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Menus are back on my iPhone! No need to clear storage/cache or log out.  

8 minutes ago, cccole said:

The HAL staff, including the bar staff, are always happy to accommodate passengers' preferences. It is amazing how wonderful they are

Regardless of the inconsistencies, I agree that the staff on HAL is the best!

PS: Thanks for your suggestion but I will not be carrying a one time use plastic glove in my pocket…just washing my hands frequently with soap and water.

44 minutes ago, ellieanne said:

Or you could just bring your own pen, like we do.

I carry a pen in my purse but I don’t carry my purse on the ship. It was never a problem when I said I preferred not to sign.  Not using a common pen isn’t the only reason I prefer not to sign, it was just the quickest and easiest thing to tell the server.
 

HAL states, “Our efforts to significantly reduce non-essential single-use items, including plastics, on our ships is key to our environmental compliance program, Operation Oceans Alive. We are committed to reducing these items by 50%. It is our shared responsibility to limit our environmental footprint. The more we learn, the more we must be willing to move in the direction of zero-impact. We are committed to reducing, reusing, recycling, as well as to properly dispose of the waste we generate.
 

For me, the slips are a waste of paper. Typical thermal receipt paper contain high levels of BPA and phenol chemicals and cannot be recycled.  Only receipts printed on phenol-free paper can be recycled.  Unfortunately, I saw a receipt accidentally fly overboard at the Seaview pool while in Antarctica.  I made these comments on my post cruise survey.

I do not sign for drinks because I don’t like to use a commonly shared pen. I frequent the same bars and try to develop a relationship with the servers so after the first time, they don’t even offer a slip.  If offered by a new server, I look at the check, explain why I’m not signing and return it.  

2 minutes ago, ricka47 said:

So, are both rock and blues in the new Rolling Stones lounge?

My experience with the Rolling Stones lounge was a set list posted outside the venue of the type of music that would be featured during the 3 sets. I’ve seen Beatles, 80s, Disco, R&B.  Unfortunately, it is difficult for one band to play such a diverse set list.  BB Kings was always my favorite because of the horn section.  It only remains on the Pinnacle class ships (NS, Koningsdam, Rotterdam)

It’s important to be prepared for disasters and everyday should be cruelty free but today I will celebrate “no sock day”. Generally my socks go away in spring and do not reappear until fall.  Perhaps I am following the “sock burning” tradition that originated in Annapolis.

After a particularly snowy winter in 1978, Annapolitan Bob Tuner was anxious to shed his socks with the arrival of spring. He invited his colleagues to celebrate the end of winter by burning their socks after work, a symbolic goodbye to winter as the group of boat builders, sailors, and watermen intended to forgo wearing socks until the cold weather returned; and so a tradition was born. 
 

The tradition has come to be celebrated every year on the Vernal Equinox, the day signaling the beginning of Spring and, more importantly in Annapolis, boating season. The Eastport Yacht Club and the Annapolis Maritime Museum continue to observe this tradition and, with the assistance of social media, sock burning has caught fire across the country — it is now celebrated from Pacific Northwest to New England and even in land-locked areas of Pennsylvania. These days,  the annual Sock Burning event has become quite popular and includes an oyster roast, food vendors, activities, and exhibits highlighting maritime heritage.

Positive thoughts to those who need them.  Cheers to those on the celebration list.

7 hours ago, talpostal said:

From reading it sounds like people do the piano bar and BB King's in the evening and then the late option is the casino bar?

Unfortunately, there is no BB Kings on the Nieuw Amsterdam.  There is a Rolling Stones lounge that will probably do three different sets of three different types of music.  I do not think of the casino bar as a place to hang out but you can get a drink there.  Play hard during the day and get up early to watch the sunrise.  Enjoy Alaska!

I suggest you look at some of the recent LIVE threads.  Here is one from a Panama Canal cruise.

As a former teacher, I appreciate the work of teachers every day.

Healing thoughts to all who are in pain, be it physical or emotional.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

5 minutes ago, USN59-79 said:

I have a question about the acronyms we use here on CC.  Is there a listing of them somewhere and are they specific to CC or are they in general use?  For example, what exactly is BFF?  Is DS Dear Sister or Dear Son or do you have to guess?

Ray

Most of the acronyms used here are in general use, frequently when texting.  BFF is best friend forever.  I usually think of DS as dear son but you may have to guess from context clues.  YMMV (your mileage may vary)😊

Happy National Tourism Appreciation Day! I think of small towns such as Bar Harbor as this day is celebrated. It can be frustrating as a local to see cruisers come and go, but the truth is, that many of the favorite local spots couldn’t sustain themselves on local traffic alone. Tourists provide an essential boost to many local economies.  
 

We visited Bar Harbor on the Veendam on a cruise from Montreal in August 2018.  We walked around the town before boarding a bus for a tour of the beautiful Arcadia.  
 

I was startled to see the Coast Guard patrolling the harbor as we tendered back to the ship.

Positive thoughts to those who need them.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Congratulations!  Here’s your Roll Call.  (There’s a more active one for the full 27 days too).

32 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

The one box further away doesn't appear to be iced, but could still be frozen.

It was raining; I took the picture through the “glass” beside the bar at the Seaview pool.  You can see the raindrops on the photo. I watched the entire process. All the fish was on ice.  There were no boxes of frozen fish. The fish was removed from the bins of ice and placed on the scale that the man in the yellow vest is leaning over.  The chef is wearing the orange vest.  I spoke to the chef about an hour later; he was extremely excited that they were able to obtain this fresh, not previously frozen, catch. 

I believe all the fish in the Pinnacle & probably Rudi’s is frozen.  The Pinnacle only serves Salmon and Halibut, not available fresh in many ports.  Rudi’s may occasionally be able to source fresh fish However, when in a port where fresh fish is available, it is sourced by the executive chef.  Here is a photo I took in Montevideo in February showing fresh fish being delivered.  I spoke to the chef; it was served in the Lido and MDR the next day and it was delicious.

33 minutes ago, 1ANGELCAT said:

 

I just received an email from HAL for an EFFY charter cruise from Seattle on August 18 . 

No but…After what happened on the recent Oosterdam cruise with Park West, it would probably be good if @VMax1700 added to the list he keeps for HAL charters 

I never believed HALs comments about “fresh” fish until I saw it being purchased in the port of Montevideo.

I always order seafood or vegetarian entrees.  I do not like overcooked fish.  Three years ago, I talked to a chef onboard and he suggested I  tell my server I would like my fish “medium”. This causes the kitchen to cook my fish especially for me.  It has worked out perfectly.  I have enjoyed many varieties of fish on HAL with unique preparations.

Good Morning! I am very happy that the meal of the day has expanded into side dishes, sauces and desserts.  I look forward to the carrot cake recipe.

National Two Different Colored Shoes Day was created by Dr. Arlene Kaiser. Kaiser created this day to recognize and celebrate human diversity. According to Kaiser, “The simple act of wearing two different colored shoes proclaims your individuality. By taking this 'positive risk,' you can demonstrate your willingness to be different, and show your appreciation for the unique people in your life”.

Google translate is a wonderful feature.  I frequently use it when traveling aboard especially for reading menus. @Haljo1935 Your pearl box was translated on yesterday’s thread by @middlehaitch 

I thought you might be interested in an excellent Coast Guard rescue video just posted on another thread.

This thread should assist you.

We enjoyed Montevideo in February. While waiting for the sky to clear and begin our walk, we saw fresh fish being inspected by the executive chef before being weighed and brought on board the Oosterdam.We took a nice walk through town.

My favorite stop was the Museo Del Carnaval.  Uruguay celebrates the longest Carnival in the world and this museum showcase the event with costumes, videos and photographs celebrating its history.  It is a short walk from the terminal and less than &4 US to enter.

Sailing away.Positive thoughts to all who need them.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Pesto is a paste that traditionally consists of crushed garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, and hard cheese such as Parmesan or pecorino, all blended with olive oil.  I have substituted many greens for the basil; I particularly like spinach or arugula.  I don’t usually use pine nuts; I use walnuts but have also tried other nuts.  You can also buy pesto in the refrigerator section (better) or in a jar.

This is a very easy recipe for  Baked Pesto Chicken  that only contains 4 ingredients: boneless chicken breasts, premade pesto, plum tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. 

Quick Pesto Chicken Recipe With Vegetables I like the addition of  zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onions (but you can use other vegetables you have on hand like asparagus or green beans) making this a one pot meal.

Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake is a casserole that uses a package of rice and adds some alfredo sauce for a creamier dish.

1 hour ago, *Miss G* said:

think this will probably be my last live-from because it doesn’t look like there’s much interest

I love the LIVE threads and hope you continue to post.

@Tom47See if post#7130 on this thread helps you download the Navigator app.

Cauliflower rice can be homemade, found in the fresh produce section or in the frozen food aisle.  Cauliflower rice has a buttery and slightly sweet flavor to it, and a very pleasant texture. I think the key to enjoying substitutions like this is to accept it for what it is. For example, when I make spaghetti squash, I don’t pretend I’m eating pasta. I just think I’m eating a really uniquely textured squash and enjoy it.

Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice  This easy, healthy cauliflower chicken fried rice is made in one pan in under 30 minutes. It uses classic peas and carrots but if you’re low carb, it’s easy to swap for bell peppers.

Paleo Cauliflower Fried Rice  This recipe caught my attention because it uses bacon. Doesn’t bacon make everything taste better?  (Of course, you could substitute a different fat for sauteing.) It also includes directions to make homemade cauliflower fried rice. It contains all the ingredients of a classic fried rice recipe: beaten eggs, chopped scallions, carrots, garlic, ginger, chopped chicken, soy sauce, and a little chile paste.

Healthy Orange Chicken with Sesame Cauliflower Fried Rice  My DH loves orange chicken.  I think the sauce made with orange juice & zest, honey, Soy sauce and rice wine vinegar would add some delicious flavor to the cauliflower fried rice.

Mexican Street Corn, also known as Elote, is delicious!  Shucked ears of corn are grilled directly over very hot coals, bringing out the corn's nutty flavor and chars the kernels slightly. The sauce is a blend of garlic, cilantro, chile powder, mayo, and Cotija cheese, plus a final squeeze of lime, makes the corn sweet, salty, savory, nutty, creamy, and tart all at once.  

Cotija cheese is often compared to feta because of its salty flavor, firm texture, and how easily it crumbles. 

Mexican Street Corn Salad I have made this recipe many times and everyone loves it.  First grill the corn on the cob and mix together the mayo, lime juice and zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Cut the corn kernels off the cob and add them to a bowl along with the scallions, Cotija cheese, cilantro, smoked paprika, and jalapeño. Fold in the dressing, and it’s ready to go.  It can be served hot or it can be refrigerated.  I often substitute feta for the cotija cheese because I usually have some in my fridge.  

Mexican-Inspired Grilled Corn Salad with Cotija  This salad is lighter because it skips the mayonnaise.

Mexican Street Vendor-Style Corn Salad  This is a very basic recipe that uses canned corn.  I would spice it up a bit but it may be a better choice for those of you who like a milder dish.

Beans and pasta? Does that sound like an unusual combination to you? Pasta e fagiole or pasta and beans is actually a traditional Italian combination.

Creamy Spinach Pasta with White Beans  combines fresh spinach and kale with cream cheese and Gruyère for the sauce of this rich pasta dish. Paired with beans, it makes a filling vegetarian meal.

Pasta with cannellini beans and spinach 

This recipe uses dried cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, you can also use cannellini beans in a can or substitute great white northern beans. They are cooked with chopped carrots, celery, and onion, a little bay leaf and oregano for an herby flavor. You could substitute the spinach with any kind of leafy greens such as Tuscan kale or chard.

Creamy White Beans with Spinach  These beans are cooked with olive oil, shallot, plenty of garlic, and spinach.  There is no pasta in this recipe.  Serving suggestions include crusty bread, pasta, or polenta.