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The Koningsdam has no cruises listed on the HAL website from October 23 through January 24

I’m sorry about your positive test. I hope you remain symptom free and get out asap. It appears you have been able to remain in your cabin. Have they eliminated the quarantine area of ship? Since you’re from VA, here’s some Chesapeake Bay trivia. 1. How many pounds of seafood does the Bay produce yearly? 2. What do locals call the striped bass in the bay? 3. What is the largest fish in the bay?

@MISTER 67 Ouch on the water heater/ electric bill. We just lowered the temp on our water heater to 120 degrees in an effort to save some money. @kazu Specifically, what type of laptop do you have that needs a new charger? I have a friend that is amazing at finding that sort of thing. If you give the brand and model, he may be able to help. @StLouisCruisers @marshhawkThe postal services is having problems everywhere. I received a Christmas card, postmarked 12/15 in March. I still have not received the invitation to a wedding I attended in September. @ger_77 I hope you flight issue is resolved on Monday. I look forward to meeting you on the Oosterdam. @dfishThe Bay of Fundy is on my bucket list. Enjoy! @ottahand7 Go Ravens! @rafinmd My Wegmans in Harford county opened in 2011.

I never thought of pairing flank steak with grapes but I found many recipes. Flank steak is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow. This cut of steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the animal, right behind its chest. As you’d expect from that muscle-y area, the meat can be somewhat chewier than other steaks. Because flank steak is quite lean, it can be a bit tough if not prepared and sliced properly. Marinating with a little acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, will help tenderize this cut of beef. Cooking until medium-rare and slicing against the grain are key to a tender result. Ready in just 30 minutes, this herb marinated flank steak is cooked on the stovetop and topped with balsamic sautéed grapes and shallots and sprinkled with blue cheese. https://www.nutmegnanny.com/grape-blue-cheese-flank-steak/ This recipe is from Giada de Laurentiis cookbook called My Recipes for La Dolce Vita: steak, sautéed grapes and mushrooms in a brandy wine sauce. https://myrecipereviews.com/2018/05/08/flank-steak-with-roasted-grapes-and-mushrooms/ This steak is marinated in a paste with herbs and balsamic vinegar, quickly seared and then finished with the grapes in the oven. https://food52.com/recipes/13450-seared-and-pan-roasted-flank-steak-with-grapes In California, the fresh grape boom hit in 1839 when a former trapper from Kentucky, William Wolfskill, planted the state’s first table grape vineyard in the Mexican colonial pueblo now known as Los Angeles. This recipe is from the Grapes from California website. https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/recipes/grilled-flank-steak-grapes-stilton/ This broiled flank steak is served with grapes and a delicious looking salad on the side. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/broiled-flank-steak-with-grilled-champagne-grapes-and-a-bitter-greens-and-blue-cheese-salad-1961524

I open the app as soon as the plane touches down and complete the required info while I’m waiting to get off the plane. Thank you for the pictures of Bora Bora. Definitely on my bucket list, hopefully in 2024.

It will save you a tremendous amount of time. I proceed past a line of at least 1000 people because I had the app. I highly recommend this free app to all US & Canadian citizens. Here’s some basic info.

Skillet Chicken Brussels Sprouts sounds like an excellent dish for a Fall day. Brussels sprouts are named after Brussels, Belgium, where it is believed they were first widely cultivated in the 16th century. Sometimes called mini cabbages, they have appeared on “most hated vegetable” lists due to their potentially bitter flavors caused by sulfur-containing compounds. Overcooking the vegetable, particularly by boiling, will intensify any bitter flavors and unpleasant odors. However, when properly cooked and seasoned, Brussels sprouts offer a natural, nutty sweetness. Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. A simple stove top dinner ready in 25 minutes. https://thewholecook.com/skillet-chicken-brussels-sprouts/ Another simple dinner featuring hot honey, shaved brussels sprouts and panko for crunch. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/skillet-hot-honey-chicken-with-brussels-sprouts-12159958 One pan recipe with the addition of sweet potatoes and bacon! Looks a bit like a hash to me. https://www.wellplated.com/chicken-apple-sweet-potato-and-brussels-sprouts-skillet/ Let’s shred the Brussels sprouts and add some apples. https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a44233/skillet-chicken-brussels-sprouts-apples-recipe/ How about adding some sausage and roasting everything in on cast iron skillet in the oven. https://www.seriouseats.com/one-pan-chicken-sausage-brussels-sprouts-recipe

You will find other solo cruisers. I suggest you join your roll call so you can meet some people before you board.

@*Miss G* Hope you are so busy having a fabulous time that you haven't had a chance to post. Sending positive thoughts in your direction.

I often order a double portion of the vegetables that come with my MDR meal. I have dined with someone who ordered a double portion of prime rib. Once my husband and I ordered a total of three entrees (does it make a difference that one was mushroom risotto?). My point is...if need more food in the MDR, just ask your waiter. I never heard the Sea View pool area called the "stern pool" so I looked it up. The difference between "aft" and "stern" is that aft is the inside (on board) rearmost part of the vessel, while stern refers to the outside (offboard) rearmost part of the vessel. Two men who look extremely happy! Fingers crossed. Thank you for your very entertaining posts!

Happy to research Croquetas de Bacalao as I prepare for my Spanish Farewell transatlantic cruise! Bacalao is the Spanish name for salted, dried codfish. Salted dried codfish is used in many cuisines ranging from the Caribbean up through northern Europe. The salt, coupled with the drying process, helps to preserve the fish and extend its shelf life. Salt cod must be soaked overnight before cooking to remove the salt. Place it in a bowl with cold water to cover and soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water three or four times. (In Baltimore, we soak salt cod in milk overnight in the refrigerator.) Spanish croquetas are not made from mashed potatoes but from a flavored thick béchamel, which is made in advance and then rolled in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. The outer layer stays crispy whilst the inside becomes oozy and creamy. https://spanishsabores.com/salt-cod-croquettes-croquetas-de-bacalao/ https://www.bascofinefoods.com/spanish-recipes/croquetas-de-bacalao/ https://fortheloveofsazon.com/croquetas-de-bacalao-cod-croquettes-recipe/ A bonus recipe. Coddies are a Baltimore tradition. Baltimore coddies, not to be confused with codfish cakes, are hand-formed, slightly flattened potato cakes flavored with salt cod and other seasonings and then deep-fried. They are traditionally served at room temperature, sandwiched between two saltine crackers with a dollop of yellow mustard. Sometimes referred to as the poor man's crab cake, this uniquely Baltimore food could be found at neighborhood soda fountains and delis all over town beginning in early 1920s. A bit of history is contained in this recipe. http://www.vintagerecipeblog.com/2017/12/baltimore-coddies-recipe.html

The Zaandam is small enough that you embark or disembark in Montreal, a beautiful city with better airport connections for me. The passage through the St Lawrence seaway on the way to Quebec is beautiful. The Zuiderdam is to large to go to Montreal so you will embark or disembark in Quebec City, missing Montreal.

Congratulations! I'm going to give it a try too.

Stuffed sweet potatoes with beans and guacamole is a Mexican vegetarian entrée. This is the third day in a row we have featured Mexican cuisine. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and antioxidants, which protect your body from free radical damage and promote a healthy gut and brain. They're also incredibly rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A to support good vision and your immune system. It is essential to bake your sweet potatoes for these recipes. I often just put a few in when cooking something else in the oven. Here’s some advice on how to bake them. Preheat oven to 425º. On a lined baking sheet, ***** sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake until tender or until the skin has puffed up and you can easily pierce them with a fork about 45 to 50 minutes. This recipe suggests black bean, bell pepper and corn filling piled in a baked sweet potato and topped with yogurt or sour cream, avocado, cilantro and fresh lime juice. Feel free to leave out anything you don’t like. https://runningonrealfood.com/guacamole-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/ This recipe uses fresh ingredients like tomato, cilantro, corn and black beans. Stuffed into sweet potatoes and topped with an easy guacamole. Then drizzled with a citrusy vegan sour cream. https://www.twospoons.ca/mexican-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/ Since all the recipes were basically the same, I thought I’d add a few with a Middle Eastern flavor too. This recipe stuffs the sweet potatoes with chickpeas and tops them with creamy garlic hummus. https://healthyhappylife.com/chickpea-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/ This recipe adds spinach and uses tahini as a topping. https://www.lastingredient.com/chickpea-spinach-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/

I prefer to be close to the Lido and the Sea View pool so I always book deck 8 aft. Some people complain about noise on deck 8 but it has never bothered me. Cabin 8029 seems to be near or under the spa so it should be relatively quiet.

@Midwestern Cruiser I suggest you pose your question to the Nieuw Statendam 10/8/22 Relocation to Fort Lauderdale thread. A large group of CC regulars are currently on the ship. Also, they are posting the daily Where & When.

Could you share a link to the published cookbooks? I think the recipe would still be delicious if you used frozen strawberries. Other types of fruit would work too. I think peaches would be yummy. Thanks for the heads up because I didn't receive that email. Sending positive thoughts to those the cares list and cheers to those who are celebrating

Fresas con crema is a Mexican dessert and it means strawberries and cream. This is a very popular treat in Mexico. Families make it at home and it’s sold in the freezer section of grocery stores. This no-bake dessert recipe is a very easy treat. All of the ingredients are easy to find, freshly sliced strawberries are mixed into a sweetened cream sauce. This recipe uses fresh strawberries, sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla extract. It includes possible ingredient substitutions too. https://www.isabeleats.com/fresas-con-crema/ The next recipe uses Mexican sour cream which is a creamy and slightly tangy condiment very similar to sour cream. It’s thicker and richer than American sour cream, but not as thick and rich as French crème fraîche. It includes media crema which is a Nestle product that is a canned light cream/table cream that adds creaminess and richness to your favorite savory and sweet recipes. It also contains sweetened condensed milk. Substitutions are provided. https://mexicanmademeatless.com/fresas-con-crema/ Since all the recipes are so similar, I thought I’d add one for paletas, a special kind of Mexican popsicles! https://theothersideofthetortilla.com/2014/05/paletas-fresas-con-crema-recipe/

I give daily feedback using the Navigator app. Most of it was good. Try to write a brief note when I receive extraordinary service from any employee. For example, I asked the employee who was hosing off my verandah if there was some way he could clean the glass on the balcony "railing" so I could see better when I was seated. He cleaned it inside and out. I immediately complimented him on the app and got I call from the mgmt. thanking me for my comments. I wrote some nice things about my MDR server and he was recognized in a staff meeting the following day and thanked me profusely that night. But when I find something to be lacking, like the slow beverage serve in the MDR, I write about that too. I complained about lack of bar soap and it magically appeared in my room.

I like to be pampered on vacation. Agreed. We asked for and received twice daily service of our Zuiderdam cabin in February. I did tell the room steward I didn't need any towel animals but still received a few cute ones on the cruise. My husband refuses to use self checkout lines because they take away jobs. I miss the wine stewards too. We started ordering wine in the bar and bringing it to the MDR because it took so long to get a drink after we were seated, the beverages runners were over worked! I was able to find a wide variety of hot sauce near the distant lands station in the Lido.

There are many varieties of carrot pea chicken salad. This salad is my favorite; it adds rainbow carrots, pea shoots, sugar snap peas, feta cheese and mint leaves to the chicken. It has a very light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. https://www.sunset.com/recipe/rainbow-carrot-pea-chicken-salad One of the most interesting varieties is Ensalada de Pollo, chock full of veggies like carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, and peas it is possible at children’s parties and adult’s fiestas. It is frequently served on saltine crackers or crunchy tostada shells. https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/mexican-chicken-salad-recipe/ https://dashofcolorandspice.com/mexican-chicken-salad/ Here is a healthy hot salad. https://eatsmarter.com/recipes/pea-and-carrot-salad-with-chicken Not a salad but this recipe popped up when I was searching and I thought it looked good. How about chicken meatballs served with a carrot and pea salad? https://www.delicious.com.au/recipes/spicy-chicken-bites-carrot-snow-pea-salad/404fcf36-b00a-473d-8453-d4bc1c7dfab2

There is a link at the top of the Holland America home page. Find your roll call: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/52-holland-america-roll-calls/ Select your ship and sailing date.

Tahdig is a traditional Persian rice dish. The name tahdig means bottom of the pot, referring to the crispy layer of crusty rice at the bottom of the cooking pot. The dish is typically made with basmati rice, ghee or oil, and salt, while turmeric and saffron can also be added for a nice touch of color and flavor. This is a step-by-step recipe. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/tahdig-recipe-crispy-persian-rice/ I enjoy listening to The Splendid Table on NPR. Here is their recipe. https://www.splendidtable.org/story/2014/05/23/tahdig Here is a recipe that adds potatoes https://insearchofyummyness.com/persian-rice-with-potato-tahdig/ Here is a recipe with a flatbread crust. https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/polo-ba-tahdig-persian-rice-with-bread-crust-20190617-h1fgek

When I was on the Zuiderdam in February, the only time the front deck was open was when we were transiting the canal.