Zaandam Review

4.0 / 5.0
558 reviews

Lofty Expectations Exceeded

Review for South America Cruise on Zaandam
User Avatar
ghough
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Mar 2016
Cabin: Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views)
Rain has stopped. Overcast skies brough out the tidy-bowl blue of glacier ice
Punta Arenas: Off the Beaten Path: Magdalena (Island) Penguin Reserve.
Magdelena Island Penguin Reserve.
Plump Magelanic Penguin...soon to migrate to Peru or Brazil
Postmaster Carlos End of the World Post Office, the southern most post office
Part of our 7 SUV caravan from Stanley to Berthas Beach / Gypsy Cove
A very special treat. We were told not to expect King penguins. Here he is.
One of the three King penguins exerting dominance at Berthas Beach
The Mine Field warning at Gypsy Cove, Stanley, Falkland Islands.
The few remaining, late season, Magelanic penguins at Gyspy Cove.
Having to tender from Prince William Bay to Stanley, Falkland Islands
Our HH3422 fully obstructed view provided great viewing at the aft
Our cabin steward, Kadek, took towel folding to new heights!
Part of the Gaucho Life on the Pampas HAL excursion demonstrated the gaucho life
This is but a small group of passengers who tried their hand at riding.
The culmination of our day at Estancia Suzanne, was a lively gaucho Tango.

We flew overnight from Miami to Santiago, arriving 8:30 a.m. We had an interesting 3-hour Turis (Pauline and driver Juan) led tour of Santiago. A very thorough introduction to the historical and cultural highlights of Santiago. Five bus loads of Zaandam passengers stayed at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel which made the transfer Sunday morning to the port city of Valparaiso very convenient.

Sunday morning’s 1.5 hr. bus ride with one potty break transfer from Sheraton to Valparaiso terminal. Lilianna was our bus #4 guide who narrated the entire trip. Very informative. As you walk through terminal shops be sure to sample the Veremonte Reserva Sauvignon Blanc from the Villa de Casablanca vineyards, Chile. HAL registration very smooth, taking barely 25 minutes in queue and processing.

Sea Days provided good opportunities to look back to reflect on activities done, classes or upcoming port expectations. Our Location Guide Ryan was inspirational and a really positive influence as we looked forward to seeing and hearing his presentations.

Cabin Review

Large Outside Stateroom (fully obstructed views)

Cabin HH

DESPITE BEING CLASSIFIED AN HH, FULLY OBSTRUCTED VIEW, IT HAS NEARLY 90% FULL FIELD OF VISION. We had this cabin in Sept. 2014 on our Alaskan cruise, liked it so much, we booked it specifically. It is 4 cabins from the double doors leading to the aft deck of the promenade. It is wonderful for viewing whether port or starboard. There is no fridge, and there is but one 2 outlet wall switch. Very comfortable bedding. Very utilitarian bathroom. Sufficient closed space.

Port Reviews

Santiago (Valparaiso)

Excellent

Stanley

Best Cruise excursion ever!!!

Montevideo

Did on our own on Location Guide Ryan's recommendation. Circuitous Turistico Walking Tour was an interesting history lesson of sights and culture. Easy 15 block walk to Independence Plaza.

Buenos Aires

Great demonstration of horse riding prowress, Terrific meal prepared Argentinean BBQ style (oh, those empanadas, and free flowing wine). What a day!!!

Buenos Aires

Very interesting.

Buenos Aires

What a fabulous end to a wonderful cruise experience.

37 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Zaandam Cruise from $249

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.