It was pure chance. I was interested in knowing the southernmost part of Chile and to put a foot on the Falkland islands and the date of departure was just right, starting the day before my birthday and ending with time enough to prepare Christmas. I never had any trouble getting on board or going to visit the different cities where we stopped. The meals were excellent and every evening my sisters and I went to one of the lounges where two musicians played lovely classical pieces before going to the dining room. The waiters were charming and it was really a joy to try our second language with them who also tried to practice their Spanish. We also loved the ambience of the Zaandam that made us feel that we were in a magnificent manor house instead of in a ship. For this reason, when my sisters and I decided to go on another cruise we chose one cruise in Holland America. I hope that the Koningsdam will receive us with the same warmth.