Designed to carry fewer guests while providing more space for maximum comfort, MS Oosterdam is a Vista class cruise ship of the Holland America Line, The ship’s name is derived from the Dutch translation for the eastern compass point. It offers spacious public areas and plus staterooms many with private verandas. A voyage on the MS Osterdam is a unique experience to be savoured and remembered
Within two years of discovering patchwork, Michelle was working for an Australian distributor of American patchwork cottons, as a sample maker. This allowed her to work from home, around the responsibilities of her two small children. It also meant that she was exposed to many styles of fabrics, and stepped up to the challenge of designing quilts in all genres. It was during this time that her work was noticed by magazine editors. She was among the contributors included in the first edition of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Her quilts have received numerous awards at the NSW Quilter’s Guild Quilt Shows. Since 2008 Michelle has escorted Australian quilters overseas on patchwork tours to America, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Europe for Travelrite International and Quilter’s Companion. When not traveling on tours, Michelle teaches workshops around Australia, and New Zealand. She loves teaching others the skills required to make new quilt designs and to understand the best way to use fabrics. She also loves to help others spend their money in the patchwork shops on tour!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday 29 January 2026
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today we board our flight to Buenos Aires, the capital of
Argentina. As we cross the International Date-Line we will
arrive on the same date that we depart Australia. After
clearing Customs, we will be transferred to our hotel.
DAY 2 Friday 30 January, 2026
Buenos Aires
This morning, we will visit Toldos El Indio for our first fabric
fix. They carry a large array of fabrics. In the afternoon
we will visit Milana Hilados, a wool factory founded in
1965. They are constantly exploring new techniques and
colours to keep their products up to date. In the evening
we will enjoy a welcome dinner, at an Asedo restaurant, to
formally meet Michelle Marvig and other group members.
The restaurant offers a large variety of tapas and plates of
delicious meat.
DAY 3 Saturday 31 January, 2026
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has been dubbed the “Paris of South
America,” With seductive charm.” On our tour of this
fascinating, South American city, we travel down 9 de Julio Avenue – said to be the widest avenue in the world, passing
some of the city’s important buildings – the famous Colon
Opera House, the Obelisk, commemorating the founding
of the city in 1536, to get to Plaza de Mayo, Government
House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, with the mausoleum of
General Jose de San Martin – one of Argentina’s greatest
independence heroes and political leaders. From there, we
head into La Boca, intriguingly, a “typically Italian” quarter
where Argentina’s first Italian immigrants settled. These
days it’s known for its colourful houses, tango-dancing
and its soccer team. We continue our tour to the city’s port
area and onto Palermo Chico, a “cool” residential district
with plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants, galleries, shops
and artisan markets. Our tour ends in the elegant Recoleta
district and a visit to the tomb of “Evita” – the infamous
late Eva Peron. We will have time at the Feria de Recoleta,
where we will see the highest quality of artisan wares
including silver jewellery and colourful ceramics, before
we are transferred to the port to board the MS Oosterdam.
We don’t depart until the following evening, making it
possible to go ashore to explore the exuberant night life of
enthralling Buenos Aires.
DAY 4 Sunday 1 February, 2026
Buenos Aires
Late morning we visit the Eva Peron Museum. Through
films, photographs and a collection of her personal articles
we will learn about her life. We continue with a visit to
Feria de San Telmo, a wonderful indoor market, which
sells many Argentinean made produce and articles. There
is a large variety of food, art and music stalls, which we
will enjoy browsing. After returning to the ship be up on
deck as we sail out of Buenos Aires early evening.
DAY 5 Monday 2 February 2026
Montevideo, Uruguay
Today, we arrive in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay,
often referred to as the “Switzerland of South America.”
We have a sightseeing tour of the city with its blend of
traditional and European architecture. We will visit the
Old Town of Ciudad Vieja, the city’s cultural heart. In
the afternoon we visit Les Labores, which has a large
collection of beads, ribbons and yarn.
DAY 6 Tuesday 3 February, 2026
Punta del Este, Uruguay
This morning we arrive in the picturesque seaside city of
Punta del Este, the Monte Carlo of South America. Our
sightseeing tour takes in every corner of this majestic city,
from its sandy beaches to busy city streets. We will see the
45-metre-high lighthouse, built in 1860 with volcanic sand
from Rome. We will have time to peruse the gorgeous
local handicrafts while at Plaza Artigas. We travel across
the La Barra Bridge. Created by Leonel Viera in 1965, this
bridge served to expand the area of Punta del Este and
helped pioneer the design of concrete segment bridges
of this kind. We visit the eye-catching Carlos Paez Vilaro
Museum. Once the home of the artist, it is now shows a
collection of modern art.
DAY 7 Wednesday 4 February, 2026
At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Michelle will
set the group up with the project that we will be working
on during the cruise.
DAY 8 Thursday 5 February, 2026
Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Today we tie up at Puerto Madryn in the mind-boggling
region of Patagonia, in the province of Chubut. Taking
in both Argentina and Chile, at ‘the south of the world’,
Patagonia is one of those places that has the lot – immense
natural beauty; vast plains, forests, lakes, snow-capped mountains, fertile valleys, ocean shores and glaciers! We
will visit nearby Peninsula Valdés, a wildlife sanctuary for
birds and marine species, including rheas, oystercatchers,
flamingos, egrets, whales, elephant seals, sea lions and
many other species of wildlife. In addition, Puerto Madryn
itself has an interesting history. Long after Spanish
explorers landed, this area was settled by Welsh colonists.
DAY 9 Friday 6 February, 2026
At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the
ship. There will be time to work on our projects.
DAY 10 Saturday 7 February, 2026
Stanley, Falkland Islands
Today, we arrive in Stanley, the capital of an archipelago
of more than 700 islands that make up the Falklands,
located off the east coast of South America. This quaint
seaside town is dotted with colourfully painted houses,
small shops and restaurants and a truly unique scenic
landscape. Group members might like to book an MS
Oosterdam sightseeing tour or wander around the town
with other group members.
DAY 11 Sunday 8 February, 2026
At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of
the ship. Enjoy time working on your project with other
group members.
DAY 12 Monday 9 February, 2026
Antarctic Sound
After 12 absorbing days of travel and on-board relaxing,
we’re in the Antarctic, starting with Antarctic Sound, a
body of water about 50kms long and anything from 11 to
19 kms wide. Cruise ships have been visiting this part of
Antarctica for more than 10 years; The Sound separates
the Joinville Island group from the northeast end of the
Antarctic Peninsula.
DAY 13 Tuesday 10 February, 2026
Antarctic Sound
As we continue south we begin to pass one iceberg
then another. On board over these few days viewing the
Antarctic region, expert lectures are on offer for those
who prefer to stay indoors. Or, despite the potentially icy
winds, you may find it hard to resist the lure of remaining
outdoors all day to absorb the beauty of this area.
DAY 14 Wednesday 11 February, 2026
Antarctic Sound
On your Antarctic Expedition you will sail through the bays
and islands of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northern tip
of the long Antarctic Peninsula, which reaches out toward
South America. Encircled in a landscape of snow and ice in
every direction, your ship will slowly navigate the iceberg
dotted waters. The surroundings are hauntingly quiet as
well, an aspect of the continent that comes as a surprise
to many first-time visitors. Along the way, the ship’s
naturalists will point out the birds – terns, petrels, and
gulls – found on the coast and on small islets at stops like
Dallmann Bay. As you pass dark, rocky Cuverville Island,
you’ll see some of the 6,500 pairs of gentoo penguins that
make their home there, the largest known colony in the
world. Continuing on to Paradise Harbour, you’ll have a chance to observe not only gentoo and chinstrap penguins
but possibly humans as well: Both Argentina and Chile
have manned research stations here.
DAY 15 Thursday 12 February, 2026
Antarctic Sound Cruising
A day to further enjoy the unique sights of the Antarctic
and to enjoy the facilities of the ship. Group members have
time to work on their projects.
DAY 16 Friday 13 February, 2026
At sea
A day to further enjoy the facilities of the ship. This
afternoon join us for a fun game of Trivial Pursuit with
prizes for the winners. We will have questions related to
things that we have seen and done on our travels.
DAY 17 Saturday 14 February, 2026
Cape Horn, Argentina
We continue our journey through Drake Passage, then
around the bottom of South America, past the tip of the
continent. This deep waterway connects the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South
America – remains a maritime legend. Sailing around this
remote point has always been regarded as one of the most
challenging nautical routes on the planet with big seas
and unpredictable conditions.
DAY 18 Sunday 15 February, 2026
Ushuaia, Argentina
This morning we arrive in Ushuaia, for all the obvious
reasons known as the “City on the bottom of the World”.
Located on the island of Tierra del Fuego (“Land of
Fire”), it’s a breathtaking landscape, known for its
plains surrounded by snowcapped mountains. After
disembarking, we take a sightseeing tour of the city and
the surrounding Tierra del Fuego National Park to marvel
at its endless nature and ever-changing geography. We
cruise through Cockburn Channel – a strait in the Tierra
del Fuego Archipelago on the extreme southern tip of
South America, partly in Chile and partly in Argentina.
We then enter Beagle Channel (with its Charles Darwin
connections) about 240 kilometres long and at its
narrowest point only about 5 kilometres wide. It extends
east to Darwin Sound and Cook Bay in the west. Glacier
Alley is literally embedded in the Darwin Range on the
north-west arm of the Beagle Channel. From a lookout
at Pia Glacier, we have a spectacular view of the entire
glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all
the way to the sea. Weather permitting; we will sail past
glaciers such as Italia, Holanda, Alemania, Francia and
Romanche, among others.
DAY 19 Monday 16 February, 2026
Punta Arenas, Chile
This morning we arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile’s most
southerly city with a rich sheep farming history, as it is
surrounded by Patagonian grazing plains. On our tour
we explore the town lined by the impressive townhouses
of the sheep barons and the tree-lined Plaza de Armas
Square and La Cruz Hill. Back on board, we cruise through
the Straits of Magellan, a 580km strait named for the
Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, who famously
discovered a way to circumnavigate the globe. We’ll retrace
Magellan’s route as we make the only natural crossing
available between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – with
the notable alternative, of course, being the mechanised
Panama Canal, far to the north of South America, in Central
America! We will continue with a visit to a local shopping
area, where the group will have time to browse.
DAY 20 Tuesday 17 February, 2026
Chilean Fjords & Canal Samiento
The goal of these two days of cruising is to sight the
Amalia Glacier, which is a highlight of the memorable
few days of natural beauty all around us. In the central
Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, the Amalia descends from
the Andes Mountains and sits towering above the sea.
Amalia is hailed as one of three spectacular glaciers that
are genuine once-in-a-lifetime sights.
DAY 21 Wednesday 18 February, 2026
Chilean Fjords
Today, we continue cruising through the Chilean Fjords
stretching from the Strait of Magellan to Puerto Montt,
some of the most magnificent fjords in the world. As your eyes look up at the jagged walls of mammoth glaciers, you
may also be rewarded with an Andean condor sighting.
The condor is the largest flying bird in the world! We will
also see the gorgeous Magellan penguins.
DAY 22 Thursday 19 February, 2026
Puerto Chacabuco, Chile
Along the wild western coast of Chile’s fjord land, 400kms
south of Puerto Montt, Patagonian ice-sheets fall into the
sea in neon blue splendour. On our tour, we’ll enjoy the
Rio Simpson National Reserve 37kms west of the town
Coyhaique, providing us with yet another opportunity
to enjoy Chile’s remote natural beauty – canyon rivers,
valleys, beaches, waterfalls and forests. Coyhaique also
has a wonderful craft market selling handmade items,
where we will have time to shop.
DAY 23 Friday 20 February, 2026
Puerto Montt, Chile
This morning we wake cruising Reloncavi Sound, a body
of water located immediately south of Puerto Montt, Chile.
It’s also a place to catch a glimpse of three volcanoes,
Mounts Oorno, Calbuco and in the distance, Puntiagudo.
Arriving in Puerto Montt, the heart of the Chilean Lakes
District, we’ll tour the surrounding lake region – another
unspoiled Chilean National Park.
DAY 24 Saturday 21 February, 2026
At sea
This is our last day at sea, one to relax and enjoy the
facilities of our “temporary floating South American home”!
DAY 25 Sunday 22 February, 2026
(San Antonio) Santiago, Chile
After disembarking, we will travel to Chile’s capital
city, Santiago, where we will enjoy a sightseeing tour,
which includes the Civic Centre, La Moneda Presidential
Palace, the Plaza de Armas and the main square. We’ll
head towards the Bellavista district, home to many of
Santiago’s artisans, that is lined with galleries, open-air
cafés and restaurants. The lookout on San Cristobal Hill,
its tallest peak, has a wonderful panoramic view of the
city. In the afternoon we visit the Museo Chileno de Arte
Pre-colombino, which houses an amazing collection of
pre-Columbian textiles. Weaving achieved a high level
of technical refinement thousands of years ago in the
Andean region. We will enjoy a farewell dinner to say
goodbye to Michelle and other group members.
DAY 26 Monday 23 February 2026
Departure
This morning we visit the Quilt Shop, which stocks
favourite fabrics, books, designs and sewing items. We
continue with a visit to Mundo Patchwork, our last chance
to stock up on fabric. Later, we will be transferred to the
airport for our evening return flight to Australia.
DAY 27 Tuesday 24 February 2026
In flight
DAY 28 Wednesday 25 February 2026
Arrival Australia
Having crossed the International Date Line east to west
we lose a day and arrive in Australia today. What an
unforgettable geographic and cultural journey!
| Stateroom | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM | Inside | 8 | $16,490 | $20,690 |
| L | Inside | 4,5,6,7 | $16,990 | $21,590 |
| J | Inside | 1 | $17,190 | $21,990 |
| I | Inside | 6,7,8 | $17,290 | $22,090 |
| G | Oceanview (Obstructed) | 4 | $17,790 | $22,890 |
| F | Oceanview | 1,6 | $17,890 | $22,990 |
| E | Oceanview | 1 | $17,990 | $23,190 |
| DD | Oceanview | 1 | $18,090 | $23,390 |
| D | Oceanview | 1,4 | $18,190 | $23,590 |
| C | Oceanview | 1 | $18,290 | $23,790 |
| VD | Balcony | 6,7 | $19,690 | $27,990 |
| VC | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $19,890 | $28,290 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,5,6,7,10 | $19,990 | $28,590 |
| VA | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $20,090 | $28,890 |
| SY | Suite | 5,8 | $23,190 | $34,690 |
| SS | Suite | 6 | $23,490 | $35,490 |
| SC | Suite | 6,7 | $29,990 | $49,490 |
| Included port and handling charges | $1,742 | $2,406 | ||
| Included on-board gratuities | $786 | $786 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 1 Dec 2024 | $490 | $490 | ||
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005817 078) is the tour organiser. The MS Oosterdam is operated by Holland America and the fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Holland America website www. Holland america.com
Deposit and Payments: A deposit of $1,200 per passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The passenger must also complete the Holland America online cruise personaliser. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 90 days prior to the commencement of the fly/cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Master-card and Amex cards.
Cancelation Charges: Number of days before sailing.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of deposit |
| 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non-appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport. A visa
will be required for Chile. If you are not an Australian passport holder
check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events
during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events
such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on
flights to join or return from the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been
made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the
event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed
their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or
offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/ cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. If the tour leader is unable to lead the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, for example illness, Travelrite International reserves the right to replace the tour leader. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Holland America fly/cruise passage contract with Holland America, detailed on the back of the Holland America reservation form. If you do not have a copy of this form, please contact Travelrite International and we will send one to you.
Delays and Unforeseen Events: You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite Inter national acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1,200 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 9836 2522
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It has it is a fully ATAS accredited (A10538) and IATA credited offices at Balwyn. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
