rafinmd

@Seasick Sailor the dinner was last night. It looks like that is becoming one of the "always available" items. Roy

Here are a couple photos of the snack display in the gift shop: Roy

I am in 1041: There 2 120V outlets on the shelf above the desk that used to hold the TV. On the desk there are 2 pairings of a 120v and a 220v plug each, and 1 USB outlet. There are also USB outlets on each side of the bed but I have not seen any electrical outlets other than at the desk. Roy

Thank you for the Remembrance Sunday report, Rich, and greetings from Aruba. I think the best musicians I see right now are the Lincoln Center Ensemble, but I don't think I would hug them. Cheers for Sadie Hawkins Day, and I appreciate a Finger Lakes wine as I'm from Central New York. I was in Recife once, in 2015, on the Maasdam. Interesting quote by Twain. I think I would prefer Pupusa to the meal suggestion. My alternative is Classic Caesar Salad, Rustic Lasagna, and Triple Berry Alaskan Tart a la mode, as served on MS Eurodam October 12, 2022. Today’s care list: RIP firefighter Andy Kazu severe foot injury Ottahand7 Brother in rehab NextOne with new heart valve problem Lady Hudson DH recovering from oral surgery HAL Sailer Sister in Law with aggressive cancer therapy and new blood clot Mister67 persistent hand injury Terri’s next door neighbor with stroke and complications From the rotation: Cruisin Terri leak damage Sandi’s neighbor Linda recovering at home Marshhawk and DH struggling with smoking cruisin single step-son with double cancer and months of recovery before kidney removal Celebrations and Shoutouts: My good day walking Ichiban Nekko settling into new house Sandi’s neighbor Linda well enough to receive visitors Work about to start on Cruisin Terri’s house 7 days for Cruise Suzy, Lazey1, and HAL Lover (Rotterdam 11/20 to22/30) 6 days for StLouisCruisers and Summer Slope (Volendam 11/19 to 12/17) Bon Voyage RednckBob (Beyond 11/13 to 11/20) Welcome home Dobiemom CrazyForCats and segarsmoker (Nieuw Amsterdam to 11/13), Norseh2o (Sirena to 11/18), Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 (Oosterdam 11/5 to 11/19) and me (Eurodam to 11/20) at sea Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

Saturday, November 12, 2022, At Sea, MS Eurodam In early February of 2021 a sudden heart valve issue gave me a pretty difficult 3 months of diagnosis leading to a mid-May surgery that restored much but not all of my former functionality. Saturday was a good day. Part of it may be called cheating but I have actually been doing it that way for years. While I started Friday walking 200 feet to the lido for coffee and 200 feet back, Saturday I left my room, walked around the bow on the Promenade deck, all the way back on the port side, around the stern to the aft entrance, went up to the lido for coffee, and then back across the lido to midship, and back to my room. While not technically a lap around the promenade deck it was the full third of a mile and I’ll take credit for it. Between traditional laps and “Laps with a purpose, I had 10 laps today for 3 1/3 miles of walking. I haven’t done that since leaving Queen Mary 2 in Perth back in 2020. Somehow, it was a very busy day but I hardly took any photos. I started the organized part of the day at 10 in BB Kings with the talk on future cruises. Lots of nice ideas including some very exotic things that I will no longer tackle, and a couple of nice reasonable options. Off at 11 (with one lap around the promenade deck sandwiched in between) to Gage’s talk on Cartagena. Again, a lot of nice choices but I will probably not leave the port complex with it’s de-facto wildlife park. I was by the seaview pool at noon. Unfortunately, Captain Band did not give his update until almost 12:15 and by then I was in line at Dive-In and did not hear a word he said. By my gps we were 354 miles from Aruba. The midship pool deck was a nice place to enjoy my fries. The Documentary “American Experience:Panama Canal” was shown on the Mainstage at 1 (and 3). The 80-minute film was very interesting. I was surprised that even the successful builders had an extended struggle trying to build a sea level before determining that locks were needed. I would have thought that would have been an early decision considering that the concept was implemented successfully on New York’s Erie Canal almost 100 years earlier. Unfortunately, I also discovered that the HAL provided mask put a lot of pressure on my nose and I could not wear it the full 80 minutes. I continued to the Lincoln Center Stage at 2:30 for a Mozart performance (with one of my own masks). This group consists of piano, violin, viola, and cello. I was a bit surprised that only the 3rd piece used the full ensemble. The first piece was a piano solo, then a violin/viola duo, and finally a concerto featuring the whole group. It is now clear that there will only be 3 of us at Table 30. The others are Sharon from Naples, and Diane from Ft. Lauderdale. My choices for the evening were Classic Caesar Salad, Rustic Lasagna, and Triple Berry Alaskan Tart a la mode, Near the end of dinner I caught the last bit of sun for the day out the aft window. I thought the entertainment on the main stage hit a new low. I’ve felt in the past that the Step One Dance shows were essentially a one-dimensional program with only live dance but no live music or vocals. If only “Humanity” rose even to that level. Most of the show had perhaps one or 2 of them dealing with canned images and illusions that could just as well have been filmed as a movie, with only about 10 of the 45 minutes featuring real and talented dancers. If other shows are similar I will not waste a lot of time there. There was a question on Cruise Critic about availability of snacks in the shops. On the way back from the show I stopped for a couple photos of the candy display. As today’s parting shot, since my heart issues I have had reduced stamina and started wondering if a decent promenade deck or at least a decent place to walk was necessary for a good cruise experience. Saturday’s experience answers that with a resounding YES. Roy

Bon Voyage all, especially @TickledBlue. I'll try to treat the Eurodam well until your turn comes. Roy

Bon Voyage Roy

Today's sunrise really is today. It was taken on MS Eurodam looking between the forward life rafts as we were passing Haiti on the way to Aruba. I have been walking less since my heart valve incident last year but this voyage has reminded me of how critical a real promenade deck is to my enjoyment of cruising. I'm not not sure if the new Crystal will work for me but am now certain that I will not be looking at other luxury lines. Roy

Today's sunrise really is today. It was taken on MS Eurodam looking between the forward life rafts as we were passing Haiti on the way to Aruba. Roy

Friday, November 11, 2022, Veterans Day, At Sea, MS Eurodam I was up about 4:45 and headed upstairs for coffee about 5:30. I also discovered my first major packing mishap. I had packed a mini-cube if socks for use on the ship, but discovered it never made it into the big bag. I actually had a few socks for the travel days but I thought I was well stocked and they are sitting in my car. I tried the shops but no luck so that will be my mission when we arrive in Aruba. I went out to the promenade deck about 5:45 and walked 4 laps, one and 1/3 miles. It’s a far cry from what I was doing before my heart valve setback, but much better than I was doing on the streets of Fort Lauderdale. The sun did not want to appear but finally peeked through the clouds in the final stages of my walk. After the first stage of breakfast right after the Lido Marketplace opened I did some computer work and a bit more unpacking. When services opened up at 9 I did a bit of checking with the Cruise Sales desk and a bit of shopping (striking out on socks), Cruise and Travel Director Gage had his talk on Aruba in the Mainstage at 11. I thought it was quite a comprehensive presentation although I’ve been to Aruba many times and there was not a lot new to me. The one nugget I did get from the talk was good news; on Sunday we are the only ship in Aruba so we have easy access to the prime berth. I am in cabin 1041 on the Main Deck so it is a very short walk to both Guest Services and the Mainstage. I usually try to be out on deck when Captains give their daily updates but missed it today. Captain Pieter Bant indicated we had sailed 300 miles with 798 to go to arrive in Aruba and that we need about 19 knots to be on time. Sunset would be at 5:25 and Sunrise Saturday 7:04AM, since we will move our clocks forward overnight to be on Aruba time. I do worry about covid but will not let it run my life. I choose to cruise, but try to take advantage of the low hanging fruit, wearing a mask when I am near others indoors, and I get breakfast and dinner at the Lido Marketplace and try to eat it outdoors near the seaview pool. We had drizzle at midday and all the covered aft tables were in use, so this time I found a spot on the midship pool deck. I was in my room most of the afternoon catching up on computer tasks. I am very impressed with the Eurodam laundry services. I sent a sport coat out for dry cleaning Thursday evening and it came back early Friday afternoon, and laundry I sent out early Friday morning came back about 4PM. I did decide to do “one more lap” around the promenade deck Friday afternoon but it felt right and I kept going for a second; a total of about 2 miles for the day. This was the first “Dressy” night of the cruise. When I arrived there was a couple there who were attending a medical convention but they were soon moved to another table (I would guess they would be dining with others from their group). The 2 ladies (just friends, not sisters) did show up a bit later, but still only 3 at our 6-top. My choices for the evening were Salad of Arugula and Frisee, Rack of Lamb, and Strawberries Romanoff. Captain Bant had his welcome toast on the Mainstage at 7. I don’t drink but was able to toast with a Diet Coke. https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/bant.jpg Before introducing his senior staff he gave a lengthy explanation and apology for the delay in boarding, which I thought was a bit un-necessary, but I think there may have been a lot of second guessing by disgruntled passengers. The featured entertainment was Island Magic Steel Band. They were very good, although I stayed for only 3 numbers because I wanted to be in bed early with the time change. What I heard was Doe Rae Mi, Memory, and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina. I was in bed a little after 9, which would have been 10 without the time change. When I stepped out for coffee there was a nice little surprise in my mail slot. I am now a 5-star Mariner with a pin although the benefits do not begin to my next cruise. Near the end of my Saturday morning walk I caught a glimpse of the sun coming up between the forward port life rafts. My parting shot is a sad one. I have just been informed of the death of a life member of my local Fire Department. Rest in Peace, Andy. Note :Recently the Navigator App has not been posting menus. I did a minimally readable version of last night’s menu but hoping for better in the future. Roy

Thank you for the Saturday report, Rich. I'll pass on today's days and hope for an end to pneumonia someday. I like the Camus quote but have not been to Fukuoka. I'll also pass on the meal. My alternative is Salad of Arugula and Frisee, Rack of Lamb, and Strawberries Romanoff as served on MS Eurodam last night. We had a death in our Fire Department reported yesterday. Long since aging out of active service Andy was a member almost as long as me. I don't know the day of death but services are the 15th. Today’s care list: RIP firefighter Andy Kazu severe foot injury Ottahand7 Brother in rehab NextOne with new heart valve problem Lady Hudson DH recovering from oral surgery HAL Sailer Sister in Law with aggressive cancer therapy and new blood clot Mister67 persistent hand injury From the rotation: Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney Marshhawk’s friend Jesse with throat cancer and poor attitude Luvteaching DH recovering from fall and facing dimentia Status of St. Louis Sal (7/1) and JAM37 (7/7) Celebrations and Shoutouts: My 5-star Mariner pin Ichiban Nekko settling into new house Sandi’s neighbor Linda well enough to receive visitors Work about to start on Cruisin Terri’s house 7 days for StLouisCruisers and Summer Slope (Volendam 11/19 to 12/17) 1dayfor RednckBob (Beyond 11/13 to 11/20) Welcome home GTVCruiser Dobiemom (NCL Bliss to 11/13), CrazyForCats and segarsmoker (Nieuw Amsterdam to 11/13), Norseh2o (Sirena to 11/18), Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 (Oosterdam 11/5 to 11/19) and me (Eurodam to 11/20) at sea Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

Not Costa Rica, Aruba tomorrow. Roy

One thing about Manaus where people haven't posted pictures was the inside of the Opera House. On my 2019 Prinsendam Grand South America voyage I attended an evening performance here. Here's a collage of views of the hall: and the view from my seat in the second row: Most of the music that night was unfamiliar but they did play "Tequila" and the conductor became quite animated when the time came for the audience part: Roy

Today's sunrise really is today, taken from Eurodam's promenade deck as the sun started emerging from the clouds on my first day at sea. Roy

Today's sunrise really is today, taken from Eurodam's promenade deck as the sun started emerging from the clouds on my first day at sea. Roy

Bon Voyage all. Do you mind if I ask which ships? Roy

Thank you both. The internet is quite slow, although I've seen worse. I imagine the entire last 2 days have been very hard on the crew. I expect the entire 2 days has been very hard on the crew; while an extra day sounds nice, when you have onward plans made and don't know when the end will come I don't think it's all that great an experience even for the passengers, and that compounds the stress on the crew. Roy

Thank you for the Veteran's day report, Rich. I'll pass on the Oragami but celebrate all the other days and especially salute our educators. I found the Wilde quote a bit strange, and have been to Manaus twice on the Elegant Explorer, including taking in a concert at the Opera House. I'll pass on the Trout. My alternative is Garden Salad, Beef Pot Roast, and Lemon Torte a la mode.as served pm MS Eurodam last night. Today’s care list: Those in the path of Nicole, including HAL Sailer Quartzite Cruiser DH battling recalcitrant hospital Kazu severe foot injury Grapau27, smitty34877 postponing joint replacement Ottahand7 Brother in rehab NextOne with new heart valve problem Lady Hudson DH recovering from oral surgery HAL Sailer Sister in Law with aggressive cancer therapy and new blood clot Mister67 persistent hand injury cruisin single step-son with double cancer and months of recovery before kidney removal From the rotation: Status of St. Louis Sal (7/1) and JAM37 (7/7) Cruisin Terri leak damage Sandi’s neighbor Linda recovering at home Marshhawk and DH struggling with smoking Celebrations and Shoutouts: Ichiban Nekko settling into new house Sandi’s neighbor Linda well enough to receive visitors Work about to start on Cruisin Terri’s house 2daysfor RednckBob (Beyond 11/13 to 11/20) GTVCRUISER (Koningsdam 11/5 to 11/12), Dobiemom (NCL Bliss to 11/13), CrazyForCats and segarsmoker (Nieuw Amsterdam to 11/13), Norseh2o (Sirena to 11/18), Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 (Oosterdam 11/5 to 11/19) and me (Eurodam to 11/20) at sea. Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

Thursday, November 10, 2022, Not Half Moon Cay, Board Eurodam, Fort Lauderdale. Today is Veterans Day in the US, Remembrance Day in Canada, and Armistice Day in the UK. Best wishes for all to whom it applies. Wednesday night was actually quite peaceful in the hotel. I was up about 4:45 divided my next several hours between packing, breakfast, and watching conditions at the port. Around 9:30 the Port Everglades schedule started showing signs that things were on the way to changing, and about 10 the Rotterdam and Eurodam arrival went from “Scheduled” to “Confirmed”. I had to be out of my room at 11, which was a little bit before the ship’s actual arrival. I did check out on time but watched the arrival sort of on my IPAD from the hotel lobby. Thank you Cruise Critic Member @Cruise Suzy for the screen shot. https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/arrival.jpg Since boarding was officially 4PM (I guessed correctly that it would be somewhat earlier), and hotel checkout was 11 I had some time to kill. My first stop was the Panera parking lot in Fort Lauderdale where I started things out with a short walk. For anyone who thinks that hurricane flooding is just along the coast, this parking lot with a good sized bit of water was at least a mile from the ocean and many hours after the storm. I did grab my mini IPAD and head into Panera for lunch about 12:30, dining on one of the outdoor tables. Leaving the shopping center I noticed a barber shop and said “why not, I’m overdue anyway” so that took care of both a need and a little time. I had hoped to chill at the Fort Lauderdale Library but there was no parking so I stopped at McDonalds for a Diet Coke. It was about 3 when I entered the port. I found the signage confusing and it seemed like a lot of circling to get first to the luggage dropoff and then the parking garage. I also found the garage confusing but must have been in the terminal about 3:20. Security was easy, and they looked at none of my papers but most of the process was by facial recognition. At the end I needed a boarding pass created by a little printer but that was a very quick process and I was onboard by 3:45, nowhere near the first person on board before 4PM. My room stewards are Faisal and Tama. I am a bit baffled by the juxtaposition of boarding and departure times and the emergency drill. The revised all aboard time was 8:30PM. When I got to my room the first thing I did was turn on the TV and watch the safety presentation. I had planned to do the visit to my assembly station on the way to dinner, and pretty much ignored the speaker messages about doing that as I should have had plenty of time. That is exactly what I did and it seemed to be ok. The Captain’s safety message came during dinner. I am at table 30, a 6-top on the upper level of the dining room near midship and at the aft window, with dinner at 5:30PM. Our waiters are Banyu and Agus. The first night there were just 2 others, ladies from Fort Lauderdale who I am guessing may be sisters. My choices for the first night were the Garden Salad, Beef Pot Roast, and Lemon Torte a la mode. After leaving the dining room I stepped out on the promenade deck for a view of our newest ship, the Rotterdam, all lit up. https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/rdamnight.jpg It looks like holiday decorating is already starting on the ship, as evidenced by a display next to guest services. When I returned to the room my checked bags had arrived and I spent most of the rest of the evening unpacking. I did see the Rotterdam leaving from the bow view of my TV, and once we departed I went out on deck as we left the harbor. It is now Friday morning and during my walk I found sunrise delayed but eventually did catch the sun emerging from the clouds. My parting shot will be wishes for a great Veterans, Remembrance, or Armistice day as the case may be. Note: I posted last night;s dinner menu and the first 2 Daily Programs on my blog this morning: https://morethangetaways.wordpress.com/2022/11/11/thursday-november-10-2022-not-half-moon-cay-board-eurodam-fort-lauderdale/ Roy

Running way behind but thanks everybody so far. @richwmn here is the Eurodam's updated itinerary: Roy

What a fabulous city. Enjoy! Roy

I can't like that. It;s beyond shabby. Roy

Yes. I did go on deck once we started moving and definitely TOOTS. Roy

Not going out for sailaway but I see her on our bow cam. Roy

Captain confirmed that for Eurodam a little while ago. I'm surprised with all aboard at 8:30 but that's what he said. Roy