Bit of a blog - HAL Oosterdam - South America & Antarctica - Dec/Jan 2023/24

[NorbertsNiece]

Dinner 

 

 

 

 

 

I enlightened our table mates, one a judge no less, on an Eton Mess and how to make one!

 

 

 

Edited December 19, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[TravelBluebird]

15 hours ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Letter regarding missed port of call tomorrow 

 

So sorry to hear that you had to miss Punta del Estes, but I think it is wonderful that the captain did his captain’s talk with so much detail on the seas and weather.  

 

I don’t mind missing a port when the communication on the situation is that good. About 6 years ago, we were on a Viking Ocean cruise and missed two out of 4 ports (Algeria and Sardinia) and people were upset, but the communication on that particular cruise from the captain and crew was quite poor.  

 

Also thank you for your information re the Panama Canal talk—we might have decided to not go, except that we ARE interested in how the Canal affected shipping in this part of South America.

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Also was VERY happy to see the Salsa Class on the activities schedule!  Thank you for continuing to post the daily activities!

[effinaround]

I just discovered your blog this morning and I am enjoying it immensely.  I'll be doing a similar but reverse itinerary in January on the Sapphire Princess. Sorry to hear that you are missing a port.  

[whogo]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

 

 

 

Great blog, thanks for posting, NorbertsNiece.

Neat display. Can anyone identify the fruits or vegetables? Green and red apples are all I can ID. Is the white garlic?

[bbro]

21 hours ago, NorbertsNiece said:

I was up there earlier getting land pics. They're certainly not in current usage!

 

 

You are wonderful!  Thank you!

[NorbertsNiece]

This is the 2nd outdoor pool and bar. The main pool can be, and currently is, covered.

 

We don't get turn down at night..... Nurdin, our room steward left us a towel animal and chocolates this morning ❤️

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbal tea selection available on board

Edited December 19, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

We dressed up for dressy night. Not many have!

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

We dressed up for dressy night. Not many have

Y’all clean up quite well!

 

We’ve been debating what to bring for dressy nights—I think a sparkly top with my standard black evening pants, and hubby will bring a jacket.  

[0106]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

We dressed up for dressy night.

I’m impressed! You look fantastic.  We travel light…carryons only.  My DH will have black dress pants, white shirt and 3 ties.  I will have a black skirt and 3 dressy tops.  We eat in the MDR every night unless we are in a specialty restaurant.  My fellow cruises on the 1/29 sailing will be happy to know that we will be using the excellent HAL laundry services.

[NorbertsNiece]

Dinner

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited December 19, 2023 by NorbertsNiece

[Torquer]

4 hours ago, NorbertsNiece said:

We don't get turn down at night..... Nurdin, our room steward left us a towel animal and chocolates this morning ❤️

I assume (hope) that is by your choice, rather than the stewards are not doing it.  This topic has been discussed elsewhere, with a few people saying they weren't offered it, whereas most, think it is by the guests choice.

[NorbertsNiece]

22 minutes ago, Torquer said:

I assume (hope) that is by your choice, rather than the stewards are not doing it.  This topic has been discussed elsewhere, with a few people saying they weren't offered it, whereas most, think it is by the guests choice.

Yes. We were asked if we wanted it and we declined.

[NorbertsNiece]

We arrive in Puerto Madryn tomorrow afternoon. We will probably take a walk around ashore. The day after tomorrow we have a very early excursion start.

 

While Puerto Madryn has roots from the British Isles, the scenery is unmistakably Patagonian, with sweeping vistas and colonies of sea lions and penguins. Somewhat unexpectedly, this Argentinean resort is named after a Welsh baron, one of a number who left their home country during the Industrial Revolution, due to the economic impact it had on rural communities. Somewhat ironically, it was the boom of large-scale manufacturing here, particularly the aluminum factory, that has seen Puerto Madryn flourish, and its current population of around 70,000 is more than ten times the number of residents in the 1970s. Today the legacy of the Welsh settlers who arrived in the 1860s is more or less limited to street names in Puerto Madryn itself.

 

 

[CNSJ]

Thanks for a most detailed photo set and blog.  I am looking a this trip for Jan 2025.

[Hobar]

I cruised in Antarctica last month and it was fabulous as it was so scenic. Enjoy, and if Polar Plunge is offered, do it!!!   

[NorbertsNiece]

Day 5 arrive at Puerto Madryn this pm 

 

Good morning and thanks for following

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

Argentina from the starboard side

[0106]

I am enjoying reading the Daily in anticipation of my cruise.  Is “Ed” your cruise director?  If so, I always find the morning Coffee chats enjoyable.  I always loved the Culinary demonstrations and am very happy to see them back.   I have never seen a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet posted on the Daily.  I am anxious to hear your impressions of the “almost a seas day events”. Wishing you a fabulous day!

[NorbertsNiece]

We have slowed right down..... we are in a whale nursery/sanctuary....

 

 

[billco]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

We have slowed right down..... we are in a whale nursery/sanctuary....

 

 

I use this to see where the ship has been.

https://hal.panomax.com/oosterdam

[Jo-D]

I'm on the Jan 7 2024 version of this cruise (in a room three doors down from yours, apparently) and I REALLY appreciate you posting all this!  

[Bill B]

Your blog is bringing back memories of dong the same cruise (but from Rio) on the Amsterdam back in 2004/'05.

[NorbertsNiece]

Had a wonderful CC Meet and Mingle this morning organised by a roll call member; she did an amazing job. Much fun at the gift exchange.

 

We're currently tying up in Puerto Madryn. Right below our Verandah is a seal. I video-ed it for over 4 minutes as we neared it's resting place in the hope of catching it slip into the water but it stayed there until I couldn't see it anymore!

 

 

 

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

2 hours ago, Jo-D said:

I'm on the Jan 7 2024 version of this cruise (in a room three doors down from yours, apparently) and I REALLY appreciate you posting all this!  

 

Right? Isn’t this blog wonderful? Every morning over coffee I’m sharing it with my hubby.

 

And see you on the Jan 7 cruise @Jo-D!

[schwabby]

Thank you NorbertsNiece for this amazing "take us along."  I'm a Travel Advisor and have a couple onboard your cruise, so I'm loving the fact I can follow along.  If you meet Dick and Patty from Syracuse , tell them Marilyn said Hello.  Enjoy the rest of your cruise -- I'm loving traveling along with you via your posts!!