BTimmer's Almost Live Grand South America 10/7/23 -12/19/2023

[RuthC]

1 hour ago, Btimmer said:

Absolutely!  Because it is so cold outside, the normal commentary that is only heard outside is broadcast on the general PA system like regular announcements so we all have the commentary.

On my first cruise to Antarctica we had a muster drill when the weather was frigid, like it seems to be today for you. I am usually quite prompt to muster, but held back until the last second before I went out that time. 
As soon as I got there, and the drill started, the Captain announced 'Thank you for coming. Passengers dismissed'. Loved that captain. 

[Btimmer]

Do you want to build a snowman?

 

it's been snowing all afternoon. It's about 4" deep.

[hallpau]

It so much fun to watch the crew enjoy the snow.....so many of them haven't ever seen snow.  Thanks for sharing and enjoying your blog.

[Btimmer]

Here's a bow camera picture at 10:30pm after having cleared the snow storm.

[roberts2005]

Not sure when sunrise and sunsets are, but if you are up, they can be fantastic.

Edited November 9, 2023 by roberts2005

[Btimmer]

1 hour ago, roberts2005 said:

Not sure when sunrise and sunsets are, but if you are up, they can be fantastic.

I 'm not an early riser but the sunsets are nice.

[cccole]

2 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Here's a bow camera picture at 10:30pm after having cleared the snow storm.

Did you adjust the colors in this photo prior to posting?  The blues are just gorgeous.  Thank you!!!!!!

[Btimmer]

3 hours ago, cccole said:

Did you adjust the colors in this photo prior to posting?  The blues are just gorgeous.  Thank you!!!!!!

That photo was just as the iPhone captured it.  The actual color was much prettier and natural.

[Btimmer]

Today on Day 3 of our Antarctic Experience, we're in open waters doing 10 knots (restricted speed due to whales) and we passed by a nice iceberg (easily as big as our ship). We're approaching King George Island where we'll spend a few hours before heading to our next destination of Elephant Island which we'll plan to reach at 8am tomorrow.

 

 

Edited November 9, 2023 by Btimmer

[Sir PMP]

19 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Do you want to build a snowman?

 

it's been snowing all afternoon. It's about 4" deep.

How is the pool?

[Btimmer]

5 hours ago, Sir PMP said:

How is the pool?

The aft pool is closed to our use due to bird feces contamination.

[Btimmer]

Today was our last day in Antarctica on this voyage.  It was cloudy and windy, but we got to see the monument to Shackleton's campsite ant Point Wind on Elephant Island and a couple of Chinstrap rookeries (albeit from quite a distance).

Shackleton monument & Penguin rookery on the right (well over a mile offshore)

 

 Photo credit: Neil Gilbert

 

The Zaandam is now pointed north to the Falkland Islands which we are projected to reach on Sunday.  Here's hoping the weather will allow us to tender.  Here's today's track.

 

Edited November 11, 2023 by Btimmer

[Btimmer]

Our port stop at Stanley was just cancelled due to high winds and intense fog.  Bummer!

[Alphen]

7 minutes ago, Btimmer said:

Our port stop at Stanley was just cancelled due to high winds and intense fog.  Bummer!

Bummer indeed, so sad, having had the same experience in 2015, also on Zaandam. Gotten all the way with Port Stanley in sight and also cancelled due to high winds, so still remaining on our bucket list too.

[roberts2005]

Sorry to hear.  Missed once, made it once.

[Btimmer]

3 minutes ago, roberts2005 said:

Sorry to hear.  Missed once, made it once.

We just joined your club. . . But Florin just announced an open bar from 1-2 today.

[roberts2005]

When and where is your next port?

[Sir PMP]

1 hour ago, roberts2005 said:

When and where is your next port?

Probably Montevideo.

[Btimmer]

Yes Montevideo in 3 days.

 

Now we're considering booking a repeat of the San Antonio to BA on the Oosterdam departing on 1/7/24 to get another shot plus pick up some different ports not on the GSA and maybe do Iguazu Falls.

[roberts2005]

Too bad you are skipping Puerto Madryn.  THis is the right month for whale watching

[Btimmer]

42 minutes ago, roberts2005 said:

Too bad you are skipping Puerto Madryn.  THis is the right month for whale watching

We've been there before and the penguin watching was wonderful.

[mustgo]

1 hour ago, Btimmer said:

Yes Montevideo in 3 days.

 

Now we're considering booking a repeat of the San Antonio to BA on the Oosterdam departing on 1/7/24 to get another shot plus pick up some different ports not on the GSA and maybe do Iguazu Falls.

Love your attitude!

[Ellencruise]

2 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Yes Montevideo in 3 days.

 

Now we're considering booking a repeat of the San Antonio to BA on the Oosterdam departing on 1/7/24 to get another shot plus pick up some different ports not on the GSA and maybe do Iguazu Falls.

Hmm I went 3/23 perfect weather and calm seas. Maybe go later than 1/24?

[cccole]

2 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Yes Montevideo in 3 days.

 

Now we're considering booking a repeat of the San Antonio to BA on the Oosterdam departing on 1/7/24 to get another shot plus pick up some different ports not on the GSA and maybe do Iguazu Falls.

I hope you decide on the 1/7 cruise.  We're looking forward to that cruise and Iguazu Falls at the end.  Sorry you missed the Falklands today.  Cherie

[scubacruiserx2]

 We are sorry that you missed the Falkland Islands . We too missed it in 2013 . If you would like to see it , we started a thread yesterday called 

Photos of Antartica , Patagonia and a South American cruise .

We are showing the Falkland Islands today for those who missed it and those going or wish to go . Click on the link below if you wish to go .