The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday April 13th, 2023

[cat shepard]

36 minutes ago, TiogaCruiser said:

Good morning all,

 

our driver comes in 30 minutes. We’re due at FLL airport this evening. Not sure what we’re headed into.

 

More later 

 

 

Safe travels Laura.

[kazu]

2 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I would have thought that N Amsterdam would have dynamic positioning and not need to use the anchor at all.  I assume the dining room was opened up for some additional seating.

 

Roy

 

Well, I honestly can’t answer about the anchor - that was the announcement that I thought I heard the captain make.  In any case, N Amsterdam had to leave and could not stay and passengers were stuck at the dock in Monte Carlo.  P’dam took them on.

The dining room wasn’t opened to my knowledge until dinner  They started boarding around 1 - 2pm IIRC.  P’dam did put on special food in the Lido for them and kept it open until about 5 pm until they switched to the dinner menu.  The poor crew were working their tails off with all those added (and many grumbling) passengers to provide food and drink to them.  Ship had probably 3x it’s regular number of passengers !

 

P’dam stayed in port until the N Amsterdam could return to tender their passengers back.  I believe they were all back on board the N.A. Around 6 pm?  

 

 

They were 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning and Happy Thursday!  I was supposed to be boarding my flight to Fort Lauderdale right now, changing planes in Dallas, but I got a text last night at 9:15 that it had been canceled. So, after two hours of stress, I was rebooked on new flights arriving in Fort Lauderdale at midnight.  I was awakened by a call an hour ago from the HAL driver telling me he knew about my flight being canceled and asking me to text him my new flight. Hopefully someone will be there to take me to the hotel. Nothing I can control. Craig thought I was crazy flying two days early but last night said it was the best thing I could have done. 
 

I will keep you all posted. Have a great day everyone!

[ottahand7]

Good Thursday morning,  three more days in the 80s so my plants are appreciating the warmth.  Thanks for starting off with the Daily and Fleet Reports Sandi.    I will pass on the cocktail, the obscure wine and today's dish.   Prayers for all on our care list, the shooting victims and their families and the people of Ukraine.    @TiogaCruiser I hope that you are able to get to Fort Lauderdale on time.  Strange weather everywhere.   After the 80s we drop into the 40s for Sunday and Monday.    

I have never been to Monaco but my late DH always talked about the beauty of the city of Eze and I think he said a lot of essences for perfumes are extracted there.  Today is the anniversary of the day that he was released from the ICU to go to the hospice nearby.  He lingered in the hospital with no improvement. The doctors thought he might pass when they took out his breathing tube but he kept on breathing for another 13 days.   

On a happier note I will appreciate some of my plants.  I hope you do too.  All from my garden in Maryland.   Have a great day!   Nancy 

[tupper10]

6 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Good morning and Happy Thursday!  I was supposed to be boarding my flight to Fort Lauderdale right now, changing planes in Dallas, but I got a text last night at 9:15 that it had been canceled. So, after two hours of stress, I was rebooked on new flights arriving in Fort Lauderdale at midnight.  I was awakened by a call an hour ago from the HAL driver telling me he knew about my flight being canceled and asking me to text him my new flight. Hopefully someone will be there to take me to the hotel. Nothing I can control. Craig thought I was crazy flying two days early but last night said it was the best thing I could have done. 
 

I will keep you all posted. Have a great day everyone!

FLL is a mess, yesterday there was massive rain there as well as tornado warnings though I am not sure if one actually happened.  The airport roads are all flooded and they won't open until it is cleared.  We are supposed to get more rain this afternoon as well so not sure what will happen with the airport.  Sharon you made the correct decision to fly in early since it sounds like for people who have cruises leaving today they will miss the ship.

 

Sharon and @TiogaCruisera FYI if you can fly into Palm Beach our airport is open.  It is only 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.  There are also plenty of hotels near the Palm Beach airport and you can just Uber to the ship.  

 

Stay safe everyone.  I am feeling much better, but I better get up and get moving, the home health nurse comes soon.

 

 

[dfish]

Good morning everyone from a sunny and warm mid-Michigan.  Temps are supposed to reach 82F today.  Last night I slept with the windows open in my bedroom.  I love being able to do that!  I had every window in the house open yesterday.  We had a nice breeze coming in and the house smelled so nice and fresh.  I get to do that again today!  And, yes, I turned off the heat for the next few days.  

 

After my walk this morning I plan to fill another lawn bag with leaves and stuff left over from winter.  I also have to get some of the heavy brush out to the curb for pick up on Monday during Heavy Item pickup.  The rules here are a bit confusing at times.  

 

I sure hope those flying to Fort Lauderdale are able to get there today.  @Sharon in AZ and @TiogaCruiser fingers are crossed for both of you!   

 

I wondered about today's dish with a sauce made of just ricotta and milk.  It sounds kind of boring and plain to me, but I think I'd have to give it a try first before I pass judgement.  Who knows?  It might be perfect for the rest of the ingredients.  https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pepper-ricotta-primavera/

 

 

It looks tasty.  In the next recipe the ricotta is not thinned with milk.  I'm still sceptical, but I'd give it a try.  https://spicetrekkers.com/recipes/pasta-primavera-with-ricotta

 

 

Finally, here's a version from the diary farmers of Canada.   https://dairyfarmersofcanada.ca/en/canadian-goodness/recipes/herbed-ricotta-primavera-pasta

 

 

 

Basically, you can use the vegetables you like.  Primavera is spring so spring vegetables are suggested.  Make it colorful and season it to your taste.  

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!

 

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

 

Bruce

 

 

OK, who is spying on Me and the Misses in the bedroom

Edited April 13, 2023 by RedneckBob

[richwmn]

21 minutes ago, tupper10 said:

Sharon and @TiogaCruisera FYI if you can fly into Palm Beach our airport is open.  It is only 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.  There are also plenty of hotels near the Palm Beach airport and you can just Uber to the ship. 

I would second the suggestion about Palm Beach. I have used that airport several times and it is very easy and not really inconvenient.

 

 

[cruising sister]

Good morning,

It will be another warm sunny day. I have not been to Monaco but hope to one day. I love to read and we had book mobiles in our neighborhood when I was young. Peach cobbler is one of my favorite and I make it every year when peaches are in season. 
 

My new luggage came yesterday.  I think I will like it. I will take the carryon and one other piece. Most likely the middle one. I bought the three set to have more luggage for the Grand Australia cruise. 
 

have a great day. 

[GTVCRUISER]

Greetings from San Diego 🙂 

[marshhawk]

Good Thursday Morning Dailyites!   The computer says it's 53 and mostly sunny, but it seems weird that the north is warmer than the south, and while you all are opening windows, I am still running the heater on the porch for the cat, heat still comes on during the night, and windows can be open when the sun is shining.  

 

I have been to Monaco, we drove through it to get to Italy to get our visa's stamped (this was early in the 60's).  We had lunch in Italy, and came back to France. My mom ordered spaghetti for me, and it was a plate of naked spaghetti.  One of many of my strange meals because we didn't know the culture, the language and English was not known or spoken as much in Europe as it is now.  No pictures, heck I was 7 years old. I am enjoying the pictures as they are bringing back memories.

 

I was the assistant manager of a garden center for 3 years, but I managed, and taught classes about pond building.  Plants? um, not so much. Luckily Tom, my boss hired gardeners to work part time.  I have a bird feeder with sunflowers in the front of the house.  I kept the original plants in the front garden, and the seeds from the feeder that have fallen out and sprouted, so I am letting nature create a sunflower garden in the front.  I also seem to be quite good at growing poison ivy.  I just need time to get out and work in the yard.

 

 

[travelingbums]

Thanks for sharing.

 

Have a great day.

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Although I have a habit of killing them, I do appreciate plants.  I either over water or under water; they don't like either.  I love seeing the colourful additions to our yard every year with flowering annuals bought from local nurseries.  We didn't have a bookmobile in our town, just the library.  I haven't had peach cobbler in ages, perhaps it's time to make one.

 

Well we're home, and missing our littles already.  It was tough saying goodbye to them yesterday morning.  First we got the little one off to his daycare with hugs & smooches, then walked our now 8 year old to school where we got many hugs before he ran off to join his friends.  Tears?  Oh, you bet!  As someone who has suffered all my life from separation anxiety, farewells are really difficult.

 

I haven't had time to read the past few days of the FR & D, so will have to spend some time today seeing what I've missed.  It was a busy time in Calgary enjoying the family, playing Lego and cars and dinosaurs.  LOL  What wasn't fun was that I ended up having to go to a walk-in clinic because I came down with strep throat.  DS and DDIL had it the week before we came, and wouldn't you know, I ended up having it as well.  That pretty much knocked the stuffing out of me, as my throat felt as if there were razor blades in it.  Thankfully the medication started working fairly quickly, but I still have sore glands on both sides of my throat.  This, too, shall pass.

 

Today is a busy day for us; DH wants to get a haircut, I've got laundry to do, we have to get groceries, and we want to start working on getting our deck back in order so we can enjoy evening dinner out there.  While we were away there were many mild days so all the snow has melted off the roof and the glaciers are receding from both the front and back yards.  

 

We were in Monaco when we sailed on the lovely Prinsendam in 2004.  We took a tour that included walking through lovely gardens, passing by the church where Princess Grace was married, and ended at the Grand Casino.  We brought a change of clothes in our carry bags (at that time there was a dress code in order to be allowed admittance), changed in the back seat of the bus, and went in.  It was grand, indeed.  What I recall most, was the ladies washrooms.  I wish I'd taken pictures, but didn't bring my camera with me.  When you entered the stall and closed the door, a mechanical arm came out, spraying the seat with a disinfectant. On the other side, an arm came out, having picked up a paper towel from the stack, and wiped it dry. Decadence!!   BTW, we didn't break the bank.

 

I'm concerned about those flying to FLL, after seeing reports of all the flooding.  That's scary, but I'm glad people are adding time to their schedules to accommodate the issue.  A couple of times we've flown into Miami and taken a transfer service over to FLL; I don't know if that's an option for @Sharon in AZ or @TiogaCruiser.  Wishing you both the best of luck; I hope you'll keep us posted of your progress.

 

I'm not sure I'd appreciate today's menu suggestion, as it sounds rather plain.  Maybe the flavour comes from the peppers? I'm going to be making something simple like breaded chicken breasts, baked baby potatoes and asparagus that we'll enjoy at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for all who have needs, especially for the victims of the senseless shootings.  Cheers to everyone with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[highscar]

@GTVCRUISER I stay at the Wyndham in the centre of your photo.  This is a photo I took of the Eurodam from my 6th floor room next to the elevator.  

[highscar]

Pic disappeared 

[Vict0riann]

My daughter says our plants grow in spite of me, not because of me!

[ger_77]

5 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

My daughter says our plants grow in spite of me, not because of me!

I'm with you on that.  I've become the queen of succulents, because as I put it, they thrive on neglect.

[aliaschief]

Passing through the Gatun locks. It’s hot out here.

 

[TiogaCruiser]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions. I’ll keep Miami and Palm Beach in mind. Our first leg is on time to ISH. We’re at the terminal. Trip started with Uber app not working ( didn’t realize I had cellular off- my mistake), then once cellular was on, app crashed. 
 

Uber driver took us for cash payment. 

[RMLincoln]

Thanks for the Fleet Report and Cares List updates. 
 

🙏 for the travelers heading to FLL and Port Everglades. Keep us posted, we’re following with you!  
 

It’s summertime hot in MD, supposed to be pushing 90 today, but too gusty to try kayaking, especially the first time out for the season. AC is on here!  
 

We’re working on the weekly new schedules for eye drops for the eye that had surgery. Other eye is the old schedule.  The itchiness continues but has been tolerable, trying to reduce the Benadryl too but that’s not too easy.  One day at a time is everything. 
 

I was eyeing a cruise leaving out of NY late next month, sounded amazing.  Queen Mary to Norway, England, Europe and back. It feels good to dream again, but we’re not ready for planning. Not yet. 
 

I’m waiting to hear dates for a celebration of life gathering in NM for our fire department friend who died recently; maybe I can get away to that for a very quick trip if DH’s eye situation is stable and he can drive. 
 

Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort or hope. 
Cheers to all celebrating life!  You remind us that Life is Good!  
Smooth travels to all away, and especially the cruisers!  Glad to hear @ger_77 is back safely but strep can be miserable. Take it slowly Gerry as you recover at home. 🙏

 

Thanks to all the gardeners who brighten our world! 🌻. 
Maureen 
 

[aliaschief]

In last chamber Gatun Locks. Somewhere in Gatun Lake we will meet MS Zandam which is headed East.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a sunny and warming central Texas.  It is 55F and will be in the mid to upper 70s later.  I'm not as stiff or sore as I expected to be after pulling weeds for almost two hours, and then doing the regular mowing and trimming.

 

I appreciate most plants, but not those that are weeds.  We didn't have a bookmobile, but I spent a lot of time at the library.  Peach cobbler is my favorite, but I haven't had any since I don't when.

 

I like today's quote, and Rich's @richwmn version better.  I had heard the story about the Kansas editor, and in journalism classes we were taught if you can say it in ten words or in one word, choose the one word.  

 

We'll pass on the meal and the drink.  I would like to try the wine, but not at that price.

 

We have been to Monaco many times, and visited the casino on our first visit.

 

@Sharon in AZ Sharon and @TiogaCruiser Laura, I hope you do not have too much trouble getting to FLL, and the Palm Beach option sounds good.  

@mamaofami  Carol, I hope you get a good report from the cataract surgeon.

@smitty34877  Terry, I also enjoy sitting outside on nice days and reading.  It's very relaxing.

@cruising sister  Lorraine, those suitcases look interesting.  I hope you let us know how well they work.

@Vict0riann Ann and @ger_77  Gerry, my plants also grow in spite of me.  I call it benign neglect.

@ger_77  Gerry, I'm glad you had a good time with the little ones and are now safely home.  I'm sorry you wound up with strep throat, but glad the medicine worked quickly.

@aliaschief  Bruce, thanks for the memes and the pictures from the Canal.

 

Lenda

Edited April 13, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We have been to Monte Carlo eight times, and all but one were on BHBs.  Our first time there was in 2001 on Golden Princess' inaugural TA.  In 2002 and 2004 on Noordam III we made three stops there.  We were also in MC in 2008 on Prinsendam and three stops in 2019 on Veendam.  Many times, we took the train to Cannes or Nice, and once to Genoa.  In 2019, we stayed in Monte Carlo, taking the city bus the first time and the Ho-Ho the second.  By the third stop there, we just stayed on the ship and relaxed.  

 

There is a "new" dock in Monte Carlo that can accommodate one small ship.  In 2019, we docked there twice and Oceania was there one time.  Before that, we always tendered in Monaco, with the exception of the time in 2004 Captain John Scott moved the Noordam to Ville France during the day because the seas were too rough.  Imagine our surprise when the train from Genoa rounded a curve and we could see the harbor but no ship.  They had a bus to take us to the Ville France.

 

These pictures are a compilation from all our visits to Monte Carlo.

 

The casino from the ship and the front of the casino looking across the circle in front of it.  In 2001, there was a fountain in the circle.

 

 

Near the fountain and behind me when I took the picture above, there is a nice, tranquil park.  I didn't discover the park until 2019.

 

 

There were several topiaries with metal additions like this one.

 

A local enjoying the park.

 

A view of the harbor outside the train station which is in the upper part of Monte Carlo

 

The Palace

 

 

Another building near the Palace

 

In 2019, we got a free ride on this self driving vehicle, which was a work in progress with a lot of jerky starts and stops.  There was someone with an tablet who controlled the vehicle, which seemed to be most of the time.

 

 

Preparations for the 2004 Grand Prix

 

 

A statue honoring the drivers in the Grand Prix

 

The new pier viewed from the Veendam.

 

My version of the fleet report with former BHBs.  Veendam at the pier in 2019 and at anchor in 2019

 

 

Finally, the Prinsendam at anchor in 2008

 

Lenda

[kochleffel]

I think that I appreciate some plants more than others. Most places I lived had bookmobile service but I've never used one myself. When The Prairie Home Companion was doing a show in Louisville, where the public library operates a radio station, Garrison Keillor said that they picked him up from the airport in the bookmobile and then continued on its rounds in the rural parts of the district. I like both peach cobbler and peach pie.

 

Mark Twain's advice was sort of echoed by Shirley Jackson: "If your heroine's hair is golden, call it yellow." Lactose-free ricotta is now available, but otherwise, no ricotta for me. Ricotta and mozzarella are made in the same process, with most of the lactose ending up in the ricotta. Hot buttered rum is out of season, I think; it's going to be 85° this afternoon. The wine is a type I like but way beyond my budget. I haven't been to Monte Carlo.

 

I was reading right before I came here about the rain in Fort Lauderdale, and wondered if there were cruise embarkations today. I also thought of Palm Beach and Miami as alternatives.

 

Passover has passed over, for me, so I'll be at the supermarket later. Wegmans had almost nothing for Passover before it began, then received fancy Passover baked goods right after it started, and just as it's ending, received kosher frozen items from Israel. I'm sure the manager wonders why these things don't sell better, but they arrive just as the demand for them is ending.

 

 

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is land based from my 2012 Celebrity Solstice transatlantic.  On April 13 I was in Fort Lauderdale awaiting the start of the cruise, a much nicer day in Fort Lauderdale than this April 13:

 

 

Roy