DECK
PLANS
Oosterdam is the second in Holland America Line’s series of Vista-class ships. Launched in 2003 with a capacity of 1900 passengers she embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies and is the perfect, spacious, mid-sized ship. The centerpiece of Oosterdam is a magnificent Waterford crystal globe, prominently displayed in the three-story atrium. She features an extensive use of crystal, marble, inlaid woods and brass, lovely flower arrangements, priceless artwork and antiques and a full wraparound teak promenade deck with padded deck chairs. Throughout the ship there are restaurants to suit every mood, from authentic Italian cuisine to a legendary experience at Le Cirque to a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak. Savor the many diverse restaurants and delicious menus inspired by the latest trends. Evenings on board brim with choices. Take in a thrilling show in the lounge, try your luck in the Casino, or sing along in the piano bar. Explore the varied gathering places to suit every taste. A highlight is the BB King’ Blues Club. Direct from Beale Street, the B.B. King All-Star band brings the best of Memphis music to sea.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday January 26, 2025 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, with free time to relax.
DAY 2 Monday January 27, 2025 Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has been dubbed the “Paris of South America.” One writer described
it as having “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.
DAY 3 Tuesday January 28, 2025 Buenos Aires
Today we visit a ranch on the Pampas, South America’s fertile grassland plains
– to experience some of the heritage of this country, including an authentic
Argentinean BBQ – arguably a BBQ like no other in the world. We also see a group
of Gauchos (legendary Argentinean cowboys) show us their prowess at throwing
bolas and lassoing. Originally, gauchos roamed most of Argentina and also much
of Brazil and Uruguay. Later we will be 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 Wednesday January 29, 2025 Buenos Aires
A free day to enjoy, relax and shop in the city. This evening, join fellow group
members at our welcome drinks to celebrate the start of our fabulous adventure
to Antarctica.
DAY 5 Thursday January 30, 2024 Punta del Este, Uruguay
Mid-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-meter-high
lighthouse, built in 1860 with volcanic sand from Rome. See the upscale shops
and restaurants along the famed Avenida Gorlero and peruse the local handicrafts
while at Plaza Artigas. We traverse the La Barra Bridge and experience the sensation
of driving over the famous wave-like bridges. 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 will also see gleaming yachts at the
Port, the Brava Beach coast and stunning homes of the rich and famous in the residential districts such as San Rafael, the romantic Hotel L-Auberge, Beverly Hills
and the iconic Casa Pueblo and Carlos Paez Vilaro Museum.
DAY 6 Friday January 31, 2025 Montevideo, Uruguay
Today, we arrive in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, often referred to as the
“Switzerland of South America.” Geographically, Lonely Planet cleverly described
this small country as “wedged like a grape between Brazil’s gargantuan thumb
and Argentina’s long forefinger.” 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.
DAY 7 Saturday February 1, 2025 At sea
A day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 8 Sunday February 2, 2025 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 Monday February 3, 2025 At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon we
have a game of Bingo with prizes for the winners.
DAY 10 Tuesday February 4, 2025 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. A free day today. Why not join
one of the ship tours and see the traditional British charm that is preserved in
this overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Tours vist Stanley House, the only
brick house in town and Government House, the home of the islands’ governor
and beautiful flower gardens. There are also remnants from the nasty 10-week
Falklands conflict in 1982.
DAY 11 Wednesday February 5, 2025 At sea
Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 12 Thursday February 6, 2025 Antarctic Sound
After 10 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 19kms 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 Friday February 7, 2025 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 Saturday February 8, 2025 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 Harbor, 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 Sunday February 9, 2025 Antarctic Sound Cruising
A day to further enjoy the unique sights of the Antarctic and to enjoy the facilities of the ship.
DAY 16 Monday February 10, 2025 At sea
A day to further enjoy the facilities of the ship. This afternoon join us for a fun game of Scattegories with prizes for the winners.
DAY 17 Tuesday February 11, 2025 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 Wednesday February 12, 2025 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 tell-tale 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 Thursday February 13, 2025 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!
DAY 20 Friday February 14, 2025 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 (and us). Here’s a bit of fascinating natural science – the glacier’s immense weight causes the oxygen to be pressed out of the ice, giving it a startlingly beautiful crystalline appearance. Amalia is hailed as one of three spectacular glaciers that are genuine once-in-a-lifetime sights. Cruising through the Tierra del Fuego gives us a chance to witness what some observers have poetically described as the “ethereal blue” glaciers of Canal Sarmiento.
DAY 21 Saturday February 15, 2025 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 work their way up the jagged walls of mammoth glaciers, you may also be rewarded with an Andean condor sighting. As you’re probably aware, the condor is the largest flying bird in the world! On the ocean’s surface, the Magellan penguins always put on a good show.
DAY 22 Sunday February 16, 2025 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. One of the last frontiers, there are few such remote and underdeveloped places left on this battling planet than Puerto Chacabuco. On our tour, we’ll also 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. Getting close to the end of our South American journey, Coyhaique also has a craft market selling handmade items.
DAY 23 Monday February 17, 2025 Puerto Montt, Chile
This morning we wake cruising Reloncavi Sound, a body of water located immediately south of Puerto Montt, Chile, the place where geologists tell us the “Intermediate Depression” falls into the Pacific Ocean. It’s also an ideal 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 Tuesday February 18, 2025 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 Wednesday February 19, 2025 San Antonio (Santiago), Chile
After disembarking, we will take a tour of Chile’s capital city, Santiago; including 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. Later, we will be transferred to the airport for our return flight to Australia.
DAY 26 Thursdays February 20, 2025 In flight
DAY 27 Friday February 21, 2025 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!
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM | Inside | 8 | $13,090 | $17,190 |
| M | Inside | 7 | $13,290 | $17,390 |
| L | Inside | 4,5,6,7 | $13,490 | $17,590 |
| K | Inside | 1,4,5,6,10 | $13,690 | $17,790 |
| G | Oceanview (Obstructed) | 4 | $14,290 | $18,590 |
| F | Oceanview | 1,6 | $14,590 | $18,990 |
| E | Oceanview | 1 | $14,790 | $19,190 |
| DD | Oceanview | 1 | $14,890 | $19,390 |
| D | Oceanview | 1,4 | $14,990 | $19,590 |
| C | Oceanview | 1 | $15,090 | $19,790 |
| VF | Balcony | $15,990 | $22,690 | |
| VD | Balcony | 6,7 | $16,190 | $23,190 |
| VC | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $16,390 | $23,390 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,5,6,7,10 | $16,490 | $23,590 |
| VA | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $16,590 | $23,790 |
| SY | Suite | 5,8 | $18,890 | $28,390 |
| SS | Suite | 6 | $19,290 | $28,990 |
| SC | Suite | 6,7 | $24,490 | $39,490 |
| Included port and handling charges | $1,694 | $2,358 | ||
| Included on-board gratuities | $758 | $758 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 1 January 2024 | $490 | $490 | ||
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call 1800 630 343 for fares and information on other cabin categories.
You can stay longer in South America for minimal extra cost. Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls pre and post tour arrangements are available. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
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. hollandamerica.com .
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1200 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.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of deposit |
| 90 - 61 days | 50% of full fare |
| 60 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 pass-port. 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 recom-mended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unfore-seen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Passengers qualify for a 20kg 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 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 of 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 non-refundable deposit of $1200 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) 8803 6868
Email: sales@travelrite.com.au
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully IATA and ATAS accredited: A10538. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 30 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“This was my fourth Travelrite tour – the courtesy and attention to detail was outstanding from the travel consultant to the tour manager. It was too hard to choose a favourite sightseeing tour as all of them were interesting and the local guides good.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and excursions. I met so many nice people and had great confidence in our Tour Manager.”
