The Fleet Report and Daily for Thursday February 15th, 2024

[Overhead Fred]

@MISTER 67

 

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from Koningsdam as we sail closer to  Ensenada.  We must be making good time since our arrival time tomorrow has changed again.  Last night, the time had changed to 9:30 am tomorrow.

 

I'll pass on Annoy Squidward day, and instead concentrate on Angelman Syndrome and Childhood Cancer Awareness.  As others have said, Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects a gene on chromosome 15.  Since February is Rare Diease Month, February 15 was chosen as the day to bring awareness of this condition.  Childhood cancer is even more horrific than cancer in adults.  Younger DD had a high school friend who survived childhood cancer only to die of cancer in her 30s.

 

An interesting quote today.

 

We'll pass on the meal, drink and wine.

 

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, again, thank you for posting all my pictures.

 

Three interesting days in history.

 

@MISTER 67  BON VOYAGE,  and have a wonderful cruise.

@grapau27  Graham, thank you for today's explanations and your lovely pictures of Lisbon.

@0106  Tina, thank you for sharing your pictures of the tile museum.

 

@1ANGELCAT  I'm sorry the weather will prevent you from attending Lynda’s service today.  Your safety has to come first.

@Haljo1935  I am glad the surgeon was pleased with your progress.  I hope you can get rid of the sinus infection soon.

@ger_77  Gerry, I hope you can get your errands run before the wind picks up.

@marshhawk Annie, I hope the doctor has a solution to get rid of the cough.  I was pleased to see that your DH wants to go out to breakfast.

 

 

Lenda

[Niagarawine]

3 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Lenda's photos post #3

 

 

 

we've been there at least 11 times, so we try to find something different each time, while still seeing our favorite places.

 

We have been to Lisbon at least 11 times.  We were there in 2009 on Tatihian Princess and took a tour to Sintra and Cascais, mainly so we could see the rest of Sintra.

 

These are from Sintra.

 

We could not tour the palace that day as it was closed, but we saw this model.

 

A few more pictures from Cascais

 

I was primarily taking  picture of the statue and the tile work, but today I noticed the O'Neill's Irish Pub in the background.  I wonder if it is part of the O'Neill's Pubs in Ireland.

 

Lenda

 

 

Lenda's photos post #4

 

 

 

I hope everyone is not getting bored with all the pictures of Lisbon and the surrounding areas.

 

Right now, we're up to 2011, with 2016, 2017, and 2019 yet to come.  Going through all the pictures from 11 visits to Lisbon has brought back many wonderful memories.  With each visit, I seem to enjoy and like Lisbon more.  In this case, familiarity does not breed contempt.

 

The Prinsendam arrived in the late afternoon on her TA.  That night, we just walked off the ship after dinner and walked around the immediate area.

 

The next day, we took a tour to Batalha and Fatima. 

 

The graves of John 1 and Phillippa

 

I'm not sure what I expected Fatima to be like, but this modern shrine was not it.

 

The Basilica de Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima

 

The three children who saw the visions in 1917 were rebured in the church.  I hope I've got the pictures of the graves correctly identified.

The grave of Francisco who died in 1920.

 

The graves of Jacinta who died in 1919, and Sister Lucia who died in 2005 at the age of 97.

 

Looking across the plaza from the steps of the Basilica

 

Lenda

 

Thanks so much for the lovely photos of Fatima.we were there on the feast and it was amazing.so many people and saw the procession. We were on a transatlantic on Jewel ofThe Seas. We also went to Santiago di Compostela and saw them swing the buttafumiero, must have been another feast. What a trip that was. For those with cardiac issues I have spotted some research on the tomato pill. Cambridge University developed it and here is some interesting research on ir

ts affects in heart disease. I am mentioning this because my sister has these issues.

thanks so much for the maps,photos and dailies.

[puppycanducruise]

@marshhawk The children saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. 

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the FR/Daily @kazu and @richwmn, and maps @rafinmd.

I had no clue about Squidward Day and Angelman Day until reading Graham's post. Childhood cancer awareness is important and can hopefully be eradicated. Interesting quote. Crudites would be good as an appetizer. No to the drink and pass on the white wine. I've been to Lisbon, although not on a cruise, and predigital. 1 sad and 2 good days in history.

 

It's cloudy and 33F now, but going up to 50. But I did just get a winter weather alert on my phone. The furniture movers are here and working. Sleep is about 4 hours and pain is about the same. 

 

@MISTER 67 Bon Voyage!

@grapau27 Thank you for the explanations of the days, and the Lisbon photos.

@kazu I'm sure Ivan will look very handsome when he's done. I'm half tempted to look for chocolates on sale today.

@StLouisCruisers Lovely photos from Lisbon. And thanks for posting Lenda's too. In counterpoint to your FedEx story, they got a package to me (medical) picked up in Germany on Monday and on my porch yesterday morning.

@cat shepard I appreciate your prayers.

@0106 Nice tile and church photos.

@superoma That's gorgeous tile work.

@Haljo1935 I'm glad you have a plan for your shoulder. Sorry the sinus infection is hanging on. Could it be related to a tooth issue? That's happened to BFF a couple of times. Good luck finding a replacement cruise.

@marshhawk I hope your and DH's lung doctor appointments go well.

 

Prayers for the Care List and Cheers for those Celebrating.

 

Here are a few scanned photos from Lisbon, circa 1997.

 

Tile work

 

Monastery of St. Mary

 

Monument to the Discoveries

 

 

Belem Tower

[dobiemom]

2 hours ago, marshhawk said:

what was the vision that the 3 children see? 

In May 1917 Our Lady of Fátima (Virgin Mary), appeared before three peasant children who were tending sheep near the village of Fatima, Portugal.  Following the initial event, the children reported seeing the vision five more times, once each month through October.

 

https://www.britannica.com/event/Our-Lady-of-Fatima

Edited February 15 by dobiemom

[Cruzin Terri]

Good morning.

Thanks for all the info.

On my way to the spa for a massage.

Will post more later.

As you can see from the photo taken yesterday, the makeup is hiding the bruises nicely.

Hope everyone is having a good day,.

Terri

[aliaschief]

It’s Friday at 6:00 AM and we will soon be docking on Tauranga, New Zealand. We have a pretty intensive itinerary this segment so not much time for Cruise Critic in the morning and by the time we get back from tours you’re all headed to bed.

 

It was a beautiful day in Auckland and we did a Tours By Locals with John showing us around Auckland and its beautiful parks and scenic views and surrounding countryside. Just beautiful scenery and narration by our tour guide John. 
Today we have another Tour By Locals.

Had a nice reunion with Cruiser Bill and his wife Dianne. Had cruised in 2018 with them on a Holland America cruise. They are on for this segment.

Okay it’s time to get up and ready for touring. By the way just want you to know that we are having a great time.😁 Bruce

 

Some pics of Auckland.

 

 

[57redbird]

5 hours ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  This morning it is 36F with an expected high of 66 and sunny skies.  Perfect!  If only our nights were a little warmer.🌞

 

Thank you Jacqui @kazu and Roy @rafinmd for posting Rich's @richwmn's Daily and Fleet Information plus the maps for him.  We appreciate it!  Some really different days celebrated and recognized this date!  Annoy Squidward Day is funny and thanks to Graham @grapau27 for the explanation.  International Angelman Day sounds interesting and I respect the thought behind it.  Childhood Cancer Awareness (and all diseases affecting children) should be respected and honored.  Interesting quote!  That is quite a different menu suggestion and one that might come in handy at our next get together.  What a name for a drink!  No thanks!  🍹 I enjoy Sauvignon Blanc wine and would happily give it a try.  A bad day for Socrates, an important date for science, and YouTube folks must be celebrating today.  Thank you to Eva @superoma, Paul @kochleffel, and Ann @cat shepard for your F&B reports today.  

 

Prayers said this morning for those injured and for the woman who died at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade yesterday.  I hope they can determine who the suspects are and they are punished to the fullest extent of the law.  I know how traumatizing events like this can be and it will be a long time before these folks feel safe again.  Prayers too for DB and DGD Morgan, Scott and Bob and their spouses, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages held and the U.S. soldiers and sailors at risk in the region.  And of course our many friends here on the Care list in need of prayers and help with their medical issues, personal loss and worry, pain and illness.  Extra prayers and hugs to Vanessa @JazzyV, Annie @marshhawk and Chuck @catmando, Tana and Terry @smitty34877, Jane @lazey1, Maureen @RMLincoln and Richard, Melisa @HAL Sailer and DH just to name a few.  🙏🙏  A cheer from me for those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries and all who are cruising!  🥂  DGD Morgan texted us after her presentation yesterday and said it went quite well.  She is optimistic about it. 🎉  Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for the great lists each day.  We are so happy you can continue even with all that you are going through.  ❤️

 

The port today is lovely Lisbon, Portugal.  This was port of the day before on Aug. 10, 2021 and May 8, 2022.  I will post the links next.  Then I'll begin posting photos for myself and Lenda.  However in noting the number of posts from Lenda's photos I'm going to split them up into groups of 2 and not take over the first two pages of the Daily.  I'll give others time to post in between.

 

 

 

 

Once more FedEx has screwed up delivery of a package to our home.  We ordered some supplies from Sam's Club and they have incredible service, usually getting our packages to us in two days time.  However, they use FedEx and they are the ones who are letting us down.  Yesterday our package was on the truck for delivery.  At 1:45 DH saw the truck go up our cul-de-sac and return down again after making a delivery up the street.  She passed us by.  Last night our tracking said they were unable to deliver OR the business was closed and they will try again the next day.  Wrong!  We are not a business, were home and "open" all day, and they just don't deliver all the packages on the truck!  So I imagine we will get our delivery today, a day late.  This is at least the third time we can remember this happening.  UPS would have delivered until the truck was empty but oh, no, not FedEx!  Shame on them!😠

 

I will try to not let this aggravation ruin my day!  Hope you all have a good day, too and stay safe and well!

I agree about FedEx....I wonder if UPS raised their rates so businesses changed to FedEx...bad move in my opinion.

[StLouisCruisers]

10 minutes ago, 57redbird said:

I agree about FedEx....I wonder if UPS raised their rates so businesses changed to FedEx...bad move in my opinion.

 

I don't know.  I'm sure they're all expensive these days!  

 

Update on the delivery.  At 11:55 the FedEx truck stopped here and dumped our package on the porch.  Just 24 hours later than promised.

 

The problem here is they now deliver our packages from Macon, not Atlanta.  But like the airlines they seem to have a hub system.  The package was driven from Florida past Macon, GA to Atlanta, GA, a distance of 70 miles further up I-75.  Then they turn around and process it for a drive back down 75 to Macon, another 70 miles.  The packages arrive there by late morning and they are put on the delivery truck so they can drive them back north to our house 55 miles away. No idea why the truck that was up here yesterday afternoon couldn't stop here!

 

Today, the package was already on the truck and they simply drove back up here and therefore we get our packages earlier on the second day.  Why do they need to drive past our town to take the package to Atlanta when their trucks up there no longer deliver here?  Why doesn't it stop at Macon and process our package there eliminating all that driving up and down the interstate.  Our packages used to come from Atlanta but that changed a couple years ago.   Surely it's not cheaper doing it the way they do now.🤷‍♀️  End of rant!

 

Gerry @ger_77 I certainly understand how frustrated you must be having sent the grandsons their Valentines in plenty of time.  I've had our post office deliver birthday cards two week late before.  Who knows where they were during that time?  I'm sure the boys know you would never forget them!

[Nickelpenny]

Good morning to all and thanks for the daily and fleet report. 
 

Quick post - I made it to Cali though 1/2 hour late for my appointment. Got stuck on traffic- went 40 miles in 2 hours!!!

[lazey1]

I just want to say thank you to everyone for their prayers and their encouragements. 

Jane

 

[57redbird]

52 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

I don't know.  I'm sure they're all expensive these days!  

 

Update on the delivery.  At 11:55 the FedEx truck stopped here and dumped our package on the porch.  Just 24 hours later than promised.

 

The problem here is they now deliver our packages from Macon, not Atlanta.  But like the airlines they seem to have a hub system.  The package was driven from Florida past Macon, GA to Atlanta, GA, a distance of 70 miles further up I-75.  Then they turn around and process it for a drive back down 75 to Macon, another 70 miles.  The packages arrive there by late morning and they are put on the delivery truck so they can drive them back north to our house 55 miles away. No idea why the truck that was up here yesterday afternoon couldn't stop here!

 

Today, the package was already on the truck and they simply drove back up here and therefore we get our packages earlier on the second day.  Why do they need to drive past our town to take the package to Atlanta when their trucks up there no longer deliver here?  Why doesn't it stop at Macon and process our package there eliminating all that driving up and down the interstate.  Our packages used to come from Atlanta but that changed a couple years ago.   Surely it's not cheaper doing it the way they do now.🤷‍♀️  End of rant!

 

Gerry @ger_77 I certainly understand how frustrated you must be having sent the grandsons their Valentines in plenty of time.  I've had our post office deliver birthday cards two week late before.  Who knows where they were during that time?  I'm sure the boys know you would never forget them!

Our packages have been on the truck from a city 30 miles away, then to one 5 miles away, then one 8 miles from that city then back to the original 30 mile away one...delivered the next day.

[bennybear]

Good Morning and thanks all!  Especially to those who contribute daily and those who have stepped up to keep things going!   Had a son who loved sponge bob!  Lol!   Hugs to all who need them! 
 

@MISTER 67 fair winds and following seas! 

I’m really enjoying the beautiful photos of Lisbon,   @grapau27@StLouisCruisers @Quartzsite Cruiser@JazzyVand love the unusual tiles @0106   We so enjoyed a little jewel box of a museum there as well as seeing some Fado and enjoying the beautiful palace  in Sintra.  

 

Edited February 15 by bennybear

[grapau27]

6 minutes ago, bennybear said:

Good Morning and thanks all!  Especially to those who contribute daily and those who have stepped up to keep things going!   Hugs to all who need them! 
I’m really enjoying the beautiful photos of Lisbon,   @grapau27@StLouisCruisers and love the unusual tiles @0106   We so enjoyed a little jewel box of a museum there as well as seeing some Fado and enjoying the beautiful palace  in Sintra.  

Nice photos.

[StLouisCruisers]

Brenda @bennybear nice photos!  We enjoyed Sintra and Cascais too.  Very colorful! LOLl  You should note Lenda's photos were presented today under my screen name so we need to give her credit for her photos.  If so many of our Dailyites weren't cruising we'd have even more pics to enjoy today.

[Cruzin Terri]

@MISTER 67

[kazu]

34 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Brenda @bennybear nice photos!  We enjoyed Sintra and Cascais too.  Very colorful! LOLl  You should note Lenda's photos were presented today under my screen name so we need to give her credit for her photos.  If so many of our Dailyites weren't cruising we'd have even more pics to enjoy today.

 

Let me humour you with a few pics that no one has posted.

 

We did a couple of private walking tours - one in Alfama and one one on Jewish history - DD DH and I love history.  there were 6 of us on the Jewish tour and only one was Jewish 😂 It was absolutely fantastic.

 

Here are a few pics from our last visit there:

 

Walking Alfama is steep and tricky but well worth it.

 

 

 

The mosaics there date back centuries and truly beautiful.  there were 3 different techniques but  the older ones last the longest:

 

Our Jewish tour started in this beautiful garden where a tree’s trunk was literally intertwined:

 

 

 

the things we saw were unbelievable.  A true appreciation of what was endured then

 

 

And a lot of history:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide for the Jewish tour - he is the only one accredited - an esteemed scholar at the Univeristy with published books and other Univeristy affiliations.  He was fantastic.

 

 

We had two amazing days - both tours were 2-3 hours and ended up being 6 hours long.

 

We had definitely earned a nice break and DD DH and I had gone exploring for places where the locals ate.  I took pics to make sure I could find them again LOL.  the food was fabulous as was the company.

 

 

Lisbon is a great city - so much to see even if you have been there several times 😃 

 

 

 

[Cruzin Terri]

I took advantage of a Spa Special today.  We have a lot of shipboard credit and I want to make sure i don’t leave any behind.  It is all non-refundable.   

I had a 50 minute massage and a 25 minute mini-facial.  Both were very good and I needed something to feel better.

We have been to Lisbon twice. Both times did not turn out the way we expected.  

The first time we went on a private tour with a group.  Everyone but us had been to Lisbon before and wanted to see the outskirts.  When we finally got to Lisbon, i was so tired, i fell asleep on the mini-bus.  

The second time we were in Lisbon was in May 2022.  Jim and I book two private tours for just the two of us.  One of Lisbon City and the other of a day in Fatima.  Well, we both came down with Covid and were quarantined.  So we saw neither.  

We are planning a cruise in October that has an overnight in Lisbon.  Hopefully, the third time will be a charm and we will get to see the city and Fatima.

So far today has been a good day for us.  Looking forward to more of the same.

Prayers for all on the cares list and cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

God Bless,

Terri

[bennybear]

1 hour ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Brenda @bennybear nice photos!  We enjoyed Sintra and Cascais too.  Very colorful! LOLl  You should note Lenda's photos were presented today under my screen name so we need to give her credit for her photos.  If so many of our Dailyites weren't cruising we'd have even more pics to enjoy today.

I actually posted before I read all the posts,  as I am another  three hours later.   I did correct it after I read the whole daily.  Nice of you to post for her!

[bennybear]

24 minutes ago, kazu said:

 

Let me humour you with a few pics that no one has posted.

 

We did a couple of private walking tours - one in Alfama and one one on Jewish history - DD DH and I love history.  there were 6 of us on the Jewish tour and only one was Jewish 😂 It was absolutely fantastic.

 

Here are a few pics from our last visit there:

 

Walking Alfama is steep and tricky but well worth it.

 

 

 

The mosaics there date back centuries and truly beautiful.  there were 3 different techniques but  the older ones last the longest:

 

Our Jewish tour started in this beautiful garden where a tree’s trunk was literally intertwined:

 

 

 

the things we saw were unbelievable.  A true appreciation of what was endured then

 

 

And a lot of history:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide for the Jewish tour - he is the only one accredited - an esteemed scholar at the Univeristy with published books and other Univeristy affiliations.  He was fantastic.

 

 

We had two amazing days - both tours were 2-3 hours and ended up being 6 hours long.

 

We had definitely earned a nice break and DD DH and I had gone exploring for places where the locals ate.  I took pics to make sure I could find them again LOL.  the food was fabulous as was the company.

 

 

Lisbon is a great city - so much to see even if you have been there several times 😃 

 

 

 

Love seeing these more off the beaten path scenes!  I remember reading your live thread when you were there.  
 

I would love to return, DH for the tarts alone! 

[kazu]

8 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

I cannot shake this sinus infection; I'm tired of my face hurting 🙄sometimes I need to bend over and would like to do it relatively pain free. So I guess another visit to PCP is in order. I need to take her some LOA forms anyway, so I'll make an appointment rather than just dropping off the forms.

 

Oh I hope you can get some help with your sinus problem - you have enough.  You don’t need this too 😢 

 

 

 

8 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

A couple coyotes have been spotted in a local park; at least one child has been attacked. DH saw one on his way to work a couple days ago.

 

Yikes!  We had one a number of years ago that was after my little Fox (little is 35 pounds but compared to the other big dogs she was little).  Maverick gave me warning.  I was shocked to see his hackles and he literally commanded Kazu to move in front with him - in front of me and Fox behind me.  

 

I never heard the barks before he gave and I never heard them again.  We backed out of the Nature Trail for nearly a mile ( how I didn’t trip over the leashes, I don’t know).  the coyote never backed off until we hit the road but Maverick at 125 pounds and Kazu at 75 was pretty formidable so he didn’t attack.

 

Coyotes are normally frightened of people.  A bit of yelling or clapping of hands will normally scare them away.  Unfortunately we have encroached on their territory and along with the dog/coyote or dog/wolf hybrids, they lose their fear of humans.

 

the same coyote ripped a woman’s face when she tried to save her puppy in her back yard.  

 

I do hope the child had not been severely hurt 🙏 

 

2 hours ago, lazey1 said:

I just want to say thank you to everyone for their prayers and their encouragements. 

Jane

 

 

My prayers continue for you Jane 🙏 

 

 

 

29 minutes ago, Cruzin Terri said:

We are planning a cruise in October that has an overnight in Lisbon.  Hopefully, the third time will be a charm and we will get to see the city and Fatima.

 

If you have an overnight Terri and IF you like Fado, I highly recommend a local Fado house - Senor Fado - he, his wife and their daughter are all Fado professionals.  the meal is good (although they say to come for the music and not the food) and it’s a small intimate place.

 

The music is amazing.  It’s in Alfama - take a cab there and you can either walk back to your ship if it’s parked at the right pier or a cab back.

 

[USN59-79]

With all of you having delivery problems, primarily USPS and FEDEX, thought I might mention being pleased with Amazon.  Last night about 8:00 PM, Sara asked me to see if I could buy some pain relief cream (capsaicin) online.  Found that Amazon had it and it took me less than a minute to place an order.  This morning we woke up to about 3" of new snow.  Amazon said it would be delivered by 10:00 tonight.  An hour ago, a friendly Amazon driver delivered it to our front door.  That is 18 hours.

Ray

[JazzyV]

Good evening. 

The movers and the supervisor were here (he was standing in for my job contractor). Everything got moved. The supervisor was a very polite young man. After the rugs and furniture were moved, there was all manner of dust under them (embarrassing). The mover guys swept, but it still looked bad. The supervisor said he wanted to wipe down all the wood, and he did, including the floor. That was above and beyond! A little while ago my contractor called and the floors will be done tomorrow, then left to thoroughly dry until Monday. I had planned to go to the grocery store in the AM, but he wants to come early to move the radiator (I don't know how, when 3 guys today couldn't due to its weight). It sounds like a couple of inches of snow here tomorrow night, unless they're wrong like last time.

 

@bennybear Thanks for the great photos. Like @StLouisCruisers I was also in Sintra, Cascais, Obidos.and Fatima.

@kazu Thanks for the different take on a visit to Lisbon. 

@Cruzin Terri I'm glad you had a good day. I certainly hope you get to see Lisbon on your October cruise.

Edited February 15 by JazzyV

[1ANGELCAT]

Good evening, I just wanted to give an update on the fire I mentioned earlier today. Unfortunately, the building was totally destroyed. The damage is in the millions and is still burning, they believe it will burn for 12-16 hours as it is still too dangerous to enter it. Thre is also a furniture store on the property that has extensive damage from smoke and water. 
The good news is that there was only1 minor injury. The owner has vowed to rebuild.