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I would pick the Koningsdam because it has verandah cabins. We use our balcony frequently, particular when viewing nature. The Zaadam has no standard balcony cabins, only suites.

Article from Condé Nast Traveler magazine This New ‘Standby’ Cruise Fare Costs Just $49 Per Day—but Is It Worth It?

After comments from @Cruising-along about her favorite Sauvignon Blanc regions and an informative post by @XBGuy, I thought I’d chime in too. I was amazed by the Sauvignon Blanca I drank in Chile. Excellent and inexpensive. We drank 2 bottles of this during my birthday lunch ($8 a bottle at the restaurant, same price at Total Wine here) On the way to the airport we stopped at a wonderful vineyard in the Casablanca Valley for a wine tasting This was my favorite ($12 at Total Wine). I have a difficult time describing why I like a wine but there was very little citrus, I would describe it as grassy. On another note, many have stated they prefer fresh salmon. The advantage of salmon cakes is they are delicious made with a CAN of wild Alaskan salmon. I always have canned salmon in my pantry for a quick and nutritious meal. Positive thoughts for all who need them. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Here’s your Roll Call. You can speak to others on your cruise there.

Unfortunately BB King bands are gone from all but the Pinnacle class ships.

On the NS in March, the best band was in BB Kings. The Rolling Stones Lounge was virtually empty. On the Oosterdam in February, we made do with The Rolling Stones Lounge. I appreciated that they posted their set list so I knew what kind of music to expect. I don’t care about branding. I just want good music.

@ottahand7send me a message when you have time. My email is on the front page of the spreadsheets in my signature.

@BermudaBound2014 Thank you for this thread and for your recommendations.

The beach at Grand Turk is beautiful. The younger folks may appreciate the excitement at Margaritaville. However, I walk about 10 minutes down the beach to Jack’s Shack. I’ve also done private snorkeling tours with Blue Water Divers. Don’t hold your breath with Key West. It is frequently cancelled.

What type of boat was used? I am happy to hear all the positive medical updates!

@bennybearThank you for the additional photos and your advice. Great to hear whales can be seen every where. I’ve only been to Hawaii once and snorkeled Kealakakua Bay. I was lucky enough to see the spinner dolphins AND a mother whale who was pushing her baby up to the surface so it could breathe. The captain would count and point and we were lucky enough to see this several times. My niece still teases me because I was crying as I watched. First thing she said to me when I told her about seeing the whales in Antarctica was, “Did you cry?”😊 My husband prefers gardens to snorkeling. I just looked up Big Island Botanical Gardens. Wow! Can you recommend one? We are in port from 8-6 but will be tendering. Maybe renting a car would be a good idea. Is there a company near the port? @ottahand7 will also be on this cruise. Maybe we can organize our own private tour.

Thank you to everyone who has posted the wonderful pictures of Kona. We’ll be there next January. @bennybearWhat is the one thing we shouldn’t miss in Kona? I’ve booked a whale watching tour with HAL but only to use up a HIA credit. Would happily cancel. I was also looking for a private snorkeling tour to Kealakekua Bay that provides wet suits. Happy to receive advice from anyone about private tours at all the Hawaiian ports.

Here is the previous thread on the same topic. No one can provide additional information until the remainder of the 2026 cruise schedule is released.

That was not my experience on the NS in March. We had a $200 credit and booked 2 excursions for $160. Later, we decided to book another excursion that was $49. The $40 credit that remained was applied to our 3rd excursion. We only paid the $9 balance.

Yes and right next to the “art gallery” on the Oosterdam.

I figured out the night of the Morimoto pop up by looking at reservations for Tamarind. The night there are no reservations available in the Tamarind will be the night of the Morimoto pop up. My DH loves osso buco and was very happy when Canaletto started offering it every night!

@BermudaBound2014Your videos are outstanding. Thank you! What are your recommendations for tours on my Hawaii cruise. TYIA

@kochleffel Sorry if I stepped on your toes by posting the drink. I picked mine because of the combination of apples and Mt Fuji; also, I like ginger beer. However, I think I would be more likely to drink yours; I can imagine it being served in Tamarind. Wishing you a kosher and joyous Passover.

@summer slope I hope you are aboard the Disney ship and are enjoying the time with your grandchildren. Also, hope you don’t mind me stepping in with the Drink of the Day. The Fujiyama cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that combines the flavors of apple, lime, and ginger beer. It's perfect for a hot summer day or as a unique twist on a classic cocktail. The drink is named after the famous Japanese mountain, Mount Fuji, which is known for its snow-capped peak and stunning natural beauty. With its vibrant green color and sweet-tart taste, the Fujiyama cocktail is sure to transport you to a world of exotic flavors and unforgettable. (From homebarmenu.com) 1 oz lime juice 4 oz ginger beer 1 oz simple syrup 2 oz green apple vodka DIRECTIONS In a shaker with ice add green apple vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with apple slices(optional). Cheers!

Happy Earth Day! "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." – Robert Swan (first person to walk to both the North and South Poles) The focus of the 2024 Earth Day is to end plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, with a goal of 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Positive thought to those facing challenges. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Agreed, I had the same “Staples” (a big box American office supply store) pen on my cruise in March.

I do not think this cruise went to Antarctica however I will agree that my cruise on the Oosterdam which included Antarctica in February was my “best cruise ever”.

@POA1 I have noticed that the menus currently being posted on the LIVE threads are in a different format.

Try logging out and logging back in. Recently the MDR menus have disappeared but I am able to book shoe excursions,

Oosterdam. I remember reading their previous posts.