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Do not places dishes in the hallway; it makes it very difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate the halls. Dishes in the halls could provide an obstacle if there was an emergency. Every cabin has a “desk”; leave your dishes there. You can also call room service and ask for dishes to be picked up.

And unfortunately, I have seen all of these canned lectures before.

I also enjoyed Cabin Fever. I am currently reading The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny & Murder about a ship the wrecked off of Patagonia in the 1740s. It is very good, by the same author who wrote Killers of the Flower Moon (which has recently been made into a movie).

I am thinking about @dfish as I write this post and hoping her surgery is successful and her recovery is quick. I am also thinking about @superoma and hoping she finds comfort from sharing memories of her Father with the friends and family that are there to support her. Our meal of the day is Whole Roasted Cabbage. I eat a lot of cabbage; it is very good for you. In the summer I usually prepare it raw in a cold salad like slaw. It is a must when I prepare stir frys and fish tacos for the added crunch. In the Fall and winter I roast it. Whole Roasted Cabbage The secret for making this Whole Roasted Cabbage is to remove the core from the cabbage and spoon spiced butter inside. While it's baking, spices seep into every cabbage leaf, infusing the flavors throughout. It is paired with whole potatoes that bake along with the cabbage and garnished with fresh herbs to give a boost of flavor. Roasted Cabbage with Onion Dijon Sauce This recipe is easier to manage because it cuts the cabbage into wedges. When baking the edges get slightly crispy and the centers develop a slightly sweet flavor. Then you add the sauce made of onions and Dijon mustard. Roasted Cabbage Steaks In this recipe the cabbage is cut into steaks and seasoned with soy sauce, chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a splash of lemon Positive thoughts to all who need them. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

I will be on the Oosterdam in February. The ship is scheduled to be in port from 10 am to 10 pm. I do not want to ride the public ferry with 200+ passengers. I am looking for private tour operator. Many depart before we are schedule to arrive. Any recommendations? TYIA

@pinotlover I googled and this is what I found. The Wine Experience I did not see any day trips. Is this the correct site?

I do not believe there was a regular electric outlet in the bathroom because I did my hair at the desk. If there was an outlet, I would have done it in the bathroom. Btw, I love the Oosterdam, perfect size, my favorite class of ship. Will be on her for 22 days in February.

I was on the Oosterdam TA in November and had a tub with hand held shower. There is a recent photo of cabin 6089 on halfacts

I’ll start filling in for Debbie an afternoon early. How to make cauliflower rice I usually “rice” it in my food processor. If you cook it immediately there is less smell and a milder taste. You need very little water to cook it, steaming is suggested. I like it firmer so I roast it with just a bit of oil. If I make an entire head then I wring it out it out in a towel and freeze it. If you want to try it and don’t feel like making it yourself it is available with the frozen vegetables in most supermarkets.

My DH always picks up pennies he sees in the parking lot. Who doesn’t need a little bit luck. I like a piece of salt water taffy every now and then. I order a box from Dolles in Ocean City when I need a summertime fix. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a novel about Charlie who is a high school freshman, dealing with depression and anxiety. His best friend committed suicide during the summer. Two seniors take him under their wings and try to help him navigate high school. The book is extremely popular with students and often placed on banned book lists. “ I would die for you. But I won’t live for you.” Charlie is actually quoting a quote from The Fountainhead; he follow this statement with. Something like that. I think the idea is that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people. Maybe that is what makes people “participate”. Half Moon Cay is a nice private island. We prefer to leave the busy area near the tender and walk far down the beach to a more isolated part of the island. Love the color of the water. Positive thoughts to all who need them. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Thank you for your trip report. How was the crossing? Did you have any guest speakers or cooking shows?

@tupper10 Thanks for your suggestion. I have a pair of waterproof (wind proof) pants I use when sailing that I think will be perfect. We have a balcony cabin on deck 8 so I plan on being in and out and running up to the aft pool if the view is better on the other side of the ship. I love the bow but it gets crowded and I’ll probably only stay there briefly.

@AryMayI appreciate the link to your blog. I just finished reading the entire SA & Antarctic entries and learned so much. I’ve been in rough water, never been seasick but I will definitely be packing some meds. I was planning on taking long underwear and my 2 part North Face coat but I think I might buy a longer jacket. I hate cold weather, I would have thought you would be more used to it being from MN but you really look bundled up. You are an excellent writer and photographer, thanks again.

@ColonyGirl2I appreciate your reply. We will be there in the middle of February. Here are the two tours HAL offers. Seems like the more you expensive one take you on a private boat and the other one takes you by the “public” ferry. Do you know which on you did?

@ColonyGirl2Did you take the HAL tour or a private tour to Isla Magdalena? I am leaning toward a private tour. Do you know if all tours use the ferry or are there some private boats? I don’t want to miss any opportunity to see the penguins.

Happy Preakness Day. It’s going to be a muddy one.🏇 We buy one PowerBall ticket every week with the hope of becoming millionaire. @superomaThe loss of one’s father marks one of the most profound rites of passage in our life. My deepest condolences.

Good morning, thank you and best wishes to all who post on the Daily. Quick post because I am dog sitting for my sister. Hunter is a great dog but his schedule impacts mine. I am beach lover. Have been to Jamaica many times, always staying at an all inclusive resort. Negril is my favorite area. Recently HAL has been using the Falmouth port but on the cruise I booked on the NS in March we are going to Ocho Rios. I wonder if this is a permanent move?

Unfortunately hand sanitizer can't kill norovirus. Wash your hands before eating. Use a tissue for door handles etc. Bleach will kill the virus. I carry Clorox Wipes for when I can’t access soap & water.

@breakiron I wish they offered me a free inside cabin. I look at every private sale email I receive and there has never been a cabin offered for free. I booked the same SA & Antarctic cruise you are on through a HAL private sale but it was still thousands of dollars. I believe you said on another thread you didn’t gamble but I agree with @Florida_gal_50 it sounds like a casino offer. If not, how do I get one?

@weeislaymanI click on the link in the email. Then I view the cruises and private fares WITHOUT logging in.Then I call I call my PCC and have her help me decide if it is actually a good price and make sure the deposit is refundable. These fares do not include HIA and I always add HIA (and on Pinnacle ships Club Orange).

They do not. Here is a useful linkHAL FAQs

There is a sea day between Punta del Estes and Puerto Madryn, research says average temperature is 80 degrees in February. I’m bringing a bathing suit. A dip in the covered Lido pool might be nice or using the hot tub after a hiking excursion even if the weather outside is cold. We have 5 sea days and 7 days of scenic cruising. How did those of you who have taken this trip spend your sea days? I’m hoping for some interesting live guest lecturers.

If you have the Elite beverage package you will probably be able to find wine by the glass that you enjoy. Beverage Menus. (Thank you @Crew News for posting the most recent ones.) I like to try wines I have never tasted while on the ship. If you decide to bring wine aboard there is a $20 per bottle corkage fee, you can bring a “reasonable” number of bottle. I admire you for reading 234 pages of the thread🤣

Thank you to all who make the Daily a special place I will be wearing purple in honor of World Peace Day. Here is a portion of what I believe is a Hindu prayer. May there be peace in celestial regions.May there be peace on earth.May the waters be appeasing.May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all. 🕊️🕊️🕊️

How did you get to Isla Magdalena? What type of boat was used for the trip? Can you recommend a private tour company?