lobsternight

Always enjoyed the MDR lobster on X, have had some really good ones.  Our lobster highlight now is to do a discounted first night Murano and have it cooked tableside. Just weeks out from our next Murano Lobster

A few months ago we took our first HAL cruise.  They had a $15 up charge for a surf and turf.  Half tail, wonderful steak and worth it.  Last meal in MDR I took an upchsrge for a whole tail, $20 and was a monster, had to fight the last bite down. 

Guess if X starts doing upchsrges I'm just going to have to take advantage of my free bag of laundry to pay for it

9 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Jack, DH says you should try Guinness Extra Stout Foreign which is 7.5% alcohol rather than 6%. It’s not sold in every grocery store but Publix sells it in our area. It comes in a 4 bottle pack instead of 6 and is priced around $9.99. He says it’s the best beer he’s ever had. He has had it on both HAL and Princess ships. It has to say Foreign on it to be the 7.5% alcohol.  🍺

I do like Guinness . Just reminded me of a few years back.  My eldest son did an American Football tour to Ireland with an American team  the Guinness factory tour was one of the stops. Before he left onthe trip I bought some Guinness for him to try, said you better see if you like it so you don't gag in the factory.  He loved it.  About half of the team didn't and passed their drinks to him on others that did.  Lets say he had a hell 9f a buzz when they got back on the bus.  To this day he still talks about that wonderful factory Guinness.

He loved being in Ireland.  The only place where you beat the hell out of each other on the field, then after the game the other team would show up at the hotel and take you to the pub  

Thanks to everyone for their posts and prayers to all those in need.  I'm behind again in reading the fleet report and daily as my post retirement "hobby" job is becoming too much.  

So....Going to toot my own horn.  Today I made it to 60!!!  Over the past decade had too many close calls, but here I am, and recently had good test results, going for 65 now.

Not sure if I will have beer today, perhaps some single malt.  The oysters have me thinking though, perhaps pick up some and bbq a steak.  Will have to see, wife gave me her cold for a present, so may hold off on the yummy stuff.  Have a great weekend all, counting down to my next cruise on the 27th

The Avis/budget in North Vancouveris easy enough, though a bit of a stroll.  I see cruise passengers doing it all the time.  Depart the terminal and go towards the Seabus (Waterfront) Station  believe there is an elevator from Canada Place to the station if you wish. You will use the walkway over the train tracks to the Seabus. Should take you 5 minutes, also elevators at seabus if you need them.  Once across to North Vancouver exit the seabus station and go left, half a block away the road turns right, becomes  chesterfield Ave.  1 minute walk up a small hill to Esplanade, turn right.  There is a IGA supermarket, just past that at the entrance to the Shoppers Drug Mart is an elevator up one floor  there it is

If its a stretch limo you want pleasebe aware you may not get dropped off in the cruise terminal.  A lot of them seem no longer permitted in the underground, and you will be dropped off on the street.  Depending on the kaos you may have a bit of a walk.

A year ago we had a luxury SUV take us, no problem getting in.  This spring since I had my inlaws with us I booked at stretch.  Hours before pickup the limo went down so they sent a transit Sprinter instead.  First attempt he was turned away from drop off, second attempt he got in.

Still trying to decide for August cruise.  Our local taxi company has a very bad reputation for not showing up for a reservation.  We have an early boarding time so may take the chance

Out of Vancouver we mostly found the casino opened right after the ship left the dock.  It would close before docking at the various ports and open again when the ship departed.  In other words she won't be gambling during shore times  have fun

A little behind keeping up with the fleet report lately, but treating myself to a little reading before I finally get off my butt and file my taxes.

Cant believe I'm still surviving in the heat at work.  Yes yes stay hydrated say all the inside staff in their sweaters because the AC is too cool. Honestly with the amount of construction starting these days im a bit overwhelmed.  I came out of retirement for this but I really do enjoy it.

5 weeks today is our next family cruise, starting to get very excited, even if it is Alaska again, cant get enough.

Went to look at a new car again for the DW, after half an hour at the dealership once again got frustrated with the con show and walked away....again.  Maybe try again in the fall.

My 60th birthday coming up in a few weeks and feeling great about it!

Decided to turn off the phone last night, woke up to the usual work stuff but also a shock.  One of my great nephews (9) had a bad mountain bile crash and was airlifted from up coast with a skull fracture, broken jaw, and other damage.  After surgery at Children's Hospital he is now starting a long recovery, but it's a blessing he should fully recover.

Everyone enjoy the rest of the weekend, 

I'd settle for just doing a walk about in Sitka, good way for the kiddos to burn off some energy.  Its always amazing what will amuse them.

Just did the train ride and bus to Yukon out of Skagway that stopped at a visitor centre outside Carcross.  Its about an 8 hour trip, plenty of stops along the way, and I'd say appropriate for everyone. Though we have been numerous times in Skagway, this was our first time taking the train.  Yes there were sled dogs to pet and some funky museums. Sould say great value for the cost.

On our first trip into Juneau we were also 8 people, 3 kids 4,9,12. When we docked I got off and chartered a mini van taxi for 3 hours.  Driver showed us everything we wanted to see.  He even had a gold pan and took the kids panning. 

Hope this gives you some food for thought.  We love Alaska, went beginning of April, going again end of August 

Happy belated Canada Day to all my fellow Canucks, and a Happy upcoming 4th to our Southern friends.  Usually spend these holidays at our RV south of the line but too much to do around the house.  Actually it was sort of nice not being in holiday traffic, may pour a drink tomorrow and watch the show again.

Been off line for a bit doing my chores.  Got my gazebo built, maybe 95% completion, still wiring in the hot tub, but hoping for final conversion to 240V by mid week.  Still learning the fine art of spa chemicals but think I've got it.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, thanks for everyone's contributions

We went with HAL to Ketchikan early May, we seriously almost booked a fishing trip and wilderness cook out through HAL.  In the end I decided against the tour due to at that time, restrictions on salmon and no crab.  You may want to check on restrictions for your time frame.

On the flip side, met a couple from Ontario who took that HAL excursion and they were thrilled.  I got to look at pictures of their catch.  Lots of Rock Fish and a Ling Cod. They had a seriously great time.  I guess its all what you expect to get out of it.  I'd say if you want to fish in Alaska and catch/eat some fish in the wilderness, go for the HAL excursion 

I try very hard to eat my veggies, most of my issues with them go back to my childhood trauma of them being boiled beyond recognition.

Mostly I am a hard core carnivore.  A few days ago I was starving on the job, bought some sushi to go.  It came with mizo soup, well darned it i didn't start checking on some 1/4inch chunks of tofu.  Just remember gasping for air in the cab of my truck thinking I was not ment to die this way.  I'm sure all my vegan neices would have seen the humor in it.

We had our first HAL cruise on the NA to Alaska on April 30th, and are in out late 50s.  Yes there was more than enough activities to do.  Test Kitchen was not running, and due to some contract issue or something, Lincoln Center was not operating.  There were lots of daytime activities, starting quite early in the morning with line dancing, all sorts of craft/art classes, lectures and so on.  You will not suffer from lack of activities on sea days.  Decent band in BB Kings, also other live entertainment.

Compared to other lines I was more than satisfied, but things did seem to drop of early before midnight.  Found service was excellent, crew fantastic, food was good. 

You will see just weeks before departure more and more will be added to the app, so no worries.  Yes we will cruise HAL again, already booked another cruise.  Will also say our day in Glacier Bay was epic.  Enjoy

Thank you to all those that contribute to this wonderful thread.

Been overwhelmed with work and also my ongoing hom,e renovations.  Cut through 16 feet of concrete patio for me to install electrical last night.  Hired a friend of my DS to break the concrete out with a pick.  Final piece next to house, the lad missed and smashed through my siding.  Another job to the list  

Good Morning Everyone.

Well my final concrete pour in the back yard went well.  Woke up this morning to see the crows have walked over all the finish. No it won't buff out  

Wishing a Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my fine Southern neighbors.

In a few hours I start my final pour of concrete in the back yard.  And because I don't have enough to do the DWs brakes started grinding.  Thats tomorrow.

We were on HAL Nieuw Amsterdam April 30th to May 7th.  Seas were the calmest I've ever experienced on numerous trips to Alaska.  We did the self guided jeep trip in Juneau, and although it rained, we still had a great time.  Staff were very helpful.  We did the White Pass and Yukon Explorer trip in Skagway.  It was a true adventure.  Leaves were not on the trees yet so the views out the train cars were fantastic, and to see all the snow.  Magnificent photo stops, and although quite windy and some blowing snow it was comfortable  Glacier Bay was epic.  It was a clear and calm day. Ketchikan was a bit drizzly but that was our shopping day.  At all stops most of the stores were open

So would I do early season again? Absolutely 

Good Morning (still is here) to all the good people on this board.

Happy Victoria Day to all my fellow Canucks.  Enjoyimg to day off but recovering from mixing, pouring, and placing over a yard or concrete yesterday.  I am getting way too old for this, but one more section of patio to go then selling the mixer. Was quite disappointed yesterday, went to pick up 4 40kg bags of Portland cement at a local lumber yard. There were 4 young guys there and I almost had to beg them to put the bags in the truck.  They wanted me to pay a deposit on a pallet so they could forklift it in.. in the end I had to help one of the youngsters load the bags. Ugh  

As things return to normal its time to start putting thought into our next cruise in late August.  My eldest son told me he's already had a few dreams about the cruise.  Guess he likes it.

Have a great day everyone

Feeling the heat in Vancouver, was a shock coming off our wonderful and cool Alaska cruise.  Decided to take the day off and get stuff done, instead I'm on the phone.

Mrs Lobsternight just had to have this gazebo and its big.  It only made sense to expand our concrete patio, so been working on that.  Well one thing led to another, I decided I would treat myself to a small spa, and found a great deal on line.  Had a hell of a time ordering it, would not process.  Today I awoke to discover I now have 4 spas on the way.  Think I may have it resolved.

Just off NA last week on an Alaska trip with a Veranda.  It was getting light around 5am and dark around 10:30.  Of course that dark window will get even smaller for the next month, and the more North you go.

I found the shades very adequate, not too much light leaked in.  I doubt you will have a problem. Being the opposite after day 2 I left them open. Think you will be just fine

Good Morning Everyone, many thanks for the reports and prayers to all in need.

Got back from our NA Alaska cruise last Sunday.   It was a fabulous trip, really enjoyed everything.  Got rained out in Juneau bit still managed to tour around and enjoy it.  Took the train and bus tour to Yukon in Skagway, was nice that we were early in the season and leaves were not on the trees.  Into the snow right away, the scenery was so stunning.  Glacier Bay was clear, calm, and snow right to the waterline. So many sea otters.

We did our renewal of vows, I can't say enough about how magic the HAL staff made it.  Shocked at how much time the Captain spent with us, it felt like he really enjoyed doing it.  Upon return to our room our attendant was smiling ear to ear.  He opened the door and there were towel swans on the bed, rose petals everywhere, another bouquet of flowers.

Well back to reality again.  Turned on my data about 100 miles out of Vancouver and the work phone exploded with issues.  First two days back were dawn to dusk.  Went to bed at 9 last night, the moment I pulled up the covers the phone pinged and I was back out to 1am.  So today is sit back and relax day  everyone enjoy the weekend, time for me to work on my next cruise

Thank you for such a fine report.  We joined you in Vancouver and really enjoyed the cruise.  We rented a jeep in Juneau, wet but still a great time.  Did the train and Yukon bus tour out of skagway, fantastic adventure.  Can believe the wonderful weather at Glacier Bay.

Well I thought embarkation was a joke, we were 2 hours, I usually count on 1 for Canada Place. As a local I am going to make some comments to the Port Authority.  None of the issues were HAL related.  Well today only got worse.  It took an extra hour for them to clear the ship, then with the Vancouver Marathon taking place, the taxis were not prepared to route around it. We live a 15 minute cab ride from the dock.  We were ready to disembark at 7am, arrived home at 11am, which included 1.5 hour wait for a cab.  Not acceptable at all, im sure people with flights must have been really stressed.

@Copper10-8 on our way shortly.  I am making you responsible to oversee the loading of the lobsters. 

Good Morning Everyone  

Yay the big day is here, leaving to the cruise terminal in a couple hours.  Well the cats figured it out.  The big fluffy one got inside my suitcase, got hair on everything and shredded the lining.  No good kitty treats this morning.

Since we have 5 going and it's our anniversary I ordered a big limo for fun.  Got a call that woke me up, the limo had a bo bo last night and won't be coming  oh well.  Couldn't fall back asleep

Enjoy!!!

@dfishdon't worry, we have lots of hall boxes too lol.  The only time it was clear was post cardiac surgery for me.  Told DW I need a clear space, because if I trip I'm going to split open right there.  Boxes came back a few weeks later