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The destination of this trip were Antartica, Falkland Island , South Georgia in January 2024, for 18 days cruising. For the most part on Hondius, we felt we were discriminated by some of the Expedition team members. This can be seen especially at lunch and dinner time. Most of the team members sit only with Caucasian guests. There were also different attitudes towards Caucasian vs second language English speakers seen throughout this trip. I tried to initiate conversations with some of the team members but gotten minimum replies. It was very different attitude when this team member interacted with Caucasian guests which was always with lots of enthusiasm. I remembered the first day we arrived on the ship, the Team Lead said ‘’ we are on the same ship and we are a big family.’’ But it didn’t feel that we were welcomed throughout the journey. Most of the time it felt been treated as secondary. I understand there was a group of people from other countries who don’t speak English well or at all. But, It doesn’t mean it’s okay to ignore or treat one who doesn’t speak English or who is not Caucasian differently. I am not taking about Language barriers but more about attitudes and Oceanwide appearance in front of its customers from its own expeditions team members. Only the last day or two, some of the team members finally started been seen doing their “homework “ it felt like, by company’s standard I guess..to sit with second language English speaking guests at lunch/dinner whom they have almost never interacted with. The positive sides were the expedition team members were very knowledgeable about Antarctica, from water, ice , birds, whales, winds, penguins, Hondius ….etc. They were able to answer every question, putting efforts to lectures and landings. They even tried to use rope to show us how long each different whale looked like. The Team from the restaurant was impressive, very nice service, excellent food. Front desk, super sweet, friendly and helpful. Housekeeping, they kept our room and bed clean and cozy, surprised towel animals every day. However it does not justify how we were been discriminated. Once again, you can’t treat your guests differently by skin color.
Plancius - [ ] No tv except for web camera on the ships deck - [ ] WIFI needs improvement; it doesn't work in cabins - [ ] I paid $260 € for Internet access. It is a little frustrating that I paid $1500 more than passengers who bought a ticket days before we left the dock and they got the same type of room as me. That $1500 should have been used to buy internet time or refunded. - [ ] The lounge benches need to be reupholstered. They are covered in pleather. Whereas real leather would last longer and look good. - [ ] The activities were great. It was a once in a lifetime experience. The zodiac drivers knew just where to look for wildlife. - [ ] The food was excellent. Jerrica had a smile on her face constantly. She knew everyone by name. That is a talent! - [ ] The cabin steward was awesome. - [ ] I learned something new from every lecture. The staff who gave the talks were confident and competent. - [ ] I did not like passengers and staff smoking while we were loading the zodiacs; that should be a no smoking area. - [ ] I was happy you sold waterproof pants. - [ ] The barbecue was a pleasant surprise. - [ ] Overall the staff, accommodations, attention to detail, was beyond
