The Fleet Report and Daily for Monday February 5th, 2024

[1ANGELCAT]

Good cold and sunny morning. Does a chocolate fountain count as fondue ? I’m remembering the dessert buffets around the pool and the chocolate fountain.

My only visit to Montreal was to disembark from Maasdam and fly home. 
Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, seagarsmoker said:

Here are some photos from Curacao from our last cruise. We were there on Christmas Eve.  

 

Is that Montreal. Changed since I was there!

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

 

In August 2018 we sailed into Montreal on the Seabourn Quest at the end of our Route of the Vikings II cruise.  It began in Reykjavik and cruised to a nice group of ports in Greenland and Maritime Canada.  This was our view as we headed towards the dock.

 

 

We reluctantly disembarked the beautiful Quest and boarded a bus for a tour of Montreal.  At the end of the tour we would be dropped off at the airport to fly to Amsterdam for our next cruise on the Prinsendam.  Our first stop on the tour was at the Notre-Dame Basilica.

 

 

 

The interior of this cathedral had some of the most beautiful lighting, altars and statues I have seen anywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The scene in front of the cathedral

                                    

Unique statuary seen about town as we drove through the streets.

 

What is with their noses?

 

The Bank of Montreal.  There are no banks in my small town like that!

 

The Museum of Fine Arts.  The Dale Chihuly art object on the steps is called The Sun.

 

At a scenic overlook you can see Olympic Stadium (built for the 1976 Montreal summer Olympics) in the distance.  Big winners that summer were Bruce Jenner and Nadia Comaneci.

 

 

Our second time in Montreal (6 weeks later in October 2018) was the beginning of a Rotterdam Canada, New England, Atlantic Coast Cruise which ended in Tampa, Florida.  Continuing on down the coast of the U.S. to Florida makes this a very interesting and unique voyage.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Great photos of Montreal and you arrived in Tampa in 2018. Should have called me! 😀. Also brings back many memories; first there in 1964 and worked there in 2008. Thank goodness I took French in school while in Alabama so I knew how to say Oui Oui when I had to go.

[Haljo1935]

Yikes @Denise T good you were able to locate the fuse. That burnt smell is awful. Hope you find a new stove quickly.

[Sir PMP]

Port of Montreal, Canada:

[RMLincoln]

Sunshine and 30 but windy so it would feel colder but I have no plans to go out. Might get into the pool to do hip exercises, have no excuses not to!  
 

Nit sure I’ve ever done chocolate fondu.  Is that like the chocolate fountains we used to have at the deck parties? That chocolate was only fair IMO, I think I’d rather have a piece of chocolate to savor. 
 

I’d love to get to Montreal; our NCL cruise ship was too big to get under the bridge last September, turned around in Quebec City. I think I was 12 when I went with my parents by car to Montreal, can’t recall anything much about it. Thanks for the pictures!  

 

We’re taking it one day at a time here trying to keep eye pressures within target range - next Monday is the next appointment. 
 

Good luck today to @seagarsmoker, @Nickelpenny@superoma, @Denise T. 

Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort or hope.  And all dealing with storms, may you stay safe. 
Smooth travels to all away, especially thinking of our many lucky cruisers. 
Thanks all for being here!  Enjoy something today. 
Maureen

Edited February 5 by RMLincoln

[GTVCRUISER]

Have a Happy Monday 🙂 

[Nickelpenny]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

@Nickelpenny Pennie, I have heard that weather reporters use the term partly cloudy to refer to sky conditions at night while during the day when the sun is visible they refer to those same skies as partly sunny.  It makes sense, doesn't it?

That makes sense.

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

Have a great day.

[ottahand7]

Good morning from the Atlantic.  We will be having more rough seas today while we are on our way to Phillipsburg.  We have an early shore excursion tomorrow to Rockland Estate and chef's table.    It involves riding a chair lift to the top of the mountain.  I have a fear of heights but I didn't have a problem skiing in Utah so I hope this lift will be similar.  

@seagarsmoker congratulations on starting your new position/job today! 

Thanks for the Daily Reports and maps today and every day.  I love the quote.   I don't get doing put together puzzles, can't even recall the exact name.  If I did one inside on a bad weather day I would be constantly staring out the window with my ADD.  I love my Scrabble like game where I play against the computer. 

Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports each day Vanessa.   Prayers for everyone on our care list especially Vanessa, Tana and the spouses who are struggling.  Prayers for the people of Ukraine.  So happy to see on the BBC news a couple of days ago the EU sent them a huge shot in the arm 💶💶💶💶.

Thanks for the lovely photos of Montreal.  We were supposed to board the Zaandam there in September 2020, not to be.  

Here is a Facebook memory from a year ago today.  We were in the Drake Passage with 19' swells.  We got a great view from the cabin we were in on Dolphin deck.  Our veranda cabin had been flooded.  

 

 

[ottahand7]

How about some food porn from last night.   Dressy night with the 150th anniversary menu.  We have really enjoyed the MDR.  Our waiters know our preferences and we have 5 o'clock seating and get our meals hot and quickly.  Not really our preferences but with a full ship you have to do what you have to do.  Yesterday every public space was packed due to poor weather. 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  Not sure about celebrating Disaster day, just try to make sure to avoid one.  Did someone say chocolate?  Chocolate fondue, chocolate fountain, chocolate whatever, yes, please!!  I laughed when I read the quote of the day, the same could apply to video games.

 

It's dark, cloudy and windy out there this morning, and I'm hearing all kinds of reports on the radio of minor fender benders on the city streets.  The highways are a mess as well after the freezing rain that started late yesterday evening.  I know the sanding/salting trucks will be out in full force; I'm just glad we don't have to go anywhere today.  I wanted to head to the bank to deal with the HAL refund on our credit card, but that isn't urgent and can certainly wait until tomorrow.

 

@grapau27I'm sorry to learn of your friend's wife suddenly passing away.  How awful for him, and for the rest of your church family.  

@seagarsmokergood luck as you start your new job today!

@superomasafe travels to DH's medical appt today; I hope they're able to give him some relief.

@smitty34877how is Tana doing; I do worry about her, and you as her primary support person.

@Denise THoley Moley on the oven!!  So glad you didn't have to call the fire department!

 

I was in Montreal in 1967, the year I turned 12; I went to Expo with my newly widowed aunt and we had a blast.  We stayed with relatives of relatives who made us feel as if we'd known them forever, and they took us all over the place.  Just thinking of that trip brings a smile to my face.  Of course any photos I took were way before digital, so would have to go scouring through albums to find them.

 

I'm not sure about the drink of the day, have definitely had the wine, and would enjoy a hot pot if someone prepped everything for me.  DH is starting to feel a little housebound, so once the weather warms up later today and the streets are safer, we're going to venture out to one of our favourite places for some Greek food for dinner tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who is in need, and even if you aren't, you're still included.  Cheers to all with celebrations.

 

Smooth Sailing!  ☺️☺️☺️

Gerry

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, RedneckBob said:

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors.

 

Another you got to be kiddin day, Disaster Day! And a good day, Chocolate Fondue Day. But I quess if you are too much choc fondue it could be a disaster! 😳

 

I hate spell check when it’s wrong. It should say “But I guess if you ate too much… or maybe it wasn’t spell check!

Edited February 5 by RedneckBob

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Ann, Paul, and Eva for the Monday reports.   I'll pass on the Fondue, am thankful for Adlai Stevenson, and hope for an uneventful celebration of Disaster Day.  I understand it is also National Weather Person's Day.

 

I think Martin should have taken a couple of zeroes off his statement.  My, how our population has grown. 

 

My parents grew up just south of Montreal and I still have family there so I've been there many times by ship, train, car, and even bicycle, but never involving a BHB.

 

Not convinced on the meal.  My alternative is Chilled Pear, Cucumber, and Melon Gazpacho, Fresh Fruit Medley, and Parmesan Crusted Veal Loin as served on MS Zaandam February 5, 2012,

 

A cold start to the morning but it will warm up nicely, and a rain free week coming.

 

Roy

[rafinmd]

Today's sunrise is from my 2015 Maasdam cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Rio.  On January 5 we crossed the Equator on the way from Devils Island to Macapa:

 

 

Roy

[kochleffel]

Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is the best-known of many so-called Corpse Revivers, cocktails dating to the 19^th century that were supposed to cure hangovers using two principles: hair of the dog, and a bitter flavor. I have no personal knowledge of whether either of these works.

The recipe comes from Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930 by the then-head barman at the Savoy Hotel in London. The introduction to the recipe warns, “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”

 

It was originally made with Kina Lillet, no longer available, which contained chinchona (quinine). Many recipes now specify Lillet Blanc, which has a milder flavor and no quinine bitterness. Some say to add a dash of absinthe, but I think it would be better to use Cocchi Americano, which contains chinchona and isn’t too hard to find, instead of the Lillet Blanc and maybe omit the absinthe.

1 oz. Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano

1 oz. Cointreau

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 oz. London dry gin, such as Plymouth

1 dash absinthe

1 orange peel

 

To an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add the Cocchi Americano, Cointreau, lemon juice, gin, and absinthe. Shake vigorously until very cold, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a twist of orange peel, and serve immediately.

 

[marshhawk]

Good Monday Morning Dailyites!  It's cloudy and 43.  When I went to bed last night Tiger was on the porch.  I had a rock in front of the door, so he could not escape, but he did, along with something else that was big enough to knock over the trash cans.

 

Disaster Day?  I would like Disaster movie day,.  Sound like @Denise T had one last night.  Thank you for reminding me to get the fuse boxes labeled, but I hope you had no electrical damage in the house.  You might want to get an electrician to check it out before replacing the stove.

 

DH has what i have now, and they moved his surgery from tomorrow to the 20th.  I need to notify my boss that I am available for more training to start up tomorrow.  I called out SAturday, and will probably do so again today.  I managed to sleep roughly 2 hours on and off for a whopping total of 5 hours sleep but not at one time.

 

@NickelpennyPartial cloudy at night, sounds right, partial Moony just sounds weird.

 

[StLouisCruisers]

2 hours ago, Denise T said:

Happy Monday. Thank you for the Daily and Fleet reports. 

Well, a bit of excitement (not in a good way) last night. We are without a stove. As I was preparing dinner last night, I had the oven preheating. Well, it preheated all right and almost burned the house down. Apparently, there was a short (electric stove) and the oven kept getting hotter and hotter. Of course, I am oblivious to this until that stove went off with an error code, but the heating element was still on. My sister attempted to turn off the power to the kitchen but missed the fact that the range is on its own circuit. I managed to find the fuse for the range and turn it off. We, of course were panicking the whole time. We could not get an electrician out despite the fact that there was a danger to the entire home. My sister was about to call the fire department, but I found the fuse and got everything shut down. The home smelled liked burnt grease for the whole night despite having windows opened and candles lit. Stove shopping it is. This is the second house I lived in where an issue happened with the oven. Anyway, we are all safe. 

Thank you @StLouisCruisers for the pictures. I will be in Quebec City for the first time in October. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

 

 

Denise, what a DISASTER last evening's oven problem was!  I'm sure glad you found the correct circuit/fuse in time.  I would have had the fire department out pronto to check it out for me.  Very scary!

 

If you would like to check out our photos from Quebec City I would be happy to post the links to the three times we've had that city as our port of the day.  It's not scheduled again in 2024.  It would only take a minute or two to post the links so please reply and let me know.  We had lots of nice photos of that lovely city and you might see some places you don't want to miss on your trip this fall.

 

 

1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

Sandi @StLouisCruisers.

Thank you for posting yours and Lendas superb photos of Montreal.

 

You're quite welcome Graham!

 

 

I saw some photos on PaulMunsonPhotography's Instagram of the FC Dallas 17U team before the game.  Looks like one of those red carpet events!  Here's our guy Ren!

 

[ottahand7]

Thanks for sharing the photo of Ren @StLouisCruisers! 

[RedneckBob]

21 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

Corpse Reviver No. 2

 

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is the best-known of many so-called Corpse Revivers, cocktails dating to the 19^th century that were supposed to cure hangovers using two principles: hair of the dog, and a bitter flavor. I have no personal knowledge of whether either of these works.

 

The recipe comes from Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930 by the then-head barman at the Savoy Hotel in London. The introduction to the recipe warns, “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”

 

 

 

It was originally made with Kina Lillet, no longer available, which contained chinchona (quinine). Many recipes now specify Lillet Blanc, which has a milder flavor and no quinine bitterness. Some say to add a dash of absinthe, but I think it would be better to use Cocchi Americano, which contains chinchona and isn’t too hard to find, instead of the Lillet Blanc and maybe omit the absinthe.

 

 

1 oz. Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano

 

1 oz. Cointreau

 

1 oz. fresh lemon juice

 

1 oz. London dry gin, such as Plymouth

 

1 dash absinthe

 

1 orange peel

 

To an ice-filled cocktail shaker, add the Cocchi Americano, Cointreau, lemon juice, gin, and absinthe. Shake vigorously until very cold, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with a twist of orange peel, and serve immediately.

 

 

I guess after several Corpse Reviver No 2 drinks you can switch to Zombies!

[ottahand7]

Our favorite waiter and Facebook friend Aframe drew this pencil sketch of John and I and delivered at dinner in the MDR last night.  We met him on the Volendam and were thrilled to find out he was on the Eurodam when we were on board.  He departs the same day we do.  He has a happy countdown until February 24, ours is less so. 

[puppycanducruise]

@seagarsmoker  Good luck with the new job.

 

@Denise T Wow, glad you are safe.  Good luck shopping for a new stove.

 

@superoma  Good luck with the surgeon.  Sorry you have to drive so far to find one.

[sunviking90]

Good morning Dailyites! I’ve actually been to today’s destination which is not often the case, so I’ll share a few more pictures. It took this Western Canadian over 50 years to get to this part of Canada, but was well worth the wait. It was before a fall repositioning on the Zaandam right before Covid. 
The last is inside the original Bank of Montreal. To the right were the names of all the employees lost in both wars. 

 

Edited February 5 by sunviking90

[kochleffel]

My mother liked and voted for Adlai Stevenson, but what she remembered about him was the time a television appearance revealed that he had a hole in his shoe. The actor McLean Stevenson (Lt. Col. Blake in the early seasons of the MASH television series) was his cousin and had worked on his campaigns, and said that all the Stevensons had trouble with their clothes.

 

I don't want to honor disasters, but I'll mention that I'm trained as a mental-health responder in them. No pork anything for me. I plan to celebrate my release from post-surgical abstinence (possibly Friday) with today's drink. For the wine, Glenora 2021. I've been in Montreal only once, during Expo 67, but I've dealt with the Bank of Montreal in Ottawa, Halifax, and other places in Canada because my ATM card was a MasterCard and other Canadian banks couldn't accept it.

 

[rafinmd]

Today's alternate maps:

 

 

 

Roy