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Good Evening from the Noordam. Broome is a scheduled port on this itinerary and hopefully we will get there. we are currently headed to Papua New Guinea a d Conflict Island after some changes. Not thrilled but that’s cruising nowadays. We will be in Cairns on Sunday. We all repeated our covid tests today. We are all negative. Yeah!! Waiting to hear the decision on masks. We were in Gladstone yesterday. Neat little port. I think the whole town came out to greet us. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Have a wonderful trip! Sandi @StLouisCruisers not sure when you are headed to Fort Lauderdale or the route. My neighbors have told me that Artemis is scheduled again ( ! ?) to launch on Wednesday. If that happens 95 will be backed up especially thru Brevard and Volusia county. Of course my info may be lacking but wanted you to be aware. Have fun to all of you Charlene

Yes that is what we heard. I just can’t believe it. We were docked at White bay and the shuttle driver told us. Princess has to do a deep cleaning and embarkation was delayed. There was some controversity/ gossip about releasing all those sick passengers. Our Captain has urged people to wear masks and wash. We went to the bow for sail away ( we sailed under the bridge) and most everyone was wearing masks. It was not crowded. We stood by the anchor rather than crowd in at the rail.

Congratulations on 5 star! We are following the same covid precautions as you and so far so good.

Good Morning from the Noordam Spent a great day in Sydney yesterday. There was a shuttle to Darling Harbor and we walked from there. Weather was perfect . We are wearing masks again for the next 3 days and then all will be tested again. There was some issue with a Princess ship and high covid numbers. Not sure how accurate so I am not going to repeat it. There was a reporter outside the terminal and there was a news helicopter flying overhead as we were leaving port. Princess was still there. We had some staff changes including the CD. That one was ok. She was not a good fit and needs more training. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Roy, have a wonderful and well deserved cruise! Charlene ( on the Noordam heading into Sydney)

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser My heart goes out to you! It is embarrassing what the medical profession has become. It is hard to fight all the time for basic care! I would ask what the hospitalist was referring to when he said extra tests were needed. And why now are they not needed? Rant all you want. We will listen. Wish we all could help . charlene

Good Morning from the Noordam We are currently at sea headed to Sydney. Will be there on the 12th. It has been a great trip so far with a few hiccups. I think we all just have to accept that things are changing. Not all of the issues are the fault of Hal but some are. The staff is enthusiastic but inexperienced. They are trying. My nephew and neighbors are keeping me updated on the storm. My nephew sent pictures of the beach. Couldn’t believe what I was seeing and the storm has not yet hit. My thoughts and prayers are with all my Dailylite friends. Ann @cat shepardthankd for your encouraging words yesterday. Stay safe and hope all goes well for you in the storm. stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Good Morning from the Noordam in. brisbane. So appropriate for it to be hug a bear day. I am headed out to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to hug a koala. Currently waiting to clear customs. Just got a notice that a hurricane is headed to Cocoa Beach. My wonderful nephew said not to worry , he will take care of it. We had shut everything down before we left and he has continued to check it out. Nothing we can do anyway! Be safe and enjoy today Charlene

Have a safe trip to Sydney! We are currently onboard the Noordam and look forward to meeting you on Saturday or Sunday’s meet and greet.

We used Tracy and her company is “Unique Tahiti” . She does a wonderful tour of Tahiti and is a very friendly wonderful guide. We were able to put DD wheelchair in the back. Worked great. On Bora Bora we used “laplage “ tours. They have a pontoon boat that she just rolled on and they took us all over the lagoon. It was wonderful! On Moorea, we used a pick up company at the pier just to give us an overview. They have SUV, or small vans. If your DH could slide in, it would work. Hal uses a big coach and DH had carried her up the steps the last time- not doing that again. Rhaitea and Nuka Hiva not accessible in my opinion. The tendering is very tough for Nuka Hiva and steps up at the dock. Hope this helps Charlene

Good Afternoon from the Noordam Not sure if this will post, between CC issues and slow internet . @richwmn The Noordam has had a change in itinerary. We are currently at sea headed to New Caledonia. Will be there on the 5th. Had a few other changes once we reach Australia, not sure that they are fine yet. It is ok, anything I see is good with me. My thoughts and prayers for all that are having troubles right now. Will post again after so see if this works. Charlene

Roy @rafinmd have a wonderful trip! Be safe. Charlene

We are currently on the Noordam with an expected arrival in Brisbane on the 8th. my cabin steward has left surgical masks for us a few times and there was a pack waiting when we boarded. Captain said covid numbers are low, whatever that means. I can honestly say I have not heard a lot of coughing etc. Many but not all passengers are wearing masks in public areas.

Good Afternoon from the Noordam We are at sea headed to Tonga, having missed Rarotonga yesterday due to sea conditions. Passed the Zuiderdam this Am . The captains exchanged horn toots. I know that food and entertainment are very subjective but we have found it all quite good. There is an entertainer with us that was scheduled to leave in Tahiti but flight was cancelled. He was then going to get off in Rarotonga to meet up with the Zuiderdam . Missed the port so now he is on until Brisbane. So they put him on for a few extra shows. @Seasick Sailor we used Luggage forward for the first time on this trip. I believe it was you and Roy that recommended it. Best thing I ever did. Will continue to use them. My Dailylite friends are in my thoughts . Stay safe and enjoy today

We passed your ship this AM on our way to Tonga. The Captain made the announcement and gave 3 horn toots. We were not able to get into Rarotonga due to sea conditions. Hope you have better luck.

We are a few days behind you on the Noordam. We will be there in a few days. Thank you for all the interesting information. We also will be there for 2 days.

Hello from the Noordam in Tahiti It is a off and on rainy day and yesterday in Moorea was also raining. I still went out and about, just got a little wet. There was no lightening /thunder so all was well. It was raining so hard in Town today that I jumped in a phone booth ! I did have a rain poncho. we will be heading to Rarotonga after leaving here. All excursions have been cancelled by the port. No staff or resources. Have to remain flexible on this cruise. I don’t care, I am on a beautiful ship and being treated very well so all is good. Sorry to read that so many of my Dailylite friends are having troubles right now. You are all in my prayers. Stay well. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Good afternoon from the Noordam in Bora Bora Just got back on board after a really nice day . We are not leaving here until 11pm and tomorrow is Raitea. I have an early excursion. We were told to wear masks today while ashore., we were all suppose to be tested again but it was cancelled. Most passengers complied with the masking. Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser you and DH are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for a very successful outcome. You have our support. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

We were in Hilo this past Monday. We rented a car from Budget . There was a shuttle at the port to take us to the airport less than 10 minutes away. We docked at 8, had our car and we’re on the road at 9. Very easy

Good Morning from the Noordam It is cool and rainy today even though we just crossed the equator. @Lady Hudsona very happy birthday to you and your twin. @HAL4NOW hope you feel better soon We have had some itinerary changes again. So I have to try and do some research on New Guinea. Never been there before so I am fine with the changes. Some are very upset. Have been using the pool with DD . The lift is wonderful. Staff very attentive. We schedule the time because only 2 staff members are authorized to use it. we got caught in a heavy rain storm while in the pool. It was a real challenge getting out. The staff wrapped DD in a dozen towels.! She thought it was funny! Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

As I live in Cocoa Beach, I would love Hal to use Port Canaveral. They only come here on repositioning cruises usually twice in the fall.

Good Afternoon from the Noordam We just spent 4 wonderful days in Hawaii and are now at sea headed to Bora Bora. Yes the itinerary changed again. There are a few more changes coming up but all is well. I received some bad news from home yesterday that a long time friend has passed away. She has been slipping but her death is unexpected. They are doing a Celebration of life and her son has requested a say a few words. So I am going to email my words to my nephew who will read it at the service. Service on board is wonderful . Very friendly and helpful crew. Some in masks. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Good Afternoon from the Noordam a few hours out of Honolulu A big salute to the Navy. My heart breaks for the families of the fallen police officers. We are hearing too much of this. We all had covid tests yesterday . All negative. The Captain announced last nite that we could remove our masks and I believe the crew is tonite. We still are wearing ours, waited too long for this trip so we will continue to be careful. There is a group on this trip from the ill fated Maasdam cruise . They are calling it the Covid trip. Crazy stories. Hope everyone is doing ok. stay safe and enjoy today Charlene

Good Morning from the Noordam Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends! Embarkation in San Diego was not too bad. There was a separate line for VeriFLY. We walked by lines of people checking in, so very worthwhile. So we were on the ship in a very short time. Only bad thing I lost my sunglasses somewhere. Going to check at guest services today . Maybe someone turned them in. We were very late leaving- 10pm because of loading supplies. The crew is as always wonderful. There have been some upgrades in the handicap cabins. We are in a signature suite and a button opens the doors, the bathroom is great and the water doesn’t run all over. Going to put some pictures on Halifacs. The best thing is a Lift on the pool. I was so excited! DD and so me have never been in a cruise ship pool. We had our Meet and greet yesterday- 150 members attended. Very fun! We have to wear masks for 7 days and we all are going to be retested on day 5. Stay safe and enjoy today Charlene