The Fleet Report and Daily for Saturday September 28th, 2024

[StLouisCruisers]

Today is Fish Tank Floorshow Night, International Day for Universal Access To Information, and International Right To Know Day
 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.--Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

Meal Suggestion for today - Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Drink of the Day - Silver Cloud
Wine of the Day - Almaviva 2021 (750ML)
Destination of the Day - Monterey, California, US

Today in History:
1968 Beatles' "Hey Jude" single goes #1 and stays #1 for 9 weeks

 

Ship Locations

 

Eurodam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Explorer
Seattle, Washington		0700-1500
Koningsdam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Inside Passage
Vancouver, Canada		0700-1600
Nieuw Amsterdam --- 7 days, round-trip Alaska Inside Passage
At Sea Destination Vancouver, Canada		eta 09-29
Nieuw Statendam --- 14 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Piraeus-Athens
Izmir, Turkey		1000-1800
Noordam --- 14 days, round-trip Great Alaska Explorer
At Sea Destination Vancouver, Canada		eta 09-29
Oosterdam --- 10 days, one-way from Barcelona to Piraeus-Athens
Santorini, Greece		0800-1700
Rotterdam --- 14 days, round-trip Jewels Of The Baltic
Rotterdam (Amsterdam), Holland		0700-1600
Volendam --- 7 days, one-way from Boston to Montreal
Boston, Massachusetts		0700-1500
Zaandam --- 5 days, one-way from Vancouver to San Diego
San Francisco, California		0800-1700
Zuiderdam --- 7 days, one-way from Quebec City to Boston
Quebec City, Quebec		0700-2359
Eastern Hemisphere
Westerdam --- 53 days, round-trip Majestic Japan
Toyama, Japan		0800-1700

 

 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  It’s Saturday so laundry day and other than that a hopefully boring, uh…I mean non-eventful day.  The weather here is 62 with a sunny morning expected.  The afternoon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with a high temp of 79.

 

DGD Ashley and Christopher made it to Philadelphia safely.  They were there even before their next plane arrived.  They are now on the plane from Dublin to Rome.  She was very thankful I got online and found an alternative flight in PHL.  Not a nonstop like the original but beggars can’t be choosers.  Poor things have to sit separate the whole way to Rome from Philadelphia due to being so late being placed on those flights. What a start to their honeymoon trip!  And their luggage didn't get to Dublin so she has some work to do to have it found and delivered to them in Rome.

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily information for today.

The days of recognition are certainly a mouthful!  I like the quote by M. L. King as I usually do his quotes.  The casserole sounds good but I would probably pass on the drink and wine.  I sure remember the days of Hey Jude.  The Beatles were my faves!  Thanks to our F&B ladies Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their wonderful reports!

 

Prayers for my DB, the people in Israel and Ukraine, the poor hostages still waiting to be rescued and our troops overseas under fire again.  Many prayers for our group here and hopefully many of us can be taken off that Care list soon.  That includes Roy, Chuck and Annie, Tana and Terry, Vanessa, Ann and Pat, Nancy’s DB Nick, Melisa and her DH, Joy’s DS Bonnie, Jacqui, Jane and her DS, Elizabeth, Dixie, Debbie and Carol and Sam and anyone I may have forgotten.  It would be great to hear from Pennie @Nickelpenny, too.  Roy @rafinmd I'm glad to hear from nephew Keith and hope you are soon on your way to rehab.  So good to hear Pat is home to finish recovering in his own bed with no annoying roommates.  I’m sure @Vict0riann Ann's not annoying!  Jacqui @kazu, good to hear about a new dog walker.  I hope the MRI is soon, and the cataract surgery imminent.  Hoping for a better day for Nick.  For anyone celebrating a special occasion or cruising currently, have a wonderful time!  A big thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV for working so hard all this time even while in pain and recovering from procedures.  I hope the cruise is a good one for you! 

 

The port this morning is Monterey, California.  It was posted here before on Dec. 1, 2021, Sept. 25, 2022 and Jan. 18, 2023.   I'm pretty sure I haven't been to Monterey, though when we lived in Northern California we did drive along the Pacific Coast Highway once on our way back from a Southern California trip to see DH's uncle.  A good way to get car sick!  Here are links to Rich's posts in case you want to retrieve your photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great day, stay safe and keep well!  Best wishes to all the travelers.

[summer slope]

Prayers for everyone who was in the path of Helene.  I hope you are safe.  Horrible storm.

Silver Cloud cocktail:

Indulge in a luxurious and velvety experience with the "Silver Cloud" cocktail, a dreamy and delectable libation that envelops your senses in a cloud of rich flavors. This sumptuous drink blends the nutty warmth of amaretto almond liqueur with the bold depth of coffee liqueur, all wrapped in the comforting embrace of milk and crowned with a fluffy layer of whipped cream. Inspired by the cozy moments of relaxation and decadence, the Silver Cloud is a perfect companion for nights in and indulgent gatherings. Served in an inviting glass, it exudes an air of comfort and sophistication. Whether you're seeking a cozy treat or a lavish delight, the Silver Cloud is the perfect sip to elevate your taste experience to a realm of pure indulgence and bliss.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. amaretto
1/2 oz. kailua
2 oz. whole milk
Directions:
Pour the amaretto almond liqueur and coffee liqueur into the glass.
Add the milk (or cream) and stir gently to combine the flavors.
Top the Silver Cloud cocktail with a generous layer of whipped cream for a luxurious and cloud-like finish.

 

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

Vict0riann’s DH Pat post heart valve replacement 9/24, now home

Rafinmd (Roy) in acute care for heart issues, med changes, then to rehab

Ottahand7’s DB Nick in rehab, doing better

StLouisCruisers with a health issue, upcoming biopsy

JazzyV battling leg swelling and pain

Kazu with items missing from move, vision problems and leg pain

Aliaschief flying home – safe travels!

Hoping Nickelpenny is ok

RIP Dame Maggie Smith

 

Heat, Fires and Storms across the US. Those in the path of Helene

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

0106’s DH fell on cruise, required spine surgery, now recovering

Lindaler’s DS with an emergency situation

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Bon Voyage TAW1963 (Todd)!

Bon Voyage Haljo1935 (Elizabeth)!

Seasick Sailor’s DSis Bonnie w/breast cancer, NO CHEMO!

Kazu moved into new home

Cruising-along in Yellowstone

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

1 day for Doobieb (Oosterdam Sept 29 to Oct 10) 11d Venetian & Dalmation Delight

2 days for JazzyV (Celebrity Eclipse Sept 30 to Oct 11) 11d Boston, Maine & Canada

 

TAW1963 (Eurodam to Oct 5 ) 7d Alaska Explorer, Haljo1935 (Eurodam to Oct 5) 7d Alaska Explorer – celebrating 35^th anniversary, Richwmn (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan, Seasick Sailor (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan – celebrating her birthday and their 33^rd wedding anniversary, USN59-79 (Westerdam to Oct 24) 53d Majestic Japan and Gail & Marty sailing away (Rotterdam to Oct 27) 

[StLouisCruisers]

Bon Voyage TAW1963 (Todd)!

Bon Voyage Haljo1935 (Elizabeth)!

 

[LambKnuckles]

Good Morning and Thank you for the Reports!!

 

In central Texas and waking to temps in the low 60s is a TREAT!!!  I'm loving these last few days!!!  The windows are opened (for a couple hours) and the humidity is low -- only 71%.  It's LOVELY!!!

 

I love the Drink of the Day and the Destination of today!!  Both are in memory!!!

 

[LambKnuckles]

@Tbay  You're right, "Who Knew?"  (From a comment yesterday...)

 

And River loved Miamisburg, OH as a place to visit and learn about Quail!!

 

We've had a few quail get loose...  But 30 quail escaping had to be a "Bevy on the Loose!"  I can imagine trying to collect all of them!!!  We have coops in the backyard -- and in the house...  I can imagine all the nooks and crannies of a garage!!!  River came in the other day with scratches on their legs and arms from the trees and bushes after chasing an escapee in the backyard!!  Somehow 'tunnel vision' happened and they didn't see all the branches and wild growth...  only the escaping quail!!!

[grapau27]

Good morning from the beach where it is sunny.

Thank you Sandi for today's daily reports.

3 interesting days and excellent quote.

Hey Jude from the Beatles was a classic single.

I hope everyone is safe and well and y'all have a wonderful weekend.

[grapau27]

Best wishes Elizabeth @Haljo1935.

and @TAW1963.

for a wonderful cruise leaving today on Eurodam.

[seagarsmoker]

Good morning dailyites and thank you for the Daily Report. 

We need to consider ourselves lucky from the storm yesterday.  After work yesterday we ventured out for dinner and everyone around us was with electricity except the hospital. I was guess at least 30 restaurants within a mile from us and all were closed. 

No plans for the weekend except watch some college football. 

 

I hope everyone has a great day!

[Seasick Sailor]

I love the MLK quote. He had some beautiful quotes and messages through the years.

 

My DS had her first Zomita infusion today for her post cancer care. Hoping she tolerates it.

 

Prayers for our dear Roy. So thankful he has family support.

 

Omgoodness.. prayers for each and everyone on our prayer list. 

 

@Haljo1935 have a fabulous cruise! You deserve it sister!

 

Thinking of you Jacqui and prayers lifted for your health and well-being. Love to Ivan.

 

Here is Oliver, waiting for Elizabeth to take him for a ride on Elvis.

 

 

Have a great day!!

[grapau27]

@doobieb.

I hope you have a safe journey today and a lovely cruise on Oosterdam tomorrow visiting the Dalmatian coast area.

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

I'm so happy to have read so much good news from Dailyites yesterday.  I hope the trend continues.

It's fairly warm, already 17C (63F) and it should get to 21C (70F) this afternoon with a chance of showers.  Bertie and I will go for a walk soon, no plans for the rest of the day.

Three good days to observe.

A great quote.

The meal sounds interesting, looking forward to seeing recipes.  I'll pass on the drink, not sure about the wine.

I've never been to today's port, but love seeing others' pictures.

Prayers for everyone on the Care List.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a good day.

[puppycanducruise]

@TAW1963   @Haljo1935   Bon Voyage! ✨🎉

[ottahand7]

Bon Voyage @TAW1963 and @Haljo1935!  🚢🍾

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info.

[aliaschief]

Good morning. We got to our hotel at 10:00 PM and alarm went off at 3 AM. Took shuttle to airport and we out at gate 4:30 AM.

It all sums up to a very long day.

Thanks for the reports and post. Enjoy your weekend. B.

 

[ottahand7]

Good morning everyone.  A blustery morning with small waves of rain.  Off to see DB soon.  Thanks for the daily and maps Rich and Sandi.  Those BHBs  will be pointing South for the end of Alaska season soon.  Three good days and a wonderful quote by MLK.  I haven't been to Monterey.  Thanks @grapau27 for explaining fish lighting for us.  I will probably enjoy the casserole if it isn't full of celery.   I'll pass on the cocktail and have had some version of Almaviva wine before.  Thanks for researching these for us each day.  

 

Vanessa I am glad to read the cast protection worked for you.  Having had many leg wounds that have to be kept dry I understand the problem. I hope your wrap is doing the trick, thanks for keeping the cares and celebrations lists for us each day. Prayers for healing for Roy that he is in rehab soon and he has a quieter roommate.  Jacqui I hope the four Gabapentin worked and you got some sleep.  Continuing prayers for Tana and Terry, Chuck and Annie, Terri and Jim, Pat, Bonnie, Melissa, Ann, Le Anne, Sandi and for her DB.  Prayers for all in war zones.  

 

Have a lovely Saturday!  Nancy 

Edited Saturday at 11:37 AM by ottahand7

[cat shepard]

Thank you Sandi & Rich for today’s FR&D! So much good news to celebrate this morning. We needed this!

 

Thrilled to read that Pat is home and has returned to his normal life!

 

Roy, happy to read that your situation is much improved. Not sure how happy you were with your rehab facility, but if you were not happy - have Keith check to see if Encompass has a facility near you. This is where my Sister went after her hospital stay this past Winter, and we were all thrilled with the environment, therapy specialists and staff. And Medicare covered her stay. 

 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with us. Hope your leg wrap cooperates and the pain & swelling continue to improve. 
 

Bindi walks, Branch patrol - since it was just too windy to do it yesterday, then prep for having friends over for dinner. But first we will visit our favorite local wine pour to enjoy some $5 2 oz pours of some high end wines. Wonder what is in store for us. 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Praying for Tana, Terry & DB, Melisa & DH, Chuck & Annie, Roy, Jacqui, Sandy & DB, Ann (Pat, too - even if he is back to normal), Nancy’s DB - Nick, Jane & Tony, Elizabeth, Dixie, Terri & Jim and all our caregivers. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating! Pat & Ann - you can be on two lists on the same day! 😎

 

May we each find a reason to smile today!
 

 

***********

Almaviva 2021 (750ML)

This Bordeaux blend from Colchagua in the Central Valley of Chile sounds amazing. Lots of consumer & critic fans! Priced outside of my budget, but would love a taste. Online prices start at $89.98.

Distributor notes

ABV15.0%

Varietal(s)Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Taste: currant, blackberry, cherry, bell pepper, olive, asparagus, spice, ginger, oak, vanilla, mocha, herb, game, strawberry, raspberry, tobacco, cassis, violet, pepper, green bean, lead, cedar, molasses and dark fruit

Nose: currant, blackberry, cherry, cedar, cigar box, mocha, herb, game, strawberry, raspberry, tobacco, broccoli, berry, flower, leather and vanilla

Ratings

98 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

A fresh and discreet Almaviva with subtle pencil shavings and cigar box to the cassis and hints of chili chocolate and peppermint. Nuanced and subtle on the nose. This is medium-bodied and subtle on the palate with silky tannins in the seamless finish. Very long. 71% cabernet sauvignon, 22% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Drinkable now, but it will take its time to deliver complexity.

98 Colin Hay - The Drinks Business 

Maipo Valley; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carménère, 5% Cabernet Franc; 2% Petit Verdot; 15% alcohol). The original hors Bordeaux to be released through la place and still one of the absolute superstars of any September campaign. It does not disappoint. This is incredibly refined and yet gloriously and effusively expressive aromatically – even if one has the very palpable sense of so much more still to be revealed. There is a radiant fresh florality here this is wonderfully enchanting and that intermingles with the prominent graphite, pencil shaving and cedar notes and, of course, that deep, dark, rich, plump but soft berry and stone fruit. There’s cracked black and Szechuan peppercorns and even a little hint of chili. The gossamer tannins are phenomenally fine-grained and yet exude that chalky grippy-ness that is so essential to both the mouthfeel and the finely chiselled and highly contoured and pixilated character of the wine. Gloriously refined and the very epitome of Bordeaux craft and sophistication. Utterly charming and beguiling just like the Mozart opera and the Beaumarchais play after one of whose lead characters the wine is, of course, named

97 Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

A stunning example of Almaviva, shot through with the generosity and restrained spice of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmanère in Puente Alto. Coffee bean, liquorice and cocoa set the tone on the opening beats, showing the restrained glamour that the partnership of SA Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Concha Y Toro do so well. Plenty of fruit here, majoring on blackcurrant and damson, with just enough brambled blackberry buds and autumn hedgerow adding a welcome note of both bitterness and fragrance, cutting through the sleek ripeness of the palate, excellent reflection of the balanced weather in the 2021 vintage, with no challenging heat spikes. Winemaker Michel Friou. 75% new oak.

96+ Luis Gutierrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2021 was an overall cooler year than 2020, with more elegant wines with more finesse and less angular tannins. The sleek 2021 Almaviva is a good example of that, still very young and still marked by the élevage in oak after spending 20 months in French oak barrels, 71% of them new and the rest only second use. The final blend was 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Carmenere (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, a variety that might gain in percentage, as they have even planted some more with the idea to possibly replace Merlot in the medium or long term. It's not a shy wine, hitting the scale at 15% alcohol and with mellow acidity, 4.65 grams (tartaric) and a pH of 3.81 The fruit is dark, ripe and spicy, nothing green about it; it's a little shy, less expressive than the warmer years are early on and a little more discreet but with potential to develop in bottle. The tannins are still present, and it should benefit from some more time in bottle. The 2019 had more volume than the 2018, and the 2020 is closer to the 2019 than the 2018. 200,000 bottles produced. It was bottled between late January and early February 2023. I tasted it next to the 2020 and 2018, and it's closer to the latter; but this 2021 is more elegant, and 2018 is a little more austere and herbal.

96 Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous Media

The 2021 Almaviva is a blend primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, but not limited to these, and was aged for up to 18 months in French barrels. Its color is garnet with a purple sheen. The enticing nose showcases blackberry, cassis marmalade, black and green pepper, ashes, camphor and cigar box aromas. Indulgent and rich on the palate, it carries taut, fine-grained tannins, velvet texture and balanced acidity, leading to a long, ripe finish. This bold and layered red wine reveals nuanced depth and richness on the palate, promising further development as it matures in the bottle.

96 Wine Spectator

A real head-turner, this detailed and nuanced red opens with notes of Mexican spiced chocolate and crème de cassis before revealing a sleek yet rich core, which is built around pepper and graphite-laced berry, cassis and damson plum flavors that fan out around fresh acidity. Reveals taut but well-integrated tannins, crescendoing harmoniously with elements of molasses and cocoa. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2043. From Chile.

[Denise T]

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

Today is packing day for me after running several chores including dropping my sister's car off for an oil change. Then it is shopping for some last-minute stuff. How exciting. 11 more days until we cruise, 9 more days until we fly to Quebec. 

Bon voyage to @Haljo1935 and @TAW1963!

 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

The forecast is for mostly cloudy skies and a high of 75F.  Perfect for a soccer game with 7 year olds.  When we get home I have to make a dish to pass and we are going to a neighborhood cookout.  It is Neighboring Week, so we celebrate together.  

 

We ended up having Farkle last night.  DB Bill was confused on dates for the marching band performance.  It is next weekend.  I'll have to make arrangements to go with DN Kourtney and her family as DB Bill and DSIL Lauren will be up north.  Their son, Ian, and his SO are expecting a second child and it sounded like Caycee was in the early stages of labor.  Hoping to hear of the arrival of Abraham Thomas shortly.  

 

@ottahand7 I hope your DB continues forward progress.  He has certainly been put through the ringer with this knee.  I can't believe that the staff is so nonchalant about his condition.  I hope things turn around for him quickly.

@Vict0riann I am glad Pat is home and hope he had a restful night.

@rafinmd So glad Keith is with you and hope that you had a better night with a quieter roommate.

@Haljo1935 Bon Voyage and we look forward to your cruise reports.

@Denise T I can feel the excitement!   Enjoy packing and planning!

@JazzyV I hope your leg swelling and pain continues to decrease and that you can enjoy packing and planning for your cruise!

@kazu I'm hoping the gabapentin helped last night.  That is one of those meds that take time to be effective.  You have to work up to a level and maintain the level in the system for it to be effective.  

 

Today's meal sounds really good.  Most of the recipes call for shredded or cubed chicken.  You could easily make this with a rotisserie chicken.  It sounds like a meal we might have on a Farkle night.  This first recipe uses Cream of Chicken Soup to help make the chicken salad nice and creamy.  Then it is topped with those french fried onions.  Yes, the french fried onions I no longer buy because they don't last long enough to get into the recipe.  Hot Chicken Salad

 

 

This one is topped with potato chips for a satisfying crunch.  

 

This recipe from Paula Deen is very easy.  Paula Deen's Hot Chicken Salad

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

 

 

[smitty34877]

Bon Voyage to @Haljo1935 and  @TAW1963!

[RMLincoln]

Dismal, maybe showers, 60s, but safe!  I feel very safe here!  Such havoc from Helene and so widespread. 
We have no word about my nephew in the hills west of Asheville NC where their whole county was under “All Roads Closed” status, if I believe what I saw on internet. Hopefully today we’ll learn something. I’m guessing their creek rose and flooded their house. The house is tall with upper floors for refuge; it’s old so I don’t know if that’s good or bad.  I’m hoping a rescue team got them and all their neighbors out safely. 
 

Blessings for all those recovering from the storm. And all the Daily family in need.  Grateful for Pat’s discharge and Roy’s path forward.  Hoping for a path forward for Nancy’s DB and Jacqui.  
May some brightness lift Annie and Chuck, Terry and family, Terri and Jim. 
 

Safe travels and continued improvement Vanessa!  May Bruce and Sue get home without any issues, and Sandi’s honeymooners connect with their luggage. 
 

Cheers to all celebrating and our lucky cruisers. Happy prepping to Denise, you’ve anticipated this cruise a long time; and Bon Voyage Elizabeth! 
 

Thanks for being here all! I hope today grows your gratitude. Maureen 

[smitty34877]

Good morning. We have a cloudy and intermittently rainy day here. There will be a football game for the teenager later. We are doing “rock,paper, scissor” to decide who goes to represent the family. I think rain at 70 degrees is preferable to snow! 
My DB texted me from Atlanta and said his family and where they are staying were ok but there was some flooding in parts of Atlanta.  They had power and only minor tree damage. I am sure others were not so fortunate.

Tana has had a difficult week but did manage to eat a little yesterday. I was desperate and made rice pudding(an old favorite) and she tolerated it well.

Today I have a request for leek and potato soup. That is any easy fix so I will get started soon.

I was so glad to read that a lot of our Dailyites were safe after the storm.

Take care everyone