Live4cruises

Hi Jacqui,

Thank you for keeping this up, and for your infinite patience with changes (looking at myself!).

Alas, we decided against Voyage of the Vikings, do my agreement but still disappointment.  That was July 22 - August 25, 2023 on Zuiderdam.

We have substituted a Nieuw Amsterdam, Ft Lauderdale - San Diego, April 9 - 26, 2023, 17 Day Panama Canal

Thank you!

Hello everyone, Wishing all a safe and grateful Memorial Day.  

Today, I need to focus on the October cruise.  Of course this is not work but pure joy!  I have been most inattentive to our active roll call, and need to shape up!  @Dismomx5, are you considering Nieuw Amsterdam Panama Canal Ft Lauderdale - San Diego next April?  If so, there’s a Dailyite aboard.  😉

Cheers for all who are celebrating; heartfelt concern for those who are troubled.  

@Cruzin Terri, you’ve been through so much with us - please keep posting.  After all, we all need to know what else is out there. 😉 

53 minutes ago, 4966and556 said:

 

@Live4cruisesI would love to know where you went and what you did in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  When I didn't live near here, I came down and did ALL  the touristy stuff.  Now that I live in wine country, I tend to avoid the touristy stuff.  Mostly because I now have to deal with the traffic involved on the weekends.

Thanks for asking!!  🙂 
We had been to Cooperstown before, but no further north in NY, so our first glimpse of the Falls.  And therefore, we relished much of the “tourist stuff”.  The smartest thing we did, which contributed mightily to the entire two week trip, was our mid-May time frame.  There were no frustrating crowds anywhere.  I can’t take any credit for the fabulous weather we enjoyed.  
We were at the Falls Sunday - Wednesday, and stayed at the Marriott Fallsview.  While we weren’t crazy about the front-of-the-house experience, our room experience could not have been better; we’d go back in a heartbeat.  On Monday we had an all-day tour with Over the Falls, visiting the US and Canada sides.  The group was small, only 15 in a van that holds 30, a good friendly group, and a knowledgeable and (very) lively guide.  Would recommend.  On Tuesday, we visited other Falls attractions.

Our favorite things through the visit:  Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Journey Behind the Falls, and just standing and gawking.  A time or two, I commented that I felt like I was in a car wash without a car!

Fantastic time!

Good Saturday to all,

If I happen to be one of those who has been missed, I appreciate being missed!  I have not been boycotting this group by any stretch of the imagination.  

We have been traveling, and busy, and occasionally lazy.  In late March / early April, we enjoyed two weeks on the Koningsdam, B2B along the west coast.  Thrilled to be back on a ship, and to visit wonderful places for the first time.  We had a few weeks off to re-group, and have now just returned from a land trip.  We spent 3 days on the Ontario side of Niagara Falls (unbelievable!!), then collected DS and DDIL for two days in Cooperstown, continuing to a week on the Maine coast.  It was a perfect trip.  Retirement is a beautiful thing, and we are enthusiastically planning another land trip in August, east coast cruise in October, and the Panama Canal in April.  We are so fortunate to be able to do this.

I was saddened to see the ruffled feathers appear in the last few days.  Typing makes it a little too easy to snap at each other in ways we definitely would not face to face.  I hope we’re able to get over that!  

@kazuyou are in my heart, and so many others’.  I know the dark place may reach for you, and I hope you know you will be welcomed here with open arms anytime - whether posting happiness with flowers and memes, or the agony of grief.

It’s good to reappear, I’ll try to throw in my 2 cents worth occasionally, and do my best not to offend!  😉

Jacqui, prayers for you and for Jose’s son for strength and eventually healing and good memories.  May you have broad shoulders and kindest hearts to help you through.  All your Daily friends are holding you in our hearts.

Jacqui, again, there are just no words.  I wish so much that there was more that we could do for you!  As from all of us, you have my deepest sympathy, prayers for strength, and loving thoughts to help you through.

I am so sorry for what you are having to endure.

Robin

The wasabi cocktail from Tamarind bar (you don't have to eat at Tamarind to drink at the bar).  Delicious!  The drink is sweet, not spicy, but beware the lychee ball.  It's marinated in wasabi, and according to my husband inedible!  DH's preferred drink in that venue was the cucumber mojito.  Both of these are included in the standard Have It All drink package.

A further comment on minimizing plastics - for cocktail picks they use pieces of angel hair pasta - uncooked, of course!

Today is Finish the Last Bit of Packing Day!  🎉

Today's unnamed cat (no, please don't send one) would be Ovaltine.

@Vict0riann, safe travels, see you aboard!!

We have so many contributors who have recently lost pets; my heart goes out to you.

There are also so many extended family health concerns; I hope knowing how this group cares gives you strength.

And 🎉 Hooray Celebrations for those with good and hopeful news to share!

Dear Jacqui @kazu,

My heart breaks for you and all you have endured these last 6 months.  Know that my tears are with yours for you beautiful and beloved boys.  I am so sorry.

@Vict0riann, @Quartzsite Cruiser, @AV8TRIX my preference is Monday, and I think Lenda mentioned that the better choice might be Crow’s Nest.  Alas, this is the trip on which I will turn 4*, so won’t be at the 4*, 5* soirée.

See you aboard!

@Vict0riann, you've now given me something additional to check on -- within the last hour we completed (with the anticipated "failure") our proctored Covid tests.  I'm going to be most aggravated if we have to do it again tomorrow, but at least I'm prepared with spare boxes.  

Thank you all for making The Daily all the news that's fit to read!

@1ANGELCAT, a tear for you and Houdini over the loss of precious Socks.  Mykonos, Stella, and Marzini send warm purrs.

@Vict0riann, thank you for the port update!  We are excited about the addition of Astoria!

@smitty34877Camilla is really getting big!  You can tell by her happiness that she is adored by all who know her.  Thanks for sharing.

@mamaofami, I hope the surgery was quick and successful, and a new aid brings some peace!

My best to everyone, and 🇺🇦

@Quartzsite Cruiserthanks for that information!  I expected obstruction on port, but not starboard.  I’m also surprised to hear that there are cabins on both 4 and 5, although I guess I can understand they might want to have staff administrative quarantine separate from known positives.  May the positive cabins remain empty!

@Vict0riann, thank you for that heads up!  I haven’t been on that roll cal, so didn’t see that.  Our flight lands at 10, so I’m hopeful things will be clearing by the time we get our bags organized.  I’m so glad we’re arriving rather than departing (for many reasons!).  Fortunately there is only one ship in port the last time I checked.  

We also have priority boarding, and I am optimistic that we will be aboard before our official 1:00 time. 🤞

Good morning!  The birds are singing, the sun is shining - it must be Spring!  It is to be about 80 today with storms and rain tomorrow.  Definitely Spring!  I am Lopper Girl in this household.  Yesterday I trimmed back some shaggy growth, with a little bit more to do today.  Fitbit was proud of me, my back not so much.

I missed some great posts later yesterday!  @Cruising-alongthanks so much for the pictures from the HAL show.  It looks very well done, and as if it would have been lots of fun.

@dfishyour quilts are so pretty!  I appreciated your explanation of sewing the strips, although you may have given away some of the quilting sorority’s trade secrets!

@rafinmd please include yourself in the celebrations for your wonderful upcoming cruises!

My heart is with Jacqui and her men, Tana, others with concerns, and of course 🇺🇦

My best to all

@Vict0riann @Quartzsite Cruiser We are known by HAL (and everybody else) as Nicholas and Robin. We’re in 4211.  As this isn’t a “beachy” cruise, I am hoping the Spring Breakers will mostly be in the Caribbean.

Since it’s been almost 3 years since we enjoyed watching the lines being cast off, we’ll be on our balcony for that first sail away.  I might even cry.  What about sail away from Avalon or a drink in Lenda’s favorite bar on Monday?

Thanks!

My career was in HR and benefits.  The last few years, even simple disability claims were unbelievably slow to get approved, and “just one more thing” became almost laughable.  One of the last ones I worked on was a severe accident with the employee in much the same situation as Jen.  I answered questions for the disability carrier, doctors responded promptly, but there was always something.  Our benefits broker (a major player) got involved, and none of us could get anything to move.  To my relief, the family finally got a lawyer who wrote one little letter discussing some of the finer points of the ADA specific to the case, and VOILA! 3 days and the money was flowing.  I know disability and long-term care coverages work differently, but sometimes you can reach out to a lawyer, and companies get a new perspective.  

As an aside, one of the issues that the insurer couldn’t seem to get their arms around was a Power of Attorney.  Even after the hurdle of getting one was managed, there were still issues, but that was a biggie. Please make sure your affairs are in order - I’ve decided that worst case is when you’re alive, but unable to effectively communicate.

I love retirement!

I just love this caring group!  ❤️

@StLouisCruisers, so glad you are getting some positive news from your extended family!

@marshhawk, I'm so glad you found us, and so happy that we give you some of the affirmation your deserve.

@ger_77You are always so wise and generous.

@kazu you and your men are on my mind.  I so hope that Marley has gotten some meds or treatment to get him back on his feet and in your loving home.

Everyone else who has challenges big and small, and cheerful celebrations - all the best!

@Vict0riannand @Quartzsite Cruiser, I think a little happy hour sounds like a plan!  We are having Tamarind dinner on both of our "first nights".

@kazuI hope you can take some comfort in knowing how much everyone here does care about you.  I am so so sorry for what you've endured in the last 6 months.

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

@Quartzsite Cruiserthank you for the ship report.  I have been curious about how many have been aboard.  It will such an interesting change of perspective to not be on an almost packed ship.

Good Sunday morning as we muddle through the time change.  My suggestion is to split the difference at a half hour, then leave the clocks alone!  I do agree with @rafinmdthat year-round DST makes for some very dark mornings at the bus stop.

I had a little gremlin trouble yesterday, so will try again with this one.  @Quartzsite Cruiserand @Vict0riannYes!  We arrive on K’dam on 3/27 (two short weeks from today!) for 2 weeks.  A Dailyite meet and greet sounds like a wonderful idea. Lenda, you have the watch until we get there!

@kazusending you strength and patience to deal with the soulless tangle of red tape.  Maddening.  

@mamaofami, I can NOT imagine being awakened by a thunderous crash and a kitchen that looked like a bull had just run through.  Mercy.  I’m glad someone was available to deal promptly with reconstruction.

Strength and love for those who are hurting, and a huge 🎉for everyone celebrating.

🇺🇦🌻

Wow - thank you for all this wonderful information!  We are leaving for a B2B in a couple of weeks.  Will be in SB on March 29 and April 5.  The first time, we are going to visit Solvang; nothing planned for the second time, but the Van Gogh exhibit sounds like a winner!

And THAT is where we are headed.  Thanks for the quick reply!