LIVE! HAL Oosterdam 1/7-1/29 South America & Antarctica—Let’s Cruise!

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, Hogladyrider said:

@TravelBluebird...simply breathtaking photos!

Thank you!  I was standing next to someone with a 600mm lens and I had a TERRIBLE case of lens envy (mine is 300mm)

 

Finally got that YouTube short up—it’s video of the penguins floating on the Iceburg—yep under a minute and took a whole hour to upload!

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Heading to bed. DH is not much for the night life, so he’s been happily in the room watching movies. Me, casino for a while, but HAL does not have the types of machines with the elaborate bonuses that I like playing, plus I have found the machines to be particularly stingy. Casino is the opposite of packed—they might want to re-evaluate a bit.

 

Used my free drink ticket for a full sized Chocolate Martini, and now I’m ensconced with my Kindle—finishing Endurance.  Ship continues to gently roll…I will sleep well tonight. 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

Although you still have some days to go, what is your current impression of HAL?

[TravelBluebird]

9 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

Although you still have some days to go, what is your current impression of HAL?

 

I’ve had enough days definitely to have an impression! And I’ve been forming my thoughts on this so here we go—a little long, but you did ask! 😂

 

So far…I LOVE HAL!  For a cruise where the itinerary is most important (as opposed to what I can “Fun in the Sun” ie Caribbean or Mexican Riviera) I would definitely choose HAL again!

 

I have found the staff to be wonderful, the food beyond excellent, the Antarctica Experience well handled and amazing.  I’m less happy with the casino and the entertainment—especially, the entertainment is not to my liking with the lack of production shows and the live music is not to my taste.   But neither of those things would keep me from taking HAL on a port intensive itinerary.

 

The crowd on HAL is definitely older, but they are a well traveled, mostly fit and interesting bunch of fellow travelers (especially on this trip), so not a problem with us overall.

 

DH and I are price sensitive also, and if we keep getting great offers on HAL we’ll most definitely be back, sooner rather than later! In addition, we are thinking about booking HAL maybe in 2025 for a Iceland//Greenland//Scandinavia type of cruise (and since we’re booking in advance, paying a bit more for that one).

 

Surprisingly, HAL is definite competition for Viking Ocean for us, and HAL definitely wins on price there.  We do love Regent Seven Seas, but that is getting into a whole other price category that, as DH is retired,  may be too pricey for us now.

 

For Fun in the Sun? It’s still Carnival for me. Great value for the money and I have a BLAST and can get nice and warm in the winter, or bring the whole family along for a great vacation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FLCruiser97]

15 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

Step One Dance Company understandably cancelled due to the sea swells. Replaced with the illusionist. I feel the same way about magicians as i do about clowns—no thank you!

 

I feel the same exact way and I'll go one step further....ventriloquists. Just a little bit scary! 

[TravelBluebird]

Well I’m at the 2025 to 203) Future Cruises presentation—clearly loving  HAL!
 

We are definitely Italy getting the Drake Shake on the way back!  Although the captain says it’s a relatively mild one.  12 foot swells for the afternoon

[Hogladyrider]

@TravelBluebird interesting observations on HAL.  We are not production show folks and we don't visit the casino.  We absolutely love the live music at BB Kings etc on HAL, that is our genre for sure.

 

We are folks who enjoy good food, time on our balcony, a good movie in our room in the evening, relaxing in the Crow's Nest and of course people watching.

 

Both Platinum on Carnival after living in Florida for 40+ years and driving to all the ports.  Now retired we still have Carnival gift cards but doubt they will get used since we have moved over to HAL and we would also consider trying out Princess.

 

Fun in the Sun and Fun Times was good for us while it lasted but not so much these days.  I remember cruising when under 21 drinking was allowed, OMG the sights I saw way back when.  Now the sights are different and just no long my idea of fun.....I admit it is an age thing and I am proud of it.

 

There is something for everyone on every cruise line, glad you are enjoying your cruise on HAL the photos are stunning.  HAL is known for its port intensive cruises for sure.  Our very first HAL cruise we enjoyed so much we never got off the ship in any port we just savored all the time on the ship!

[billco]

50 minutes ago, FLCruiser97 said:

I feel the same exact way and I'll go one step further....ventriloquists. Just a little bit scary! 

I'll go two more steps - hypnotists and vulgar comedians.

[caneable]

57 minutes ago, billco said:

I'll go two more steps - hypnotists and vulgar comedians.

Ans I’ve had enough of Aerial Acrobats and Beatles “tribute” bands.

[whogo]

I have suffered through something more horrible than ventriloquists, magicians, hypnotists, and clowns put together... A mime. 

[FLCruiser97]

39 minutes ago, whogo said:

I have suffered through something more horrible than ventriloquists, magicians, hypnotists, and clowns put together... A mime. 

Yes, yes I think that is a fair statement. They are creepy too.

[NorbertsNiece]

Wear waterproofs. Have an amazing day at my favourite port of call.

 

 

 

Edited January 21 by NorbertsNiece

[TravelBluebird]

We’ve been rocking and rolling!  Not a problem for us (except for walking in a straight line) but it’s a nice roll to one side….and then a nice roll to the other.  My husband has his cross hanging in the room, and it looks suspended to one side for a while….and then to the other.  Although the wind does have the ship pretty much more in a lean toward the starboard side…when I walk to the outside door in my room, its a bit uphill, and then when I walk to the balcony door, its a bit down hill.

 

We are watching the NFL playoffs in our room right now; very glad that Holland America has them available.

 

Tonight was dressy night.  Had the classic formal night dinner of filet mignon and lobster tail and Banana Tartin  Superb as always.

 

Mostly regrouping camera equipment tonight and getting ready for tomorrow; taped another video. Early 6:15 wake up call!

 

 

[Sea42]

@TravelBluebird if you're going to Volunteer Point and if you think about it, could you let me know what the seating/leg room is like in the vehicles?

Thank you!

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Wear waterproofs. Have an amazing day at my favourite port of call.

 

Yes! I have my rain coat with hood ,and layers since I understand the wind can make it chilly, even with a 62F high predicted.  Plus my water resistant hiking boots.

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Just now, Sea42 said:

@TravelBluebird if you're going to Volunteer Point and if you think about it, could you let me know what the seating/leg room is like in the vehicles?

Thank you!

 

We are going to Volunteer Point, and I will let you know!

[Sea42]

1 minute ago, TravelBluebird said:

 

We are going to Volunteer Point, and I will let you know!

Thanks so much! Have a wonderful time!

[caneable]

6 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

 

We are watching the NFL playoffs in our room right now; very glad that Holland America has them available.

 

I can never bring myself to use the S word so just hope this doesn’t lose something in translation! Do you know whether HA show the English Premier League football?

 

[NorbertsNiece]

Nearly there!!

 

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

@NorbertsNieceI am in line at Rolling Stone Lounge for tender ticket!  In spite of getting on line 6:45 probably 2nd tender 

Edited January 22 by TravelBluebird

[NorbertsNiece]

She's at anchor and tenders are in the water.

 

The route to Volunteer Point  

 

Estancia is the farm where Nyree lives. You may get to see it from the Land Rover on your left hand side. Ask your driver to point it out x

 

 

[NorbertsNiece]

The first tender, carrying shoreside crew, is on its way!

 

Most of the route to Volunteer Point is off road. Such a ride!!

 

The port webcams aren't working 😭

 

 

Edited January 22 by NorbertsNiece

[NorbertsNiece]

I am ridiculously excited for you.

 

First 'guest' tender on its way

 

Have a fabulous day. Can't wait to hear all about it. I have chores to run. 

 

[FLCruiser97]

13 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

Tonight was dressy night.  Had the classic formal night dinner of filet mignon and lobster tail and Banana Tartin  Superb as always.

 

 

Good Morning Dee. Did you eat in the MDR. Just wondering if they are serving the filet mignon and lobster in the MDR on dressy night. Enjoy your excursion today.

[Hogladyrider]

1 hour ago, FLCruiser97 said:

Good Morning Dee. Did you eat in the MDR. Just wondering if they are serving the filet mignon and lobster in the MDR on dressy night. Enjoy your excursion today.

While I am not Dee, refer to post #463 where she said it was "dressy" night and they had filet and lobster in the dining room.....to of page 19.