StLouisCruisers

Good morning friends! The Zuiderdam is on its way to Nuuk, Greenland today going 21 knots. The TV says it is 48F and skies are mostly sunny. We arrive at our destination on Wednesday the 10th. Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily as well as the maps. I can honestly say there are no dive bars on the Zuiderdam. Father-daughter taking a walk is a lovely thought and memory. Global forgiveness would be ideal but I wonder if it’s possible in all cases. An interesting quote by Rowling. I’ll be checking out the shrimp salad with peanut dressing recipes Debbie digs up. Yes to Pina Coladas and Sauvignon Blanc wine. Martina Navrilatova was such a great tennis player. Thanks go to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their super reporting skills on our food and beverages. Prayers for my DB and Alex/Jordan’s twins, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held and our troops in the region holding down the fort. Many prayers for our group of Dailyites, and I hope Tana is resting comfortably this weekend. Prayers for her and Terry’s @smitty34877 family, Jacqui @kazu, Terri @Cruzin Terri, Annie @marshhawk and Chuck @catmando, Elizabeth @Haljo1935, Maureen’s @RMLincoln Richard, Roy @rafinmd and all others with health problems and worries. Congrats to everyone celebrating special events and to our cruisers. Thanks again to Vanessa @JazzyV for keeping up with us all. Our port today is A Coruna, Spain which was posted here previously on July 16, 2021, Sept. 2, 2022 and July 15, 2023. We have not stopped at A Coruna before. I’ll post the links to help you out retrieving your photos. I’m sad to hear Dr. Pol is finishing up his TV program. I’ll miss him! I have a lot of hunting to do to find all the episodes of the TV programs I’ve missed during my 10 weeks away from home! I told my DVR to take a break because I knew it would record everything and start deleting the oldest recordings and it would be a jumbled up mess. Hope all are enjoying their holiday weekend. Stay safe and keep well!

Also if you don’t put a space after the previous word and before the @ it won’t work. And as mentioned you must choose from choices in the drop down menu @Toad.

That is a nice memory of your late Dad Graham, having their lovely hydrangeas growing in your garden. Thoughts and prayers to Pauline as she memorializes her brother on what would have been his 66th birthday. 🙏💐

Good morning friends! It’s a sunny morning in Reykjavik as we start our second day here. Temp is 52 and the high may reach 60! At 10:30 a.m. Oceania Sirena, formerly R Four and Tahitian Princess/Ocean Princess, arrived at the dock near Zuiderdam. She’s looking good! Looks like MSC Preziosa, Viking Mars and National Geographic Resolution are here this weekend too. Thanks Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily as well as the maps. Those are sure some interesting days to recognize. More zucchini today but this time in pancakes. No thanks to Tranquil Water or the wine. I appreciate Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their time spent researching the food and beverages for us. It was good to hear Jacqui @kazu has come up with a plan for her future which includes Ivan. I’m sure it will be a relief to have less household worries. Best of luck to you Jacqui! Prayers for our entire Daily family, my DB and Alex/Jordan’s twin sons, the people in Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and our military members overseas. Cheers to all celebrating special events and cruising! Thanks Vanessa @JazzyV for your help in maintaining the lists for us all. The port today is a new one, Wrangell, Alaska. No links to post therefore, and I haven’t been there before so no photos from me. Thanks in advance to any photos that might be posted today. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Stay safe and keep well!

Zuiderdam changed its schedule due to the ice flow. We cut out Nanortalik, Qaqortoq and Paamiut as well as Prince Christian Sound scenic cruising. We have a stop in Nuuk, Greenland on Wednesday the 10th. Then on to Canada.

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser the flyer they sent out explained why we had to clear immigration here. They chose to set it up this way instead of during our two days in Reykjavik. "We will be exiting the Schengen Area via Iceland (Greenland is not part of Schengen). For your convenience we opted to conduct the immigration inspection during departure from Isafjordur to evade doing it upon arrival in Reykjavik. This will save valuable time in the morning and offer you more flexibility in your planning." It turned out to be more than just an inconvenience for everybody. 🤬

Hi Kay. The tour would have been a HAL tour. I hope you enjoy a nice day in St. John's on 8/25. Have you decided what you'll be doing?

It was great to finally get into St. John's Newfoundland. The opening to the harbor is so narrow, it's no wonder we couldn't get in here before during big storms. We had a busy day with a morning tour of Cape Spear, seeing sights in St. John’s and Signal Hill. Here is the new lighthouse of Cape Spear the old one The harbor in St. John’s with Zaandam Signal Hill view across harbor entrance to Fort Amherst

Good morning friends! We have arrived in Reykjavik for our two day stay and the weather looks decent. Partly cloudy skies today and a high of 58, light winds. Tomorrow will be sunny and 58. Very thankful for that. Yesterday afternoon turned into a huge debacle because the powers that be decided we should go through immigration for departure clearance for Iceland between 3 and 5 p.m. They would start with deck 10 and call people by decks moving downward. Well those 25 cabins on deck 10 somehow took 45 minutes to clear. Apparently lots of folks were showing up that weren’t called. By the time 4:45 rolled around they were still on deck 7 so we went to Pinnacle Grill and asked to move our reservation for dinner until today, July 5. They were astounded to learn people would have their decks called for immigration during the dinner hour. We went to the MDR and reclaimed our fixed sitting table for our meal because we’d told them we wouldn’t be there Thursday night. In order not to be called during our meal, we skipped starters, ordered our main and said maybe to dessert. They were calling decks all during dinner. We finished our meal quickly (bad menu—should have been eating Pinnacle steaks instead!) and waited in the bar for them to call us. We were finally cleared at around 6:45. I made sure to send a comment on the Navigator app about our feelings on this debacle. Anyway, thank you Rich @richwmn for today’s Fleet Report and Daily as well as the maps. I think I will ignore Thong Day, wish I could work without my hands, and love fried chicken. Meh on the quote, no thanks to the zucchini waffles, drink and pinot noir. Huge news from Isaac Newton on this date. Thank you Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for your hard work reporting on the food and beverages every day. Prayers today for our Dailyites and family/friends. Special thoughts each day to Tana and to Terry @smitty34877 and family who are so kind in caring for her. Praying for Joy’s @Seasick Sailor's sister Bonnie and friend Belinda, Ann @Vict0riann, Terri @Cruzin Terri, Jacqui @kazu, Roy @rafinmd, Elizabeth @Haljo1935, Pennie @Nickelpenny, Annie @marshhawk and Chuck @catmando, Richard and Maureen @RMLincoln, Dixie @summer slope, Nancy’s DB @ottahand7, my DB, Alex and Jordan’s twin boys soon to arrive, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and our military members in the region. Cheers to everyone cruising and celebrating special events this day. Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for keeping us informed with your lists. We appreciate you! The port this morning is St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada. It took me a while to get there due to bad weather but we really enjoyed our tour there last August. The tour guide makes such a difference. This port was previously reported on here on Dec. 10, 2021, March 10, 2022 and March 8, 2023. I posted a few photos the date we were there, Aug. 18, 2023. Here are the links for your convenience in retrieving your photos. Hoping you all survived the July 4th holiday relatively well and that the fireworks won’t continue on all weekend. Try to stay safe and keep well!

Joy thank you so much for your prayers each and every day! I appreciate all of them. My twin is going to see her doctor next Tuesday and only tells me her arm is very sore. She is good at enduring pain though so I don't know how awful it would feel. She'll let me know after the appointment what they say and plan to do with it. As for those precious baby boys, they are going to be induced on July 25, 3 weeks before their Aug. 15 actual due date. I was so happy to hear that at one of their recent ultrasounds their weights were both estimated at over 4 pounds. Their momma Jordan has to see her OB-GYN 3 days a week! I remember going once a week during the last month but she is a special patient having had her first set of twins come so early. I am thrilled for this little family that things are looking up for them. Dennis is feeling okay but will be glad when the cough is over. In my case, that never happens. It just goes on and on! Oh well, I am grateful for the good health I usually have. No complaints!

Annie, I'm sorry about your sad memories of July 3rd with the loss of two people you loved. I get it. But your food choices for Independence day sure sound good. I'll have to look for that barbecue sauce at Kroger when we get home. We will have to buy just about everything as we let everything run out ahead of this trip. I hope after the doctor visit tomorrow you get to do those fun things you usually have to bypass, like lunch out and the museum. And I certainly hope the weather improves soon! It will be a huge shock to my system to go from THIS to THAT!🥶 🥵

Thank you Graham. Yes, unfortunately he died on July 4th which dampens our spirits each year for the holiday. Due to his service during WWII in Europe and Japan, when I ordered flowers for his funeral we got all white flowers with small American flags inserted into the arrangement. After the burial we took the flags out and kept them and I still use them to decorate on patriotic holidays. I wish I'd thought to bring one or more with me on the cruise just to honor him this day.

Well, DH finally got me to try a hot dog at the Dive In for lunch. I got it plain with mustard on the side since I don't slather it on. It was good! It was my first ever Dive In hot dog on International Hot Dog Eating Day! The Captain made an announcement that the tender dock was inoperable and they had ceased tender operations temporarily while the harbor master figured out a solution. About 15 minutes later an announcement was made that they had figured out where the tenders could dock and operations were back on. Thank you Terry. Lots and lots of good memories of Dad and all he taught us. Like water skiing! LOL 🚤

Thank you Elizabeth. He was a great guy.😢

Gibraltar We’ve been to Gibraltar 8 times. 😳 Once in a while we just stay on the ship and rest up. But I have a few photos I picked to show you. One cruise was during a December trip on Pacific Princess, and the second was when our family was with us on Emerald Princess helping us celebrate our 50th anniversary year. It’s always more fun when showing the sights to the kids and grandkids. I think they’ll remember that cruise forever. Two things we always do are take a photo of me with a red British phone booth and DH with a cannon – anywhere in the world! This is my phone booth photo from Dec. 10, 2018 while in Gibraltar. And DH with the cannon in Gibraltar. Every time we pass this one he gets his photo taken. Even with the grandkids the following summer. The streets were busy with shoppers and I enjoyed the Christmas decorations I’d never seen there before. In 2019 with the family we all took a tour around Gibraltar to places even we hadn’t seen before. Catalan Bay and the Europa Point lighthouse Then up to the St. Michael’s Cave. All lit up and nice and cool inside. Barbary ape and baby View of the airport runway from the cannon opening in the Siege Tunnels Good times for all!

Good morning friends! Happy Independence Day to all the Americans! I am dressed in my red and blue even though I’m far from U.S. shores. Today Zuiderdam is in Isafjordur, Iceland and it’s darn cold out there. It’s a breezy day and I would be surprised if the temp was over 40F. The TV weather for today says rain or snow here but let’s hope it stays rain and doesn’t freeze. Not a pretty day for sightseeing. MSC Poesia is in port at the dock (of course), and we are anchored. There is room at the new extended dock but apparently HAL doesn’t believe in paying docking fees if they don’t have to. Nieuw Statendam and Norwegian Star were supposed to be here today too but both changed itineraries due to the ice in Greenland problem. I hope all the cruise lines are learning a lesson this season and make some changes to next years’ itineraries. Thanks Rich @richwmn for the Daily and Fleet Report as well as the maps. I'll be eating in Pinnacle Grill again tonight but it won't be barbecue! We both like country music so listen to it a lot. The quote is a witty one by Paula Poundstone. As usual the menu suggestion, cocktail and wine don’t interest me. Sorry! Today’s day in history is the best one I’ve read in a long time. (I’m very patriotic!). Anyway, thanks to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their reports each day. Prayers today for our Dailyites and family/friends. Special thoughts each day to Tana and to Terry @smitty34877 and family who are so kind in caring for her. Praying for Joy’s @Seasick Sailor sister Bonnie and friend Belinda, Ann @Vict0riann, Terri @Cruzin Terri, Jacqui @kazu, Roy @rafinmd, Elizabeth @Haljo1935, Pennie @Nickelpenny, Annie @marshhawk and Chuck @catmando, Richard and Maureen @RMLincoln, Dixie @summer slope, Nancy’s DB @ottahand7, and I’m sorry if I’ve forgotten a name. You are all in my thoughts. Prayers too for my DB, my twin who is always extra sad on July 4th since our DDad passed away on this date in 2011. She was my parents’ caregiver. Prayers also to Alex and Jordan’s twins. I always have prayers for those in Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held and our troops on the bases and ships in the region. 🙏 Rejoicing with all who have special events in their lives right now and for those cruising! 🚢🎉 Tremendous thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV for her work on the lists, while caring for her BFF. You are a trooper! The port for today is good old Gibraltar. This was the port before on March 31, 2022 and May 25, 2023. In the past I didn’t post photos but I decided today I would post a few. We’ve been there so many times and one of the best times was with our kids and grandkids in 2019. I’ll never forget the wonderful cruise we had together. Here are the links for your convenience in retrieving your photos. Enjoy your July 4th, and I hope there are no noise problems or fireworks incidents to report tomorrow! Be safe and keep well!

Simply gorgeous! Your artwork would be welcome on my walls! And Happy 4th to you and yours.🎆

Jacqui, I'm so sorry to hear of the extreme pain and sleeplessness. I wish it didn't require surgery to have the stents put in but if it will solve the issue, then I hope they get you in for surgery sooner rather than later. Prayers for a successful surgery and a quick recovery for you.🙏

Thank you Graham! I hope you, Pauline and Sarah are all doing well!

On Nov. 29, 2018 we and other Pacific Princess passengers arrived in Rhodes, Greece but it was a rainy morning which included thunder and lightning. So we waited out the storm and after lunch there was a break in the weather. We headed down the gangway and walked over to the City Walls for a quick look at Rhodes. Our view from the ship. Inside the walls we saw the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite This is the Street of Knights, a medieval road featuring the lodgings of "The Knights of St. John". They started as a religious order but eventually served as a military order. The Palace of the Grand Master, the highest point in Rhodes. The clouds were getting darker so we turned back and walked through a shopping area as we neared the ship. Few people were out and about, mostly those from the Pacific Princess. We had seen several cats wandering through the old town, and when I took this photo of a cat on a wall, we heard a clap of thunder. So we scurried through a gate and rushed towards the gangway. As we neared the top of the gangway the winds gusted and raindrops began to fall. We had only spent one hour in Rhodes exploring the streets and sites. A trip back there is a must do! The ship left about 7 pm so I took a few photos of the city after dark.

Good Morning friends! Today we are docked in Akureyri, Iceland. The weather is a cold 46F, overcast skies and rain expected at some times during the day. I’m not sure what our plans are here since we’ve been here often including just last August. Meanwhile yesterday during our sea day I met up with Cruise Critic member Debbie @tupper10 and we had an enjoyable chat. Time flies when you’re having fun! Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Daily and Fleet Report as well as the location maps. Well, I’m not sure why I’d drop a rock but hopefully it wouldn’t be on my foot like Joy did. How is that foot coming along Joy @Seasick Sailor? No thank you to fried clams or a day to celebrate them. Plastic bag free day is a way to decrease the amount of plastic waste out there. Mother Teresa’s quote shows her kindness and empathy. I think I’ll go ahead and pass on the meal suggestion, drink and wine. It was a big day in the financial world when the Dow Jones stock index was published in 1884. Thanks Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for the reports today. Prayers to all here on the Daily on the Care list. Praying for a quick recovery and less pain for all. DH is coming along with his recovery from his cold, so thank you to all who wished him well. Prayers also for my DB and Alex’s twins, the people in Israel and Ukraine, the hostages, and our military members under high alert in the region. 🙏 Warm thoughts and well wishes to everyone celebrating special events and to the cruisers. 🚢🥂 Thanks go to Vanessa @JazzyV for her work keeping the lists updated for us. Our port of the day is Rhodes, Greece. This was the port three times earlier on Sept. 11, 2021, June 1, 2022 and Dec. 8, 2023. I’ll post those links for you and also repost my photos from Rhodes. Thanks in advance for your photos. DD had a darling photo of cavapoo Sadie checking out a butterfly when they went outside yesterday. Thought y’all might like it too. Have an enjoyable Wednesday and please try to stay safe and keep well.

Good morning friends! Zuiderdam left Alesund Monday evening and we are halfway to Akureyri, Iceland, beginning the long journey back to Boston. Seas are a rockin’ today with winds at 17 mph, a temp of 46 and overcast skies. Ship speed is 17 knots. We turned our clocks back an hour last night so are only 5 hours ahead of Eastern time. Thank you Rich @richwmn for the Daily and Fleet Report as well as the maps. I notice that Nieuw Statendam is heading to Husavik, Iceland today! That sounds like a good place to visit and I’ve never been there before. Lucky people on the NS. Today we can recognize Made in the USA Day which I am for wholeheartedly. Hurray for wildland firefighters, and we should all be on the lookout for UFO’s. The quote is, let’s say…interesting. No thank you to the meal, drink and wine. Exploration of Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi is something we didn’t hear much about in history class. Not as exciting as some of the other explorers adventures maybe. Daniel Greysolon de Du Luth was certainly extremely far inland! Thank you to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their reports. Prayers today for my DB and Alex’s twin boys, the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and our troops on bases and ships in the region. They’re on high alert right now due to a high terrorist threat. Many prayers for our Dailyites here and our families/friends. Tana, Chuck and Annie, Ann, Joy’s sister Bonnie, Elizabeth, Pennie, Jacqui, Roy, Debbie, Terri, Richard and hopefully I haven’t forgotten anyone. Hoping for a great day for all celebrating special events and for the cruisers. Thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV for the great list keeping. Hoping someday soon you and your BFF are back to good health just like the “old days”. The port of the day is Mombasa, Kenya. Another new port so no links today! No I haven’t been there before and probably won’t be going. Please feel free to fill us in on Mombasa if you can and all photos are welcome! I’m grateful @Harboursiders are back on the Zuiderdam and we ran into each other again last evening. Hope you all have an enjoyable day! Please stay safe and keep well.

Joy @Seasick Sailor my prayers are sent up for your sister Bonnie. I know she’ll appreciate your support through this. Annie @marshhawk hugs to you (and Chuck). Good advice Debbie @dfish gave to go with the flow. Brenda @bennybear belated birthday wishes to your DM. I hope all enjoyed the celebration!!

Deck 2 next to the casino and casino bar, which is called the Gallery Bar 😛. The actual seating area with the framed paintings is adjacent. You’ll find it.

Still there today. We go there for a drink before dinner.