Are HAL cruises to Antartica to end soon?

[drblue]

Does anyone know if these cruises wil be available for Janunary 2012?

We are considering this cruise for the next season (January).

I know that the HAL itinerary does not alow any landings on Antartica itself - cruising only. So, I have a few questions for you all:

1. Can cruisers actually see any wild life on the Antartica coasts?

2. Does the ship get close enough to land to actually see anything there?

3. So, where are the pinguin colonies?

4. How do we set up excursions?

5. We will also travel with a 4 year old son. Is it a good idea?

[Mary Ellen]

Does anyone know if these cruises wil be available for Janunary 2012?

We are considering this cruise for the next season (January).

I know that the HAL itinerary does not alow any landings on Antartica itself - cruising only. So, I have a few questions for you all:

1. Can cruisers actually see any wild life on the Antartica coasts?

2. Does the ship get close enough to land to actually see anything there?

3. So, where are the pinguin colonies?

4. How do we set up excursions?

5. We will also travel with a 4 year old son. Is it a good idea?

A look at the HAL site would have told you sooner that the Veendam is sailing to Antarctica on Jan 06, 2012 (also Dec 20, 2011).

1. Yes. You will also smell them.

2. Yes.

3. There are penguin colonies in many places you'll be in Antarctica, also southern SA and The Falklands.

4. Just like any other HAL cruise. Ahead of time on-line (highly recommended), once on board (if space is still available), or arrange with private guides.

5. We had a well behaved little girl (about 3-4 yrs old) who seemed to enjoy herself on our sailing.

[J_M_F]

We signed up for the Jan 6, 2012 Veendam sailing as soon as it became available and after having verified through HAL that they had the OK to go to the Antartic that year. We have heard that it may not be long before the larger ships are banned from the Antartic.

Jeff

[Maryandi]

There is also a roll call going for the South America/Antarctica Grand Voyage on the Prinsendam. Arrives and departs from Ft. Lauderdale in January 2012.