Cape Horn/Drake Passage... How rough is it?

[Coolcruise02]

Hello.....I am sure many others will be chiming in on the cruise as time allows. Will give a few details and please forgive as we have been in the air for 12 hours or so and then a two hour drive home and are pretty well whipped.

 

We were able to stop at the Falkland Islands. The seas were a bit rough (have been in worse tendering situations) and do know that it kept some from going ashore. We rode back on one tender that had the front window broke out by wind and waves soaking some passengers. Tendering had to be suspended at one point due to rough conditions but was later resumed and all made it back to the ship.

 

Leaving the Falklands and heading to Cape Horn the winds and waves were rough but nothing alarming. Thru the night the storm increased and continued increasing during the day. Seas were building to 35-40 feet and winds over 50 knots. There was quite a bit of glass breakage around the ship and shops and casino were closed down as the storm worsened. Sitting in the Crow's Nest in the late afternoon several seas washed over the windows. The ship was shuddering at times and it seemed quite likely the props were spending time out of the water now and then. The captain did a marvelous job keeping us informed on the storm and how they were trying to handle the situation. It appeared we tried to make it into the lee of the South America coast but the situation continued to worsen. We lost the sensors showing the ships position on the ship map so we could not follow our course on the ship from then on. Around dinner time an attempt was made to feed the passengers but sea conditions were terrible and getting worse. The captain recommended that everyone go to their cabins and they would try to get sandwiches to everyone as the conditions allowed.

 

It was obvious that we would not make Cape Horn and were now attempting to just survive the storm and find a way out of it. As darkness settled in the seas were tremendous running from 60 to 80 feet and winds approaching 100 knots. The captain stated at one point we were making 3 knots of speed as that was all we could do. It was a rough night for all sleeping and very tough for the crew. I am sure they were getting exhausted from the battle.

 

Sometime in the early morning hours the sheave broke on an anchor and it went to the bottom along with 900 feet of anchor chain. It took 3-4 hours and heroic work by captain and crew to safely retrieve the anchor before we could continue on to Ushuaia.

 

I am sure others will add more details and insight but we are too tired to add anymore at the moment.

 

For us it was the thrill of a lifetime experiencing some of the worst weather the Southern Oceans are capable of. For many others I can safely say it was their worst nightmare come true.

 

Our thanks go out to Captain Rik Kormbeen, Chief Engineer Tom Mohan, and the Veendam Crew for getting us thru the worst storm in the Captain's 27 year career on the high seas!

 

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[terigo]

Wow.... After reading some of this, I don't know how I feel about doing this....

 

Part of me would love the adventure, but the candy-a$$ part of me is saying, "are you out of your mind?"

 

I really do appreciate the feedback though... gives me something to think about...

Hubby says he doesn't have to think about it.... he LOVES the idea.

[prescottbob]

Hello.....I am sure many others will be chiming in on the cruise as time allows. Will give a few details and please forgive as we have been in the air for 12 hours or so and then a two hour drive home and are pretty well whipped.

 

We were able to stop at the Falkland Islands. The seas were a bit rough (have been in worse tendering situations) and do know that it kept some from going ashore. We rode back on one tender that had the front window broke out by wind and waves soaking some passengers. Tendering had to be suspended at one point due to rough conditions but was later resumed and all made it back to the ship.

 

Leaving the Falklands and heading to Cape Horn the winds and waves were rough but nothing alarming. Thru the night the storm increased and continued increasing during the day. Seas were building to 35-40 feet and winds over 50 knots. There was quite a bit of glass breakage around the ship and shops and casino were closed down as the storm worsened. Sitting in the Crow's Nest in the late afternoon several seas washed over the windows. The ship was shuddering at times and it seemed quite likely the props were spending time out of the water now and then. The captain did a marvelous job keeping us informed on the storm and how they were trying to handle the situation. It appeared we tried to make it into the lee of the South America coast but the situation continued to worsen. We lost the sensors showing the ships position on the ship map so we could not follow our course on the ship from then on. Around dinner time an attempt was made to feed the passengers but sea conditions were terrible and getting worse. The captain recommended that everyone go to their cabins and they would try to get sandwiches to everyone as the conditions allowed.

 

It was obvious that we would not make Cape Horn and were now attempting to just survive the storm and find a way out of it. As darkness settled in the seas were tremendous running from 60 to 80 feet and winds approaching 100 knots. The captain stated at one point we were making 3 knots of speed as that was all we could do. It was a rough night for all sleeping and very tough for the crew. I am sure they were getting exhausted from the battle.

 

Sometime in the early morning hours the sheave broke on an anchor and it went to the bottom along with 900 feet of anchor chain. It took 3-4 hours and heroic work by captain and crew to safely retrieve the anchor before we could continue on to Ushuaia.

 

I am sure others will add more details and insight but we are too tired to add anymore at the moment.

 

For us it was the thrill of a lifetime experiencing some of the worst weather the Southern Oceans are capable of. For many others I can safely say it was their worst nightmare come true.

 

Our thanks go out to Captain Rik Kormbeen, Chief Engineer Tom Mohan, and the Veendam Crew for getting us thru the worst storm in the Captain's 27 year career on the high seas!

 

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

...post and review.

 

Thanks so much.

 

Remain well & Merry Christmas!

 

Bob:)

[SwissMyst]

Who is the Veendam's captain? (just curious :) )

 

The recent Statendam captain (Tim Roberts, or something like that?) said he would soon be going to the Veendam.

[Gablin]

I was on the Veendam from 26 November to 8 December, Valparaiso to Buenos Aires, this year. Our Captain, Peter Harris, announced as we approached the Falklands, that he was canceling that port call, as the seas were too rough for the tenders to operate there.

 

We had experienced a bit of rough weather on the first sea day, along the coast of Chile, and I had some moments of feeling queasy. That day, I kept my eyes on the horizon, ate green apples and crackers, got some fresh air and walked away from anyone who wanted to discuss seasickness. I also ate a piece of ginger candy every so often.

 

By the time we had rounded the Horn and we were headed out toward the Falkland Islands, I guess I had my sea legs, because I did not feel any bit of seasickness.

 

From Ushuaia to Montevideo, we had four days at sea, in a row, with three of those days being pretty rough. At one point, we were told that the waves were over 28 feet and that the wind was 64 miles per hour. I don't remember being given any further information about wave height, but the motion seemed worse later that evening. Very few passengers came to lunch or dinner, especially those for whom walking is already a challenge. One afternoon, I noticed that water from the waves was hitting the window of my cabin, which was on Deck 5. That evening, at dinner, several tables lost their dishes, glasses and cutlery. There were only three of us at our table for eight, but we managed to catch everything at the first large roll. With the next one, my champagne glass fell over and spilled all over the man seated next to me. One of the stations lost some glasses and wine bottles, which was a very noisy episode, and appeared to alarm the dining room staff somewhat.

 

During most of those four days, we were not permitted to go to the outside decks. It was very interesting to sit in the Crow's Nest and watch the ocean!

 

The Lido deck was a soaking mess, near the pool, as the pool water kept escaping onto the deck.

 

It was during the storm we experienced that the Cleilia II was damaged, although by the time that happened, we were out of the storm and headed into Montevideo. We heard about it on the Veendam, however.

 

I was very glad to have the experience, and to circumnavigate the horn on the Veendam, and I had no trouble sleeping, as being rocked by the waves makes me sleepy.

[1jade105]

Can't tell you scary it was!! We all admitted later that we didn't think we were going to make it. The captain said it was the worst storm he'd seen in 27 years at sea. 98 foot swells and 110 mph winds!@!

 

I'm sure there will be many posts to follow. We just got home today.

 

Glad you made it home safely. Looking forward to the posts to follow.

[donaldsc]

I did it on the Nordkapp. My wife will disagree with me on this point but one way it was slightly rough and one way it was dead calm.

 

I was disappointed as I was hoping for really really big seas.

 

However, when we got to Cape Horn, the weather turned and we had a force 12 gale. It was great! I loved it.

 

DON

[Randy H]

We were aboard Veendam in January 2010 for a Rio to Valparaiso via Antarctica cruise...

 

We had snow... lots of snow in Antarctica... and "lake" Drake for Cape Horn... We made all ports... but had very high winds at Punta Arenas... They paid for a tug to push against the ship while tied to the dock for 5 hours.

 

Later we had winds and 24' seas... lots of folks were worried... but it was not a significant issue, and as my wife says, it made it "shippy"

 

On other trips, in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific we have experienced much worst seas... On both occasions people thought they would die... others just enjoyed things... My favorite was watching a deck chair fly over the stack... We had an extra glass of wine...

 

The big ships are really safe... the Masters in control, with the experience needed to assure passenger safety...

 

That being said, the Horn can challenge experience...

[RuthC]

Wow! There are some really great stories here of the Drake Lake, and those that dare cross her. My crossings don't come close to comparing. :(

I've done the Rio to Santiago, via Antarctica, route twice. There were some rough spots on both trips doing the actual crossings. But the area of Cape Horn? Dead calm both times. I didn't even feel that little "bump" where the Pacific and Atlantic meet. ;)

All I can say to anyone considering this itinerary, is try it. If nothing else, you'll come home with tales of adventure that you can dine out on for years!

[Liv4cruzin]

I am currently on the Veendam, having left Valparaiso yesterday. The ship's crew are still talking about the last sailing. I'm crazy like some of you; the thrill of rough seas excite me. And I specifically chose an aft cabin just to accentuate the "ride". The likelihood that it will be rough sailing, is extremely high.

 

It's been a bumpy ride for sure; but nothing compared to the voyage that just ended. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays like this; but doesn't get any worse. This is fantastic seas for sleeping.

[babblefish]

Well it looks like the last three Veendam voyages have experienced a bit of weather! Our worst sea conditions were in the Pacific, Cape Horn appeared to be less than 20ft swells, but on two nights things got interesting.

 

We left BA with great weather and mild seas. Montevideo was closed due to a fishing boat fire so we had an extra sea day. As we headed south seas were gradually building but never exceeded 20 feet until Cape Horn. Falklands were windy but manageable, and leaving there was a strong swell, the stabilizers made for a comfortable ride. The day approaching Cape Horn went from bright sun, to cloudy and 3 hours before reaching the cape we were sailed through several snow squalls.

 

The real interesting weather was each time we entered the Pacific and headed north. The first event as we were in the western Beagle Channel had winds jumping from 15mph up to 80mph within several minutes, gusts up to 110mph! The ship was heeling at times, enough to make for difficult walking. Later, in the ocean the guesstimate was seas in the 40 ft. range but since it was night time it did not really matter. We slept well until a poorly secured glass rolled off a table and broke, waking us around 0430. We cleaned it up and went back to sleep.

 

The 2nd noticeable event was as we left the Magellan Strait before we turned north. Captain Harris had mentioned it would be rough so we had secured everything before 2300 and went to bed. Lots of pitching, steadily increasing and then, big pitch up and we seemed to fall into a hole! Even on deck 10, the noise was incredible as the vibration carried from bow to stern. A few minutes later Veendam completed a turn to the north and off we went to sleep. Estimated wave height 80ft, but this was estimated, not measured. I noticed on the tv that the apparent wind at the time was 78mph.

 

So in our case Cape Horn was mild in comparison. The islands looked great in the snow and there also was a great rainbow which added to the scenery.

[pspercy]

Well, can't resist posting the following although of course the people in the (true) story are in a modified lifeboat:

 

"A hard north-westerly gale came up on the eleventh day (May 5) and shifted to the south-west in the late afternoon. The sky was overcast and occasional snow-squalls added to the discomfort produced by a tremendous cross-sea — the worst, I thought, that we had experienced.

 

At midnight I was at the tiller and suddenly noticed a line of clear sky between the south and south-west. I called to the other men that the sky was clearing, and then a moment later I realised that what I had seen was not a rift in the clouds but the white crest of an enormous wave. During twenty-six years' experience of the ocean in all its moods I had not encountered a wave so gigantic. It was a mighty upheaval of the ocean, a thing quite apart from the big white-capped seas that had been our tireless

enemies for many days. I shouted " For God's sake, hold on ! It's got us." Then came a moment of suspense that seemed drawn out into hours. White surged the foam of the breaking sea around us. We felt our boat lifted and flung forward like a cork in breaking surf. We were in a seething chaos of tortured water; but somehow the boat lived through it, half full of water, sagging to the dead weight and shuddering under the blow.

 

We baled with the energy of men fighting for life, flinging the water over the

sides with every receptacle that came to our hands, and after ten minutes of uncertainty we felt the boat renew her life beneath us. She floated again and ceased to lurch drunkenly as though dazed by the attack of the sea."

 

"South", by Sir Ernest Shackleton, in this part describing his epic crossing of the Drake Passage to get help - after which they walked across the interior of South Georgia Isl without any maps to get to the manned whaling station.

 

It's available free on archive.org

[Kelownabccan]

We are booked for the Jan 6, 2012.....this cruise has been on our bucket list for a few years and are finally going to do it....just showed some of these reports to my wife and her eyes sure went buggy....but then she said "looks like an interesting cruise you have me booked on"....it is going to be a long year's wait to leave but will enjoy reading this thread....

[Viesczy]

Now that cruise sounded like a cruise! What an adventure! Who wants a placid sheet of glass on the way round the Cape and to Antarctica?!

 

Derek

[FLACRUISER99]

I'm more likely to do the cruise given the chance of rough seas!

;)

That's because you don't know any better!

[bepsf]

That's because you don't know any better!

 

Oh, I've had my share:

In the Gulf of Alaska aboard Amsterdam, we had 30'+ seas one night. We watched the Lido pool empty against the Magrodome roof, tried to have cocktails in the Crow's Nest but quickly retreated to the Ocean Bar where we wouldn't get nauseous watching the waitress carrying our drinks to us one at a time...

...and sat w the ship's entertainment and CD staff (the shows were cancelled) at the bar trying out drinks for the Mixologist who was aboard revising the HAL bar menus and teaching the bartenders new drinks. :) That night we had such winds that the deckchairs outside our aft cabin were blown down the staircase outside our windows!

Then there was the Inaugural aboard Noordam during which we had 45' seas the night before returning to New York - Dinner was an adventure as the following seas would cause the entire dining room to shudder and move sideways...

...and my cousins on Deck 4 Forward watched waves go past their verandah railings that night.

When we reached NYC that AM, I turned on the TV to get a view of Manhattan via the bowcam and the camera was crusted over with salt!

As far as the South America cruises, a dear friend who used to be a Navigator aboard Amsterdam told me of the time he and several passengers were stranded in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands as the winds and high seas came up so suddenly that the tenders couldn't return passengers to the ship quickly enough before it was forced to retreat to deeper waters for safety - They all spent the night together sleeping in the church, waiting out the storm:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_Church_Cathedral_(Falkland_Islands)

[bakerintn]

No sea stories, I promise!!

 

But thought that I would share this website that can show current wave direction and heights and also surface water temperature.

 

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/

 

On the left, you select the area of the world to inspect...at the top of a regional map are three icons...the left one is for waves the middle for barometric pressure isobars and the right one coverts the graphic to surface water temperatures.

 

Could be fun to check your cruise area before you leave.

 

I hope you all enjoy this site.

[SakeDad]

A friend of mine works on Veendam and posted this last week on his Facebook page! :eek:

[terigo]

A friend of mine works on Veendam and posted this last week on his Facebook page! :eek:

 

There is something drastically wrong with my husband... I showed this to him, and he put both thumbs up in the air.... Now I have to find something ELSE new that will excite him, and not scare the bejeebus out of me!!!

[bob brown]

A friend of mine works on Veendam and posted this last week on his Facebook page! :eek:

Ah, that's just a little "light chop" as some airline captains like to describe turbulence aloft.;)

 

When you see the bow dip down below the surface, as I have on a QE2 Winter Crossing of the North Atlantic in January, then you have something.:D

[Viesczy]

There is something drastically wrong with my husband... I showed this to him, and he put both thumbs up in the air.... Now I have to find something ELSE new that will excite him, and not scare the bejeebus out of me!!!

 

That's just a couple little white caps! That's a fun sea! Your husband sounds like an awesome man!

 

That pic looks great... let's you know that there is an adventure at foot.

 

Now if bow was pointing down and there was a wall of water nearly out of the camera's field, that would require at least an "oo"! Dipping into a hole in the ocean isn't something to take lightly!

 

Derek

[Viesczy]

When you see the bow dip down below the surface, as I have on a QE2 Winter Crossing of the North Atlantic in January, then you have something.:D

 

AMEN!

 

Derek

[babblefish]

The posted photo shows the strength of the wind. Although there was not a large swell in the photo the wind effect on the sea surface looked nasty. It was too dark on Nov. 21 for me to capture anything useful with my cameras but I imagine it looked very close to the picture. The largest swell I photographed (Nov 19, south of Falklands) was around 30 feet and is not worth posting.

 

Conditions like this are exciting and extreme, it makes me appreciate HAL even more for the quality of the ship and crew. Considering the conditions Veendam has been operating in recently there are not many cruise lines which can operate effectively in this environment. Given the large numbers of repeat customers on our Nov 14 cruise I bet these people feel the same way.

 

Somewhere on this site are some pictures taken from the bridge of Rotterdam some years ago when a large wave trashed some equipment. Those photos clearly show what the other posters are describing. The Navigation deck on Rotterdam is likely the same height as Veendam and would give one an indication of what Veendam was experiencing.

[RuthC]

Somewhere on this site are some pictures taken from the bridge of Rotterdam some years ago when a large wave trashed some equipment. Those photos clearly show what the other posters are describing.

That was one wild and wooly ride! I was there. The photos referred to show the sea crashing against the bridge windows. A gangway (I think that's what it was) stored on an outside forward deck came loose, and dented the superstructure where it hit. :eek:

I wondered if we would run out of dishes before we ran out of cruise.

 

On my first trip across the Drake Passage, on the Ryndam, the waves hit against the Crow's Nest windows.

It can get rough down there.

[blue whale]

We leave on Jan 5 for Prinsendam's SA and Antarctic trip. I am hoping the seas have calmed down by the time we get to the Horn and south of it! We did the trip once before—calm all the way!