The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday May 1st, 2023

[Cruising-along]

Greetings from the Koningsdam!

Canada Place was a zoo today, but we’re finally happily settled into our cabin. The ship looks great and the crew are wonderful. 
 

We’ve met our cabin stewards Yoga and Irfan and Concierge Griselda, had our traditional big salad and rolls in the Lido for lunch, and signed in for muster. 
 

Next up is a reception for 3, 4 and 5-Star mariners and dinner in Tamarind. Life is good!

 

 

 

 

 

[dobiemom]

Eye update: Gas bubble is still there, more so than usual and they could not get a scan of my eye. Pressure is high so he gave me glaucoma drops (temporary). Prednisone is cut to twice a day. I need to have the pressure checked next week. 

 

Drum roll please 🥁: I don’t have to be face down any more! I still canNOT lay on my back, or tip my head back and look up. I can drive if I’m comfortable (I’ll wear the pirate patch), and go back to work. Still cannot go higher than 2k feet in elevation. 

 

Thanks for your concern and prayers.  I can’t wait to go to bed tonight! 😴

[StLouisCruisers]

I've spent hours today working on the photo book for last year's Island Princess Covid cruise and have accomplished about 4 pages.  That's about the same amount I did yesterday so up to 8 pages.  What a struggle!  Anyway, that's why I end up so far behind on the Daily.  Trying to catch up now.🤓

 

 

5 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Good afternoon.

We have just got home.

We had 1 night pre-cruise in Southampton and 1 night post cruise in York.

We had 3 nights on the 2 year old

MSC Virtuoso.

We had a large aft balcony cabin.

We did a status match with our Princess Elite loyalty and got their top Diamond loyalty.

We paid pre cruise for 2 night speciality meal package and the Diamond loyalty gave us our last night speciality meal in the steakhouse free.

We had a plate of canapes and a bottle of Prosecco in our cabin on embarkation.

We also got to leave our cabin at 09.30 am on departure day. while non loyalty had to leave at 07.30am.

 

 

 

Looks like a fabulous cruise Graham!  A beautiful ship.

 

 

 

4 hours ago, dobiemom said:

I get mixed up, too. I think I need to make a spreadsheet for the Daily family. 😉
 

Hahaha my mom would do the same thing! But we knew if she did get to the dog, she would start laughing and then not be as mad. 

 

 

I see the surgeon this afternoon. I’m hoping he says I don’t have to keep my head down (my neck/shoulders need a massage) and that I can sleep on my side. 🤞

 

Hope the doctor eased up on the head down routine so you can sleep on your side now.  That shoulders massage sounds good to me!

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

Good morning to all.

I did not get very far with any work yesterday.  As a matter of fact it turned out to be a bust.  But I am raring to go this morning.

However first I have promised some photos of the the finished product of the bathroom.  So here they are.

New vanity, new shower, and new linen closet.

 

 

Your new bathroom looks beautifully updated.  The double sinks are very important anymore for resale as well as keeping spouses happy.  It must be such a relief to be finally finished.

 

 

 

3 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you Joy.

The feet thing is something several of us on the Royal Caribbean forums post.

We visited Portland England and got a coach into Weymouth.

We then visited Cherbourg France (pictures)

 

Great photos Graham!

 

 

 

2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

Some pictures of the ship.

It had 2 formula 1 simulators a 2 lane bowling alley and a lovely chocolate shop/cafe.

Graham.

 

 

The chocolate shop is my favorite!  You look very happy there in those photos.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Greetings from Hili, Hawaii, where it is 7:15 am and my day is just starting.  Happy Hawaiian Lei Day, I certainly have been "leing" around in Hawaii as I've been here at the hospital for 10 days. 

My friends onboard the Noordam should arrive tomorrow in Vancouver, thus ending the 39 day cruise we began in Auckland March 25. I was shorted 10 days.

pics are my favorite Philapeano RN and his students bedside and the view out my window from my 3rd floor window. 

Happy May Day/Happy Lei Day!

 

Nice shot of the nurse and students!  AND the view out the window.  Hope you're doing well today!

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Norseh2o said:

Good morning to Dailyites who make this a great read in the morning. Our 58 days at sea traveling around South America (2/7-4/6/23) was our best trip ever. We spent one day at home and then traveled to Arizona to celebrate Dear Mother’s 103 birthday, (4/7/23) with a small group of family and friends on 4/8. Ruth is frail, still reading the paper each day,  loved celebrating Easter at her old church in Peoria, Az with a few of us.
I will wear a muumuu, listen to Hawaiian music, and watch hula dancers to celebrate Lei Day today as we are in Hawaii with daughter and family. A wave to St Pete Cruiser at the Hilo Hospital, thinking of Kazu on this memorable day. Thanks to all for the pictures, memories, food and drink ideas.

 

It's so nice you enjoyed your cruise that much especially since there are so many out there listing everything that's wrong on their ship.  I'm sure the crew appreciated such positive passengers as yourselves.  Oh my that was a quick turnaround to make it to DM's 103rd birthday!  How wonderful to have such a great long life!  Hope you're enjoying the Hawaii visit with DD and family!  Sounds like you two keep busy!

 

 

 

58 minutes ago, smitty34877 said:

Hello . I have not been able to post much recently. Things are chaotic here and of course very upsetting at times. Our teenager is having a difficult time as Tana is not doing well lately. She has pneumonia again and the situation is scary even though this has happened before. The Pulmonary Fibrosis has worsened suddenly and we are all trying hard to hold things together. I am very aware that none of this is cheerful  and it was a struggle to write these few sentences.

 

However, I am holding, @kazu,Jacqui in my heart as today has to be very sad. I love the picture of the two of you .

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I hope your knees are ok today or at least a little better. Do you have a cane?

@StPeteCruiser, I hope you are able to travel home soon. It looks like you have very good caregivers!

We had wicked rain for two days and the basement was flooding. We have a sump pump that saved the day but DSIL was mopping yesterday and today for hours. I am happy to report the sun is shining now.

 

Terry, I'm very, very sorry to hear that Tana has pneumonia and things are so chaotic and upsetting.  Special prayers for Tana and her son, not to mention all the family members.  Thank you for letting us know so we can support and pray for everyone.  😢

 

 

 

Just now, Cruzin Terri said:

I am happy to say that I finished the closet task.  Lots of stuff to go to the Thrift shop.  Since this whole ordeal has resulted in about a 12 pound weight loss, coupled with the weight loss from when I had Covid last Spring, there were a good number of clothes that are too big. 

I do not intend to gain back that weight.  So those clothes are going.  

it is interesting, and I remember this well.  The afternoon of the day of the flood I told Jim that the next day I intended to clean out the closet and get things ready to send to the thrift shop.  Well, seven months later it finally got done.

Tomorrow I will try to tackle the other closet and then bring the load up the car with the donations.

 

I am so proud of myself for finally getting this done.

Terri

 

That's amazing you finished your whole closet today.  I have plenty of clothes I don't wear but still they hang there in the closet.  Good for you!  Also wonderful that you achieved that weight loss, even though stress and Covid had a hand in it.  Good luck tomorrow with the second closet!  You are right to feel proud of yourself!

 

 

 

Just now, HAL4NOW said:

One and a half hours into the line we finally made it into this room:

 

 

 

So ridiculous!  I am worried for my neighbors who will be taking a cruise from Vancouver in July.  Things had better improve before long.  I'll be keeping track of reports about embarking in Vancouver so I can let them know to be prepared.  New cruisers so they have no idea.  Thanks for letting us know and I hope you were able to board soon after this picture was taken.  

 

 

 

Just now, aliaschief said:

Today has given me the sense of what it must be like for a crew member on turn around day! Started off at an Urgent Care Clinic getting treated for the sinusitis I have been struggling with the last couple of weeks. Strong antibiotics, a steroid shot and prednisone pack medications will fix that. Then it was unpacking, laundry, repacking, house hold chores, outside tidy up combined with jet lag. Whew!

Still have some packing to do but that’s pretty easy traveling with Florida weather and having daughters laundry to use.

Need to get a fairly early start tomorrow so we can get some medical power of attorney done. So maybe no Me’sMe’s or early post from moi.

It’s going to be pizza delivery and early to bed night.

Didn’t get around to reading all post today but sometimes one has to prioritize tasking.

Sunset in Seattle Sunday evening and a couple of 40,000 plane shots of the Rockies.

 

 

 

Well, we'll miss you in the morning but we understand.  That is quite a lot of work to do between coming home and leaving again.  Hope you are feeling better by tomorrow and have a safe drive to DD's house.  Enjoy your stay with her!

 

 

 

Just now, Cruising-along said:

Greetings from the Koningsdam!

Canada Place was a zoo today, but we’re finally happily settled into our cabin. The ship looks great and the crew are wonderful. 
 

We’ve met our cabin stewards Yoga and Irfan and Concierge Griselda, had our traditional big salad and rolls in the Lido for lunch, and signed in for muster. 
 

Next up is a reception for 3, 4 and 5-Star mariners and dinner in Tamarind. Life is good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm glad to hear you made it onboard and are enjoying yourselves so far.  Have a wonderful cruise!  Beautiful cabin by the way!

 

 

Just now, dobiemom said:

Eye update: Gas bubble is still there, more so than usual and they could not get a scan of my eye. Pressure is high so he gave me glaucoma drops (temporary). Prednisone is cut to twice a day. I need to have the pressure checked next week. 

 

Drum roll please 🥁: I don’t have to be face down any more! I still canNOT lay on my back, or tip my head back and look up. I can drive if I’m comfortable (I’ll wear the pirate patch), and go back to work. Still cannot go higher than 2k feet in elevation. 

 

Thanks for your concern and prayers.  I can’t wait to go to bed tonight! 😴

 

Great about the sleeping position but I'm sorry to hear about the gas bubble and high pressure.  Enjoy your sleep tonight!!

 

 

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by StLouisCruisers

[NextOne]

Rabbit, Rabbit, white Rabbit -- or since it's so late in the day, does that make it a Gray Rabbit? - lol!

I had a series of very busy days, but I hope to catch up tomorrow. Best wishes for a good month to all!

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

4 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Hello . I have not been able to post much recently. Things are chaotic here and of course very upsetting at times. Our teenager is having a difficult time as Tana is not doing well lately. She has pneumonia again and the situation is scary even though this has happened before. The Pulmonary Fibrosis has worsened suddenly and we are all trying hard to hold things together. I am very aware that none of this is cheerful  and it was a struggle to write these few sentences.

 

However, I am holding, @kazu,Jacqui in my heart as today has to be very sad. I love the picture of the two of you .

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I hope your knees are ok today or at least a little better. Do you have a cane?

@StPeteCruiser, I hope you are able to travel home soon. It looks like you have very good caregivers!

We had wicked rain for two days and the basement was flooding. We have a sump pump that saved the day but DSIL was mopping yesterday and today for hours. I am happy to report the sun is shining now.

 

Terry, I wish there was more we could do than tell you we are thinking of all of you and the difficult time everyone is having.  My heart goes out to all of you, but  especially to the teenager and to Tana.  I hope you find the strength to see you through the days ahead.  I also hope Tana can overcomethe pneumonia and can get some help and relief from the pulmonaryfibrosis.  ((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

 

Lenda

[AncientWanderer]

6 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

Hello . I have not been able to post much recently. Things are chaotic here and of course very upsetting at times. Our teenager is having a difficult time as Tana is not doing well lately. She has pneumonia again and the situation is scary even though this has happened before. The Pulmonary Fibrosis has worsened suddenly and we are all trying hard to hold things together. I am very aware that none of this is cheerful  and it was a struggle to write these few sentences.

 

However, I am holding, @kazu,Jacqui in my heart as today has to be very sad. I love the picture of the two of you .

@JazzyV, Vanessa, I hope your knees are ok today or at least a little better. Do you have a cane?

@StPeteCruiser, I hope you are able to travel home soon. It looks like you have very good caregivers!

We had wicked rain for two days and the basement was flooding. We have a sump pump that saved the day but DSIL was mopping yesterday and today for hours. I am happy to report the sun is shining now.

 

How very sad that you're all going through this, Terry.  Post when you want and don't when you're not up to it.  No matter, you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Maxine

[kochleffel]

12 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Today I need to bake for an event tomorrow--tahini and chocolate-chunk (or chip) cookies, from a recipe in the newspaper.

 

I just want to say that tahini is exceptionally messy to work with. It separates in the jar, but it is much harder to mix back together than nut butters are--the solid part has almost the consistency of concrete. I ended up using a hand blender.

 

[Seasick Sailor]

Worked from 11:30 til 7 at our friends house. Packed up most of her crystal, jewelry, and other worldly items and packed up our SUV and put them in one of the bedrooms.  We will have a girls night and put everything out for sale. 4 of us worked packing and moving things to the cottage or greenhouse and getting ready for another sale. I'm pooped and ready for bed!

 

[SusieKIslandGirl]

@cunnorl When looking at air fryers, I would like to suggest you check out the style that has French doors, like the refrigerators, instead of a door that opens down from the top. (If you don't go with the basket style). When I pull the wire shelf out to turn the food, crumbs fall on the hot glass door and is then hard to clean. 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

A late good evening.  At least, part of the outside of the house is clean.  I got the front and one side done as far as the hose would reach.  The patio and sidewalk were cleaaned too.  I hope to get the remainder cleaned Wednesday.  The port and driveway will have to wait.  Rain is predicted for four days beginning Thursday.  The driveway should take about a day as it's not too bad.  The port will take several days because all the vehicles have to be moved along with emptying storage cabinets and movimg them. It will all look a lot brighter like the part I cleaned today.  Maybe, it will keep me out of trouble for a few days.

 

8 hours ago, St Pete Cruiser said:

Greetings from Hili, Hawaii, where it is 7:15 am and my day is just starting.  Happy Hawaiian Lei Day, I certainly have been "leing" around in Hawaii as I've been here at the hospital for 10 days. 

My friends onboard the Noordam should arrive tomorrow in Vancouver, thus ending the 39 day cruise we began in Auckland March 25. I was shorted 10 days.

pics are my favorite Philapeano RN and his students bedside and the view out my window from my 3rd floor window. 

Happy May Day/Happy Lei Day!

 

It looks like you have a very good care team.  I'm glad you are in good hands.

 

4 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Today has given me the sense of what it must be like for a crew member on turn around day! Started off at an Urgent Care Clinic getting treated for the sinusitis I have been struggling with the last couple of weeks. Strong antibiotics, a steroid shot and prednisone pack medications will fix that. Then it was unpacking, laundry, repacking, house hold chores, outside tidy up combined with jet lag. Whew!

Still have some packing to do but that’s pretty easy traveling with Florida weather and having daughters laundry to use.

Need to get a fairly early start tomorrow so we can get some medical power of attorney done. So maybe no Me’sMe’s or early post from moi.

It’s going to be pizza delivery and early to bed night.

Didn’t get around to reading all post today but sometimes one has to prioritize tasking.

Sunset in Seattle Sunday evening and a couple of 40,000 plane shots of the Rockies.

 

 

 

Bruce, thanks for the pictures.  Safe travels tomorrow.

 

3 hours ago, dobiemom said:

Eye update: Gas bubble is still there, more so than usual and they could not get a scan of my eye. Pressure is high so he gave me glaucoma drops (temporary). Prednisone is cut to twice a day. I need to have the pressure checked next week. 

 

Drum roll please 🥁: I don’t have to be face down any more! I still canNOT lay on my back, or tip my head back and look up. I can drive if I’m comfortable (I’ll wear the pirate patch), and go back to work. Still cannot go higher than 2k feet in elevation. 

 

Thanks for your concern and prayers.  I can’t wait to go to bed tonight! 😴

 

Marcia, that is goid news you can sleep on your side and raise your head some.  I hope everything else improves soon.

 

6 hours ago, kochleffel said:

Many here have reported that their medical practitioners were uncommunicative. Today I messaged my PCP through his web portal and received a reply within five minutes!

 

We're lucky, our PCP reads all the messages sent through their web portal.

 

5 hours ago, Cruzin Terri said:

I am happy to say that I finished the closet task.  Lots of stuff to go to the Thrift shop.  Since this whole ordeal has resulted in about a 12 pound weight loss, coupled with the weight loss from when I had Covid last Spring, there were a good number of clothes that are too big. 

I do not intend to gain back that weight.  So those clothes are going.  

it is interesting, and I remember this well.  The afternoon of the day of the flood I told Jim that the next day I intended to clean out the closet and get things ready to send to the thrift shop.  Well, seven months later it finally got done.

Tomorrow I will try to tackle the other closet and then bring the load up the car with the donations.

 

I am so proud of myself for finally getting this done.

Terri

 

Good job, Terri.

 

Lenda

 

[AncientWanderer]

33 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

 

I just want to say that tahini is exceptionally messy to work with. It separates in the jar, but it is much harder to mix back together than nut butters are--the solid part has almost the consistency of concrete. I ended up using a hand blender.

 

Back in the day before hummus dip was sold everywhere, I used to make my own.  You’re so right — the tahini is hard as concrete.  I guess I must have chiseled it out and plopped it in the food processor.   Weird product for sure.

 

[RMLincoln]

@smitty34877Terry (I hope I got that correct) it’s a privilege to walk with our loved ones when they need us most. You are a valiant warrior for their causes, but you don’t get to choose the outcomes.  We extend our loving support to you and yours!  
 

@dobiemomMarcia, good they are checking the eye pressure!  Hope it is lowered soon which it should be between the meds and being able to pick up your head more. Praying the gas bubble dissolves back again and all recovers soon. 
 

May everyone get a good rest tonight (and for those in the other hemisphere, hope you had a good rest!). 
Maureen 

[bennybear]

@smitty34877 sending gentle hugs and wishes for improvement.  Sometimes things are unspeakable,  wishing you well! 
 

@Cruising-along what a lovely cabin! Enjoy! 

[grapau27]

Gordon Lightfoot RIP.

Sad news the Canadian singer songwriter died yesterday.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Graham.

[grapau27]

8 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

I've spent hours today working on the photo book for last year's Island Princess Covid cruise and have accomplished about 4 pages.  That's about the same amount I did yesterday so up to 8 pages.  What a struggle!  Anyway, that's why I end up so far behind on the Daily.  Trying to catch up now.🤓

 

 

 

Looks like a fabulous cruise Graham!  A beautiful ship.

 

 

 

 

Hope the doctor eased up on the head down routine so you can sleep on your side now.  That shoulders massage sounds good to me!

 

 

 

 

Your new bathroom looks beautifully updated.  The double sinks are very important anymore for resale as well as keeping spouses happy.  It must be such a relief to be finally finished.

 

 

 

 

Great photos Graham!

 

 

 

 

The chocolate shop is my favorite!  You look very happy there in those photos.

 

 

 

 

Nice shot of the nurse and students!  AND the view out the window.  Hope you're doing well today!

 

 

 

 

It's so nice you enjoyed your cruise that much especially since there are so many out there listing everything that's wrong on their ship.  I'm sure the crew appreciated such positive passengers as yourselves.  Oh my that was a quick turnaround to make it to DM's 103rd birthday!  How wonderful to have such a great long life!  Hope you're enjoying the Hawaii visit with DD and family!  Sounds like you two keep busy!

 

 

 

 

Terry, I'm very, very sorry to hear that Tana has pneumonia and things are so chaotic and upsetting.  Special prayers for Tana and her son, not to mention all the family members.  Thank you for letting us know so we can support and pray for everyone.  😢

 

 

 

 

That's amazing you finished your whole closet today.  I have plenty of clothes I don't wear but still they hang there in the closet.  Good for you!  Also wonderful that you achieved that weight loss, even though stress and Covid had a hand in it.  Good luck tomorrow with the second closet!  You are right to feel proud of yourself!

 

 

 

 

So ridiculous!  I am worried for my neighbors who will be taking a cruise from Vancouver in July.  Things had better improve before long.  I'll be keeping track of reports about embarking in Vancouver so I can let them know to be prepared.  New cruisers so they have no idea.  Thanks for letting us know and I hope you were able to board soon after this picture was taken.  

 

 

 

 

Well, we'll miss you in the morning but we understand.  That is quite a lot of work to do between coming home and leaving again.  Hope you are feeling better by tomorrow and have a safe drive to DD's house.  Enjoy your stay with her!

 

 

 

 

I'm glad to hear you made it onboard and are enjoying yourselves so far.  Have a wonderful cruise!  Beautiful cabin by the way!

 

 

 

Great about the sleeping position but I'm sorry to hear about the gas bubble and high pressure.  Enjoy your sleep tonight!!

 

 

 

Thank you Sandi.

We had a great time.

We just love being on a ship.

Pauline bought some chocolates while I got a table and ordered hot chocolate drinks.

Graham.

[HAL4NOW]

On 5/1/2023 at 1:52 PM, HAL4NOW said:

One and a half hours into the line we finally made it into this room:

 

 

We made it onto the ship about an hour and a half later (almost four o’clock) after having to go downstairs and going through two more rooms of lines. The Lido was closed already but we got some food from the Dive-In. Edo and Sunu are our room stewards; I remembered Sunu from last October.