I last sailed on Zaandam 5 years ago. Since then I have sailed with Celebrity and Azamara. Celebrity in particular makes HAL look like a poor cousin.
The menu in the main dining room was almost identical to the menu 5 years ago. Perfectly OK but no wow factor. GI on board didn't help matters.
Cabins badly need refurbishing and the shampoo and conditioner provided is just awful.
Needs refurbishment and opposite some kind of generator. Constant noisy vibration. I used earplugs. Location was very good, easy access to everything.
I spent 2 nights at the Marriott which is close to a good shopping centre and a hop on hop off bus.
I've been to Santiago before so just spent the time recovering from the flight from Sydney.
Very easy to get a taxi at the port. $60 for 2 and we saw all the sights, old town, San Felipe and le Popa.[?]
My friend bought an emerald. Street vendors were no where near as bad as expected from HAL excursion reviews.