The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday April 6th, 2023

[StLouisCruisers]

Today is California Poppy Day , National Tartan Day, and National Walking Day
 

Conduct is three-fourths of our life and its largest concern. - Matthew Arnold

Meal Suggestion for today - Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
Drink of the Day - Peachy Keen
Wine of the Day - Calera Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard 2019
Destination of the Day - Georgetown, Grand Cayman
 

Eurodam

At Sea Destination Ocho Rios, Jamaica eta 4-07
 

Koningsdam

Dry Dock Vigor Ship Yard until 4/12
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

At Sea destination Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos eta 4-07 
 

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Half Moon Cay, Bahamas eta 4-07
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Oranjestad Aruba, Netherlands Antilles eta 4-07
 

Rotterdam

New York City, New York a0700
 

Volendam

Castries, St Lucia 0800-1800
 

Zaandam

At Sea Destination Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera eta 4-07
 

Zuiderdam

Casablanca, Morocco 07:00 - 21:00

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

At Sea Destination Sydney, NSW Australia eta 4-08
 

Westerdam

Kobe/Osaka, Japan 0800(+1)-16:00

 

 

Sandi for Rich and Roy

[lvhh]

Good early Morning everyone!  Thanks for the info.

[erewhon]

Thank you for the HAL Fleet report and Daily. 

We usually go for a walk every day.

Goodnight all.

Edited April 6, 2023 by erewhon

[richwmn]

Today in history:

 

1889 George Eastman begins selling his Kodak flexible rolled film for the first time

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  I am sleepy this morning and my eyes haven't adjusted to being opened yet.  Either that or I suddenly need a new prescription for my glasses.  This morning we are pretty warm at 65F, it will be a mostly cloudy day and 83 for a high. Hope the weather is good where you are but I suspect some are caught up in these incessant storms that keep crossing our midwest and into the east.  Stay safe out there!

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily information and for keeping it updated when things change suddenly.  Our days today are California Poppy Day, National Tartan Day, and National Walking Day.  It is also Holy Thursday also referred to as Maundy Thursday.  I'm sure if the poppies are blooming in California people will be driving out to see them and posting photos of themselves sitting among them.  I see that almost every year.  National Tartan Day is one people seem to care about a lot.  I doubt my family even has a tartan though.  National Walking Day is going to be a popular one because quite a few of us like walking.  I'll be doing that after this is posted on the Daily.  Hope everyone likes the quote.  Our menu suggestion is Mandarin Pork Stir Fry which should be quite tasty.  Can't wait to see Debbie's @dfish recipes and photos.  The drink sounds delish and the pinot noir will be a great addition to the bar stock.  Wish I liked red wine though. thank you Ann @cat shepard and Dixie @summer slope for those reports.  And finally, thank you Rich @richwmn for our Day in History.  1889 was a long time ago!  Many of us moved on from rolled film and began using digital cameras and eventually our cell phones.  Can you imagine limiting your photos to a few on rolls of film nowadays?  An amazing bit of progress.

 

I'm sure Vanessa @JazzyV was kept busy noting all our concerns and accomplishments and will present us a detailed list of Care and Celebrations.  Prayers will be said for all on the Care list, and thankfully some are coming off that list.  But today we hope for a good scan for Annie @marshhawk.  Also hope for a good days for Jacqui and Kathi @Scrapnana whom we don't hear about too often.  May things go well for both of them.  🙏  But let's also cheer on the Celebrations list.  I hope everyone enjoys their happy events and cruising adventures!  🥂🎉  Congratulations to FC Dallas, Ren and his teammates!⚽  I hope there is good news in all of your lives.

 

The port today is Gerogetown, Grand Cayman.  This is a popular port except for the tender portion of it!  This was our first ever port of the day on March 1, 2021!!   The second time was January 19, 2022.  The links to those dates are listed below for your convenience in retrieving photos.  When I looked at March 1, 2021 here is what Rich said in Post #3: 

 

 

Since we have been treated to pictures of various places, I thought I might add a "Port of the Day" for discussion. Today would be Georgetown Grand Cayman Island.

What do y'all think?

 

 

 

 

Here is my report on Georgetown, Cayman Islands.  I can remember posting these photos several times already but hope they are new to someone.

 

Having been to Georgetown a handful of times, I can say I enjoy it.  One visit DH spent some peace and quiet time on the ship ( Dec. 2015 Regal Princess) while I took a tour of the island.  My escort that day was Flat Stanley, drawn by my youngest grandson for his school project.  We were in possession of him for about a month while we were sailing in the Caribbean.  We took photos of him everywhere we went, then I sent along a letter detailing all of Flat Stanley's travels along with photos.  I'm sure every classmate's Flat Stanley had quite a lot to tell at the end of the school year! 

 

Here we are at the Cayman Turtle Farm.  

 

I think this guy (or gal) wanted to get out and come along with me!

(That was my entire post on March 1, 2021 for Georgetown, Grand Cayman.)

 

 

In Dec. 2004 we first went to Georgetown on the old Dawn Princess.  Here is a photo taken from the tender as we approached the town.  We walked around but didn't take many pictures.  I had no idea at the time I would be making photo books for all my cruises, so those early books had a very short supply of photos to choose from.

 

That is the trip we met our late friend John and his wife Jean.  We hit it off so well we decided to dine together all 10 days.  It was amusing to see him scan the menu, then pick the "always available" steak, baked potato and a hot fudge sundae every single night!  Might as well live it up when cruising, right?

 

In Feb. 2019 we boarded the Rotterdam for a three week Caribbean cruise.  We arrived in Georgetown after a 21 knot cruise from Curacao.  While walking around the town we checked inside the Elmslie Memorial United Church.

 

And the outside of the church.

 

Then we saw the Peace Memorial Building with the historic clock tower outside it.

 

The cenotaph where Remembrance Day ceremonies are held.

 

Here's the Aspiration monument which is a tribute to Caymanian women located in Heroes Square.

 

The Legislative Assembly Building.

 

Another hot day in the Cayman Islands.

 

 

I hope you all have a great, safe and Tremendous Thursday!!

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care list:

Roy recovering from pneumonia and working on getting stronger

Tupper10 recovering from back surgery

RMLincoln’s EMT friend’s DH passing

Cruising-along and DH testing positive for Covid

AncientWanderer recovering from “the crud”

Luvteaching’s DH in the hospital

Everyone affected by storms and tornados

Nashville school shooting victims

Citizens of Ukraine

From the rotation:

Tana’s pulmonary issues

NextOne needing valve surgery

Marshhawk’s PET scan today

Summer slope’s friend with a brain injury

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Happy Passover to those who celebrate

Welcome home Norseh2o

RMLincoln’s DH with good eye surgeon report and restrictions lifted

Tupper10’s new baby granddaughter!

Welcome to the Daily Safety Squirrel!

Ger_77 along with friends/family helping the Ukrainian immigrant family get settled

Luvteaching’s DH showing slow improvement

Many Dailyites cruising or with upcoming cruises

 

3 Days for aliaschief & DWAliaschief (Eurodam 4/9 to 4/28)

 

Mister 67 (Celebrity Reflection to 4/9), GTVCRUISER (Norwegian Jewel to 4/9). Cruzn Single (Rotterdam to 4/19), Vict0riann (Rotterdam to 4/19) Kplady (Grand Princess to 4/28), Sailingdutchy (Rotterdam to 4/29), St Pete Cruiser (Noordam to 5/2), Overhead Fred’s Anniversary cruise (Rotterdam to 5/6), USN59-79 (Westerdam to 5/7), and Cat in My Lap, Gail&Marty, Richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam to 5/12) at sea

 

[grapau27]

Thank you Sandi for hosting today's daily reports.

Thank you Vanessa for supplying today's lists.

It is 46°F and just stopped raining and I am expecting our conifer trimmer to turn up soon.

Today's meal sounds delicious.

Good wishes extended to all of my Daily friends.

Graham.

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info SLC and JV too!

 

I celebrate National Walking Day everyday. I walk three miles every morning starting now. Got to go.

[seagarsmoker]

Thanks for the Daily Report and I hope everyone has a great day! 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[grapau27]

47 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  I am sleepy this morning and my eyes haven't adjusted to being opened yet.  Either that or I suddenly need a new prescription for my glasses.  This morning we are pretty warm at 65F, it will be a mostly cloudy day and 83 for a high. Hope the weather is good where you are but I suspect some are caught up in these incessant storms that keep crossing our midwest and into the east.  Stay safe out there!

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily information and for keeping it updated when things change suddenly.  Our days today are California Poppy Day, National Tartan Day, and National Walking Day.  It is also Holy Thursday also referred to as Maundy Thursday.  I'm sure if the poppies are blooming in California people will be driving out to see them and posting photos of themselves sitting among them.  I see that almost every year.  National Tartan Day is one people seem to care about a lot.  I doubt my family even has a tartan though.  National Walking Day is going to be a popular one because quite a few of us like walking.  I'll be doing that after this is posted on the Daily.  Hope everyone likes the quote.  Our menu suggestion is Mandarin Pork Stir Fry which should be quite tasty.  Can't wait to see Debbie's @dfish recipes and photos.  The drink sounds delish and the pinot noir will be a great addition to the bar stock.  Wish I liked red wine though. thank you Ann @cat shepard and Dixie @summer slope for those reports.  And finally, thank you Rich @richwmn for our Day in History.  1889 was a long time ago!  Many of us moved on from rolled film and began using digital cameras and eventually our cell phones.  Can you imagine limiting your photos to a few on rolls of film nowadays?  An amazing bit of progress.

 

I'm sure Vanessa @JazzyV was kept busy noting all our concerns and accomplishments and will present us a detailed list of Care and Celebrations.  Prayers will be said for all on the Care list, and thankfully some are coming off that list.  But today we hope for a good scan for Annie @marshhawk.  Also hope for a good days for Jacqui and Kathi @Scrapnana whom we don't hear about too often.  May things go well for both of them.  🙏  But let's also cheer on the Celebrations list.  I hope everyone enjoys their happy events and cruising adventures!  🥂🎉  Congratulations to FC Dallas, Ren and his teammates!⚽  I hope there is good news in all of your lives.

 

The port today is Gerogetown, Grand Cayman.  This is a popular port except for the tender portion of it!  This was our first ever port of the day on March 1, 2021!!   The second time was January 19, 2022.  The links to those dates are listed below for your convenience in retrieving photos.  When I looked at March 1, 2021 here is what Rich said in Post #3: 

 

 

Since we have been treated to pictures of various places, I thought I might add a "Port of the Day" for discussion. Today would be Georgetown Grand Cayman Island.

What do y'all think?

 

 

 

 

Here is my report on Georgetown, Cayman Islands.  I can remember posting these photos several times already but hope they are new to someone.

 

Having been to Georgetown a handful of times, I can say I enjoy it.  One visit DH spent some peace and quiet time on the ship ( Dec. 2015 Regal Princess) while I took a tour of the island.  My escort that day was Flat Stanley, drawn by my youngest grandson for his school project.  We were in possession of him for about a month while we were sailing in the Caribbean.  We took photos of him everywhere we went, then I sent along a letter detailing all of Flat Stanley's travels along with photos.  I'm sure every classmate's Flat Stanley had quite a lot to tell at the end of the school year! 

 

Here we are at the Cayman Turtle Farm.  

 

I think this guy (or gal) wanted to get out and come along with me!

(That was my entire post on March 1, 2021 for Georgetown, Grand Cayman.)

 

 

In Dec. 2004 we first went to Georgetown on the old Dawn Princess.  Here is a photo taken from the tender as we approached the town.  We walked around but didn't take many pictures.  I had no idea at the time I would be making photo books for all my cruises, so those early books had a very short supply of photos to choose from.

 

That is the trip we met our late friend John and his wife Jean.  We hit it off so well we decided to dine together all 10 days.  It was amusing to see him scan the menu, then pick the "always available" steak, baked potato and a hot fudge sundae every single night!  Might as well live it up when cruising, right?

 

In Feb. 2019 we boarded the Rotterdam for a three week Caribbean cruise.  We arrived in Georgetown after a 21 knot cruise from Curacao.  While walking around the town we checked inside the Elmslie Memorial United Church.

 

And the outside of the church.

 

Then we saw the Peace Memorial Building with the historic clock tower outside it.

 

The cenotaph where Remembrance Day ceremonies are held.

 

Here's the Aspiration monument which is a tribute to Caymanian women located in Heroes Square.

 

The Legislative Assembly Building.

 

Another hot day in the Cayman Islands.

 

 

I hope you all have a great, safe and Tremendous Thursday!!

Thank you for sharing your interesting photos Sandi.

Great news Ren is scoring goals.

It is an amazing feeling scoring goals.

Graham.

 

 

[TiogaCruiser]

Good morning all,

I can’t believe I made it to the first page. Just couldn’t get back to sleep, so here I am. Maybe with the early start I’ll have a productive day, and a nap later this afternoon. 
 

Here’s some pictures from a few weeks ago (before the rain) of our beloved poppies. We now have mustard covering the hills, and it’s already over 6’ tall. I’m guessing we’re headed for a super bloom this year. Many of our parks with trails remain closed due to rain damage.

 

 

Have a great day everyone!

 

 

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Report.

 

We had a lot of heavy rain with thunder and lightning yesterday and we were lucky and came through it unscathed.  Other areas suffered with power outages and flooding. 

 

I love California poppies, thanks for the pictures.  Hooray for Scotland and it's citizens.  Bertie and I go for walks everyday, no matter the weather.

Interesting quote.

The meal sounds good, so does the drink.  I hope the wine is tasty too.

I enjoy the Port of the Day.  I love looking at the pictures.  Sometimes I relive memories of our visit to the port.  There are so many places that I haven't been to and it's wonderful to see where others have been and maybe I'll get to.

 

Prayers for everyone.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Stay safe.

[Lady Hudson]

Good morning to all.  This is a really early post for me but when one falls asleep at 9:30 this is what happens.  Prayers for those in need.  May everyone stay safe during this crazy weather so far this season.  After no snow at all this year, we have been hit with two hailstone storms so far.  Today’s weather is forecasting 70 degrees but storms starting this afternoon.

 

My day will consist of figuring out appetizers and desserts for Sunday.  Small group of 7 for dinner.  Catering from Wegmans for the main meal.  My sister and I have decided that we are going to try to cater most holiday meals from now on.  The cost really isn’t that much more and makes for a nice day for the two of us.  
 

Church services beginning tonight for Easter week.  It is an active time for my local church.

 

Prayers for those in need and especially for those dealing with medical issues.  Stay safe everyone.  Katherine 

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the daily report and lists.  What a nice collection of days, I like them all.  I agree with the quote we’re all personally responsible for our conduct.   The meal and drink suggestions sound good to me.  I haven’t been to today’s port, the pictures sure are nice.  Prayers for everyone on our prayer list today and for the victims of the recent tornados. Cheers to everyone celebrating happy events.🍻

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report.  Today’s meal suggestion sounds good to me and I look forward to pictures and recipes from @dfish. Yesterday I decided to get Chinese takeout but saw a post from the local Greek restaurant and their special was stuffed cabbage and that changed my mind.  It was very good.  We’ve been to today’s port twice and missed it twice, it is a nice port.  I hope everyone has a good day today.
 

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Sandi, Vanessa, Debbie,Ann, and Dixie.  Great to see Rotterdam in New York.

 

 

Amera is in Baltimore today and I may try to grab a peek.  I am way behind in my walking ever since my hospital visit. Poppies are beautiful and I love tartan with my Scottish heritage but do not have much.  I love the quote and have been to Grand Cayman several times.  There will be thunderstorms this afternoon but they should end before I head for Maundy Thursday service this evening   I like pork but probably not stir fry..  My alternative is Chilled Coconut Nutmeg Soup, New York Sirloin Steak, and Tiramisu as served on MS Amsterdam April 6, 2014.

 

Roy

[aliaschief]

Good morning all. I believe I have everything in spare bedroom ready to roll, place in packing bags and put in luggage. We have found rolling clothing is the best method for packing, utilizing space and minimizing wrinkling. 
Presently I have no plans for the day as everything is done. Can we go now mode.

See @kazu posted her Bon Voyage post this morning so relieved after not hearing from her on the Daily.

@RedneckBob I miss your humor as you have been rather quiet the last few days.

Thanks to Sandi for getting up way too early and getting the Daily started. Vanessa for our care and celebration post and all who make the Daily a fun place to chat and share.

Bruce

 

[cat shepard]

 

Thank you for starting us off, Sandi. Rich, thank you for giving Sandi the foundation that makes her task a bit easier! Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists. 
 

It is another gorgeous morning in the neighborhood. Our amazing Easterly breezes/winds have made the hot temps enjoyable and really helped keep the humidity down. That probably means they have kept the much needed rain away. 
 

Just Zumba, Bindi walks, and chores for me today. My neighbors and I are starting to plan our Spring block party. We are going to celebrate our “piece” of the planet on Earth Day. 🤞🏻 Hoping for good weather. 
 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Thinking of you @kazu, Jacqui.

Cheers to all who are celebrating. Get well & stay well everyone. 

 

**********

Calera Pinot Noir Mount Harlan Jensen Vineyard 2019

This California Pinot Noir sounds amazing. But it comes with a price tag that takes it outside of my budget. Available from quite a few online distributors with prices starting at $94.89.

 

Winemaker Notes

#92 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2022

At more than 40 years old, the coveted old vines of Jensen Vineyard have produced a stunning wine that offers depth, elegance and layered complexity. On the nose, aromas of ripe plum and persimmon flirt with more dramatic black fruit undertones. The palate is lush and mouth-filling, striking a seamless balance between energetic red berry flavors and deeper flavors of black cherry and blackberry that glide to a long, resonant finish.

JS95 James Suckling

A medium-bodied red with very poised and fine fleshy texture, with strawberries, orange peel and hints of hazelnut. Fruit tea. Juicy, long and flavorful, yet always reserved and focused. Refined and polished.

WE94 Wine Enthusiast

Rugged cherry aromas meet with earth herbs, star anise and gamy charcuterie on the nose of this bottling, which was grown in true limestone at 2,200 feet. That rugged character rolls through the palate, featuring wild plums, salted meat, bay leaf and wood oil, with enough texture and acidity to last awhile.

WS93 Wine Spectator

Very fresh, featuring raspberry, blood orange and mulberry fruit that's well-defined and backed by mouthwatering acidity. Offers rose petal and savory notes along the way. A nice piercing minerality extends the finish. Best from 2023 through 2032.

[kazu]

Good morning everyone and a belated Happy Passover to those who celebrate.

 

Sorry I haven’t been on - just don’t have any good news and trying to deal with stuff and a very unhappy elbow.   I’m too slow moving and just can’t keep up.  And I feel badly if I can’t keep up on the Daily 😞 

 

I don’t want to moan and groan here so it’s just best I stay off until I am doing better.  I’ll be back 🙂 

[summer slope]

Peachy Keen cocktail:

 

Ingredients

1.5oz anejo tequila
0.5oz bourbon
0.5oz peach jam (1 tablespoon)
0.5oz lime juice
0.25oz light agave syrup

Instructions
Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Double strain into a glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a slice of peach if desired.

 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is going to be a beautiful day here in mid-Michigan.  The pond in the backyard from yesterday's rain has soaked in and is gone this morning.  It was quite nice  yesterday afternoon after it quit raining.  I sat out on my front porch with my coffee for quite a while.  It is nice to watch the neighborhood coming alive for spring.  

 

Not much on the agenda here today.  I have a virtual appointment with the surgeon as a follow up and the rest of the day is mine!  Maybe I should vacuum......

 

@kazu Thanks for checking in.  You can moan and groan to us all  you want.  Don't worry about it at all.

 

Today's meal sounds good to me!  This first recipe is very quick and easy.   https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/mandarin-pork-stir-fry/

 

 

I'm not sure who Kelsey Nixon is on the Food Channel, but her recipe sure sounds good.  It is not quick and easy, but I think it would be worth the fuss.    https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/5-spice-pork-stir-fry-with-mandarin-oranges-2121963

 

 

And here's one just for Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser.  I really had to look to find one with carrots.  https://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/mandarin-pork-stir-fry-17868

 

 

I think I am going with #2.   How about the rest of you?

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

A quick good morning from a chilly central Texas where it is currently 49F. It is also cloudy and windy.  We are supposed to get rain beginning later today and most of the day tomorrow.  I'll be heading out shortly to run some errands, and then I'll try to get my walk in before the rain starts.

 

Three good days to celebrate.  The California poppies are always pretty.  Thanks @TiogaCruiser for the pictures.  Since we both have many ancestors from Scotland, I imagine we have several tartans to chose from.  I am now trying to walk everyday unless the weather is bad.

 

Another interesting quote today.

 

I think we'll pass on the meal and the drink, but thank you Debbie for finding a recipe with carrots.  I may have to try it another day.  I would love to try the wine, but it is pricey.

 

We've been to Georgetown, Grand Cayman many times, but only once in the digital age.  I did not post any pictures of the port since all my pictures from our 2002 visit were taken while snorkeling.

 

3 hours ago, richwmn said:

Today in history:

 

1889 George Eastman begins selling his Kodak flexible rolled film for the first time

 

And that day, the world of photography was forever changed.

 

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Sandi for hosting today's daily reports.

Thank you Vanessa for supplying today's lists.

It is 46°F and just stopped raining and I am expecting our conifer trimmer to turn up soon.

Today's meal sounds delicious.

Good wishes extended to all of my Daily friends.

Graham.

 

Graham, thank you for the information on Tartan Day.  I had not realized our Declaration of Independence was modeled on the one from Scotland.

 

1 hour ago, kazu said:

Good morning everyone and a belated Happy Passover to those who celebrate.

 

Sorry I haven’t been on - just don’t have any good news and trying to deal with stuff and a very unhappy elbow.   I’m too slow moving and just can’t keep up.  And I feel badly if I can’t keep up on the Daily 😞 

 

I don’t want to moan and groan here so it’s just best I stay off until I am doing better.  I’ll be back 🙂 

 

 

Jacqui, good to see you posting.  You can whine to us all you want to since you are always there when we are the ones who are whining.  Take care, and I hope things are better soon.

 

Lenda

[superoma]

Good morning. We had rain yesterday, heavy at times but no tornadoes! Watch ended early evening.

 

thought I would add a picture of the different provincial tartans in Canada. The tartan in the maple leaf is the official Canadian tartan, called, wait for it, the maple leaf tartan. The yellow tartan by itself is the official tartan of Essex county.

 

 

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning all. I believe I have everything in spare bedroom ready to roll, place in packing bags and put in luggage. We have found rolling clothing is the best method for packing, utilizing space and minimizing wrinkling. 
Presently I have no plans for the day as everything is done. Can we go now mode.

See @kazu posted her Bon Voyage post this morning so relieved after not hearing from her on the Daily.

@RedneckBob I miss your humor as you have been rather quiet the last few days.

Thanks to Sandi for getting up way too early and getting the Daily started. Vanessa for our care and celebration post and all who make the Daily a fun place to chat and share.

Bruce

 

Sorry and thanks AC. Got issues that we are dealing with right now and I am focus on other things.