The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday August 2nd, 2024

[richwmn]

 

Today is Braham Pie Day, Dinosaurs Day, and National CAD Day
 

I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman.--Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own

Meal Suggestion for today - Grilled Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Drink of the Day - Carajillo
Wine of the Day - Moulin de la Roque 2022 Les Hauts de Vallon Rosé (Bandol)
Destination of the Day - Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan

Today in History:
1858 Government of India transferred from East India Company to the British Crown
1870 World's first underground railway opened

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

Victoria, British Columbia
 

Koningsdam

At Sea Destination Vancouver, Canada eta 08-03
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Glacier Bay, Alaska 07:00 - 16:00
 

Nieuw Statendam

At Sea Destination Amsterdam, Holland eta 08-03
 

Noordam

Ketchikan, Alaska 1100-1900
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Dubrovnik, Croatia, Port Gruz eta 08-03
 

Rotterdam

At Sea Destination Rotterdam (Amsterdam), Holland eta 08-03
 

Volendam

Qaqortoq, Greenland 10:00 - 18:00
 

Westerdam

Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island Alaska 07:00 - 13:00
 

Zaandam

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska 09:00 - 09:30
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Oslo, Norway eta 08-04
 

 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Weather here is a humid 96%, temp is currently 75.  Today will be sunny and 93F.  Today is shopping at Kroger day so I’ll be hurrying in that parking lot to avoid the heat.

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily as well as the location maps.  Good days to recognize, and a quote by Virginia Woolf that made me chuckle.  Chimichurri sauce is popular this week.  I don’t know what the drink is but might try the wine.  Thanks Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for your reporting today.

 

Prayers were said already today and Chuck @catmando and Annie @marshhawk were at the start. 🙏 I hope the tests reveal what the problem is and he will be able to come home soon.  Hoping Annie gets some rest and has time to gather her strength.  Also prayers for the rest of our Care list group, Tana and Terry @smitty34877, Jacqui @kazu, Nancy’s @ottahand7 DB, Ann’s @Vict0riann DH Pat, Elizabeth @Haljo1935, Debbie @dfish, Terri @Cruzin Terri, Vanessa @JazzyV and Roy @rafinmd.  I wish you all improvement in your conditions. 🙏 Yesterday Ren got his wisdom teeth out so I hope he heals quickly.  It was needed and best to do it while he’s inactive.  Prayers too for the people in Israel and Ukraine, the Israeli hostages still held, and our troops in danger at all times.  Special prayers for my DB and twin awaiting shoulder replacement surgery.  Rejoicing for the Americans released from Russian prisons yesterday after being held unjustly. 🥂 Congrats to those cruising and celebrating their special occasions! 🎂 Thanks Vanessa @JazzyV for your list keeping skills.

 

The port today is Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan.  This was the destination for us before on June 7, 2022 and Aug. 25, 2023.  We enjoyed a visit there in 2010 on Diamond Princess.  Links are here and photos will follow.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great Friday!  Please stay safe, keep well, and try to remain COOL!🥶

 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

On April 23, 2010 we were in Keelung, Taiwan while enjoying a cruise our friends talked us into. Lucky for us we had a connection in Taiwan and that would be Mei, the lovely sister to our DDIL.  She insisted she hire a car and driver for the day so that she could pick up the four of us in Keelung where the Diamond Princess was docked.

 

Mei is on the right.   First she took us on a tour along the shoreline.  

 

Our car and driver

 

Then we stopped at the Golden Waterfall near the town of Jiufen.  The name of the town means "nine portions".

 

hillside village

 

In the town of Jiufen, Mei wanted us to see the street food.

 

Right next to the 7-11 is an alleyway called Jiufen Old Street.

 

We would NOT be eating anything on Old Street.

 

 

Next up were temples.  The Qingyun Temple

 

Then on to another Taoist temple which I don't have the name of

 

inside shot

 

Then on to Taipei 101 which was second tallest building in the world then.

 

a model of it inside.  We bought tickets to the 89th floor observation center.

 

 

Mei tried to pick out her apartment to show us.  Just kidding!

 

Then on to see the sights of Taipei.  The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.

 

The Presidential Office Building

 

At the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

 

The Taipei National Theatre at Chiang Kai-shek

 

A band competition being held

 

A farewell ceremony back at the ship

 

 

We had a great time and appreciate how welcoming our DDIL's family is.

[grapau27]

Thank you for today's daily reports.

It is 65°F and partly sunny here.

Interesting days and quote.

Today's food sounds lovely.

Prayers for everyone on the care list in particular Annie @marshhawk Husband.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

 

 

[grapau27]

1 minute ago, StLouisCruisers said:

On April 23, 2010 we were in Keelung, Taiwan while enjoying a cruise our friends talked us into. Lucky for us we had a connection in Taiwan and that would be Mei, the lovely sister to our DDIL.  She insisted she hire a car and driver for the day so that she could pick up the four of us in Keelung where the Diamond Princess was docked.

 

Mei is on the right.   First she took us on a tour along the shoreline.  

 

Our car and driver

 

Then we stopped at the Golden Waterfall near the town of Jiufen.  The name of the town means "nine portions".

 

hillside village

 

In the town of Jiufen, Mei wanted us to see the street food.

 

Right next to the 7-11 is an alleyway called Jiufen Old Street.

 

We would NOT be eating anything on Old Street.

 

 

Next up were temples.  The Qingyun Temple

 

Then on to another Taoist temple which I don't have the name of

 

inside shot

 

Then on to Taipei 101 which was second tallest building in the world then.

 

a model of it inside.  We bought tickets to the 89th floor observation center.

 

 

Mei tried to pick out her apartment to show us.  Just kidding!

 

Then on to see the sights of Taipei.  The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.

 

The Presidential Office Building

 

At the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

 

The Taipei National Theatre at Chiang Kai-shek

 

A band competition being held

 

A farewell ceremony back at the ship

 

 

We had a great time and appreciate how welcoming our DDIL's family is.

Great photos Sandi.

[grapau27]

We went out for dinner last night.

[summer slope]

Carajillo cocktail:

 

This classic Mexican coffee cocktail is the ultimate after-dinner drink — especially if you make it a decaf.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons decaffeinated cold brew coffee
1 1/2 oz. Licor 43
1/3 oz. vodka (Such as Haku)
Roasted coffee beans (optional)

Directions:

Combine cold brew coffee, Licor 43, and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake until well chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain twice, pouring through a cocktail strainer and a fine wire-mesh strainer, into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with coffee beans, if desired.

 

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

Marshhawk’s DH Chuck battling cancer, new neurologic symptoms, in hospital

Marshhawk as caretaker for DH Chuck with physical & mental decline

Vict0riann’s DH Pat with shortness of breath, heart valve issues

Aliaschief flying to PA to visit son and family – safe travels

 

Heat, Fires, flooding and Storms across the US

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, hostages still held

All Dailyites going through worries and stress, whether mentioned or not

 

From the Rotation:

Tana with chronic pulmonary issues, weakness, poor appetite

Ottahand7’s DB Nick post re-do knee replacement, with complications

Cruzin Terri’s DH Jim with memory and anxiety issues

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Dfish post nerve ablation; able to walk longer, still some pain

RMLincoln’s DH post glaucoma surgery, stable eye pressures at appt

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

1 day for ski ww (Rotterdam Aug 3 to Aug 17) 14 Night Britain, Scotland & Ireland

2 days for MISTER 67 (MSC Seashore Aug 4 to Aug 11) 7d W. Caribbean

 

Horizon Chaser 1957 (Volendam to Aug 20) 24d Canada, NE, Iceland, Cunnorl (Zuiderdam to Aug 24) 35d Voyage of the Vikings, St Pete Cruiser (Zuiderdam to Aug 24) 35d Voyage of the Vikings and Norseh2o (Oceania Marina to Aug 29) 44d Epic Northern Adventure London to London, celebrating 50th anniversary

[StLouisCruisers]

14 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Great photos Sandi.

 

Thank you Graham!  Your dinner last night looks delicious!  And they serve vegetables!  Lol!

 

Dixie @summer slope I couldn't drink that cocktail - it has coffee in it!  Now I'm waiting to hear about the wine.

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

Another hot, humid day with chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. 

Interesting collection of days.  I'll always celebrate pie.

I like the quote.

Yum, more steak and chimichurri sauce, sounds good.  I'll pass on the drink, not sure about the wine.

Prayers for so many.   Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a great day.  Stay cool.

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for today’s daily fleet report.  It’s going to be another hot and humid day.  It will be a busy morning with work.  Hopefully I can make a quick run for Jasper’s meds.  I hope everyone has a good day today.
A memory from three years ago today.

[puppycanducruise]

@grapau27  We need a YUM button for the pictures of the meals you post.  That food looks great.

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for the daily and maps @richwmn.   CAD made life easier.   Dinosaurs are cool.  Have no idea of Brahman pie.  A pretty good quote.  Thanks for the photos of Taipei Sandi.  I like chimichurri and steak, the cocktail looks like a good one for a hot day and I love  Bandol red so rose' should e good too.  Thanks for researching these for us each day ladies.  

 

Thanks for preparing the cares celebrations reports Vanessa.  I hope that your vertigo is better today.  Prayers for Chuck and Annie, Tana and Terry, Terri, Bonnie and Jacqui. Prayers for anyone else in our group who are ailing or grieving.  Prayers for those in war zones through no fault of their own, Ukraine, the remaining hostages and the Innocents in Gaza.  

 

We are heading to town.  It is going to be sunny and almost 90 plus high humidity.  A good way to do something other than sitting inside.  It was cloudy yesterday but no wind and with the lake so clear it is difficult fishing conditions.  Have a great Friday! Nancy 

[ottahand7]

More prayers and hugs for you with Chuck being in the hospital. 

 

Yummy looking dinner last night Graham. 

[aliaschief]

Good morning. Six AM and waiting at the gate for our flight to Atlanta followed by flight to Pittsburgh. 🤞It will be great to see son and family. Such a busy family with both parents in high profile jobs and grandchildren are busy and excelling in sports. Somehow they make it work and are a model family. Wish we were closer so we could see them more often.

@marshhawkAnnie and Chuck definitely hard times with hard decisions and we pray for strength and improvement.

OK that’s about it from here. Looks like our plane is here an on time. Have a great weekend and thanks for reports and post. Bruce

 

 

 

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is a glorious morning. Yesterday’s winds helped manage the heat & humidity and kept the T-storms West of us. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for managing to keep track of all our happenings. I marvel at your ability to do that. Hope you lick eliminate that vertigo. Soon.

 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores and pool time. Just a normal busy day. 
 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Chuck and Annie, I pray that today brings good news. And that your medical lives soon get boring. 
 

Tana, I pray that you & Terry have a good day. And that your medical life soon gets boring. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. 
 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

 

************

Moulin de la Roque 2022 Les Hauts de Vallon Rosé (Bandol)

Heads up, you may want to opt for a bottle of the 2023 vintage, since the notes below suggest the 2022 might be nearing the end of its peak. It sounds lovely and though not too expensive, it costs more than I would want to waste on a bottle past its peak. A decent number of distributors with online prices starting at $21.68.

Distributor notes

Beautiful, bright peach hue. Inviting aromas of freshly made strawberry jam. The palate delivers fresh summer fruits: strawberry, watermelon, white peach and citrus pith with a kiss of basil. Beautiful structure with a focused acid backbone. The finish is long and juicy with flinty minerality. Drink now through Thanksgiving and beyond. In our experience, Bandol Rosé can be even better a year after the vintage…

 

The 2022 Les Hauts du Vallon rosé is a blend of 74% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 6% Cinsault. The grapes were harvested, sorted and destemmed by hand to avoid harsh tannins. The fruit was then transferred to a pneumatic press where the juice was first allowed to free-flow into a temperature-controlled stainless-steel tank before a gentle pressing. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine underwent a lengthy vatting period of between 20 and 30 days to allow the young wine to truly come into its own.

 

Les Hauts du Vallon is produced by Moulin de La Roque winery in the charming village of La Cadière-d'Azur, nestled in the hills of Bandol and looking toward the Mediterranean Sea. Established in 1950 as a cellar where vintners from Saint Cyr, Sanary and La Cadière could age their red wines, Moulin de La Roque began producing its own wines as a cooperative in 1964, and today includes 198 winegrowers. With vineyard holdings that span 754 acres across eight communes, Moulin de La Roque wines are made by blending grapes from disparate parcels, each highlighting its own unique terroir. Bandol’s climate and terroir is suited to growing a variety of red grapes thanks in part to its shape which resembles a natural amphitheater; the surrounding range of mountains and hills help protect the vineyards from Le Mistral, the strong northerly wind blowing through Southern France, while intense rainfalls and hot and dry summers are tempered by the maritime influence of the Mediterranean Sea. While 50% of Moulin de La Roque’s vineyards are planted to Mourvèdre, they also grow Grenache, Cinsault and Carignan for the reds and rosés and Clairette and Ugni Blanc for their white wines.

[cruising sister]

Good morning,

I am back from my trip to Minnesota with DGK’s and had a lot of fun. The weather was perfect and my DGS caught 106 fish in five days.  It was his first time fishing and he now has a false impression of what fishing is really like.  This morning I am sitting in a waiting room as my dear friend is having a knee replacement.  I became quite the pro at waiting rooms with all the treatments/surgeries my DH had. She had a chuckle when I came so prepared. Prayers that all goes well today.

 

My thoughts are with you Annie as you navigate the new normal of your life. The many changes and decisions you will make will be overwhelming at times. You have a village here on the daily supporting you,

 

Prayers and well wishes for all on our care list and others in need.

[superoma]

Braham Minnesota has pie day on the first Friday of august. Big event!

 

https://nationaltoday.com/braham-pie-day/

Edited August 2 by superoma
Add

[LambKnuckles]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Daily!!

 

I love pie...  BOTH Sweet and Savory!!  Let's celebrate!!!!

Wouldn't want to live with dinosaurs around me...  but love to imagine what they looked like and their sizes...

CAD -- a necessary and wonderful skill!

 

I'll take a grilled Sirloin almost any day!!

And for the Carajillo -- I'll use caffeinated coffee...  I'm sure it won't matter too much!!  And do love a nice Rosé!

I've never traveled to the Far East -- but love seeing other's photos.

 

Prayers for everyone listed and added prayers to cover all others who don't ask or are unknown...

 

Hugs and love visit with y'all!!!

 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

Hot and humid is the name of the game here in mid-Michigan.  We're going to venture over to the thumb of the state for the Fish Sandwich Festival in Bay Port.  I'm told the sandwiches are fantastic, so we shall see.  

 

@marshhawk Annie, thanks for the update.  I hope you were able to get a good night's sleep last night.  As already said, Chuck is in the best place he can be.  

 

8 hours ago, Tbay said:

 

@dfish When is your Hawaii cruise?  We are doing the Jan. 28th cruise.

 

We are doing the January 11th cruise.  We can wave in the lot of the cruise terminal.  

 

We had flank steak with chimichurri recently and it was delicious!  Today we're having the chimichurri with sirloin steak.  So, if you missed it before, now is your chance.  The chimichurri calls for parsley and cilantro.  If you are one who tastes soap with cilantro, just use all parsley.  That is what I did and it was divine.  Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri

 

 

There are some good tips on grilling your sirloin to make it tender.  Grilled Sirloin

 

 

Here's one that is smoked.  I think the chimichurri in this one has a bit more heat than some of the others.   Smoked Sirloin and Chimichurri

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

[1ANGELCAT]

Good another day in the heat morning . It’s already feeling like 90 with the humidity. Hopefully, we get some storms this afternoon to break the heat

Special prayers for Annie and Chickasaw they face this latest issue 🙏❤️

Stay cool.

[Haljo1935]

Safe travels @aliaschief

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Rich, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work.  And thank you everyone for being here!

 

We are having house guests for a few days starting today. Sue's and DSIL's niece with her family are coming to visit for a few days. Lots of activities to keep her young sons occupied!

 

We have plans to visit Australia for our third time in early 2026 to visit a good friend of ours. There are three possibilities for travel already. Inspired after watching an episode of Mighty Cruise Ships this past week, I started to look at the feasibility of  cruising on the Celebrity Solstice from Singapore to Sydney for our entrance into Australia. It would allow us eleven days to see my friend in Melbourne before cruising Transpacific on the Celebrity Edge to Hawaii from Sydney. One of the exciting parts of this plan is flying the longest non-stop flight in the world! Singapore Airlines has six A350-900 ULR outfitted with only Business and Premium Economy seating for the 18-1/2 hour flight from Newark to Singapore. But we are not sure about the Celebrity Edge and whether we would like the Infinite Veranda. We will try that in October with our cruise on the Celebrity Beyond.

 

Have a Great Weekend!

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for those in need.

 

- Jack

[grapau27]

34 minutes ago, puppycanducruise said:

@grapau27  We need a YUM button for the pictures of the meals you post.  That food looks great.

Thank you Melanie.

We popped out for a Full English breakfast.