and it's riding you to ruin!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/470185738_9c7e4af497.jpg


Or, maybe not. :)

[AlohaPride]

It is truly amazing the depths you will go to just for more chocolate. This is now past being a simple "liking" or even a traditional "craving" - to throw yourself down an elevator shaft just on the off chance someone might send you truffles is way over the top. I think your fellow passengers should perform an intervention, and stand guard to insure that no chocolate crosses your threshold! Greg might even need to perform an exorcism to cast out that cocoa demon. You've got a chocolate monkey on your back and it's riding you to ruin!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/470185738_9c7e4af497.jpg


Or, maybe not. :)

Oooooo!!! Someone is going to be in trouble for even SUGGESTING the chocolate be kept away....:eek:

[jhannah]

That's HERESY!!!

[BCEagle78]

That's HERESY!!!

I think Ruth prefers to spell it "Hershey".

:D

[bepsf]

Oh Ruth!

You'll do anything to get the attention of a handsome officer...
...or extra chocolate.
;)

[RuthC]

Let's talk about the entertainment on the ship. It's been pretty good. :) Not great, mind you, but good enough to keep me fairly happy most nights.

We have an excellent troupe of Rosario Strings in the Explorers Lounge. However, I have noticed they quit much earlier than I'm used to. Most nights they end around 10:30, instead of the midnight I've always seen before. :(

Jeff Warren in the Piano Lounge is good enough to draw me in most evenings. I can't say I care for his "tribute nights" for such performers as Elton John, Elvis, or the Beatles, but later in the evening, when the audience is thin, he plays standards and soft jazz that I do enjoy.

Joy plays in the Crow's Nest. The musicians are good---especially the piano player. The two female singers do not add to the performance.

The Ocean Bar has d'Sophisticados playing for cocktails and after-dinner dance sets. They're very good---especially for dancing, as compared to listening. They play a variety of tempos and seem to know their stuff.

The one thing I can't figure is why they, and frequently Jeff, are starting their breaks just when the second show is getting out. :confused: The crowds exit the theatre, pass the quiet lounges, and head off to bed.
Wouldn't it be better if they were playing---and maybe entice people to come in for a while? Perhaps even to buy a drink or two?

Oh, well. I don't make up the schedule. :rolleyes:

[Love Cruises]

RevNeal ... thanks so much for your amazing pictures. You definitely have a second calling from God - photography! Your work is EXCEPTIONAL. I can't wait to see more upon your return.

RuthC ... thanks to you also for your running summary of the cruise. Your writing always brings a big smile to my face. Thanks! Hopefully, you are recovering fast from your fall. At least, it has not deterred you in doing things and keeping all your cruise critic friends informed. Continue getting better! Who have some of the entertainers been on board?

My husband and I definitely have to do this cruise in the future. We have been to all the other continents and it is my goal to get to this one.

Right now, we are getting ready for our Manuas, Brazil to Ft. Lauderdale cruise on the SEABOURN in less than 3 weeks!

Keep those messages coming to us. Thanks again!

[moo444]

RuthC and RevNeal,

Your reports and photos are priceless...sounds like this is an amazing trip.

If you would not mind, could you please look for Matej Koz who is a waiter in the Pinnacle Grill and say hello to him from me and my family. I do hope that he is still on board with you.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise,
Marjorie

[moo444]

RuthC and RevNeal,

Your reports and photos are priceless...sounds like this is an amazing trip.

If you would not mind, could you please look for Matej Koz who is a waiter in the Pinnacle Grill and say hello to him from me and my family. I do hope that he is still on board with you.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise,
Marjorie

[FinelyRetired]

Rev Neal:

I meant to tell you 2 days ago how spectacular your pix leaving Rio were! I've looked at them daily. Now.......

Pleeease take the 3rd one of your pictures and re-post it separately for all of us to print? So serene....so hopeful a shot. Quite lovely. As I'm sure, by now, if you do go into Drudge, you will see the horrific lightening strike on that very wonderful site you had such a beautiful view of that took place yesterday. www.drudgereport.com.

You were meant to take that picture. Please re-post it. When I tried to print that post.....THE picture trailed off. Thanks & God Bless.

Martha

[RevNeal]

After a lovely, calm, enjoyable crossing of the Drake Channel from Antarctica to the South American Mainland, we enjoyed an hour or so of scenic cruising by Cape Horn.

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/horn1.jpg

The seas were lovely and calm, so we spent more time there than we might otherwise have, before sailing on to Ushuaia, Argentina. In Ushuaia I took a tour of the National Park and Beagle Channel tour. This highly scenic tour is worth the time and the money.

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ush1.jpg
Ushuaia is the southern-most city on the planet. Or, at least, that's how they bill themselves. It is only a few hundred miles from Antarctica, and even in the middle of summer this far south on the South American Continent still has ice-capped mountains and the temperatures were in the 40s and 50s. It's impossible to imagine how beautiful this place is. The scenery is lovely, the wildlife is amazing, and the people are warm and welcoming.

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ush2.jpg
The Beagle Channel is filled with low, barren, ice-carved rocky islands which provide birds and seals a place to congregate. I didn't see any beagles swimming, though ... just seals and Penguins!

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/ush3.jpg
Ushuaia huddles along the shoreline on the Huge mainland island of Tierra Del Fuego, with large ice-capped mountains towering over the town. It's a picturesque setting, as well as being inviting to those who prefer colder-weather environments.

At the end of the Beagle Channel tour our boat docked within a short walk of the lovely Rotterdam and, after 15 days aboard ship, I finally had a good view of my ship:

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/rotinush1.jpg

[RevNeal]

We set sail early that afternoon and cruised through the Cockburn and Beagle Channels (again, no cocks or beagles were visible from the deck) on our way to Punta Arenas, Chilie, where I took the "Sights of Punta Arenas" tour. It was an easy city tour with stops for shopping and at two museums. It was ok ... nothing to really write home about, but something to do in a very pleasant town.

Here are some views of the city ... a nice, fairly clean and quiet town of about 100,000 people.

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/pa1.jpg
http://www.revneal.org/rot08/pa2.jpg
http://www.revneal.org/rot08/pa3.jpg
http://www.revneal.org/rot08/pa4.jpg

And, of course, the obligatory stop at Magallane's Statue!

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/pa5.jpg

All-in-all, Punta Arenas looks like it's a great place to live. The temperatures are somewhat moderated (no hot summers and moderately cold winters), with a low crime rate and a high rate of employment. It's one of those sleepy cities that isn't memorable in as much as its a comfortable, and quiet place, filled with really kind and welcoming people (who don't harass you constantly to buy trinkets but who ARE there to sell to you if you're looking to buy. Adele did lots of shopping here, as well as in Ushuaia ... so, I'm sure the local economies are pleased with us!

[RevNeal]

I notice that I forgot to provide a link to my website where this report is duplicated. Here's a link:

http://www.revneal.org/Writings/rot7.html

This time I posted all of what I posted on my site here on CC. The reports were small enough as to not be problematic.

I've noticed several questions regarding my photos and such ... I'll provide some answers later on (probably once I get home, or while waiting in the airport to fly home at the end of the cruise). However, just so that people are aware of it, I will be posting large photo-galleries of this cruise on my website once I get home and have a chance to sort through the thousands of photos I've taken. What I've posted, thus far, are just samples in a much lower resolution than I use on my website. Once I've gotten those galleries up, anyone who wants a full-sized image should just e-mail me then and let me know and I'll be happy to provide them via e-mail or direct download from my site (if there are a bunch I'll do it that way).

[RevNeal]

We're past Punta Arenas and have also had one day of scenic cruising, with another afternoon of such yet to come before we get to Puerto Mont tomorrow morning. Yesterday have been spent in lazy relaxation, enjoying the seas (which, today, are moderate) and the many quiet activities (lectures, trivia games, bingo, etc) that are being offered aboard ship. The announcements come mid-morning and at 1 pm, but otherwise I've not been bothered by any bingo announcements. Indeed, the cruise staff seems to conduct themselves well in this regard.

Last night was our 4th formal evening and, with just the rarest of exception, the overwhelmingly vast majority of our fellow passengers have demonstrated fantastic taste in dressing not only to the code but even far above it during all our evenings. I've not heard any whining or complaining from those few who don't want to participate ... something which I heard quite a lot of on a prior cruise.

Most Smart Casual Nights (particularly those that are on sea days) find many of the gentlemen in jackets and slacks, with a few in ties and some even in full suits. There's been a scattering of jeans and such on the Smart Casual Nights, and for the most part they look clean and well-put-together. I've not seen anyone in shorts during the evening hours other than out on the sports deck or on the lido deck amidships. Formal Nights have been a delight, with better than 50% of them men in Tuxedos and most of the rest (again, with rare exceptions) in dark suits and ties or jackets, slacks, and ties. The atmosphere of the ship on these evenings has conveyed the refined element that comes with "playing dress up," and it would appear to me that most of us are really enjoying ourselves during our evening activities. I know I am.

I've managed to make it to the two Cast shows ... they've been ok, though I can tell that a couple of the dancers are still working hard to learn their moves. The singers, however, are excellent. Likewise, the lounge bands tend to do a very good job, with the Rosario Strings being excellent and the band in the Ocean Bar being great if only a little too loud. The band up in the crows nest is, probably, the only disappointment ... the two lead singers just sway back and forth in the beat of the music and almost never sing ...and when they do it sounds almost like they're singing phonetically ("leets wok awound de kluck donight ... wok wok wok .... ")

The Rotterdam a lovely ship ... with gorgeous appointments throughout and very well maintained (particularly so compared to the Volendam last November). She truly is a stunning example of everything that makes a damship truly a damship, with refined and understated elegance. The crew is excellent, but it is obvious that they are a bit under-staffed. I've never before seen officers (dining and beverage managers and other uniformed staff) working to bus tables, re-fill coffee cups, etc. Indeed, one evening (the first and only time I've ever eaten in the Lido during the evening hours) I noticed that the Maitre D was actually jumping in to clear tables, help in deliver orders, etc., and never with a grumble. HAL should be both proud of the staff on this ship as well as ashamed of themselves for allowing the staff-levels to fall so low as to demand extra duty from uniformed area supervisors, managers, and the Maitre D himself. I don't have anything to complain about, though. I've only rarely had such speedy meals as these. We're at a table for 8 in the upper dining room (fixed 8 pm seating), must of us are eating four courses (appetizer, soup, salad, entree) and we are still finding ourselves finishing our desserts and dawdling over coffee at 9:30 - 9:45 pm. In the past I've had dinners that have dragged on forever ... but not this time.

A few observations regarding the Open Seating section of AYWD. Firstly, invariably I will look downstairs into the open seating area at almost any moment during our fixed dining period and I have noticed that the place looks remarkably empty. Either most of the people in Open Seating are eating early, or they are choosing to eat elsewhere. Also, I've been hearing a lot of people complaining about not being able to get the fixed dining time which they had requested. Indeed, several couples and not a few singles who had documentation which confirmed them at fixed dining (early and main) came aboard only to discover that they had been assigned to opening seating. In some of those cases they were able to get the Maitre D to switch them to what they had been confirmed, but not in every case. There is more than one family group on this ship very angry about not being able to get a confirmed fixed dining arrangement. I know because I've asked them. Thankfully, I was able to get my fixed seating with the rest of my group and it didn't take any effort on my part.

Well, enough impressions for now ... I think my e-mails are nearly finished downloading. I'll try to report day after tomorrow (our last day at sea) ... if I have any minutes left!!!!!

[RevNeal]

Rev, what up?! Your pictures are awesome, thanks for doing such a great job showing off Antarctica. I wish I was there with you guys! I sure do miss you and Ruthie. Thanks for adding to my Mom's good time on yet another cruise. Can't wait for the EURODAM in JULY!!! :D :D

Emily,

It's good to hear from you! Yes, things are going well here and Adele and I have had fun. The crows nest has been mostly dead, but that hasn't stopped us from doing a little dancing during the later evening hours. Even with the ship undergoing extreme motion, it's been fun. :)

Yes, we're looking forward to the Eurodam as well. Thats' going to be a VERY fun trip!

[jhannah]

Yes, we're looking forward to the Eurodam as well. Thats' going to be a VERY fun trip! Yes, it is! But it's sounding like you're setting the bar very high with the cruise you're on! :cool: I've always wanted to do this itinerary. Now even more so.

[dakrewser]

Yes, it is! But it's sounding like you're setting the bar very high with the cruise you're on! :cool: I've always wanted to do this itinerary. Now even more so.

You and me both, Jim. And Makrewser is being enticed by Greg's pictures too. But looking at our calender, it looks like it would be Dec '09/Jan '10 before we could book it.

[RuthC]

Back to entertainment---this time on the BIG stage.

Most nights the shows are at 8:30 and 10:15, which seem to handle most diners fairly well. One day the early show was at 4:30 PM :eek: with the "late" show at 6:45---this to accommodate scenic cruising of Cape Horn at 8:00 PM.

But this brings up something that I just cannot figure out. Many evenings the "late" show is at 6:45. Now, if there's something special later in the evening (like the Black & White Ball), or an early port coming up the next day (like Ushuaia, 7:00 AM), or the last night (when it's expected you'll be packing later), then it makes sense.
But when a sea day is followed by a sea day, and nothing special is going on that night, I don't understand the switch.

I've been to a few of the production show. Yes, she who hasn't liked them in the past has given them another try. I have to say they have improved somewhat. More of the songs---sometimes even the whole song! :) ---are sung. Much better then when it was minimal snippits. The singers and dancers are very good (sorry, Greg, I see it differently than you do), as are the costumes.
Productions shows still are not my cup of tea, but I'm glad I went to these.

Comedian Marty Brill entertained on my third consecutive cruise. And I have to give him credit---it was primarily a new act each time.
I do enjoy his shows.
I've also enjoyed Celeste Francis (singer) and Beverly Davison (violin, with some weak comedy and some singing).

I'm sorry I haven't gotten to more, but I won't cut my day short to go to early shows unless they're really special. Kind of defeats the purpose of choosing late sitting to do that, doncha know. :rolleyes:

[RuthC]

Oops. Double entry.

[HeatherInFlorida]

................

I'm sorry I haven't gotten to more, but I won't cut my day short to go to early shows unless they're really special. Kind of defeats the purpose of choosing late sitting to do that, doncha know. :rolleyes:

I so agree, Ruth!!! They did this to us on our last cruise with the explanation that they wanted to give the late sitting people a chance to enjoy other entertainment venues earlier in the evening.

My feeling was if I wanted to be dressed and ready for dinner early, I'd have chosen early sitting.

I almost always enjoy the production shows .... I think they've improved greatly. Our last cruise was fabulous.

[RuthC]

We've reached that point in the cruise---all too quickly, it seems---when we all know the end is near. We were at our last port in Puerto Montt today, tomorrow is a sea day for packing, and then it's over.

I had a nice-enough time in Puerto Montt, and even enjoyed the mandatory "shop stop" in Puerto Varas. It looked like every bus went there for about 45 minutes.
Puerto Varas is called the City of Roses and there are beautiful flowers everywhere. It was settled by Germans, and some of that culture continues---in Spanish, though, to a great extent.

There's a Valentine's Ball later tonight, and I may stop in for a while.

I do dread packing tomorrow! :eek:

[jhannah]

Packing to leave is truly the pits! But just think of the memories you've formed during this outstanding sailing! ;)

[RuthC]

It never fails. Not once that I can remember. No matter how hot, cold, rainy, foggy, whatever the weather has been during a cruise, the last day is always a perfect day to sit outside on a lounger with something to read. Warm, sunny skys, calm sea, fresh, clean air.
And so it is today. The day when a great deal of time is spent inside packing. Ugh. This is the day on which I want to savour every last morsel of cruise pleasure, but instead I'm doing my best to fit too much "stuff" into too little space.

This is one reason I like longer cruises---the cruise to packing time ratio is much better that way. :)

But somehow I manage to cram the stuff in the bags AND some more good times into the memory book. The Antarctic team is having a Q & A in a little while---they were a "do not miss" activity all cruise long. Next a civilized spot of tea, post this, then one last Summer evening to enjoy.
Sigh.

[dakrewser]

But somehow I manage to cram the stuff in the bags AND some more good times into the memory book. The Antarctic team is having a Q & A in a little while---they were a "do not miss" activity all cruise long. Next a civilized spot of tea, post this, then one last Summer evening to enjoy.
Sigh.

And while having that cuppa, fantasize about the Capt. announcing: "Sorry, folks, but due to an (un)fortunate incident we'll need to go back to Rio. Everybody stay calm. We should be there in a couple of weeks..."

:)

[Tricia724]

Ruth,

When you get a chance, I would appreciate your comments about the ratio of warm/cool/cold days you encountered and any pointers about clothing for this cruise. We're doing the Antarctic cruise in December from Valparaiso to Rio, and I'm already starting to think about the clothes I'll need to take.

Living in the north, I have a lined jacket, hat, gloves, waterproof boots, etc. for touring and outdoor viewing in the southernmost ports and Antarctica, but I don't have a clue how many days of the cruise will be a milder temperature or downright warm and how many lighter weight clothes I will need.

Your review has only heightened the anticipation I have felt since we booked the holiday cruise last year. We are scheduled to be in Antarctica on Christmas Day, and I am so looking forward to a truly white Christmas. I can almost hear Bing Crosby singing in my ear.:)

Pat

[tomc]

I can almost hear Bing Crosby singing in my ear.

You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better be good,
I'm telling you why:

Freezing bergs are right in our path.

We're gonna get hit,
We're gonna take ice,
We're gonna be scared,
The scene won't be nice:

Freezings bergs are right in our path.

We thought it would be lovely,
They said, "You won't forget."
They promised great adventure,
Which is what we got, you bet.

Soooooo,

We heard the nine toots,
We got dressed all warm,
They lowered the boats
Gals and kids, per the norm.

Freezing bergs were right in our path.


Enjoy your Antarctic cruise!

[jhannah]

Another classic Carten tune! Bravo!!!

[Tricia724]

tomc......best laugh I've had on these boards for a long time.

Great lyrics, but I sure hope I won't be singing that little ditty.:eek:

[AlohaPride]

Oh! You're funny Tom!

"They lowered the boats
Gals and kids, per the norm."

[mamaofami]

Ruth, sorry you had to pack up, but I know the feeling. Now the hard part is to put it all away.

Just wanted to tell you that Brad Stevens in the Piano Bar on the Noordam was really fantastic.

No more chocolates on our pillows for a while. It's sad to hit reality, isn't it?

[RevNeal]

I'm back on land and crying into my hyper-expensive, poorly prepared and sloppily served dinner as I am closely reading Ruth's thread for the first time. Thank you to all of those who remarked so positively regarding our reports. I would have loved to have spent more time on posting reports ... but ... I was having such a glorious time aboard the Rotterdam that it was hard to drag myself to a lounge with my laptop to get online and post.

It was a FANTASTIC cruise, and I'm looking forward to doing it again in a few years. 2011 would be about right, I think.

Oh Greg and Ruth - how wonderful! It's great to hear from you again! Just looking at your photos, Greg, leaves me in awe and wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed your link and extra views of this remarkable part of our world. Words cannot do it justice whatsoever, as am sure photos are unable to also. Curses on you:D, now another trip added to my 'to do' list!!

Oh, Richard ... you'll love it. As I said above, I plan on doing this cruise again, taking Christopher and anybody else who wants to go along with me. :) It's a GREAT cruise. Hey ...make a note for the first few weeks of Jan 2011 ... who knows??

[RevNeal]

Greg might even need to perform an exorcism to cast out that cocoa demon. You've got a chocolate monkey on your back and it's riding you to ruin!

LOL ... I have a video-burst of that to show, once I've had a chance to prepare and upload it. I probably won't be able to do that until I get home, but I promise to post it. All I can say is ... Ruth was, indeed, "exercised."

[RevNeal]

If possible your words are more expressive than your pictures which are awesome! Thank you for taking the time to post and to describe something I will undoubtedly never see.

We can see all the pictures in the world, but when someone we feel we know is actually there and expresses the magnificent beauty of being there, it somehow makes it all so much more real ... almost as if we are there a little bit ourselves.

Thank you.

You've very welcome, Heather. Your kind words mean a lot to me.

[RevNeal]

Yes, it is! But it's sounding like you're setting the bar very high with the cruise you're on! :cool: I've always wanted to do this itinerary. Now even more so.

Put down 2011. I'm serious about wanting to do this cruise again.

[RevNeal]

I've been to a few of the production show. Yes, she who hasn't liked them in the past has given them another try. I have to say they have improved somewhat. More of the songs---sometimes even the whole song! :) ---are sung. Much better then when it was minimal snippits. The singers and dancers are very good (sorry, Greg, I see it differently than you do), as are the costumes.

Oh, I don't disagree regarding the singers. These kids are excellent. The dancers, however, made lots of mistakes ... missing cues and (on more than one occasion) going the wrong way! Chatting with a couple of them in the Crows nest bore out my observations ... they were both very critical of their own errors, and they stated that they'd not been practicing together for very long. Be that as it may, I expressed my thanks to them for their hard work and for putting on a show even in 20 foot seas and significant swell. There was a disaster during their last show ... the hydraulics that run the stage system went out and the platforms collapsed! :eek: Thankfully, none of the dancers or singers were hurt and, after some reorganizing, "the show went on." Later that night I shared drinks with two of the dancers who were moping about the disaster, and I told them both how impressed I was that they were able to re-craft the show to fit the severe limitations of having a stage that wouldn't function.

In short, the cast-shows were good. The singers were excellent and the dancers are working hard to improve their performances. And, in the face of disaster, they were able to work together and (in about 10 minutes) were able to re-arrange the show to allow them to finish it. They deserved that standing ovation.

[cruznon]

Loved the live reports on this cruise! Greg, your photos are beautiful. I would love to do this one day--even more after this thread and those incredible photos!
JUst off the Ooostrdam today and I made sure I got caught up on this wonderful adventure!
Thanks for sharing!!!

[RevNeal]

After a glorious last day at sea (which I spent wandering the ship, talking to people, enjoying the lectures, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and trying to maximize every last instance of the cruise) today began WAY too early. As I was putting out my bag into the hall at 1:30 am (it was hard to leave the Crows nest last night) ... just in time for the crew to put it on the trolly and haul it to the elevators) the Rotterdam was slowing to 6 knots and beginning a slow circular cruise around outside Valpariso's harbor. As it was, we pulled in and docked about 3 am.

I got up at 6 am, dressed, and went up to have my "last breakfast" -- a bacon, onion, and cheese omelet, with hash browns, coffee, O.J., and an english muffin. I then made my way back to my cabin and put my feet up to await the disembarkation process. Amazingly, NOBODY was called to the front desk to "settle up." The process began at 8 am and by 8:30 I was disembarking the ship for a LONG LONG day of transit to Santiago and touring this lovely city.

The HAL arranged tour was a nice one. We stopped at the national race track (it was more a potty stop than anything else), Constitution Square (for a view of the Presidential Palace), the National Cathedral, and then a trip up the side of a hill in a Funicular for a glance (and I mean a glance) at the city from far above and a peek at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. After this we were rushed across the top to the sky way ("cable car") for a trip half-way down to where we ate lunch (at 1:30 pm). After lunch we road across town to a shopping district for a 45 minute mandatory shopping stop. The shops were wonderful, and I made a small purchase (even though there isn't room in my bags!). Then, the bus dropped off some of our number at the Marriot, then several more (including myself) at the Sheraton, before continuing on to the airport with those who are flying home tonight (ugh!). I grabbed a taxi, and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is a LOVELY property in the middle of downtown with fantastic views of the city and of the Andes mountains. And, now, I'm in bed, laptop on my chest, typing of this report and clearing out e-mail. I've got thousands of photos to process ... so ... I ask people to be patient. I may work on it some during the flight (assuming I don't sleep any tomorrow night).

One word of warning. If you're going to do the Highlights of Santiago post-cruise tour, be warned that the time "on top" is limited. Once you get up there they want you to RUSH. And the "little bit of walking" is quite a LOT of walking, climbing steps and a very steep hill. And, it didn't help that our guide kept huffing and puffing and pushing us to "go faster." I'm serious. We made it to the top in the funicular, exited the train, and she said "there, on your left, is the city. Up, on your right, is the statue of Mary. Let's go, the cable-car down to lunch is several hundred meters up the hill over here and we don't have time to spare." I'm SERIOUS. I got 30 seconds "on top" to take a few photos of the city and of the statue, and then I had to literally run to catch up with the group. As it was, several of the members of our group were not physically capable of making the trip. HAL needs to more correctly characterize the tour (it was given the most minimal physical activity ranking, while it should have had at least 2 or 3 walkers).

Time for me to try to get to sleep. Tomorrow I hope to do some touring of downtown (and I may go back to the hill side to see what I missed by being rushed today).

[arzz]

Thank you all so much for taking some of your precious traveling time to share your travels with those of us at home. RevNeal, do enjoy your stay in Chile -- what a wonderful country.

To Ruth C and all of you who were on board the Rotterdam have a safe trip home!

[jhannah]

Seems a trip back up would be worthwhile. Too bad it was so rushed in the first place.

Try to get a little rest!

[SDHALFAN]

Thank you once again Greg for the amazing photos. Coming from the land of ice and snow this cruise just does not appeal to me. It's great to be able to see such great pictures through someone elses eyes however. Thank you for taking the time (and money) to post them.


Thank you so much lorekauf for your post. I took one look at Greg's first photograph and my first thought was "dayum that looks freakin' cold":eek: .

To some, who have never lived through interminable winters; been forced for one reason or another to venture outside during raging blizzards; been so cold that they could actually feel their bones ache from the cold, then I imagine that Antarctica could hold some fascination. As far as I am concerned if I never see Antarctica, or even snow again, it will be too soon.

On the other hand, I cannot deny the majesty of the continent and Greg's photographs are simply stunning. Thank you Greg for taking the time to post them for our enjoyment and edification.

However, give me whales breaching and dolphins playing alongside the ship in the sunny Mexican Riviera during the early part of February. Just got back from that kind of a cruise and I could go again tomorrow if only there were a ship in port headed that way.

As for the rest of this cruise, I love the itinerary. I did the San Diego to Rio cruise about seven years ago - it was definitely one of my favorite cruises of all time - and just found out that in 2009 the Amsterdam is doing a Rio to San Diego cruise. It doesn't visit Antarctica so I'm already booked on that one, and I can't wait - so many great ports and so many adventures, so many wonderful people to meet and some of my faviorite cities to visit again.

Valerie:)

[SDHALFAN]

Double post, sorry about that!

[lorekauf]

Thank you so much lorekauf for your post. I took one look at Greg's first photograph and my first thought was "dayum that looks freakin' cold":eek: .

To some, who have never lived through interminable winters; been forced for one reason or another to venture outside during raging blizzards; been so cold that they could actually feel their bones ache from the cold, then I imagine that Antarctica could hold some fascination. As far as I am concerned if I never see Antarctica, or even snow again, it will be too soon.

On the other hand, I cannot deny the majesty of the continent and Greg's photographs are simply stunning. Thank you Greg for taking the time to post them for our enjoyment and edification.

However, give me whales breaching and dolphins playing alongside the ship in the sunny Mexican Riviera during the early part of February. Just got back from that kind of a cruise and I could go again tomorrow if only there were a ship in port headed that way.

As for the rest of this cruise, I love the itinerary. I did the San Diego to Rio cruise about seven years ago - it was definitely one of my favorite cruises of all time - and just found out that in 2009 the Amsterdam is doing a Rio to San Diego cruise. It doesn't visit Antarctica so I'm already booked on that one, and I can't wait - so many great ports and so many adventures, so many wonderful people to meet and some of my faviorite cities to visit again.

Valerie:)

Glad someone can see why the cold doesn't hold much appeal. It's been a cold winter in Calgary. Too many minus 30 days! I'm sooooo looking forward to the Caribbean in April. You made me smile when I read your post!:D

[SDHALFAN]

Hi again lorekauf:

I tried to "quote" your post but either the board is acting up, or it's my computer having fits again.

I just got back, actually just a few hours ago, from what was known on the HAL boards as "The Yummer Cruise". There was a group of about 70 (?) of us Yummers, but also onboard was a group of about 40 lovely "Red Hat Ladies", mostly from the Calgary area.

What an incredible group of women they are. We "Yummers" had so much fun every time we met up with them. I just felt so awful this morning when I said goodbye to them knowing that they had some longish flights ahead of them, only to be greeted by snow and miserable temperatures once they got home, and here was spoiled little moi faced with a twenty minute drive from the pier to my doorstep - ah, you gotta love San Diego, and believe me I do.

Try to stay warm - believe me, as Bill Clinton is apparently famous for saying, "I feel your pain".

Valerie:)

p.s. I'm so sorry that I forgot to say that I hope you have a wonderful time on your Caribbean cruise in April and that the sunshine eases the memories of this freakin' long cold winter you are going through right now.

[drdentist]

Welcome home! You sold me on this cruise. I called my TA and we put down a deposit. So excited! Revneal, how did you feel being out of touch with no internet for a few days? This is the one thing that really concerns me about this cruise. If there is an emegency can you still be reached on the ship? Also were there any kids? Thanks RuthC and revneal for such a great thread! Hopefully my DH and I will love this trip! Amy

[SharonN]

After a glorious last day at sea (which I spent wandering the ship, talking to people, enjoying the lectures, enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and trying to maximize every last instance of the cruise) today began WAY too early. As I was putting out my bag into the hall at 1:30 am (it was hard to leave the Crows nest last night) ... just in time for the crew to put it on the trolly and haul it to the elevators) the Rotterdam was slowing to 6 knots and beginning a slow circular cruise around outside Valpariso's harbor. As it was, we pulled in and docked about 3 am.

...

Time for me to try to get to sleep. Tomorrow I hope to do some touring of downtown (and I may go back to the hill side to see what I missed by being rushed today).

Have a safe flight home Greg and everyone else that stayed over for an extra day. I just finished the long leg to Atlanta and have a couple of hours before my final flight to Dayton so I should be home early this afternoon to start laundry and get ready to go back to work tomorrow morning. I enjoyed meeting so many ccers on this trip and look forward to reading everyone's final reports (and catch up on what's been posted during the trip without having to watch the # of minutes left!)

[SharonN]

Oh, I don't disagree regarding the singers. These kids are excellent. The dancers, however, made lots of mistakes ... missing cues and (on more than one occasion) going the wrong way! Chatting with a couple of them in the Crows nest bore out my observations ... they were both very critical of their own errors, and they stated that they'd not been practicing together for very long. Be that as it may, I expressed my thanks to them for their hard work and for putting on a show even in 20 foot seas and significant swell. There was a disaster during their last show ... the hydraulics that run the stage system went out and the platforms collapsed! :eek: Thankfully, none of the dancers or singers were hurt and, after some reorganizing, "the show went on." Later that night I shared drinks with two of the dancers who were moping about the disaster, and I told them both how impressed I was that they were able to re-craft the show to fit the severe limitations of having a stage that wouldn't function.

In short, the cast-shows were good. The singers were excellent and the dancers are working hard to improve their performances. And, in the face of disaster, they were able to work together and (in about 10 minutes) were able to re-arrange the show to allow them to finish it. They deserved that standing ovation.

I agree these singers were among the best I've heard on any of the HAL Casts (especially the girl from England) . We really didn't get to see the dancers much (and one was definitely watching his feet most of the show). I had just walked into the lounge when the stage crashed and heard a scream from behind the curtain. It was very scarry and we couldn't believe how professionally they handled the revamped show. The group from my table went to every show and with 1 exception we found them all to be very good to great. The composer/commedian's first show was terrible and I know many people walked out of it. He did a short set in a later show and it wasn't too bad but we were ready to leave if it was.

[RevNeal]

Thank you so much lorekauf for your post. I took one look at Greg's first photograph and my first thought was "dayum that looks freakin' cold":eek: .

It wasn't that cold. Oh, sure ... when the wind picked up and the cloud covered the sun the wind chill made it bitterly cold. But, truthfully, the daytime temperatures never fell all that far bellow freezing, and there were long stretches (especially on the last day in Antarctica) when the sun was bright and the temperatures out on deck were quite comfortable. In short ... it probably looks colder in the pictures than it actually was.

[RevNeal]

To some, who have never lived through interminable winters; been forced for one reason or another to venture outside during raging blizzards; been so cold that they could actually feel their bones ache from the cold, then I imagine that Antarctica could hold some fascination. As far as I am concerned if I never see Antarctica, or even snow again, it will be too soon.

Likewise, to some who have never lived through never-ending, life draining summers; been forced for one reason or other to venture outside during the middle of 110+ (F) degree, hot and humid days and swelter through the long nights where the temperatures never drop bellow 90 (F) degrees ... I can imagine that the Sunny Mexican Riviera in February would hold some fascination. :)

Different strokes for different folks.

[RevNeal]

Glad someone can see why the cold doesn't hold much appeal. It's been a cold winter in Calgary. Too many minus 30 days!

You would have found it balmy in Antarctica. Many of the Canadians did. :D

[mamaofami]

Greg, since we've just returned from the Noordam, I haven't had time to read through this whole thread.

I do want to thank you for telling me how to find the Noordam's bell. It was really great to walk out on that bow and take that picture.

Glad you had a good cruise. Being home is a real bummer, but the room keeps rocking away, just like the boat.

[RevNeal]

Greg, since we've just returned from the Noordam, I haven't had time to read through this whole thread.

I do want to thank you for telling me how to find the Noordam's bell. It was really great to walk out on that bow and take that picture.

Glad you had a good cruise. Being home is a real bummer, but the room keeps rocking away, just like the boat.

You're welcome, and welcome home. :) I transfer to the airport tonight for my flight home. 9 hours in the air! UGH! At least it's a non-stop flight, direct from Santiago to DFW.

4 Months and about a week and a half until my next cruise. Can I stand the anticipation???? :D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I just want to say Welcome Home to all of you.:)
Earlier last week had to be some what quiet on the CC board with so many of us all cruising. But glad to hear everyone is home. I too have not had a chance to read thru the past week's of posts from you thread but as I get caught up I will return to read thru it.

Looking forward to seeing lot's of pictures.

[lorekauf]

Hi again lorekauf:

I tried to "quote" your post but either the board is acting up, or it's my computer having fits again.

I just got back, actually just a few hours ago, from what was known on the HAL boards as "The Yummer Cruise". There was a group of about 70 (?) of us Yummers, but also onboard was a group of about 40 lovely "Red Hat Ladies", mostly from the Calgary area.

What an incredible group of women they are. We "Yummers" had so much fun every time we met up with them. I just felt so awful this morning when I said goodbye to them knowing that they had some longish flights ahead of them, only to be greeted by snow and miserable temperatures once they got home, and here was spoiled little moi faced with a twenty minute drive from the pier to my doorstep - ah, you gotta love San Diego, and believe me I do.

Try to stay warm - believe me, as Bill Clinton is apparently famous for saying, "I feel your pain".

Valerie:)

p.s. I'm so sorry that I forgot to say that I hope you have a wonderful time on your Caribbean cruise in April and that the sunshine eases the memories of this freakin' long cold winter you are going through right now.

You are very kind. Thank you for the well wishes for my Caribbean cruise. It's nice also that you enjoyed the company of the Red Hat ladies. I'm sure they enjoyed your company as well. The weather has been pretty darn nice this weekend so at least they are coming back to some pleasant weather!

[RevNeal]

Greetings from the Airport in Santiago.
Yes, my flight is delayed. They're saying we won't be able to board for another hour (if we're lucky) whereas we should have been boarding right now. :(

Hopefully, I'll be home in 11 hours. But, I'm not going to hold my breath.

All good things must come to an end ... and this cruise was glorious. Sadly, it has now come to its end. :( Oh, well ... 4 months and an odd number of weeks and I'll be boarding the Eurodam for 23 glorious days in Northern Europe. I think I can hold on for that long without a cruise fix. Maybe.

[cdkempton]

Thank you to Ruth & RevNeal for posting this fantastic cruise. We did the SA portion from San Diego to Rio but it did not include Antarctica. I would love to have had that experience as well. Thanks for all the wonderful photos as well. Safe travels to all.
Cheers! Colette

[Mary Ellen]

Hola de Santiago. Que tal. Como esta usted? Esta bien. It appears I desperately need to brush up on my Spanish. Somehow what I was taught over 30 yrs ago has not stuck with me. :o

We expected to return to Santiago, but not so soon. After a scenic low level flight over the area last night, our pilot decided we needed more engines than were functioning during our attempted assent, to make the 9+ hr flight to Atlanta.

We returned to Santiago. Very soon it was determined that this was not a problem with a quick fix. We did see Greg[s AA flight - both when we departed from the gate on one side of it and againwhen returned to the gate on the other side. I sure hope his flight was less eventful.

We and our luggage were deplaned, involving immigration and customs. Given the hour and that Delta is fairly small operation here, the mass confusion was understandable. Our taxi ride here was also *scenic* - we saw parts not on our highlights tour.... :eek:

We are still trying to figure out what is going to happen. All we know right now is that Delta has told us we are being taken to the airport at 1 p.m. We shall see....

Sorry about the odd symbols, but South American keyboards are a bit different and what is on the keyboard, isn[t necessarly what appears on the screen. If we have to take up residency here I will need to learn that - in addition to more Spanish. At least we have a head start on the Spanish. ;)

[RevNeal]

Ugh!
I'm so VERY sorry to read this! And, here I thought you two were ahead of me! I'm so very sorry!!!! My prayers go out to you and Karl for a safe flight today.

I JUST got home. About 30 minutes ago. It was a long flight (9 hours and 45 minutes) and then immigration at DFW took a long time because we were behind a huge group of returning US service men (they rightly have priority, and I'll hand it to my fellow passengers ... I didn't hear anyone grumble; indeed, we applauded the returning troops).

At any rate ... I arrived at the house at 8:45 am Dallas time, to the raucous and loving, welcoming whimpers of my basset, Dorcas. It's good to know that one is missed. :)

[RevNeal]

Here's a shot at getting my prior post to come out of hiding.

[jhannah]

Welcome home! Get some good rest and decompress time.

[Mary Ellen]

Well, it is now about 1430 here. Our flight crew has (recently) departed for the airport. Hopefully, we´ll follow soon. Either that or Delta is going to need to start our Spanish immursion classes, so we can adapt to our new home. ;)

We occasionally hear busses. They turn out to be city busses, but we are like Pavlov´s dogs. Everytime the entire lobby cranes their necks to see if our transportation has arrived.

At least everyone is in good spirits. Being safe here is MUCH better than the alternative.

[RuthC]

It was a grueling ordeal, but I (finally) arrived home at 7:00 PM Sunday night---39 hours after arising in Valparaiso, Saturday morning. My 12:15 PM last leg from Dulles to Providence was canceled, and I was re-booked on a flight at 10:00 PM! :eek: To get home at midnight! Nooooo!!!!!! "PLEEZEEEEE!!!!! Isn't there something else???" she begged. Well, yes, there's one seat on the 5:15 flight, but it's in an exit row and we can't give that to a passenger who's record is flagged for a wheelchair. Perhaps another passenger can be switched? Yes! That can be done! Just see the gate agent for seat assignment. :)
I fell into bed at 9:00 last night and didn't wake up until 9:30 this morning. Still exhausted.

From what I've just read on this thread, and heard from Adele last night, all of our little group had a terrible time getting north of the Equator again.

One suitcase is unpacked, the other still has to get itself up on the bed (it's too heavy for me to lift), the first load of laundry is in the washer, with another load waiting in the on-deck circle. :rolleyes: There will be at least one more after that.
The e-mails were opened (and mainly deleted) this morning, and the snail-mail has been opened and sorted; it will be dealt with later.

Cocoa kitty is very happy that Mommy is home. :D

And I shall make some time for some final thoughts when things are settled in a bit.
Thanks for coming along on this most extraordinary ride.

[SharonN]

It was a grueling ordeal, but I (finally) arrived home at 7:00 PM Sunday night---39 hours after arising in Valparaiso, Saturday morning. My 12:15 PM last leg from Dulles to Providence was canceled, and I was re-booked on a flight at 10:00 PM! :eek: To get home at midnight! Nooooo!!!!!! "PLEEZEEEEE!!!!! Isn't there something else???" she begged. Well, yes, there's one seat on the 5:15 flight, but it's in an exit row and we can't give that to a passenger who's record is flagged for a wheelchair. Perhaps another passenger can be switched? Yes! That can be done! Just see the gate agent for seat assignment. :)
I fell into bed at 9:00 last night and didn't wake up until 9:30 this morning. Still exhausted.

From what I've just read on this thread, and heard from Adele last night, all of our little group had a terrible time getting north of the Equator again.

One suitcase is unpacked, the other still has to get itself up on the bed (it's too heavy for me to lift), the first load of laundry is in the washer, with another load waiting in the on-deck circle. :rolleyes: There will be at least one more after that.
The e-mails were opened (and mainly deleted) this morning, and the snail-mail has been opened and sorted; it will be dealt with later.

Cocoa kitty is very happy that Mommy is home. :D

And I shall make some time for some final thoughts when things are settled in a bit.
Thanks for coming along on this most extraordinary ride.


Glad you got home safely (though late) Ruth C and hopefully the others are able to get out of Santiago soon (and safely). A couple of my tablemates were supposed to be on that Atlanta flight last night so they were probably stuck too. After reading all this I guess I was really lucky with my flights. I was on the Sat night Atlanta flight and we left pretty much on time and my flight to Dayton left just a few minutes late so I was home by 1:30 yesterday afternoon. I didn't even open my bags until I got home from work a few minutes ago but now have the first load in the washer. Then I'd better spend some time on work email since I was in meetings all day and didn't have a chance to look at any of it. Luckily the post office won't deliver my snail mail until tomorrow so I can delay that until then!

Looking forward to reading everyone's final thoughts on the trip after real life sinks in a bit more for all. It was wonderful meeting and spending some great moments of this special trip with all of you. I'll be ready to go again in a few days (I wish!)

[BCEagle78]

It was a FANTASTIC cruise, and I'm looking forward to doing it again in a few years. 2011 would be about right, I think.


Greg,

With all of the interest that these wonderful reports and pictures have brought, I would not be surprised that you could get a contingent of many of us to join you next time. It would be great to have some co-cruisers who can give us a guided tour through this wonderful itinerary! Debbi and I would love the chance to cruise with you again... Ruth, Adele , it would be a great time!

Let's hope we are all healthy enough to plan something like this in 2011!

[RevNeal]

Dear Ruth,

I'm so relieved to read that you made it home safe-and-sound. I was concerned, and from what I read my concern was well-founded.


[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]From what I've just read on this thread, and heard from Adele last night, all of our little group had a terrible time getting north of the Equator again.

Yes, travel was tough. I had problems other than what I've shared on this board -- nothing that, in the end, matters much to anybody else -- and Karl and Mary Ellen are STILL in transit, somewhere. I truly am concerned about them and am praying for their safe return home.

As life settles back down to normal, and as I process through and post high-quality selections from my several thousand pictures, the glorious good news is that we have only 4 months and an odd number of days before we depart for the Eurodam!

I just turned my head to look out my office window. It's already dark here in the Dallas area. <sigh> I miss the "Midnight Twilight."

[RevNeal]

With all of the interest that these wonderful reports and pictures have brought, I would not be surprised that you could get a contingent of many of us to join you next time. It would be great to have some co-cruisers who can give us a guided tour through this wonderful itinerary! Debbi and I would love the chance to cruise with you again... Ruth, Adele , it would be a great time!

Let's hope we are all healthy enough to plan something like this in 2011!

It is an intriguing idea. I now know some of the mistakes to NOT make, and some of the things to definitely DO. :D And, yes, 2011 would be a do-able time-frame. Nothing written in stone, of course. There are lots of cruises to take between now and then, and we don't even know what kind of itineraries they're going to offer in 2011 (and which ship will do it). Still, it's something to shoot for. I DO want to go back for another trip. Ruth was talking about an Expedition cruise with a different line, and that is certainly a possibility ... though I do want to do it on HAL again, too. :) Antarctica is gloriously beautiful, but so is scenic Patagonia. And, there are some side trips -- both pre and post cruise -- that I'd like to look into doing, too. <sigh> Not enough time, and not enough money ... those shall always be our problems! :D

[mamaofami]

I've finally had time to read through all your posts and what an exciting time you have had. Glad you're all home safe and sound.

Ruth, how wonderful that your fall in the elevator didn't stop you from enjoying the rest of your cruise. Your pillow chocolate is with mine!

[RevNeal]

Ok ... I saw THIS for sale aboard the Rotterdam in one of the shops and just had to take a picture of it. What's WRONG with the bear in this photo?

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/whatswrong.jpg

No hints. Adele picked up on it IMMEDIATELY.

[2bout2c]

Ok ... I saw THIS for sale aboard the Rotterdam in one of the shops and just had to take a picture of it. What's WRONG with the bear in this photo?

http://www.revneal.org/rot08/whatswrong.jpg

No hints. Adele picked up on it IMMEDIATELY.
Maybe the bear does love Rotterdam IV, but you guys were on Rotterdam VI>

[jhannah]

Yes, I saw it immediately. They were aboard number six ... not four.

Maybe their website programmers designed the bear's t-shirt! ;)

[dakrewser]

Maybe the bear was waxing nostalgic.....

:rolleyes:

[jhannah]

If the bear was waxing, wouldn't he be in the spa and not the gift shop? :D
Sorry ... my bad!

[RevNeal]

LOL ...
Indeed.
And this wasn't the only stuffed animal that had a shirt with that error on it! :D
ALL the stuffed animals in the bin had it.
I showed it to a shop steward ... she didn't comprehend the problem. Didn't seem to understand it even after I explained it. Oh, well .... :D

[RuthC]

I've finally had time to read through all your posts and what an exciting time you have had.
And I promise that I'll get to reading about your cruise ASAP, Carol. Promise.
Ruth, how wonderful that your fall in the elevator didn't stop you from enjoying the rest of your cruise.
Thanks. I'll admit it slowed me down more than a bit. The nurse was none too pleased that I went on my shore excursion instead of returning to the Infirmary for further treatment. The doctor explained that the smaller bone in the calf could have been broken, yet I could walk. I could have done more damage if it had been broken.
But I wanted to do those shore excursions!

[RevNeal]

Thanks. I'll admit it slowed me down more than a bit. The nurse was none too pleased that I went on my shore excursion instead of returning to the Infirmary for further treatment. The doctor explained that the smaller bone in the calf could have been broken, yet I could walk. I could have done more damage if it had been broken.
But I wanted to do those shore excursions!

So, Ruth, what's the status? Are you going to start wearing a brace, or did the impact fix something that was out of joint?? :D

[RuthC]

So, Ruth, what's the status? Are you going to start wearing a brace, or did the impact fix something that was out of joint?? :D
Nothing got fixed---that's for sure. Now that the swelling has gone away the knee is as painful and unstable as ever; it gets worse by the day. Slows a girl right down, I can tell you! :(
I'll ask my doctor what his advice is and follow that. I'm hoping that getting back to the gym on a regular basis will strengthen the muscles and improve the situation.

[RuthC]

Can't get my reply to "take". Trying again. :(

[AlohaPride]

Welcome home! 2011 here we come!! ;)

[the2ofus]

Here's hoping you are not still in Delta limbo somewhere. What a miserable way to end a beautiful adventure.

Greg, if you are willing to organize a repeat in 2011 I will make every effort to be a part of the group. The Prinsendam this October was too good to pass up and the exchequer couldn't manage both trips in the same year. Ah, why wasn't I born rich??

Glad the rest of you got home safely. I hope Mary Ellen will report in soon.

Ruth, please keep us informed about what is happening with the knee.

[Susie51]

Thank you for your posts and pics. I wish I could be on the Eurodam with you for the cruise of N. Europe. I'm looking forward to reading your posts during that cruise also.

[Mary Ellen]

We did finally make it home yesterday - 47 hrs after we left the Santiago Sheraton for the airport. :eek:

Telling DH's brother (a former USAF jet mechanic) about our very short first flight out of Santiago, his guess was that we had a bird go through an engine as we were climbing. We also took a very long time to slow down upon landing. I already knew that this a result of the engine problem, but BIL also reminded me that our plane was VERY heavy, as we had full fuel tanks for the anticipated 9+ hr flight. At least I didn't hear the engine backfiring until after we'd stopped moving. Some others further back towards the wing heard it while we were still in the air.

While it was reassuring that the runway wasn't lined with firetrucks, it was still a bit disconcerting to see them at the station with all their lights flashing as we were trying to slow down.

All in all, we were extremely impressed with what Delta did for us. Yes, there were some rough patches, but there aren't a lot of Delta employees in Santiago. With only one flight in and one out per day, there isn't normally a need. There was a lot of confusion getting us all sent to hotels for the night. Ok, that is a bit of an understatement, but they were trying. Transportation from the airport was the hang up. It was after midnight and it is hard to come up with buses for 300 on a moments notice.

In Atlanta, Delta really went all out. We arrived about 1:30 a.m. - not normally a time for International arrivals. They worked with Immigration, Customs, and TSA to be there for us. We had been warned that we may have to wait (an undetermined time) on the plane for Immigration & Customs to open. They were there waiting for us. If any of you have arrived internationally in ATL, you know how huge that immigration area is. Imagine it with just the passengers from one 767.

Delta also had a full staff to help with the re-checking and booking of flights (plus baggage handlers, ground crew.... ). Again, a few bumps along the way, but we could tell that everyone (I'm including the government types too - Immigration, Customs, & TSA) was really trying to help us. Delta gave us a voucher for an airport hotel that was very comfortable. We were able to get a few hours sleep, and clean up, before returning for our connecting flight - and home. No seats left in first class, but we did get 3 seats to ourselves in coach. Since we were finally getting home, we really didn't care at that point.

There were a few (only 3 that we saw) passengers who got bent out of shape that Delta wasn't doing enough for them. But that few out of a 767 isn't bad at all.

I/we still need to brush up on our Spanish - we're planning on doing this again in 2011 - and BIL, Chris, may be coming with us. ;)

[RuthC]

Thanks for checking in, Mary Ellen. It's good to know that you are home at last. Safe and sound, too! :)

[dakrewser]

I'm impressed Mary Ellen. After all of that - and with it fresh in your mind - to say you're going back in a couple of years says so much about how great a cruise it was. It's got me thinking of when we should book it...

[RuthC]

It's got me thinking of when we should book it...
2011, maybe? Stayed tuned for further developments, but as of now some of us are planning to group up again. You come, too. :)

[longtimecruiser]

So glad you and Karl finally made it home safely. It was a wonderful trip and I am planning on going again in 2011. So Chris is going in 2011????hmmmmmmmm. Who knows we may have already done a WC together by then...lol lol Hi to Karl. Miss being your neighbor!!!!!
Adele

[Mary Ellen]

I'm finally getting a chance to read about what a great time we had. Oh Greg and Ruth - how wonderful! It's great to hear from you again! Just looking at your photos, Greg, leaves me in awe and wonder. I thoroughly enjoyed your link and extra views of this remarkable part of our world. Words cannot do it justice whatsoever, as am sure photos are unable to also. Curses on you:D, now another trip added to my 'to do' list!!Now Richard, you know back on the Spamdam we tried to talk you into joining us. ;) Just pencil in for Jan 2011 - Antarctica with Greg, Ruth, Adele, Karl, Mary Ellen.... No, wait. Make that ink in on your calender. ;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ruth, a warm welcome home:) . What an amazing adventure!!! I hope the grueling trip home in no way distracted from your otherwise fantastic journey. Knowing you, I doubt it.

[Sunshine91]

We did finally make it home yesterday - 47 hrs after we left the Santiago Sheraton for the airport. :eek:
.........All in all, we were extremely impressed with what Delta did for us.......In Atlanta, Delta really went all out........They worked with Immigration, Customs, and TSA to be there for us......Again, a few bumps along the way, but we could tell that everyone (I'm including the government types too - Immigration, Customs, & TSA) was really trying to help us.........

Mary Ellen - Thanks for checking in. I think everyone was getting a bit worried about you & Karl. Thanks, too, for the balanced report about your experience. It's nice to read good airline story once in awhile.

John & I are looking forward to meeting you & Karl in July aboard Eurodam. :)

[dakrewser]

2011, maybe? Stayed tuned for further developments, but as of now some of us are planning to group up again. You come, too. :)

But that's three years from now :(

Still, we can't do it this year or early next, so Dec '09/Jan '10 would be our first opportunity. Could I really wait another year?

Well, I'll try......

http://www.epa.gov/radon/images/breath1.jpg

[RevNeal]

Mary Ellen, Karl ... I'm so very grateful that you've finally gotten home. Bless you both!

[AlohaPride]

Welcome home Mary Ellen and Karl! In 2011 I think we might use Delta because of how they handled your situation. Thanks for posting your experience!

[SharonN]

Can't believe it's been a week since we had to get off the ship from this wonderful cruise. Sounds like everyone has made it home by now and I'm sure some are still dealing with laundry, mail, and catching up at work like I am. I want to thank all of the other ccer's on this cruise for helping to make my trip so enjoyable. RuthC - I really enjoyed our conversations at the airport and hotel in Rio. I also enjoyed our Rio tour with Adele and Hitler and will always remember it. I also want to thank Cinder, Nancy, DorBil, and others for letting me join them for breakfast/lunch in the Lido and many other conversations and of course Ruth, Adele, Mary Ellen, Karl, and Greg for letting me join them for a wonderful dinner at the Pinnacle. I hope to meet all of you again on another 'dam ship. It's sad not to have one booked yet but need to figure out where I want to go next year.

Now my photos are not anywhere close to being as spectacular as Greg's but I did take some shore excursions to places that the others didn't so have some that you may not have seen so if anyone wants to check out my blog you can find it at http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/SharonAN/

For those of you who have been thinking about taking this trip someday all I can say is Do it (even if you have to go by yourself).

[Mary Ellen]

Thank you all for the warm thoughts and welcome home. I'm still unpacking and doing laundry (and making notes on packing ideas for 2011 :D ).

Sharon, your 'sister', Theresa, was on our flight. I didn't see her again once we landed in ATL, but she was impressed that while we were waiting to re-board in Santiago that the Captain was circulating among the passengers at the gate, talking and answering questions. In ATL we noticed the head flight attendant where we were re-depositing our checked bags after Customs. We thanked her for all she'd done. She was staying there until every last one of us was on our way - to a hotel, or home for the lucky few that lived in Atlanta. I'm looking forward to checking out your blog.

Mary - I hope you don't need to find out the extra lengths Delta and your flight crew will/can go to. ;) We're in the process of booking our E'dam flights to Europe. I'd been thinking of UA/SAS because of their polar routes, but Delta will probably get our $ now. I'd tried unsuccessfully months ago for FF Business seats (for 'free' we'd take longer flights), but because of the great service, we're now willing to pay for the longer routing through Atlanta.

[AlohaPride]

Mary - I hope you don't need to find out the extra lengths Delta and your flight crew will/can go to. ;) We're in the process of booking our E'dam flights to Europe. I'd been thinking of UA/SAS because of their polar routes, but Delta will probably get our $ now. I'd tried unsuccessfully months ago for FF Business seats (for 'free' we'd take longer flights), but because of the great service, we're now willing to pay for the longer routing through Atlanta.

We usually fly delta after looking around for prices. But I just bought tickets to Jacksonville this May with Delta because of your review :D . We can't wait to see you in 2011!

[tomc]

RuthC, Neal and others... Just pencil in for Jan 2011 - Antarctica with Greg, Ruth, Adele, Karl, Mary Ellen. After hearing of various travails and after-effects of long flights, waits, etc, did that affect your cruise memories? I think that would turn me off to doing it again.

[RevNeal]

RuthC, Neal and others... After hearing of various travails and after-effects of long flights, waits, etc, did that affect your cruise memories? I think that would turn me off to doing it again.

As problematic as the travel was, for me it was far more than worth the effort. After much reflection, and after reviewing photos with friends and preparing them for upload, I can say without reservation that this was the best cruise I have ever taken. And that's saying a GREAT deal, because I've had some wonderful cruises over the past 14 years. It had the unbeatable combination of cruising with dear friends, a lovely Dam ship, a superb crew, a FANTASTIC and highly diverse itinerary, and some of the most amazing scenery on the planet. It was an adventure worth the travel-troubles, and even given those problems (and even if I had to go through them again) I will do this cruise again. There are other grand voyages/journeys/adventures I look forward to taking, but this is one I want to do AGAIN. It was THAT good.

Join us. :D

[RuthC]

RuthC, Neal and others... After hearing of various travails and after-effects of long flights, waits, etc, did that affect your cruise memories? I think that would turn me off to doing it again.
Perhaps; I'm not sure yet. I know getting home took a lot out of me, and even now I'm still very tired. But I will recover. And I will return to Antarctica!
I've decided that it might be better next time (and there will be a next time) if I stay in South America an extra day to shorten the length of "day" coming home.

As the days go on I find that I'm thinking less of the grueling return and more of the cruise itself.

[RevNeal]

I've decided that it might be better next time (and there will be a next time) if I stay in South America an extra day to shorten the length of "day" coming home.

As the days go on I find that I'm thinking less of the grueling return and more of the cruise itself.

Dear Ruth, allow me to offer a word of encouragement here. After that long, full day of touring following disembarking Adele's Rotterdam I GREATLY appreciated having an extra day in Santiago. Indeed, I can foresee taking more than 1 day and doing a bit more touring plus also being able to take time to relax and get ready for the trip home. Being able to shower and lay down for a few hours before transferring to the airport was GREATLY appreciated. I know that I arrived at the airport for my flight physically and mentally ready to make the trip; the extra time and money was definitely worth it.

[Mary Ellen]

RuthC, Neal and others... After hearing of various travails and after-effects of long flights, waits, etc, did that affect your cruise memories? I think that would turn me off to doing it again.Well, as one who had problems with flights home, I think that our wanting to do it again in 2011 kind of speaks volumes. :rolleyes:

I've decided that it might be better next time (and there will be a next time) if I stay in South America an extra day to shorten the length of "day" coming home. Ruth - This was the first time we'd stayed over a night at the end of a cruise and we highly recommend doing so in a case such as this (typical a.m. departure from the ship, but late night 9+ hr. flight home after an eight-hr tour). We always arrive at our departure port early, but have never stayed extra at the port of disembarkation. It was SO nice to have a room to rest and 'refresh' after the long day of touring. After a shower I felt 'human' again and we had a lovely dinner out by the hotel pool. I told Karl that I was very glad that we weren't hot, sticky, and tired at the airport with the rest of you. It was great to head for the airport the next day, nice and clean - and relaxed. Then 'stuff' happened, but we'd still stay over a night (or two) next time.

[Mary Ellen]

Actually, one of my favorite memories was from that dinner by the pool in Santiago. I automatically ordered an iced tea with dinner. It was easy to tell from the look on the waiter's face that it wasn't available. So I went to my second choice - not a problem. It was served and I was satisfied.

Near the end of the meal our waiter shows up, beaming, with a glass of iced tea. He said something to the effect of it being a special gift from him to me. It was absolutely the worst glass of iced tea I've ever had - but also the most special. People that know iced tea are aware that it is brewed strong so that it isn't overly diluted by the ice. He didn't. I will never forget his kindness and wanting to please me, that he had tried to make some.

Also Ruth, you would have liked him. He was young and cute. ;)

Oh, that couple from the first night's dinner ;) ;) ;) was also at the restaurant. They didn't get the nice treatment we received. ;)

[the2ofus]

Mary Ellen,
It was good to read all the positive things about your much delayed travel home.

Ruth,
No further mention of the knee. Hope that means all is well and that rest was what you most needed for the healing process.

[RuthC]

Ruth,
No further mention of the knee. Hope that means all is well and that rest was what you most needed for the healing process.
Thanks for asking, Jane. The after-effects of the fall are slowly healing---black & blue going away, swelling gone down. There's still a big, hard lump at the point of impact, and the area is warm, but it seems to be getting back to normal.
Of course, for that knee "normal" is far from good. :rolleyes: Guess I don't have to worry about the abilities of the dance hosts anymore. :(

[mamaofami]

Ruth, I was just coming on here to ask about that knee but see you've already answered. Glad to hear it's slowly getting better. Slowly, is still a good word since it's a step in a positive direction. Hope it continues to heal.

[Cinder Again]

Thanks for the kind words. I too, enjoyed meeting and hanging out with some CC friends. I feel lucky that I decided to stay in the Vina Del Mar for a couple of days before heading home, and we had no travel problems at all. I have a picture of you on deck. Send me an email and I will send it to you. Great meeting you, Sharon, Kathim@hughesdotnet

[RevNeal]

After sorting through about 5000 photographs, choosing the cream of the crop, and processing that cream for posting on the internet, I have finally finished my photo galleries from the South America / Antarctica Cruise.

Here are my galleries.
Remember to click on the thumbs to view each image in a larger slide-show.

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/rotterdam2008/Menu264.html

[Mary Ellen]

Wonderful job, Greg!!! I've sent a link to friends/family. Maybe now they'll cut me some slack about our pictures. ;)

[RuthC]

As promised! Thanks, Greg, for the link to the pictures. If these are anywhere near as good as the ones you posted as we cruised, they'll be worth spending the evening persuing.
I might even right-click on a few to add to the screen-savers. ;)

Who needs to bring a camera when ya got Greg with ya. :D