Blackduck59

Funny you should mention that Uncle Les. There was a wee dram of port in the mix and a bit of smoked paprika. This mixture is not gluten free but if you were here it would be.

Ground beef, onion, mixed frozen vegetables. Mashed potatoes on top. It is so simple and quick.

I made this for supper

Is that Batemans bay?

Didn't the OP say it was for "New England Residents" Last time I checked Canada is not in New England. In general isn't there an accepted definition of what the "New England" states are? So I guess if you don't live in New England you don't get the deal. I live on Vancouver Island and some of our resorts offer special "Vancouver Islander" rates; if you don't live on Vancouver Island you don't get the rate. If you live in New England, enjoy the deal. If you don't, to bad so sad, no deal for you.

@lyndarra Sloe Gin is an interesting libation that really doesn't taste like gin at all and has a much lower alcohol content. I don't normally drink gin either but Sloe Gin really isn't bad. I haven't had any in about 40 years.

Yes all the laundry bags are the same size. Many report being able to pack many items into them. We chose to get the unlimited package, under $100.00 for an 11 day cruise. We will be choosing that package for all future HAL voyages. I was well worth the price, having never had a laundry package before; we packed way more than we had to. Next cruise way less luggage, just send out laundry every day. The service is wonderful.

Navies from many nations have participated in anti-piracy operations; not just the USN. It is true that the USN presence is vital, I want to point out that they aren't the only navy supporting anti-piracy operations.

Isn't CO included in a Neptune Suite?

@Infi yes what a great idea, cake in the afternoon while scenic cruising. It feels like HAL had a good concept. Unfortunately there are always the rude few who can ruin a great event. Isn't it funny how some people are completely unable to find a drop of patience. That being said I'm sure there were those who got to the front of the line who took 5 minutes deciding what and how much of each cake to take. This would be time for a "soup ***" approach from the servers; make your choice and get out of the way.

With so many guests used to and enjoying lanyards, as well as lanyards for sale in the ship's shop; you would think the cards would be supplied with the hole. Barring that the staff in customer service (including the Neptune concierges) should know exactly where to punch that card without ruining it.

Thanks @Mareblu, your link is "unavailable". Funny thing, Lynn's favourite cocktail is a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's #1 is a form of sloe gin. Mom & Dad used to have sloe gin around. I haven't seen it for years, of course I haven't looked for it either.

They still make that?

As I mentioned on another thread if you need streaming TV perhaps cruising isn't the vacation for you. Keep in mind you are at the mercy of the ship's satellite service. Leave the TV at home you're on vacation.

@crystalspin you have been a wealth of help on this subject. Your explanation of the drink package "formula" is excellent. It is also a valid point for those wondering if the drink package is "worth it", if mariner points are important to you the drink package goes a long way to racking them up. We had no idea about that, and I was certainly confused as to how we got so many points. I just thought if they want to give them to me I'll take them.

If it is a drydock it would be logical. There are several facilities in the area that could do the work, including Victoria. If she is following her recent rotation she would be shifting from Alaska to Australia/New Zealand where there have been many ships having to cancel parts of there itineraries because of fouled hulls. So a drydock before that shift would make for a lovely clean hull with fresh antifouling coating.

Another great photo of your lovely wife Mic. I think this may take a while.

We just took our card to customer service and they did it no problem, of course we were on Zaandam so maybe a different situation. My guess is the folks at customer service should be able to help. We had swipe cards so our quick release clips were sort of useless because we had to take the card off at the hook. If your ship uses the tap type card there are lanyards that have a holder the card will slide into if the card can't be punched. Our lanyards work both ways but we prefer the punched card.

I really don't know what a "Tom and Jerry" is but I'm pretty sure your chances of getting the kitchen staff to make any batter for you is about zero. Even a small HAL ship has 1,400 guests. The kitchen doesn't want your recipe. I'm sorry if that seems blunt.

No problem, the bird makes the shot. Sometimes you can anticipate what they will do, other times it's pure luck.

That is a great photo, thanks for sharing.

There is that but I think there was something about shade.

So I managed to bring up POSH on Julie's thread and rather than run amok over there let's discuss it here. Years ago in discussion with some seafaring friends I was told it meant Port Out Starboard Home. My memory isn't what it used to be. One recollection was travelling from Great Britain to the Raj that would put you on the shady side both ways. I guess it depends on winter or summer. Of course who on earth from GB would willingly go to the Raj in summer. As for the chat we started in Julies thread @lyndarra, cruising POSH from New York to Rotterdam and back in summer would put you on the sunny side.

Rather than muck up Julies thread let's move POSH to the different thread.

I guess in the summer for that route "POSH" would put you on the sunny side and being an Atlantic crossing that may be a good thing.