The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday November 1st, 2023

[erewhon]

Thanks for all the photos of Juneau, brings back good memories of our two visits there.

@JazzyV  hope that the cause of the pain will soon be diagnosed,  and you can then receive the appropriate  treatment.

The cat has just bought us a "gift" of a small bird, i always find such a "gift" upsetting.

Have been absent from  social media due to sudden flames coming out of the charger of my computer, a  new charger is to be delivered, in the meantime  I have  a new laptop.  

Friday last, DH had offered to deliver Meals On Wheels, as the person rostered was out of the country. While we were at the depot waiting to collect the meals, snow began falling, first time we have deliverd the meals in a snowstorm.  A challenge for the  windscreen wipers as we drove the route..  When we finished delivering the meals the snow stopped!   On Monday, it was a pleasant sunny day when  we  delivered the meals.

Best wishes to everyone on the care list.

Edited November 2, 2023 by erewhon

[SusieKIslandGirl]

What happened to October? It's gone already! I spent the day with 4 sewing friends sorting a fabulous donation of fabric. My sister's friend had been storing what was left from her Montana fabric store and decided to give it to our Comfort Care quilt group. I'd guess it's nearly 1500 yards of quality fabric. We are so lucky! But moving large bags and boxes and sorting and hauling has my knee not being happy with me. And tomorrow morning early, DH and I leave for Atlanta to see DS for 8 days. Walking through 2 airports will be interesting. Hopefully it will warm up before we have to return to the damp and gray.

It's so nice to see so many on wonderful cruises-hope all goes well with the cruisers. Take care everyone.

[Sharon in AZ]

Debbie @dfish, thank you for the recipes today. I have made spatchcock chicken many times but the last time, this past July, I said no more unless the butcher does it for me. It’s just too difficult with my arthritis and giving Craig directions on how to do it are impossible, silly man. 
 

Also, it’s wonderful you are joining us and Dixie & her DH @summer slope for the Hawaii cruise!  It will be so good to see you again. Is your sister Sue coming too?

[Sharon in AZ]

Another post from March 14, 2021:
 

 

DH found the 2012 pictures on our old hard drive.  My mother was with us on this cruise.  She hated it but had lots of fun in the casino.  I was also really sick, I had gotten a flu type illness and ended up on antibiotics when I got home.  Turns out you shouldn't get your teeth cleaned before traveling!  Lesson learned.  That is one reason why I wanted to go back in 2019 so we could do all the things we didn't get to do before.

 

We were in Juneau on August 8, 2012 and docking next to the Zaandam.

 

It was cold and raining all day.  We took the tour that went to the salmon fishery, Mendenhall Glacier, and the Salmon Bake at Gold Creek.

 

The salmon:

 

 

Mendenhall Glacier with the falls just to the left of my head.  BTW, DH told me to never wear that color raincoat again.

 

Craig went on the trail to the falls but it was too wet and cold for me:

 

I think he took this picture of the glacier while he was at the falls.

 

And this iceberg:

 

When we were at the salmon bake, Craig saw a mama bear with cubs at the creek:

 

 

When the employees at the bake found out about the mama bear they weren't too happy with the people getting so close to them to take pictures.  Mama's are protective.

 

No pictures of the actual food that day, I think Craig was too engrossed getting pictures of the bears.  But I do have to say it was probably the second best salmon I've ever had.  We like watching Top Chef and it turned out they filmed most of that season at Gold Creek.  It was the year Kristin Kish won.  It was fun knowing that we had just been there.

 

On the way back to the ship our driver spotted an eagle:

 

Hope I haven't bored you with all my pictures but it is really fun way to remember cruising.  Thanks again Rich for adding this to the Daily!

[dfish]

1 hour ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Debbie @dfish, thank you for the recipes today. I have made spatchcock chicken many times but the last time, this past July, I said no more unless the butcher does it for me. It’s just too difficult with my arthritis and giving Craig directions on how to do it are impossible, silly man. 
 

Also, it’s wonderful you are joining us and Dixie & her DH @summer slope for the Hawaii cruise!  It will be so good to see you again. Is your sister Sue coming too?

 

Yes, Sue will be coming with me.

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers on winning the World Series.

 

6 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Good afternoon,

Terry @smitty34877 Add me to those who are very happy that your boiler is working now.  It does sound like it was in the nick of time.

 

Debbie @dfish You'll love the Hawaii cruise.  It's even better if you have an active roll call with lots of get togethers on those sea days.  What ship and when?  Our Hawaii cruise in 2010 was when we met our mutual friend Jane. 🙂  We had a great roll call. 

 

This afternoon I've made some progress on getting the Christmas cards started.  This will be the first time we've had a cruise so close to the holidays (leaving here on Jan. 1) so I need to get things done early.  At least I won't be putting up the tree or decorations this year, but will have to get started on the gifts.

 

Now to brag a little about our DDIL.  She does some artwork (paintings) in her spare time (her profession is in the computer art field).  She told me last night that a local art gallery wants to display some of her work!  She's tickled to pieces, said she hasn't shown any of her work in 25 years. Very proud of her! 

 

 

Carolyn, congratulations to your DDIL on having a gallery want to show some of her artwork.

 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Does Dover work for you?  There are a number of Dover departures in 2025.  Of course you would need to be careful in posting since we would recognize any dishware or other common sights on the ship.

 

Roy

 

Even so, we wouldn't tell until Graham @grapau27 and Pauline were home.

 

1 hour ago, SusieKIslandGirl said:

What happened to October? It's gone already! I spent the day with 4 sewing friends sorting a fabulous donation of fabric. My sister's friend had been storing what was left from her Montana fabric store and decided to give it to our Comfort Care quilt group. I'd guess it's nearly 1500 yards of quality fabric. We are so lucky! But moving large bags and boxes and sorting and hauling has my knee not being happy with me. And tomorrow morning early, DH and I leave for Atlanta to see DS for 8 days. Walking through 2 airports will be interesting. Hopefully it will warm up before we have to return to the damp and gray.

It's so nice to see so many on wonderful cruises-hope all goes well with the cruisers. Take care everyone.

 

What a nice donation to your quilting group.  Safe travels tomorrow, and enjoy your visit with your DS.  Aspercreme might help with your knee tomorrow.

 

54 minutes ago, Sharon in AZ said:

Another post from March 14, 2021:
 

 

 

DH found the 2012 pictures on our old hard drive.  My mother was with us on this cruise.  She hated it but had lots of fun in the casino.  I was also really sick, I had gotten a flu type illness and ended up on antibiotics when I got home.  Turns out you shouldn't get your teeth cleaned before traveling!  Lesson learned.  That is one reason why I wanted to go back in 2019 so we could do all the things we didn't get to do before.

 

We were in Juneau on August 8, 2012 and docking next to the Zaandam.

 

It was cold and raining all day.  We took the tour that went to the salmon fishery, Mendenhall Glacier, and the Salmon Bake at Gold Creek.

 

The salmon:

 

 

Mendenhall Glacier with the falls just to the left of my head.  BTW, DH told me to never wear that color raincoat again.

 

Craig went on the trail to the falls but it was too wet and cold for me:

 

I think he took this picture of the glacier while he was at the falls.

 

And this iceberg:

 

When we were at the salmon bake, Craig saw a mama bear with cubs at the creek:

 

 

When the employees at the bake found out about the mama bear they weren't too happy with the people getting so close to them to take pictures.  Mama's are protective.

 

No pictures of the actual food that day, I think Craig was too engrossed getting pictures of the bears.  But I do have to say it was probably the second best salmon I've ever had.  We like watching Top Chef and it turned out they filmed most of that season at Gold Creek.  It was the year Kristin Kish won.  It was fun knowing that we had just been there.

 

On the way back to the ship our driver spotted an eagle:

 

Hope I haven't bored you with all my pictures but it is really fun way to remember cruising.  Thanks again Rich for adding this to the Daily!

 

We've been to the Gold Creek salmon bake twice.  It does have good salmon.  Having been there made the Alaska season of Top Chef more interesting.

 

Lenda

[cruising Katie]

This August, I took my 12 year old grandson on the Volendam to Alaska.  We had a great time,

Had wonderful weather everyday, quite hot for Alaska.  In Juneau we went whale watching in the morning, then to Mendenhall glacier.  The trip was a great experience for both of us.  I have three other grandchildren who are checking out the Holland web sites to see where they will get to go?

Take care and stay safe

Kate   

[Vict0riann]

We are on board, too.  We haven’t done much, almost slept through our dinner with Martha and Tony in the Pinnacle Grill.  The bed is very comfortable, but these obstructed ocean views on deck 4 seem quite small for 2 people.  We’ve never had one before.  Today is Cartagena.  
 

Oosterdam seems a bit old and tired after the new ships.  We were told over 2000 on board, so it’s crowded.  After the first boarding confusion, with full elevators, it seems to be settling down.  We’ll see how breakfast goes in the Lido.  
 

Thinking of you all!  

[Haljo1935]

Do not cook for my fur babies, but would if I needed to. Literacy is so important. 

YES YES YES to the meal, would try the drink & wine, love Juneau. 

Good job, Dr Roux.

Yesterday's gloomy start gave way to a lovely day. Sunrise in Corfu Greece as seen from our balcony. 

I know there will be plenty of awesome Juneau pictures, so I'll leave you with the sunset in Corfu.

[Haljo1935]

16 hours ago, ottahand7 said:

   Bon Voyage   @Vict0riann @ocean sounds@kochleffel

Thanks for the reminder.

Bon Voyage @Vict0riann @ocean sounds @kochleffel

[erewhon]

37 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

We are on board, too.  We haven’t done much, almost slept through our dinner with Martha and Tony in the Pinnacle Grill.  The bed is very comfortable, but these obstructed ocean views on deck 4 seem quite small for 2 people.  We’ve never had one before.  Today is Cartagena.  
 

Oosterdam seems a bit old and tired after the new ships.  We were told over 2000 on board, so it’s crowded.  After the first boarding confusion, with full elevators, it seems to be settling down.  We’ll see how breakfast goes in the Lido.  
 

Thinking of you all!  

 

@Vict0riann  hope you and Pat both have a safe, healthy trouble free cruise.

                  Apologies for a late Bon Voyage.

 

 

[Vict0riann]

I meant to add that the show last night was very good. Five from Lincoln Centre played new arrangements of classical music.  It was a bit strange to hear acoustic guitar playing along with the other instruments.  The theatre was quite cold, I was glad I had my sweater.  Martha had a blanket!

[grapau27]

7 hours ago, erewhon said:

@grapau27  Thank you for your reply... I now understand that you did not sail on HAL even though you stated that you would do so that year, reading your reply it appears that you always cruise from Southampton,.

 

 

 

Nothing is set in stone and it is disappointing but HAL cruise lengths and departure ports did not fit in to Pauline's work holiday allowances these last 2 years.

We sailed from Miami on RCL Oasis of the sea's on January/February 2023 and stayed pre and post cruise in Miami.

We were booked with around 50 RCL cc members for March 2023 but had to cancel that because of Pauline's work commitments but RCL were great and changed us to January/February instead.

Southampton England is our preferred departure port and P&O is definitely Pauline's choice.

We have sailed on P&O,Royal Caribbean and even MSC from Southampton these last 2 years.

[grapau27]

4 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Congratulations to the Texas Rangers on winning the World Series.

 

 

Carolyn, congratulations to your DDIL on having a gallery want to show some of her artwork.

 

 

Even so, we wouldn't tell until Graham @grapau27 and Pauline were home.

 

 

What a nice donation to your quilting group.  Safe travels tomorrow, and enjoy your visit with your DS.  Aspercreme might help with your knee tomorrow.

 

 

We've been to the Gold Creek salmon bake twice.  It does have good salmon.  Having been there made the Alaska season of Top Chef more interesting.

 

Lenda

Thank you Lenda.

Several times people have come up to us on board and said hello Graham from cruise critic but they respect our privacy wishes and don't say on cc they have met us until we get home and I post our cruise information and photos.

[kochleffel]

I try not to use bad language so I will just say DRAT!  We are not going to dock at Cartagena, because worsening weather would prevent leaving this evening.

[aliaschief]

10 hours ago, USN59-79 said:

I would go with the beef, medium rare, and the DW would have the Sea Bass.  I notice they advertise wines on the menu from over $300 down to $95.  Since wine is available gratis, do many people actually buy that?

Ray

Yes. Money is no problem to some of these cruisers. The majority are very friendly. We find many of the complimentary wines to be quite acceptable. Bought a couple of wines as we need to use OBC.

Edited November 2, 2023 by aliaschief

[kazu]

15 hours ago, smitty34877 said:

I am happy to report the boiler is working. It was a quick fix and in the nick of time. It will be very cold tonight with a possible freeze. I know it is not like the frozen tundra but I am wearing a hat, gloves and two sweaters until the house warms up.

 

Yay 🙂 Good news!

 

 

14 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

Now to brag a little about our DDIL.  She does some artwork (paintings) in her spare time (her profession is in the computer art field).  She told me last night that a local art gallery wants to display some of her work!  She's tickled to pieces, said she hasn't shown any of her work in 25 years. Very proud of her! 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t blame you for bragging 👍. Good for her!  Delighted her work will be displayed.

 

 

13 hours ago, kochleffel said:

More than one person told me how bad the food on the Oosterdam is. I boarded during the afternoon, so hadn't had any yet.

 

Oh gee, I hope not.  It was quite good last year.  I know food is subjective but there were 6 of us and we were all in agreement.  Do let us know.

 

 

11 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Tonight’s Formal Night MDR menu.

What would choose? Beef or fish. Roy and Sandi we know your choices. 😊

 

 

 

 

Tough choice.  Since I’m only one, I’d go with the Sea Bass.

 

 

10 hours ago, dfish said:

Those rabbits have been working overtime today.  We just got word that our niece and her husband are moving back to Michigan from Florida in January.  We are thrilled!  Of course, the rabbits owe us.  We give them free housing under our deck and tons of food to eat.

 

Wonderful!  It will be so nice to have them closer 👍 

 

 

1 hour ago, kochleffel said:

I try not to use bad language so I will just say DRAT!  We are not going to dock at Cartagena, because worsening weather would prevent leaving this evening.

 

That’s a shame.  I hope the rest of your planned itinerary goes smoothly.  🤞 

[kochleffel]

1 hour ago, kazu said:

 

Yay 🙂 Good news!

 

 

 

I don’t blame you for bragging 👍. Good for her!  Delighted her work will be displayed.

 

 

 

Oh gee, I hope not.  It was quite good last year.  I know food is subjective but there were 6 of us and we were all in agreement.  Do let us know.

 

 

 

Tough choice.  Since I’m only one, I’d go with the Sea Bass.

 

 

 

Wonderful!  It will be so nice to have them closer 👍 

 

 

 

That’s a shame.  I hope the rest of your planned itinerary goes smoothly.  🤞 

I had nothing planned for Cartagena except downloading the Navigator app. At Guest Services they used a crew login to download it for me.