Please note that every sea day we will have 2 one-hour clinics each morning and then a session of Duplicate Bridge each afternoon. Even on many port days there will be an afternoon Duplicate Session should we get back to the ship in time. A partner is guaranteed so you always have a game.
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.
Welcome to another memorable Bridge Cruise/ Holiday with Gary Brown and his OZ Bridge Travel team. Gary is author of 6 Bridge books, with one winning the prestigious 2007 American Bridge Teachers’ Association’s ‘Book of the Year’. He also created Flash Cards (the Ultimate Guide by the Bridge Player’s Side). He runs duplicates, teaches and organises Bridge Holidays around the globe – having now hosted over 55 Cruise Holidays/Bridge Boot Camps. Our focus is always on making the experience – your ‘trip of a lifetime’. The Bridge program is extensive, but casual. You play only when you want. A partner is guaranteed. Non-Bridge playing spouses often join us, so please bring yours along! There is much to see and do!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Saturday January 6, 2024 Santiago, Chile
Today we board our flight to Santiago. 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 Sunday January 7, 2024 Embarkation
This morning 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. In the
afternoon we will transfer to the Oosterdam for embarkation.
DAY 3 Monday January 8, 2024 At Sea
Our first day at sea and our first full day of Bridge!! This evening, join fellow group
members at our welcome drinks to celebrate the start of our fabulous adventure
to Antarctica.
DAY 4 Tuesday January 9, 2024 Puerto Montt, Chile
This morning we arrive into Puerto Montt, the heart of the Chilean Lakes Distric.
We will tour the surrounding lake region – including an unspoiled Chilean
National Park. Nearby is Rancavi Sound, a body of water located immediately
south of Puerto Montt. It is 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.
DAY 5 Wednesday January 10, 2024 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
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.
DAY 6 Thursday January 11, 2024 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. On the ocean’s surface, the
Magellan penguins always put on a good show.
DAY 7 Friday January 12, 2024 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). 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-alifetime
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 8 Saturday January 13, 2024 Punta Arenas, Chile
Early next 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 9 Sunday January 14, 2024 Ushuaia, Argentina
This afternoon 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. In the morning 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
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.
Prepare to hear thunderous noises caused by large masses of ice cracking and
dropping into the bay. Weather permitting; we will sail past glaciers such as Italia,
Holanda, Alemania, Francia and Romanche, among others.
DAY 10 Monday January 15, 2024 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 11 Tuesday January 16, 2024 Antarctic Sound
After 10 days of travel 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 12 Wednesday January 17, 2024 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 13 Thursday January 18, 2024 The Danco Coast, Antarctica
A highlight of the trip – the mainland of Antarctica! View the spectacular Antarctic
scenery of icebergs and ice-covered mountains rising out of the ocean. The Danco
Coast is the portion of the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula between Cape
Sterneck and Cape Renard. This coast was first explored in 1898 by a Belgian
expedition who named it after Emile Danco, who died during the expedition.
History is easier to comprehend as we witness this rugged geography.
DAY 14 Friday January 19, 2024 The Palmer Archipelago, Antarctic
Enjoy the spectacular scenery from the Bridge room as we cruise. Today, we see
the Antarctic islands – the scenery is spectacular! We cruise through the Palmer
Archipelago, also known as Antarctic Archipelago, a group of islands off the northwestern
coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It extends from Tower Island in the north
to Anvers Island in the south and is separated by the Gerlache and Bismarck Straits.
DAY 15 Saturday January 20, 2024 At sea
A full program of Bridge today. Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities
of the ship.
DAY 16 Sunday January 21, 2024 At sea
A full program of Bridge today. Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities
of the ship.
DAY 17 Monday January 22, 2024 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. On our sightseeing tour we will see the
traditional British charm that is preserved in this overseas territory of the United
Kingdom. We will see Stanley House, the only brick house in town and Government
House, the home of the islands’ governor and beautiful flower gardens. We also
take in some sights from the nasty 10-week Falklands conflict in 1982.
DAY 18 Tuesday January 23, 2024 At sea
A free day to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the facilities of the ship.
DAY 19 Wednesday January 24, 2024 Puerto Madryn, Argentina
Today we tie up at Puerto Madryn in the mind-boggling region of Patagonia. 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, snowcapped
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 20 Thursday January 25, 2024 At sea
A full program of Bridge today. Today we have a day at sea to enjoy the facilities
of the ship.
DAY 21 Friday January 26, 2024 Punta del Este
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 22 Saturday January 27, 2024 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 23 Sunday January 28, 2024 Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has been dubbed the ‘Paris of South America’. On our tour of this
fascinating 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, 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 return to the ship for our final night aboard.
DAY 24 Monday January 29, 2024 Buenos Aires
Today, after disembarkation, 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 B BQ – 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 (balls connected by strong cord used to catch cattle) and, lassoing. Originally, gauchos roamed most of Argentina and also much of Brazil and Uruguay. There’s an entire genre of dances, folktales, songs and even words exclusive to the gaucho culture. Later we will be transferred to our hotel.
DAY 25 Tuesday January 30, 2024 Buenos Aires
A free morning before we are transferred to the airport for our return flight to
Australia.
DAY 26 Wednesday January 31, 2024 In flight
DAY 27 Thursday February 1, 2024 Arrival Australia
Having crossed the International Date Line east to west we lose a day and arrive in
Australia today. What an unforgettable journey!
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | Inside | 4,5,6,7 | $12,890 | $17,190 |
| K | Inside | 1,4,5,6,10 | $12,990 | $17,390 |
| J | Inside | 1 | $13,090 | $17,590 |
| I | Inside | 6,7,8 | $13,190 | $17,790 |
| G | Oceanview (Obstructed) | 4 | $13,490 | $18,290 |
| F | Oceanview | 1,6 | $13,590 | $18,490 |
| E | Oceanview | 1 | $13,990 | $19,190 |
| DD | Oceanview | 1 | $14,090 | $19,290 |
| D | Oceanview | 1,4 | $14,190 | $19,490 |
| C | Oceanview | 1 | $14,290 | $19,690 |
| VD | Balcony | 6,7 | $15,390 | $22,890 |
| VC | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $15,490 | $23,090 |
| VB | Balcony | 4,5,6,7,10 | $15,690 | $23,390 |
| VA | Balcony | 4,5,6,8 | $15,790 | $23,590 |
| SY | Suite | 5,8 | $18,390 | $28,890 |
| SS | Suite | 6 | $18,690 | $29,490 |
| SC | Suite | 6,7 | $24,790 | $41,490 |
| Included port and handling charges | $1,312 | $1,782 | ||
| Included on-board gratuities | $632 | $632 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 1 Dec 2022 | $290 | $290 | ||
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for details on 1800 630 343.
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 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 Holland America 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 credit card.
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 | 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 Brazil. Chile requires a Reciprocity fee
to be paid on arrival. 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 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 International 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 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 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 any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite 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.
Travel Vaccination Policy:
While highly recommended, COVID-19
vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests
traveling with us. It is your responsibility to comply with specific
vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines, cruise
lines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as
requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may
be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if
you are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to
failure to comply with these requirements.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a 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
Cruise info – Email Nigel: nigel@travelrite.com.au
Bridge info – Email Gary: ezeriah78@gmail.com
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.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.”
