StLouisCruisers

It's incredible so many of us survived childhood, isn't it Bruce @aliaschief??

That's good that you got so many spending points with HIA. We are hoping for the same this cruise, doubling the number of days of the cruise. Last December we got 28 spending points to go with our 28 days cruising. This time doubling our days of cruising will put us over the top for 5 star Mariner status!

Good morning friends! Yesterday afternoon we entered foggy waters with the foghorn working to warn other ships we were coming their way. This morning is sunny again with a temp of 50 degrees. Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Daily and Fleet Report. I like all the days especially chocolate chip cookies. I also appreciate the U.S. Coast Guard for their untiring work to keep everyone on the seas safe. Interesting Chinese Valentine's Day and Daughters Day all in one. The quote is funny, no thanks to orange fish or a derby spritzer. Probably a no on the wine, too. Very sad day for Anne Frank. 😥 Thank you Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for explaining the food and beverages for everyone. Prayers for our entire group of friends here and our loved ones. Cheers to those celebrating especially our cruisers. Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for the list keeping. DS and Ren flew to Virginia yesterday for a couple days at the UVA soccer camp. DDIL and Kai flew back home to Michigan after a nice reunion in Frisco, TX. DS tells us he was able to purchase 2 tickets at a huge discount through FC Dallas, for the Lionel Messi Miami game against Dallas Sunday night. They will be very excited to watch that match up. ⚽ Bari, Italy is the port of the day and I don't see it having been shown here before. I haven't been there as far as I can recall. There will be no links but if you have photos please do share them with us. Italy is a wonderful country to visit! Happy Retirement Day @Mr. Boston! Hope everyone has a very enjoyable Friday and start to their weekend. We are enroute to Qaqortoq, Greenland, my third time there I believe. We arrive earlier than previously scheduled, at 8:00 am tomorrow and depart at 6 pm. Then DH and I will join Debbie @dfish and Sue for dinner in Pinnacle Grill. Looking forward to some good food and good company tomorrow night.

We had lunch in Pinnacle Grill and my meal was great but DH wished they’d actually blackened the blackened Alaskan cod sandwich he ordered. Not even close! Then when we returned to our room I saw this rather large iceberg floating by our starboard window.

Good morning friends! We are still 1 1/2 hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S. and the sun is rising very early it seems like. Thank you Rich @richwmn for our Daily and Fleet Report. Yesterday we went to the stream trail in Corner Brook that Debbie and Sue went to. I looked for them but we didn't run across them. The line was long for the shuttle ride back to the ship so DH and I walked back. It's not really that far. We enjoyed the hike around the lake but wish the entire trail had been open for us. Someone said there was a sinkhole under repair on a portion of the trail. Oh well! Prayers for all who are in need of them. So many things going on in everyone's lives. I keep up with the Daily during the day but don't always get a chance to comment. I hope to hear good news on some of our most troubled Care list people. Cheers to those celebrating! Thanks to Vanessa, Tina, Dixie and Ann for their reports today. The port of the day is Manila, Philippines which was our port on June 16, 2021 and Dec. 13, 2022. Here are the links. I haven't been before but appreciate all photos. Hope for good days for you and your loved ones. Time to leave, the stewards want in the room for cleaning. We are having lunch in the Pinnacle so had a very small breakfast. Talk to you later!

No problem. I hope your DH does well with the procedure and all is well. Lorraine @cruising sister many prayers for Baby Murphy and her family. This is so concerning and I hope she can finally turn the corner to a complete recovery.🙏 Vanessa @JazzyV how awful to be in such pain in the back area. I hope you can get it looked into and something can be done to relieve the pain. Joy @Seasick Sailor congrats to you both on Oliver's adoption. What a lucky dog! And equally lucky parents!

Here are the photos Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser asked me to go back and retrieve for her. They were on the last page of July 20, 2023 (page 3!) and I didn't see them this morning. We were up on the pool deck after having a late lunch today when I read her post about the missing photos. DH was kind enough to remove himself and come down to our room to set up the laptop again for me. I don't like to mess around with his "stuff"! Lenda's post: One of my projects the last few years has been to go through all the pictures on the computer to try to get them to look their best, and to weed out the bad ones and the duplicates. Today, while going through pictures from a 2011 cruise on Prinsendam, I discovered we had been to Skjolden, Norway. When it was the port of the day, I had said we'd not been there, and I guessed I missed looking at that particular cruise's photos. That is one of the few ports we've visited that I didn't remember. I did remember the tour we took that day up into the mountains to a National Park near the ice fields, but just didn't remember the port. Here are few of my pictures of Skjolden that are mainly focused on Sognefjord. We'll begin with the Prinsendam docked at the end of the fjord. The Skjolden Hotel The hydroelectric generator up close A river heading to the fjord The fjord Lenda This must be all...I can find no more! 😁

I wasn't able to open Shutterfly again, which is unfortunate because that is where all my photos are. However DH had a group of photos he had taken off our camera and left here. So we moved a few here to show you a few pics of our walk into Skjolden. Below is apartment units for rent along the waterfront. I think this was the rental office for the apartments. A view of Skjolden across the rapids. Crossing the bridge to the town we saw several examples of a Victorian-like style home. Seeing even the Coop grocery store closed we wandered here and there, and then headed back to the ship. At least we got some exercise. I'm always sorry when we visit a port on a Sunday and nothing is open.

Here are Lenda's photos from Sognefjord, Norway day. In 2005 on Marco Polo, we started the day in Flam on a branch of Sognefjord where we took the train to Myrdal, and then were bused to Gudvangen on another branch of Sognefjord where Marco Polo was waiting for us. It was supposed to be a quick stop to board the tenders, but as can happen on a cruise, there was a hitch. One of the tenders broke down, and we had a long wait while they retrieved it and towed it back to the ship. It was a nice, warm, sunny afternoon, so the wait was not uncomfortable. We were traveling with friends, and we found a couple of benches to relax and visit. To retrieve the tender, one man was using a inflatable boat to maneuver the tender into position for it to be towed back to the ship. This is just one of the pictures of his attempts. How the finally managed to get the tender back on board is lost in the mists of time. Marco Polo waiting down the fjord The area where we were waiting Of course, there were shopping opportunities. Finally, everyone was back on board, and we headed down the fjord.

Good morning friends! It's a nice morning here in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. We are 2 hours earlier than the previously recorded schedule due to the fact that Red Bay, Labrador has been eliminated from our itinerary this cruise. Tomorrow and the next day will be sea days as we head towards Qaqortoq, Greenland, arriving on Aug. 5 at 8 am not 10 am as previously scheduled. We will wait until most of the tendering is finished up before heading ashore to hike around the lake behind the City Hall. We might do a little shopping too. We cannot dock here today due to a freighter taking our spot. The Captain said there was nothing he could do about it even though he tried. Nice days today. I appreciate an ice cream sandwich at home quite often. Here I join the line in the Lido for an ice cream cone almost every day. I agree with the quote of the day, too. Potato salad sounds nice. No thanks to the drink and wine. Thanks to Rich @richwmn for the Daily, Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard for the F&B department reports. Prayers for those on our Care list and anyone else in need of them including DB and Mark, Tana, Lou, Maureen's DH @RMLincoln, Annie and Chuck @marshhawk and @catmando, Baby Murphy and friends and family lost or suffering. Happy Birthday to Jane @lazey1 !! Smooth sailing to the cruisers including myself. Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for your excellent work on the lists. The port of Skjolden has been mentioned here twice before plus the added distinction of being discussed 13 days ago with the Sognefjord, Norway port of the day. The first two times, I hadn't been there yet, but last month's port of the day I was able to post photos of Sognefjord. I should show more of the town but I haven't tried going into Shutterfly yet this voyage and that may not work. I'll do that later after I post Lenda's photos. Here are the links: And here is Sognefjord, Norway port of the day, July 20, 2023. Since I had finally seen Skjolden by that date, here are the photos I posted 13 days ago. I actually have been in Sognefjord, just last summer on Island Princess, right after we had Covid. When I looked up the region I found this very fine photo of Skjolden at the end of the fjord. Our ship, the Island Princess was docked where the ship in the picture is. This is an internet photo. We walked along the shoreline from our ship to Skjolden which is where the bridges and rapids are in the above photo. Here we are along the way. The rapids running into the fjord. Some of the town of Skjolden And the beautiful Feigefossen waterfall we saw going in and out of the fjord to see the town of Skjolden. I'm off on the hunt for Lenda's photos. Have a wonderful day this Wednesday.

Debbie, good luck trying to persuade the two of us to a game of any kind including cards or dice games. We are awful at that type of activity and no longer attempt to learn. You would probably have a better chance of drumming up a game of Farkle with the roll call participants! Are the dice Sue found extra special handmade ones? That’s a nice souvenir! 🎲

Rabbit, Rabbit, White Rabbit! Good morning friends! We are docked in Sydney, Nova Scotia today. DH and I will go ashore in a short while and do our exploring. No tours planned here. It's 67 and partly cloudy with a chance of some showers this afternoon. Thank you Rich @richwmn for our Daily. Prayers for all those in need especially Maureen's DH @RMLincoln, Lou, Chuck, Baby Murphy and @1ANGELCAT's friend Barb.🙏 Cheers to those celebrating!🥂 Thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV, Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their reports today. DDIL and older brother Kai are flying to Frisco, TX today to visit a while and help pick out some furnishing for their Texas apartment. Ren is practicing early in the mornings with the team and DS is trying to keep things running smoothly both there and back at his job in Ann Arbor. DH and I will spend a week there in Texas in September so things should be running smoothly by then. Last night the ship's time turned forward 1 hour and tonight it will move forward half an hour. We are in Corner Brook, Newfoundland tomorrow. That's followed by two sea days so I hope they let us move the clocks back that half hour. I'm not a fan of the half hour time difference! I have not been to Walvis Bay, Namibia. Today we saw the Caribbean Princess backing up past our ship apparently to a dock nearby. I haven't looked out to see the lay of the land yet. Better get ready though while the sun shines! Have a wonderful day!

We had an enjoyable Mariner reception with an interesting couple to sit and chat with, then right outside to order our lunch at Dive In. I caught my daily journal up to date while we waited for the pager to buzz. Here’s my burger and DH’s hotdog. The CC meet and greet is in 30 minutes!

Good morning friends! It's s beautiful sunny day as the Zaandam heads to Sydney, Nova Scotia today. A little cool but soon these temps will feel warm as the days get colder around Greenland and Iceland. Thank you Rich @richwmn for our Daily and Fleet Report! Today we have a 3 and 4 star Mariner reception in the Crow's Nest at 11 am. Then at 1 pm the Cruise Critic roll call meet and greet in Explorer's Lounge. So far things are going smoothly here on the ship and I hope to keep it that way. Maybe we could have a Dive In burger for lunch today to honor this day. And perhaps some watermelon, though an ice cream cone is my preferred dessert. Yum! Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser I will do the links and photos on Wednesday for you if you wish. I can manage doing that a few times if needed but can't always be 100% sure I can do it so appreciate your help while I'm away. Hoping internet is working well that day! Extra prayers for Lou, Baby Murphy, Chuck and Maureen's DH this week. And for any others who need them know I include all my Daily friends, my DB and friend's DB Mark. Thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV, Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard for continuing your work making the Daily what it is! Thanks to all for the silly memes each day! DH and I almost choked laughing at the 34 year old Escort one Lenda! Smiling is good for us all. Have a great day out there!

Debbie we are outside in section 1 all checked in waiting for boarding time. We left early due to reports of traffic jams on Saturdays but none materialized. There are lots of folks already here. Can’t wait to get on board and settled in.

Good morning friends! We arrived ahead of schedule yesterday to Boston. Then after a shuttle ride to our hotel we checked in right away instead of 3 pm. Looks like airline employees stay here too. Mid afternoon we got a pizza for lunch/dinner and went to bed early. I had barely slept the night before travel day. So we are well rested now and just have to tidy up our carry on luggage and catch a ride to the ship. Hoping for an easy embarkation day. Prayers for all on the Care list. I hadn’t heard any updates on Baby Murphy and send my thoughts and prayers to her and her family. Hoping for better health for all the Daily family. Congrats to the Celebration list people. 🥂. I’m fairly certain I haven’t been to Hiva Oa or Aomori. An easier day for Lenda. Enough one finger typing on my phone. Time to get things ready for our departure from here. Have a great day everyone!!

Karen @luvteaching what a nice photo of you and Mom! I know you must treasure having her here with you at 97 years old. Priceless! Graham @grapau27 looks great! We're enjoying vicariously with you and Pauline. I too like the fish and chips when over there in England. Only 1 stop in England next year unfortunately. Falmouth, May 22.

Thank you dear Joy! Takes after Daddy except 100 times more hair on his head.👨‍🦱

Thanks Lenda for your help with the links and photos. If we get on the internet after breakfast and have the time, I will be able to post photos from former posts sometimes. Just check to see if I've already posted when you read the Daily each morning. We'll be up to 4 hours ahead of you some of the trip but will have to wait for Rich to get up and post each day. Lol! No rush Rich @richwmn!! Sleep in! We're doing well today since we did so much yesterday. Time to get the passports, cash and jewelry out of the safe. If I didn't have cruises I wouldn't have much opportunity to wear the nice jewelry pieces we've collected over the years. DH just came back from the safe with two bank envelopes containing some Icelandic and Danish money. We can use those in Iceland and Greenland. No Canadian money in our safe, however. I just use a credit card as necessary. I'm stopping using the Imiquimod cream my dermatologist prescribed for my nose until after the cruise. My nose has reacted to it by turning the skin red and tiny scabs. I'd rather not have to look like that, much less trying to remember to use it 3 days a week, while cruising. I'll go back to it after this trip.

Good news today from Carol @mamaofami about Sam being home. Hope the recovery goes well! Thoughts and prayers to Terry and Lou and Annie and Chuck.🙏 DS sent a photo of Ren outside their apartment ready to walk across the road to the FC Dallas training facility. Tomorrow is "media day" where they walk around the stadium to various locations for picture taking, etc. More training too but weekend off. Oh yes! Almost forgot. He will be getting his new gear and a new jersey with his # on it. Wonder what it will be? He was 9 with the Tigers and 10 with the Jaguars. Hmmm.🤔

Good morning friends! Well, another sunny day ahead. I's 69 now but will be 94. Glad I'm staying inside! Thank you Rich @richwmn for our Daily and Fleet Report for today. Wow, on those days we celebrate! First I have never taken my houseplants for a walk before. I've given up on houseplants due to travel, and never gotten back into them. I think I should appreciate bagpipes even though they can be a little loud because they can't be that easy to play! No way can I walk on stilts and wouldn't even try. I could break something! The quote is good advice. And a big day in communications with the transatlantic cable laid in 1866. I think I would like the healthy lemon chicken, but no to Jim Beam and red wine. Thank you to our food and beverage gals, Tina @0106, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard for your great reports each day! Time for prayers for our Daily group as listed by Vanessa @JazzyV. So many need them but special prayers today for Chuck @catmando and Annie @marshhawk. Hoping the doctors can find the best way to help Chuck with his latest cancer issues. Thanks also to Denise @DeeniEncinitas for posting her advice and good wishes for our friends here. Also hoping our prayers help Lou (Terry @smitty34877) and Baby Murphy. Not forgetting DB and Mark. 🙏🙏 But a salute to all having a good time or cruising or both! 🥂 Hoping Ren has a good day.❤️ The port today is Chalotte Amalie in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. We had that port on November 3, 2022. I checked into it and found we had been there about 6 times, once without DH when I accompanied DD and family on a cruise. Sometimes we head over by boat to St. John for the day and that is a nice way to spend the day. I will post my photos from our first time in Charlotte Amalie in 2003 when we took a tour and went shopping for jewelry. Here's the link to Nov. 3, 2022. I remember our first stop at Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas, Dec. 2003. It was only our second cruise and in those days we didn't go too far from the U.S. We also didn't take long cruises at that time due to DH's work schedule. On that day, we took a little tour which drove us around getting an overall look at the island. Then we did some shopping and bought me something sparkly! Ships docked at Havensight. And the opposite direction at Crown Bay. Looks like there could be a BHB docked there to me. Our open air van driving us around the island Beautiful Magens Bay Next stop was St. Peter Greathouse which also had lovely views Time for dinner, but enjoying the view from the balcony. Happy to be wearing my new diamond slide pendant too! You didn't think we'd avoid the shopping aspect of this port day, did you? Little did I know how big a part of our lives cruising would become. Today we finish up packing details and make sure we stop mail, cut DH's hair and prepare to leave the house for a few weeks. Meanwhile welcome home to Terri and Jim @Cruzin Terri.

Ren's flight left 1 hour and 39 minutes late. His Dad plans to whisk him off to eat immediately after picking him up. Maybe In-N-Out Burger which they don't have in Ann Arbor. Glad you are pleased with your flight, Terri @Cruzin Terri. Good idea to stay in Jacksonville tonight and arrive him fresh tomorrow. It's nice to have you back!

I hate when that happens. You land, you taxi, and then you sit on the ground with no gate available. Something needs to change in the planning by these airlines. In the meantime, Ren's flight is delayed taking off due to a heavy thunderstorm with 70 mph winds that has been passing over the Detroit area. Best to be safe in this case and wait a while. Now scheduled to leave at 4:35 pm (37 minutes late) but I'll be keeping an eye on it because that could be pushed back further. I hope they have lots of snacks on board because that growing boy might get hungry!

I want to take a break from packing and say thanks to all for your kind words and thoughts for my twin. She takes things very hard and this will no doubt be a big sorrow for her. Thanks again to all with comments on DS and Ren's travels this week. And Maureen @RMLincoln I have confidence Delta will deliver Ren to his Dad in Dallas in a timely manner. (Hope they don't disappoint me!) Ren is an experienced traveler so no worries there. His first flight was at 5 months old when the family returned from DS's sabbatical in Singapore. Flights from Singapore to Detroit are not easy on anybody, but imagine the parents flying home with a 2 year old and a 5 month old! They had a bulkhead row with a Delta provided basinet that attached to the bulkhead wall. I'm betting the 2 year old was the bigger problem!😁 I got quite a bit done today on the packing. We just stopped for our lunch break and now I will continue on. We'd like to get as much done as possible today so tomorrow we won't be stressed out. I have a packing list and need to go through checking off things as we go further.

Thank you very much Graham.