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

[oakridger]

I use https://www.cruisemapper.com/ for tracking my friends.....and Cruise Critic posters. 🙂

[TravelBluebird]

35 minutes ago, oakridger said:

I use https://www.cruisemapper.com/ for tracking my friends.....and Cruise Critic posters. 🙂

such a useful site for all us cruise ship stalkers! 😂

[TravelBluebird]

43 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Good morning! Let me know if you'd like track info moving forward. Probably won't register down south but happy to give it a go x

@NorbertsNiece Would love it!

 

what site is it that you use again—it’s fantastic!

[NorbertsNiece]

7 minutes ago, TravelBluebird said:

@NorbertsNiece Would love it!

 

what site is it that you use again—it’s fantastic!

Marine Traffic. I've paid to upgrade 😉

[TravelBluebird]

56 minutes ago, NorbertsNiece said:

Marine Traffic. I've paid to upgrade 😉

Thank you—I’m going to look into that!  Loved all your maps in your blog!

[TravelBluebird]

Went to Coffee with Ed our cruise director!

 

Held in the Explorer Lounge.  Got to meet @Btimmer and his wife!  
 

found out that 250 people (!!) were still in transit to the ship as of 5:30 last night.

 

try to go to the stretch and release class, but it was too crowded.  No space.

 

Heading to the Captain’s Talk shortly!

 

 

[Btimmer]

1 minute ago, TravelBluebird said:

Went to Coffee with Ed our cruise director!

 

Held in the Explorer Lounge.  Got to meet @Btimmer and his wife!  
 

found out that 250 people (!!) were still in transit to the ship as of 5:30 last night.

 

try to go to the stretch and release class, but it was too crowded.  No space.

 

Heading to the Captain’s Talk shortly!

 

 

Also we are at nearly full capacity at around 1800 guests.

[Hogladyrider]

@TravelBluebird..glad you got to meet @Btimmer as he and his wife are experienced HAL cruisers and he maintains a wonderful blog that I follow as well.

 

Enjoy your day! 

 

PS if you visit the spa would love to see some pics!

[FLCruiser97]

Hello @TravelBluebird. Our cabin will be on the port side a little bit aft from your cabin on our sailing. If you get a chance, could you take a pic of the storage that @NorbertsNieceis talking about in the cabin. This will be our first Oosterdam sailing and wondering about storage.

[wdw1972]

16 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

I’ll be having a little discussion with HAL about this. The cabin should CLEARLY be marked and sold as a partially obstructed view, and sold for less, and it was not.  I had other choices when I booked besides the disabled access room—the HAL agent I spoke with didn’t mention the problem with this room at all, and said it was a nice balcony room. I even ASKED if there were any obstructions to the view when I booked it, and I was told no!

My thought - they only consider obstructions if they are blocking your view when looking straight out.  Example - a lifeboat is hanging at eye level, or partway up your verandah wall.  If there's a lifeboat on the deck below then it's not considered obstructed because they don't consider your view when looking DOWN. This is my assumption, at least - not based in any official fact from HAL. I agree I wouldn't want your stateroom due to those white things but I can also see how HAL doesn't consider them an obstruction since they're below you.

 

Great blog by the way!

 

Sue/WDW1972

[TravelBluebird]

2 hours ago, Hogladyrider said:

@TravelBluebird..glad you got to meet @Btimmer as he and his wife are experienced HAL cruisers and he maintains a wonderful blog that I follow as well.

 

Enjoy your day! 

 

PS if you visit the spa would love to see some pics!

 

I will check out his blog!  And I will definitely get to the spa at some point and take pictures for you!

[TravelBluebird]

50 minutes ago, FLCruiser97 said:

Hello @TravelBluebird. Our cabin will be on the port side a little bit aft from your cabin on our sailing. If you get a chance, could you take a pic of the storage that @NorbertsNieceis talking about in the cabin. This will be our first Oosterdam sailing and wondering about storage.

 

@FLCruiser97I’ve taped an entire room tour, including all the storage (under bed drawers included)   Here is one of the drawers (I am keeping my dirty laundry in this draw in a bag, so it was easy to take out for the photo!

 

I always tape my room tours before I unpack!

 

Overall, the storage in these rooms is wonderful—big 3 part closet, the two big under-bed drawers, room in the  little square seat by the desk, 4 little drawers total int he night stands, and over head cabinets over the couch.

Edited January 8 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

14 minutes ago, wdw1972 said:

My thought - they only consider obstructions if they are blocking your view when looking straight out.  Example - a lifeboat is hanging at eye level, or partway up your verandah wall.  If there's a lifeboat on the deck below then it's not considered obstructed because they don't consider your view when looking DOWN. This is my assumption, at least - not based in any official fact from HAL. I agree I wouldn't want your stateroom due to those white things but I can also see how HAL doesn't consider them an obstruction since they're below you.

 

Great blog by the way!

 

@wdw1972 One of the joys of looking out a balcony, for me, is a view of the water from your bed or couch.  All my views are as such below. I’m a really visual person, and this will bother me every time I look out my window.  The second view is just me looking out over my blacony—the white things are in my field of view no matter what.

 

As for photography, it’s a disaster, as mentioned.

 

I am not askin anyting from HAL because of this, BUT I really want them to change the category or make a notation for future travelers. 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Overall, a nice sea day.

 

Two little glitches—one, I needed an extra pillow, and it took me nearly 24 hours to achieve that, so I only had one last night. I didn’t see my room steward again after he introduced himself. He had left a card but it only has the number for guest services on it if you need something. SO I left a card out that was in the room on my door (it is specifically for needing something—blanket, pillow, ice, etc) in the afternoon. Card was still there in the late evening, so I tried calling guest services four times, but I was on hold for a really long time each time and gave up.  

Card for pillow was still on my door this morning. Room was made up after lunch, card was gone but still no pillow. I finally called guest services again and the wait was shorter and got the pillow.  

 

Other little glitch is that Russ went up to see if he could get me on a Puerto Madryn excursion. It was accomplished (I am going on the Spanish speaking excursion to Puunta Tombo) but in the process, my husband somehow got deleted from an excursion wait list, and the staff member was rude to him in the process.

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

Went to get a seat early at the Captain’s talk, and ended up in for the last half of the ports talk. It was from the excursions department. Had some good information, including how tenders, etc work.  Also gave a brief overview of each port.

 

The captain gave an incredibly detailed talk about why we left so late and also why we are missing Port Montt.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.  I have been in situations with missed ports on other lines where there was nearly no communication at all.

 

In short, the Port of San Antonio requires 2 tugs for each ship.  So, even though the Oosterdam (and any modern ship) could safely operate in yesterday’s conditions, the tugs cannot. SO, the entire port closes when the tugs cannot operate. This is an ongoing problem with this port; the cruise ships hope someday to get an exemption from this regulations; with their azipods, tugs are unnecessary. 

 

The reason we did not leave until 7:15am is that when the port opened back up, cargo ships had priority and got to leave before we could.

 

As for Port Montt, the main problem with the late departure was that there is a bridge being build OVER  the channel we take to Port Montt.  The Oosterdam can only get under that cable in certain tidal conditions, and the late departure made that impossible.

 

Finally, over 200 of the stranded passengers made it to the ship last night, many between 12am and 3am!—two cancelled planes, one United and one American.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8 by TravelBluebird

[TravelBluebird]

We had breakfast in the buffet this morning around 8am, and it was packed. Really hard to get a table. It looked like people had finished their breakfasts and were just hanging around!

 

I had a bagel with lox and some fruit, juice and an ordered espresso.

 

For lunch, we didn’t want to attempt the buffet again, so we had lunch in the MDR. This was amazing! Very nice menu, and we were in and out in 1/2 hour!  Not a long wait either (its only 1 hour, 12 to 1).

 

Russ had the cordon bleu burger with fries and bread pudding for desert; I had the tomato and goat cheese tart and vegetarian sandwich (I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m having the tenderloin for dressy night and don’t like beef twice in one day).  Really loved the sandwich!  Russ enjoyed his burger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8 by TravelBluebird

[0106]

27 minutes ago, TravelBluebird said:

tried calling guest services four times, but I was on hold for a really long time each time and gave up.  

Use the “let us know” feature on the Navigator App to quickly solve problems like the need for an extra pillow.

 

If your DH had a problem with rude shore excursion staff,  he should report it there too.  You will probably receive a follow up phone call.

 

Every night, I use the let us know feature to compliment at least one staff member who stood out to me in a positive way.  They always thank me the next time they see me.  I have been told that this type of positive feedback contributes to their shore time and opportunities for advancement.

 

I am very glad the captain is a good communicator.

 

You should try room service or the MDR for breakfast.  I’m glad you enjoyed lunch in the MDR.

 

I look forward to hearing about tango lesson.

 

 

[BSinPNS]

We had the same issue with the Port of San Antonio on last year's early January cruise.  (The ship was delayed arriving since the port was closed and departure was delayed like your.  It meant that we along with 1800 plus of new friends got to wait in the "lovely" passenger terminal.)  Hated to miss Puerto Montt but we were well rewarded with what we saw in Antarctica.  Reliving our great time thru your current postings.  Have a great time. 

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, BSinPNS said:

We had the same issue with the Port of San Antonio on last year's early January cruise.  (The ship was delayed arriving since the port was closed and departure was delayed like your.  It meant that we along with 1800 plus of new friends got to wait in the "lovely" passenger terminal.)  Hated to miss Puerto Montt but we were well rewarded with what we saw in Antarctica.  Reliving our great time thru your current postings.  Have a great time. 

I knew about your cruise, and when various passengers have proposed that the entire “story was made up” so we could wait for the late passengers, I’ve had to set them straight and let them know that this exact same thing has happened before!  
 

I was actually happy Oosterdam made it INTO the port in the morning so we didn’t end up having an embarkation like you!

 

I’m so excited about Antarctica and the rest of the cruise! @BSinPNS  I hope I can bring some good memories back to you! 

 

 

[TravelBluebird]

2 hours ago, 0106 said:

Use the “let us know” feature on the Navigator App to quickly solve problems like the need for an extra pillow.

 

If your DH had a problem with rude shore excursion staff,  he should report it there too.  You will probably receive a follow up phone call.

 

Every night, I use the let us know feature to compliment at least one staff member who stood out to me in a positive way.  They always thank me the next time they see me.  I have been told that this type of positive feedback contributes to their shore time and opportunities for advancement.

 

I am very glad the captain is a good communicator.

 

You should try room service or the MDR for breakfast.  I’m glad you enjoyed lunch in the MDR.

 

I look forward to hearing about tango lesson.

@0106 Thank you about the info on the “Let Us Know” feature—I didn’t know about that!  DH is going to report what happened this morning there, and I’m glad to know that avenue is available for any needs AND for complimenting excellent staff!

 

We shall definitely try MDR breakfast AND room service for some early mornings for excursions!

 

As for Tango, we didn’t make it—DH Waz resting and I decided to tape a vlog.  I see there will be more opportunities in the events itinerary!

[FLCruiser97]

3 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

 

@FLCruiser97I’ve taped an entire room tour, including all the storage (under bed drawers included)   Here is one of the drawers (I am keeping my dirty laundry in this draw in a bag, so it was easy to take out for the photo!

 

I always tape my room tours before I unpack!

 

Overall, the storage in these rooms is wonderful—big 3 part closet, the two big under-bed drawers, room in the  little square seat by the desk, 4 little drawers total int he night stands, and over head cabinets over the couch.

Thank you. Where can I find your taped room tour?

[Heidi13]

4 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

In short, the Port of San Antonio requires 2 tugs for each ship.  So, even though the Oosterdam (and any modern ship) could safely operate in yesterday’s conditions, the tugs cannot. SO, the entire port closes when the tugs cannot operate. This is an ongoing problem with this port; the cruise ships hope someday to get an exemption from this regulations; with their azipods, tugs are unnecessary. 

 

 

Sorry, but that is overly simplistic and not entirely factual.

 

Yes, modern cruise ships with high lift rudders, azimuth propulsion pods and multiple thrusters are very manoeuvrable, but with high freeboard and shallow draught, the ability to manoeuvre safely is still limited by wind speeds. Limiting conditions will be clearly outlined in the ship's Safety Management System, and while the Master has the authority to hire tug(s) at any time, once conditions outlined in the SMS are reached, the Master will be required to hire tug(s). The ship can still be easily handled, but the risks increase significantly, so hiring tugs in some conditions is not unnecessary, it is mandatory.

 

In some ports, such as San Antonio, the Harbourmaster may dictate that some/all ships must use tug(s), which can be to assist manoeuvring and stopping the ship in the event of propulsion failure. In San Antonio, the tugs may also be required to keep the ship off the lee-shore, in the event of power failure clearing the breakwater.  Since the tugs should have been able to operate safely inside the harbour, the issue will be escorting the ships out of the harbour.

 

Based on the harbour approaches/egress, as a professional mariner with many years in command, I'll suggest the Harbourmaster's requirement for a tug escort is prudent seamanship, based on the proximity of the shore, not an unnecessary requirement.

 

Remember, cruise ships can also break down at very in-opportune times, some of which I have experienced and wished I had a tug available, or more of them available.

 

I note, this is not just a San Antonio requirement, as many ports around the world require tug escorts.

[Torquer]

6 hours ago, TravelBluebird said:

One of the joys of looking out a balcony, for me, is a view of the water from your bed or couch.  All my views are as such below. I’m a really visual person, and this will bother me every time I look out my window.  The second view is just me looking out over my blacony—the white things are in my field of view no matter what.

I can certainly see how you would be disappointed by that view.  That would bother me as much as it does you and I agree it really detracts from a lot of your photography.  On the other hand, I'm not sure it needs to be called an obstructed view cabin.  It probably wouldn't bother a lot of people.  It really amazes me how few people you see on their balconies for sail-aways from ports.  And as for photography, half the people believe taking photos is done by holding their cell phone vertically, and don't even bring a real camera on a cruise.

 

So I guess we both learned that you really need to do your homework when picking a cabin.

[TravelBluebird]

4 hours ago, FLCruiser97 said:

Thank you. Where can I find your taped room tour?

 @FLCruiser97 On my YouTube channel—it’s in my signature.  It’s not posted yet but I’ll put a link here when it’s online

[TravelBluebird]

1 hour ago, Torquer said:

 

So I guess we both learned that you really need to do your homework when picking a cabin.

@Torquer absolutely! Lesson learned