Rotterdam: South America / Antarctica Photos

[RevNeal]

The photos from my Rotterdam: South America / Antarctica Cruise are now ready! If you want to view them, go here:

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

I'll also have video clips to share in the next few days/weeks. So, stay tuned! :D

[Sage]

Thanks RevNeal. I have viewed the photos, and they are incredible. You certainly put a lot of work into this, and it shows.

[BldLvr]

Your photos are wonderful and brought back so many great memories for me. DH and I were on your cruise over Christmas and New Years 2006/2007 and it was by far the best cruise we have ever done. And I agree with you, when I stepped out on the bow of the Rotterdam one morning, God's beauty was everywhere. I felt very close to the Lord that morning. Thanks again, I enjoy your travel journals! Sincerely, Marian

[RevNeal]

Thank you both, so much!
I'm aware that there were a couple of pages that had photos and text scrambled out of order ... I think I've gotten them all fixed.

Thanks to the 18 ... no, now 20 ... people who e-mailed to let me know!

[innlady1]

Thank you both, so much!
I'm aware that there were a couple of pages that had photos and text scrambled out of order ... I think I've gotten them all fixed.

Thanks to the 18 ... no, now 20 ... people who e-mailed to let me know!

Now, I think I must be losing my mind...I saw them in Ruth's thread, "Happy Wanderer," of the cruise! Maybe you've posted them twice?

[RevNeal]

Now, I think I must be losing my mind...I saw them in Ruth's thread, "Happy Wanderer," of the cruise! Maybe you've posted them twice?

I posted the notice twice. Once in the Happy Wanderer Thread, and once in a thread of it's own so that people who wouldn't check the Happy Wanderer Thread (because it's old) will see it.

Sorry if I confused you.

[Loreto]

revneal, thanks for the great photos of the Rotterdam! We will be on her May 2nd...can't wait! The ship looks very elegant.
Karen

[InTheWASide]

While it would obviously be the appropriate place to have it, I have NEVER seen a helipad marker on the bow of any HAL ships.

Was there any announcement given, or do you know why the Rotterdam has it there? Is it something that's always been on the Rotterdam, or something new to the fleet?

[Sea Fan]

Greg, I'm so glad you posted these, I told my DH wait till you see Greg's pictures your going to want to go! He's really interested in the trip I know this will do the trick. So far what I have seen is just beautiful!

Thanks,
Dianne

[RevNeal]

revneal, thanks for the great photos of the Rotterdam! We will be on her May 2nd...can't wait! The ship looks very elegant.

Thank you very much, Karen. Yes, she is a very elegant ship ... the gorgeous understated elegance of all dam ships. I love her ... she's definitely become my favorite ship.

[RevNeal]

While it would obviously be the appropriate place to have it, I have NEVER seen a helipad marker on the bow of any HAL ships.

Was there any announcement given, or do you know why the Rotterdam has it there? Is it something that's always been on the Rotterdam, or something new to the fleet?

I was intrigued by it, too. I hadn't seen it, before, on the bow of a HAL ship. However, it is the most logical place for it ... and, indeed, when they've had to evacuate patients from HAL ships in the past, this is where they've done it.

No announcements were made, and I don't think it was used on our cruise. As for it being "new" ... I don't know. RuthC would know if it's been on the Rotterdam all along.

[RevNeal]

Greg, I'm so glad you posted these, I told my DH wait till you see Greg's pictures your going to want to go! He's really interested in the trip I know this will do the trick. So far what I have seen is just beautiful!

Thank you so much, Diane. It was, indeed, glorious ... so much so that it's become a cruise that I absolutely want to do again. Working on these galleries and viewing the pictures, again, has really solidified in my mind and heart a desire to go again.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Greg, Tom and I just viewed your photos and all we could keep saying was WOW!!!. I so loved all the penquin pictures. I would so love to do this cruise, it looks amazing.

Thanks so very much for sharing all this with us.:)

[RevNeal]

Greg, Tom and I just viewed your photos and all we could keep saying was WOW!!!. I so loved all the penquin pictures. I would so love to do this cruise, it looks amazing.

Thanks so very much for sharing all this with us.:)

Thank you, Lisa and Tom. Yes, it was glorious. You really SHOULD do it, once your schedule allows.

Hey, I'm doing it again in 2010 ... so ... think about it!
I hope to take my mother and Christopher.

[MrsMuir]

Rev Neal, after viewing your beautiful photos, I'm rethinking my desire to see Antarctica on an expedition ship. I had thought that the best way to see it was by pulling on parka and boots and climbing into a Zodiac, especially since DH and I are fit and healthy. From your photos and your enlightening captions, it looks like Rotterdam got in almost as close as a small ship. And you were able to enjoy the comforts of "home" instead of the more Spartan conditions of an expedition ship -- and at less cost.

Rev Greg, if price was not an issue (!!) and you could repeat the same basic itinerary, would you prefer an elegant HAL ship or an expedition ship that can land passengers ashore? Which kind of adventure is easier on our poor planet? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Mrs Muir

[RevNeal]

Rev Neal, after viewing your beautiful photos, I'm rethinking my desire to see Antarctica on an expedition ship. I had thought that the best way to see it was by pulling on parka and boots and climbing into a Zodiac, especially since DH and I are fit and healthy. From your photos and your enlightening captions, it looks like Rotterdam got in almost as close as a small ship. And you were able to enjoy the comforts of "home" instead of the more Spartan conditions of an expedition ship -- and at less cost.

Rev Greg, if price was not an issue (!!) and you could repeat the same basic itinerary, would you prefer an elegant HAL ship or an expedition ship that can land passengers ashore? Which kind of adventure is easier on our poor planet? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

If price were NOT an option, and I could afford the $12,000 for a single supplement fare on one of the luxury expedition ships, I would definitely do that so as to be able to go ashore and, indeed, the longer stay in Antarctica (7-8 days, as opposed to 3 or 4). I wouldn't do the cruise on one of the "budget" expedition ships (still costing about $8000) but, rather on one of the few Lines that offer Luxury accommodations for about 100 passengers. The price, however, is WAY outside my range. If I'm going to shell out that kind of money, I'm going to do it for a 30-60 day exotic cruise to the South pacific and the far east.

The Rotterdam's 20 day cruise to South America and Antarctica cost me about a third of what a Luxury Expedition cruise would cost.

I LOVED the trip and look forward to doing it again in 2010. If not going ashore, it is THE way of doing Antarctica in comfort and in style. The sights from the deck are just amazing.

[cruznon]

Greg,
WOW!!!!!
These photos--especially the Antarctica ones--were absolutely breath-taking. Thanks you so much for sharing them.
This cruise is one I hope to take one day. Like Ruth, I love the cold and would love to see these amazing bergs!
THis must have been so special.
Thank you again.

[FinelyRetired]

RevNeal:

Truly amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing them. This cruise has just been placed on my "must-do" list.

What type of camera did you use?

Thanks, Martha

[x lindsay x]

Thanks for taking the time to post you wonderful pictures. The scenery was truly breathtaking.

I think HAL should give you a discount on your 2010 cruise since you will have convinced plenty of people to take this trip after seeing your photos. You've got me thinking about 2009 or 2010.

[RevNeal]

<Sigh>
I THOUGHT I was done, but I'm not!
I forgot to prepare the page for Montevideo, Uruguay! DANG!
I've got a few nice photos from there, too.
I'll have to do that this afternoon and get them linked in to the gallery. When I do, I'll let y'all know in case any of you want to view them. It was a nice port, but not as impressive as BA and certainly not as Antarctica.

[Ichiban Nekko]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful presentation. This itinerary on the Rotterdam currently heads our Wish List and your photos have just reinforced that. Perhaps in 2009 or 2010...

[Atomica]

Greg, those are absolutely fantastic pictures - thank you so much for sharing them with us! I've always wanted to go to Antarctica, and now I do even moreso.

[frbob]

Great pictures Rev. Here's what you missed in the Antarctic Sound.

BTW, what camera equipment did you use. Want that for Christmas!!!

[yiddishkopf]

I substitute teach in high schools in Chicago, so I hear the word awesome many times a day, but in viewing your pictures of Antartica, I feel I am using the word properly.

My SO and I were on the cruise around South America in 2001 (or maybe 2000) but at that time, they didin't include Antartica. Now I'm tempted to do that itinerary again.

Thank you for all your time and talent in posting the pictures. If I ever want to link pictures to a posting, I have to wait for one of my little nieces or nephews to come and show me how to do it.

[iflyrc5]

Revneal - GREAT SHOTS:D !!! I am also interested in what equipment you used. In particular the lenses. I shoot with a Canon 40D and have the Tamron 28-300 with vibration compensation so with the 1.6 crop factor of the camera I am really shooting with a 45-480mm setup.

I really enjoy all your writings and contributions you make to this board.

And BTW - Happy Palm Sunday!!

[purplenorway]

Beautiful photos! After viewing those, I must go to Antarctica someday!

[Mary Ellen]

I think HAL should give you a discount on your 2010 cruise since you will have convinced plenty of people to take this trip after seeing your photos. You've got me thinking about 2009 or 2010.Actually, some of us did get a discount on this cruise. We used the same TA and got group rates. As per CC rules we didn't promote it here, but I 'think' we saved about $400-$500/pp on our double cabin - plus we got some on board perks. I hoping that since I'm not promoting a group cruise, but just mentioning that we were part of a group that has already sailed, that is OK with the CC.

It was quite nice sailing with people we knew, at a better price. PLUS we have Greg's photos of our trip. :D Another advantage was doing some private tours in Rio (pre-cruise) and in Buenos Aires. We didn't pay more than the HAL tours (probably much less) and we had GREAT tours with just 3-5 people. I know we (and Greg) are planning on using the same guide in Rio again in 2010. :D

[RevNeal]

There ... I've added the page for Montevideo, Uruguay. I can't believe I FORGOT a whole port from our tour!!!!! LOL

Here's a direct link to that page: http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/rotterdam2008/PhotoAlbum265.html

[RevNeal]

Greg,
WOW!!!!!
These photos--especially the Antarctica ones--were absolutely breath-taking. Thanks you so much for sharing them.
This cruise is one I hope to take one day. Like Ruth, I love the cold and would love to see these amazing bergs!
THis must have been so special.
Thank you again.


Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it was a very special trip and I look forward to doing it again. You should think about joining us in 2010 for our return to South America and Antarctica! :D

[RevNeal]

Thanks for taking the time to post you wonderful pictures. The scenery was truly breathtaking.

I think HAL should give you a discount on your 2010 cruise since you will have convinced plenty of people to take this trip after seeing your photos. You've got me thinking about 2009 or 2010.

Thanks. :D
I appreciate that. Sadly, HAL doesn't give away much, and apart from group discounts I'm not likely to get much if anything for the gallery and the photos ... unless HAL decides they want to buy the rights to a photo or two. :)

[RevNeal]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful presentation. This itinerary on the Rotterdam currently heads our Wish List and your photos have just reinforced that. Perhaps in 2009 or 2010...

:) Think about 2010! There's a group of us talking about doing this again in 2010 ... join us! :D

[cruznon]

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it was a very special trip and I look forward to doing it again. You should think about joining us in 2010 for our return to South America and Antarctica! :D

Greg, What are the dates? I'll be retired then and it just might work!

[RevNeal]

Greg, What are the dates? I'll be retired then and it just might work!

No dates yet ... but for it to be the South American / Antarctica cruise it would have to be either the first or second departure in 2010. I'd rather go from Rio to Santiago ... it was nice starting in Rio with pre-tours, plus having a day to tour from the ship.

HAL hasn't released the January 2010 schedule, yet ... so ... it just a matter of waiting until they do. The Amsterdam is doing the South American Itinerary in 2009 ... so ... who knows, maybe she'll be doing it in 2010. That would be good, since I've never been on the Amsterdam.

Think about it and keep your January 2010 dates open! :D

[jhannah]

As always, your photos are stunning ... and other superlatives would apply as well. Thanks for sharing them.

2010, huh?

[bobpatj]

Greg,

Thank you so much for sharing your pictures. They brought back wonderful memories of our cruise, in 2005, on the Amsterdam. We did the reverse itinerary of yours, and left early in Jan. We had wonderful weather in Antarctica and rough seas around the Horn. Each cruise is so special! :) :) :)

[RevNeal]

For those who have asked about my camera ... I bought a new camera just before this cruise: An Olympus SP-560. It has an 18X wide-angle zoom (a 27-486MM equivalent) lens and a 7 megapixel CCD. I'm very pleased with it's performance, though I had to switch to manuel focus for most of the long-distance zooms in Antarctica.

I've given thought to stepping up to the full fledged SLRs, like the E-420, but for most of what I want the SP-560 is perfectly good. It is a good camera, and its long range zoom is amazing.

That is one thing I really should say about Antarctica ... to really get the full-impact one really must have a good pair of binoculars and/or long-range ultra-zoom capacity for one's camera. I didn't have a good pair of binoculars, but I did have my 18x zoom on my camera, and that enabled me to see close-up sights that were truly a long way away.

[InTheWASide]

Again Rev, great pictures. I'm still hoping you'll be able to fiond out more about the helipad because that really has me wondering...

But as I was looking through the pictures I noticed there was nothing of the Pinnacle Grill or La Fontaine Dining Room. Any reason why, or just never had a chance?

[RevNeal]

But as I was looking through the pictures I noticed there was nothing of the Pinnacle Grill or La Fontaine Dining Room. Any reason why, or just never had a chance?

<sigh>
I guess I'm just going to have to go back to the Rotterdam so I can take photos. :)

Actually, I didn't bother. They were, both, essentially identical to what is found on the other R-class ships, and I've photographed both on the Volendam and Zaandam in the past.

[RevNeal]

With RuthC's gracious permission, I have added a burst-video I took of her in the Crows Nest, on the last formal evening. She was having a wonderful time "dancing" sitting down.

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/rotterdam2008/iMovieTheater266.html

I have also added it to the Gallery Menu. If you go there, you just click on the picture of her in the listing at the bottom of the Gallery and it will open in a new window.

Ruth, thank you for letting me post this video. It's a lot of fun ... and so are you!

[bepsf]

Greg--

What amazing photos - Thanks for posting them!
How nice of HAL to save a bear from the old Rotterdam (IV) for you...
;)

Oh, but you can't do South America again in 2010 - You need to come do the first leg of the World Cruise with Nana & Apa through the Panama Canal.
:D

[RuthC]

I was intrigued by it, too. I hadn't seen it, before, on the bow of a HAL ship. However, it is the most logical place for it ... and, indeed, when they've had to evacuate patients from HAL ships in the past, this is where they've done it.

No announcements were made, and I don't think it was used on our cruise. As for it being "new" ... I don't know. RuthC would know if it's been on the Rotterdam all along.
Actually, for all the days I've spent on this Rotterdam (97) I haven't been on her since '04. I did spend a lot of time out on the bow during my '03 cruise, however, and the helipad marker wasn't there then.
I don't know when it was added.

And I concur---I don't believe it was used during this cruise, either.

[arzz]

Thank you so much for posting the pictures! You clearly had a wonderful time -- what a wonderful itinerary I can understand the wish to do it again.

[InTheWASide]

Actually, for all the days I've spent on this Rotterdam (97) I haven't been on her since '04. I did spend a lot of time out on the bow during my '03 cruise, however, and the helipad marker wasn't there then.
I don't know when it was added.

And I concur---I don't believe it was used during this cruise, either.

Do you know if the bow of the ship has always been grey?

I know that the HAL ships don't have teak out there (I'm almost certain), but all other ships do have the same colors out there... I've never seen grey on the bow either, which just confised me more.

Rev-
I saw your reply but didn't want to multi-quote :) Totally understand about the R class Pinnacle, but would have liked to have seen the La FOntaine as there are some differences (primarily ceiling). No worries though. Just wasn't sure if there was a reason or not. I couldn't imagine that you did nothing but the Lido for 20 days :)

[RuthC]

Do you know if the bow of the ship has always been grey?
I have no idea. It's never come up before.

This Rotterdam came into service in October (it was late, so that could have gone into November) 1997. I first sailed her in Sept. 02, but never went out to the bow on that cruise.
I can't remember looking down from the Crow's Nest on that cruise. (You could still see the bow from there then.) I probably did, but just don't remember it.

[Mary Ellen]

I'm thinking that all the bow areas of the HAL ships I've been on have been gray. I can't think of what color they would have been otherwise.

Also, Karl reminded me when I was talking about our going to Antarctica again in 2010, that on board we were talking about 2011. Have things changed?

[RevNeal]

Greg--

What amazing photos - Thanks for posting them!
How nice of HAL to save a bear from the old Rotterdam (IV) for you...
;)

Oh, but you can't do South America again in 2010 - You need to come do the first leg of the World Cruise with Nana & Apa through the Panama Canal.
:D

Ah ... er ... probably not. I don't relish the thought of going on the first leg of the World Cruise without staying aboard for the whole thing. :) Sorry!

[Sage]

Brian, can we come do the Panama Canal with you in 2010? We may stay on for a couple of legs.

[Copper10-8]

While it would obviously be the appropriate place to have it, I have NEVER seen a helipad marker on the bow of any HAL ships.

Was there any announcement given, or do you know why the Rotterdam has it there? Is it something that's always been on the Rotterdam, or something new to the fleet?

FYI, It's not a helipad marker. You'll find those on war ships and on passenger ships large enough to accomodate a landing helicopter. This marker on Rotterdam appears to be an aid for the pilot of any rescue helo involved in an arial evacuation from Rotterdam. In other words, it marks the spot on deck (in this case the bow) deemed best suitable to perform an aerial evacuation (such as a medevac) from. Usually a spot with enough clearance from obstacles such radar antennas, telecommunications domes, rigging, masts, etc. for the pilot to make a safe approach, accomplish the evac and get the heck out of Dodge

I could be wrong but I think it is fairly new - Don't remember seeing it on Rotterdam in SEP last year

Nice pics, Rev

[RevNeal]

Do you know if the bow of the ship has always been grey?

I know that the HAL ships don't have teak out there (I'm almost certain), but all other ships do have the same colors out there... I've never seen grey on the bow either, which just confised me more.

Actually, the S-class ships DO have teak wood out on the bow.

Statendam:
http://www.revneal.org/Resources/hawaiicruise/hawaii83.jpg

Ryndam:
http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/.Pictures/ryndam2007/ryndamoutside/bow3.jpg

I saw your reply but didn't want to multi-quote :) Totally understand about the R class Pinnacle, but would have liked to have seen the La FOntaine as there are some differences (primarily ceiling). No worries though. Just wasn't sure if there was a reason or not. I couldn't imagine that you did nothing but the Lido for 20 days :)

I ate more in the Main Dining room than I did in the Lido, actually. Ate dinner in the Lido ONCE, had lots of breakfasts and lunches in the Main Dining room.

[RevNeal]

Also, Karl reminded me when I was talking about our going to Antarctica again in 2010, that on board we were talking about 2011. Have things changed?

2010 or 2011 was when we were talking about. All I know is that it CAN'T be 2009 because I'm already booked for Jan 2009. The EARLIEST is could be is Jan 2010. 2011 would be ok, too. It all depends upon what HAL's schedule for 2010 looks like and what else I want to do. Alternatively, I've though of doing the cruise to Tahiti, round trip out of San Diego, in 2010. :)

[RevNeal]

FYI, It's not a helipad marker. You'll find those on war ships and on passenger ships large enough to accomodate a landing helicopter. This marker on Rotterdam appears to be an aid for the pilot of any rescue helo involved in an arial evacuation from Rotterdam. In other words, it marks the spot on deck (in this case the bow) deemed best suitable to perform an aerial evacuation (such as a medevac) from. Usually a spot with enough clearance from obstacles such radar antennas, telecommunications domes, rigging, masts, etc. for the pilot to make a safe approach, accomplish the evac and get the heck out of Dodge

John is correct. The marker is too far aft on the bow to be a landing pad. And, the forward hatch would play havoc with any helicopter actually landing on the bow, anyway. They HOVER over the bow and drop down crew and a cage/stretcher to pick patients up off the ship.

[RevNeal]

2010 or 2011 was when we were talking about. All I know is that it CAN'T be 2009 because I'm already booked for Jan 2009. The EARLIEST is could be is Jan 2010. 2011 would be ok, too. It all depends upon what HAL's schedule for 2010 looks like and what else I want to do. Alternatively, I've though of doing the cruise to Tahiti, round trip out of San Diego, in 2010. :)

Actually, thinking about it ... I'd almost rather wait until 2011. That gives time to do other things, etc., and to build excitement for another trip. :)

[RevNeal]

I've finished another video ... this contains motion video and slip photos of cruising in Antarctica ... with music.

http://homepage.mac.com/revneal/rotterdam2008/iMovieTheater267.html

I've also added it to the Gallery Index ... so ... you can find it there, too.

[sailinglisa]

Revneal - I usually just lurk on the HAL board, but I just want to say I absolutely loved your pictures from the Rotterdam. It has inspired me to someday do an Antarctic cruise.......although it will be a few years off. Thank you!

[Ichiban Nekko]

Greg -- We would love to be a part of any group that forms in the future and will definitely keep our eyes open here on the boards. The group you sailed with this year obviously was a lot of fun.

On your photos, we really appreciated you showing what an inside cabin on the Rotterdam looked like as we would probably be looking at booking an inside or an obstructed view if/when we book this itinerary.

Lisa -- It's great to see your name again! It's been a long time since Quebec to FLL via Newfoundland. Wouldn't this be an amazing sailing?

[silvercruiser]

REV NEAL, your pictures of Antarctica brought back good memories of my cruise in '97 on the Marco Polo. Althought it was a cruise ship, not an expedition ship, we did have zodiac boat landings. They gave us all red parkas so no one would get left behind and we got up close to all the penguins.
That ship had a helicopter on board to fly on ahead looking for icebergs. Unfortunately, a few years later there really was an "iceberg incident" and Capt. Roland's employment was terminated.

[RevNeal]

Revneal - I usually just lurk on the HAL board, but I just want to say I absolutely loved your pictures from the Rotterdam. It has inspired me to someday do an Antarctic cruise.......although it will be a few years off. Thank you!

Thank you so much. It was a wonderful cruise, and I enjoyed documenting it for myself and for my friends. And, even though it was a great deal of work, I also enjoyed re-living it through processing the photos and video and posting them on the internet for others.

Don't lurk so much! :) Keep posting ... the waters fine! :D

[RevNeal]

Greg -- We would love to be a part of any group that forms in the future and will definitely keep our eyes open here on the boards. The group you sailed with this year obviously was a lot of fun.

On your photos, we really appreciated you showing what an inside cabin on the Rotterdam looked like as we would probably be looking at booking an inside or an obstructed view if/when we book this itinerary.

Any preperations that we do for another South America Cruse (be it 2010 or 2011), will be obvious on the board. i.e., we'll talk about it and the cruise will be posted in my signature ... so ... keep it in mind. Right now, after talking with a few people, it sounds like 2011 might be a bit better for all those involved. If we wait until then it will certainly be ok with me. It's an expensive cruise for either a couple or a single, so one really should space out one's cruise time across the years. And, in talking with Christopher, HE reminded me that we were thinking about South-East Asia in either the Fall of 2009 or the Spring of 2010 (depending on which direction we sailed). SO ... that would force SA/A into 2011. But, that's ok ... because no matter when it is, I AM going again!

:D

And, yes, I'm an inside-cabin kind of guy. When it's just me, with me paying that painful single supplement, I like inside cabins. Not that I don't like having a window or a balcony -- I DO! -- it's just that the price for either is often prohibitive given the length and cost of the cruises I like to take and the single supplement that gets tacked on when I'm cruising solo. If, however, I'm not paying the single supplement and am sharing the cost of the cruise with someone else, it's a little easier to go with an outside cabin. The MM category just abaft the aft stairs on the dolphin deck is a nice category of cabin. If I can't be amidships I prefer to be aft ... the motion is not as jerky as it can be in the front. And, those cabins are so close to the stairs, etc., that it's a very short, quick walk to anywhere (except the bow!)

My favorite inside cabins are the Js on the Lower Promenade Deck ... midships and equidistant to just about everywhere and a very SHORT walk to the ship's biggest verandah! :) And, on the inside, they'll look JUST LIKE the MM cabin I had on the Rotterdam.

[RevNeal]

REV NEAL, your pictures of Antarctica brought back good memories of my cruise in '97 on the Marco Polo. Althought it was a cruise ship, not an expedition ship, we did have zodiac boat landings. They gave us all red parkas so no one would get left behind and we got up close to all the penguins.
That ship had a helicopter on board to fly on ahead looking for icebergs. Unfortunately, a few years later there really was an "iceberg incident" and Capt. Roland's employment was terminated.

Thank you very much! Yes, the Marco Polo was a lovely old ship ... very much a SHIP, though not an "Expedition ship." Up to this year it was the cheapest way to get to do shore-landings in Antarctica, and to do so in luxury. Sadly, the Marco Polo is being sold and the Orient Line is going kaput. :(

[photodoodle]

I am struck dumb by the beauty of your photos. I viewed them and then sat in silence for a little while. The shots of the Gentoos on the iceberg are pure poetry. You had some really nice light, in both bright and overcast conditions. Well done. I can't wait to go there one day myself.
Bravo!

[sailinglisa]

Kat - what a pleasure to see you posting again too! Yes, the Quebec - FLL trip was an awesome one. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for a SA/A cruise in a couple of years!

[RevNeal]

I am struck dumb by the beauty of your photos. I viewed them and then sat in silence for a little while. The shots of the Gentoos on the iceberg are pure poetry. You had some really nice light, in both bright and overcast conditions. Well done. I can't wait to go there one day myself.
Bravo!

Thank you very much. I'm very honored. It was a joy being there to take the photos ... truly, a cruise worth taking.

[photodoodle]

Going to Antarctica has been a dream of mine for some time. When I looked into it a little, it seems the larger ships of the big cruise line do not go ashore at all on Antarctica. I think landings are available on the smaller, 'expedition' type lines. However, the comforts and amenities are far fewer (not a problem for me), but the price is more in the "sell your car" range (that's a problem!). Did you long to go ashore and walk around? I think I might find it difficult to be so close and not set foot on the continent.

[Mary Ellen]

Did you long to go ashore and walk around? I think I might find it difficult to be so close and not set foot on the continent.Greg will most likely have a different answer, but we did NOT at all mind not being able to set foot on Antarctica. Going there has long been a dream of DH's. Actually, one of his highlights of our three weeks in NZ, about 10 yrs ago, was the Antarctic Visitors Centre near the Christchurch airport. In his younger years he would have liked to had a position at a research station in Antarctica.

For me, it was 'kinder to the environment' to stay on board a ship. We have trails here in the mountains with signs reminding one to stay on the trail. Just walking off the trail can damage the fragile environment. I can't imagine what it could do to what little can grow in Antarctica. Considering I'm far from a 'tree hugger' ...

Actually until the cruise, I had NO idea that anything could grow there.

During our time in Antarctica, I asked DH if he was disappointed we didn't take a 'landing' cruise instead. Without hesitation or question -"no".

After having read about the procedures one must go through to go ashore and return to the ship, I'd rather not go through the hassle. I was quite happy to just stand there trying to take everything in.

[photodoodle]

After having read about the procedures onw must go through to go ashore and return to the ship, I'd rather not go through the hassle. I was quite happy to just stand there trying to take everything in.
Interesting. I'll have to learn more about that. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the landing question.

[RevNeal]

Going to Antarctica has been a dream of mine for some time. When I looked into it a little, it seems the larger ships of the big cruise line do not go ashore at all on Antarctica. I think landings are available on the smaller, 'expedition' type lines. However, the comforts and amenities are far fewer (not a problem for me), but the price is more in the "sell your car" range (that's a problem!). Did you long to go ashore and walk around? I think I might find it difficult to be so close and not set foot on the continent.

You're correct in that the big ships are not allowed to put passengers ashore. Only the smaller "Expedition" ships are allowed to do that. For a long time the only "bigger" ship that was allowed to put people ashore was the Marco Polo of the Orient Line, and even then the ship was allowed to sail at only half-capacity. Sadly, the Marco Polo is being sold at the end of this Antarctica season and the Orient Line is being closed down. :(

I must admit this ... I've been to Antarctica ago. 10 years ago I went on the Marco Polo. It was glorious, and I enjoyed the shore excursions. This being said, I absolutely enjoyed -- LOVED -- this cruise on the Rotterdam. Even without going ashore, I was glorious and I would absolutely do it again.

If money were not an option, I would take one of the few Luxury Expedition offerings that exist. For instance, the Corinthian II offers luxury cruises to Antarctica which allow for landings. Starting next year the new Clelia II will be brought on-line and she will also offer luxury cruises to Antarctica. The prices of these cruises is high, but if one wants to go ashore in Antarctica this is "the way" to do it.

For me, given my limited financial resources and the limits of what I'm willing to tolerate in my cruise vacations, I prefer to go with the "cruise but not land" options that HAL and other lines provide.

[silvercruiser]

Greg, I wonder if we were on the same Marco Polo cruise 10 years ago. We went from Athens to Antarctica, which was four segments, starting in October '97 and ending in early Jan., '98 I remember that on New Years' Eve in Antarctica it was formal night and I asked one of the scientist/lecturers, who was all dressed in his tux, sipping champagne, if he wouldn't rather be on an expedition ship. He looked at me as if I were crazy and said an emphatic, "No."

[tjcox9]

As one who is very interested in an Antarctica cruising, I'm just curious if HAL has speakers/experts who do presentations on sea days and from the bridge while in the scenic areas.

I know they do that on some itineraries and just wondering about the quality/quantity of that on a HAL Antarctica adventure.

BTW, loved the photos. Too bad you missed Port Stanley.

[RevNeal]

Greg, I wonder if we were on the same Marco Polo cruise 10 years ago. We went from Athens to Antarctica, which was four segments, starting in October '97 and ending in early Jan., '98 I remember that on New Years' Eve in Antarctica it was formal night and I asked one of the scientist/lecturers, who was all dressed in his tux, sipping champagne, if he wouldn't rather be on an expedition ship. He looked at me as if I were crazy and said an emphatic, "No."

No ... it wasn't I. Dad and I did Antarctica in 1999. But it sounds like it could be me. :)

[RevNeal]

As one who is very interested in an Antarctica cruising, I'm just curious if HAL has speakers/experts who do presentations on sea days and from the bridge while in the scenic areas.

I know they do that on some itineraries and just wondering about the quality/quantity of that on a HAL Antarctica adventure.

BTW, loved the photos. Too bad you missed Port Stanley.

Thanks ... and ditto.
They had 3 excellent lecturers who also gave us a running commentary on what we were seeing while we were in Antarctica. I learned a lot on this cruise.

[RuthC]

Just to correct an earlier post I made---

Last night I noticed the heli-pad on a photo of the Rotterdam I have. The photo was taken during "The Wave" of 8/23/03. So it was there at least that long ago.

Funny what we don't see until we look for it. :rolleyes:

[RuthC]

My dear Greg, I finished going through your photo galleries last night. It took since Saturday to savor them all!
Now, all I can say is "Wow!". The artistry is evident, as is your generosity of time and effort to make them available to all of us.

Thank you so very much for sharing them.

I'll never need to bring a camera as long as you're around on my cruises! :D

[Downwind]

Reverend Neal,

Thanks for the great pictures. I can appreciate all the work that went into the project. Keep on cruising and keep up the good work.

[RevNeal]

Reverend Neal,

Thanks for the great pictures. I can appreciate all the work that went into the project. Keep on cruising and keep up the good work.

Thank you very much! I just finished viewing your own photos from 2 cruises prior to mine! Excellent! Thank you so much for sharing yours!

[RevNeal]

My dear Greg, I finished going through your photo galleries last night. It took since Saturday to savor them all!
Now, all I can say is "Wow!". The artistry is evident, as is your generosity of time and effort to make them available to all of us.

Thank you so very much for sharing them.

I'll never need to bring a camera as long as you're around on my cruises! :D

Thank you, dearest Ruthless. I will be happy to take pictures for you on all your cruises!!! :D