This cruise on the MS Zaandam was a year in planning for us, and included arranging a long vacation window from work. We enjoy scenic cruising and knew this cruise would suit our tastes. We'd talked with other travelers who compared Patagonia with the Southern Island of New Zealand and Alaska, so we knew we were in for a treat.

We flew Boston-Panama-Santiago on COPA Airlines and were very pleased with them. We had a lot of conversation with Holland America regarding our hotel and transfer because we arrived after midnight and booking a room for the same day as check out didn't work with their system. Had to climb several layers of customer service to get it figured out. We arrived right on time, had a Holland America rep waiting for us and arrived at the Sheridan Santiago at 1:00AM the day of departure. Had a nice sleep and upon awakening and getting ready for the transfer to the ship realized we had missed the notice to put bags out for collection the night before. Finally found a representative to help us sort that out and get our bags to the loading point collection and were pleased nothing got lost along the way. Easy transfer to Valparaiso and boarding. Would have liked an extra day to explore Valparaiso, but no time available in vacation window.

MS Zaandam. I had thought we'd sailed on her before, but had never seen the organ in the atrium before so this was the first time. We'd done our research and had booked early (calling in for fare adjustment anytime there was a sale) and had chosen a port side, verandah room, that happened to have handicapped access, but was located exactly where we wanted it. If there was a shortage of handicapped availability we'd have been moved down the hall. Stateroom 7088 was perfect for us, with a few minor flaws. You gain width and space around the bed and closets, but you lose space in the seating area to a wheelchair ramp to the verandah. Couch is terribly old and uncomfortable and the desk chair has limited areas where it can be placed flat for seating. The verandah is extra large and allows a partial view to the aft. Port side is where you want to be for Valparaiso to Buenos Aires. Everything happens to the port, aside from occasional spins and wildlife viewing. Read more