Tag: South America

The Ballestas Islands at the coast of Peru are populated with millions of birds; on the beaches are thousands sea lions and seals. What a sight! Jaap Wisse Chief Engineer ms Prinsendam

Jan. 19, 2012, Rio de Janeiro Early morning and arrival Rio de Janeiro. After making a cup of coffee in the pantry near my cabin, I walk to the Bridge. The first item I noted was that it was so humid that window wipers were going! The condensation on the glass, caused by the cool…   read more of “Around the World…”

During my South America and Antarctica cruise we stopped at a penguin colony and got up close and personal with these guys. As everyone says, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing them in the wild, going about their business as if we weren’t there … This is definitely one of those things to put…   read more of “Explorer’s…”

Day 8 — Jan. 13 The day got off to a spectacular start with a splendid sunrise over the Amazon River Delta in Brazil – the soft kiss of the sun making the yellowish river waters blush. We enjoyed it through our cabin’s picture window. In the morning we took a tender to Icoaracy Village,…   read more of “Cruise Diary:…”

Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 Belem, Brazil. It lies on the Para river and is one of the large, southerly tributaries of the mighty Amazon river. We entered the mouth of the delta as planned, at 2 a.m. Considering the length of the passage and its complexity, Friso, my 2nd in command and Chief Officer, took…   read more of “Around the World…”

The weather Gods shined a spotlight on the m.s. Prinsendam on January 4, 2012, as guests embarked on for the 68-day Grand South America Voyage. One special guest is Mrs. Heidi Zeller, pictured below with myself. Heidi’s late husband Dirk Zeller was a Hotel Manager for Holland America Line for many Grand Voyages and was…   read more of “Guests Embark on…”

On December 13, while at port in Punta Arenas, Chile, a group of teenagers from different colleges visited the Veendam. The Chief of Immigration, Mr. Fernando Morales, requested the visit in order to give to his students the opportunity to experience a little bit of what life is like on a luxury cruise line. The…   read more of “Veendam Host…”

HAL blogger Gary Frink currently is sailing on board Prinsendam’s 24-day Amazon River and Caribbean adventure and will be sending in cruise diaries throughout his time on board. Enjoy! AMAZON ADVENTURE In route from Aruba to Ft. Lauderdale, 12-19-11 Over the years of voyages, beginning with an Atlantic crossing on the Cunard Line Queen Elizabeth…   read more of “Cruise Diary: The…”