StLouisCruisers

Leknes, Lofoten, Norway In June 2013 we took a Norwegian fjords cruise on Crown Princess. After a nice pre-cruise stay in London we headed to Norway to see the Midnight Sun. Our second port was to Gravdal-Leknes, Norway. The dock was about 2 kms. from Gravdal and 4 kms. from Leknes. The local info on a sign at the visitor center. On this cruise stop we took a shuttle bus to the town of Leknes along with friends Scott and Susan. To go to Gravdal turn left, to Leknes turn right. We did our usual looking in shops, supermarkets, checking out churches and just taking photos of interesting buildings and sights. I bought a Norway hoodie here. Very expensive to buy anything in Norway. We checked out food in the grocery. So empty! I see one person in this photo. Looking for a snack? Where are all the gallon jugs of milk you see in U.S. supermarkets? We ventured into a café. Best of all was seeing the preschoolers from a day care. Adorable aren’t they? By 2 pm the skies were beautifully blue. Beautiful Buksnes Church in Gravdal. I’d love to see it close up. That night we went up on deck to see the Midnight Sun. It was actually only 11:40 p.m. but still. The sun never even got close to the horizon overnight. And here were all these people cuddled up on their lounge chairs trying to watch a movie on the Movies Under The Stars screen. That Midnight Sun was shining right on the screen. Good luck, folks! Nine years later it was a beautiful June day, 2022. We were anchoring off Gravdal-Leknes on the Island Princess. I had been in Covid jail for 8 nights and finally tested negative and was free to roam on shore. So I tendered over to the dock near Gravdal. Note the mask wearing. Aww! Mr. Troll welcoming me back! There was no shuttle available at the moment to take me to Leknes, Gravdal was too far for me to walk in my weakened condition so I explored the shoreline near the dock/visitor center. Heading back to the dock I noticed the flags. It was time to say goodbye Gravdal-Leknes! I needed lunch and a nap. But along the way to the ship I spied the Buksnes church again. Whew! Sorry about the length of this post.

Good morning friends! Here in Georgia I have a temp of 49F and expect sunny skies today with a high of 76 degrees. Very nice! Thanks go to Roy @rafinmd for his help with the fleet location maps and to Rich @richwmn for the content. Ahh, Sauvignon Blanc day will be popular with many of the wine drinkers including me. I can celebrate St. Mark's Eve Day and hope for good conditions for the laboratory animals. Good quote. I'm not a fan of salmon but hope others find this recipe a good one. Mimosas are okay and I don't know a thing about the wine. A big day in TV advancement in 1962. Thanks to those doing the reports today! Prayers said (and in several cases answered!) for those on the Care list. Hallelujah for Vanessa @JazzyV and Richard getting past their surgeries. Hoping for even more good news today. For all still in pain, awaiting surgeries and procedures or recovering from one, feeling the loss of loved ones, and suffering anxiety and worry, we pray for improvement ahead. Also praying for DB, twin Linda, great nephew Alex's twins, and my friends in need, also the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and all our troops in the region. Cheers for the cruisers, and those celebrating happy events! 🚢 Wish we had more of those to add to the list so keep 'em coming! Congrats to everyone! 🥳 Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for continuing your fine work listening and updating the lists. Hope you had another sleep-filled night and no pain! Today we have a new port for the Daily which is Leknes (Lofoten), Norway. No links to publish but I will have to gather and post my photos since I was there twice. Second time was the day I got out of Covid jail so I didn't go far past the dock. The first time we ventured to town for a look-see. There are two ways to go at the tender dock, one way to Leknes and the other to Gravdal. Both very cute. I'll get to the photos a little later since it is time for my treadmill routine and exercise. Meanwhile, stay safe and keep well! And don't forget to enjoy your Wednesday.😉

Today is Sauvignon Blanc Day, St. Mark's Eve, and World Day for Animals in Laboratories I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.--Anaïs Nin Meal Suggestion for today - Easy Salmon Cakes with Arugula Salad Drink of the Day - Mimosa Wine of the Day - Pertinace 2020 Marcarini Nebbiolo (Barbaresco) Destination of the Day - Leknes (Lofoten), Norway Today in History: 1962 Massachusetts Institute of Technology sends TV signal by satellite for 1st time: California to Massachusetts Ship Locations Eurodam Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera 09:00 - 17:00 Koningsdam At Sea Destination Victoria BC, Vancouver Island Canada eta 04-26 Nieuw Amsterdam At Sea Destination Astoria OR, Oregon eta 04-26 Nieuw Statendam At Sea Destination Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal eta 04-25 Noordam At Sea Destination Vancouver, BC Canada eta 04-30 Oosterdam Giardini Naxos-Taormina, Sicily Italy 08:00 - 17:00 Rotterdam Isle of Portland, Weymouth, Dorset England 09:00 - 17:00 Volendam Newport RI, Rhode Island 07:00 - 13:30 Zaandam San Francisco, CA depart 16:00 Zuiderdam At Sea Destination Takoradi, Ghana eta 4/27 Eastern Hemisphere Westerdam At Sea Destination Hakodate, Japan Oshima eta 4-25

Today we went out and did a little shopping for some shoes/clothing items DH and I needed to take along on our upcoming cruise. Plus I spent several hours finishing up the lamb, kitten and straw on the right bottom part of the cross stitch stocking. Time to move on to the other lamb. It's moving along nicely. My monthly update photo will be posted the first of May. Thinking of you both today as you wait, and the surgeon does their work. Vanessa, I'm so excited to hear about NO PAIN and getting so much sleep last night! I hope things continue on this route and you are back to your old self again. Our prayers really were answered! BTW, thanks for your historical park photos. It looks like a very interesting place. Brenda, your photos are always great but these are over the top fabulous. It can't just be the subject! lol The spider one did scare me, I gotta admit. But if he was there 2 months at least he didn't make any fast moves. 😬 Debbie that is the best meme of the day. So appropriate, too! First real photos DH and I have ever seen of the green flash. Two of them! Excellent photography skills. Thank you!

Annie @marshhawk thanks for the kitty pictures! You have your hands full! Debbie, we agree with you that we like Iceland too. In fact before Covid we had been there 3 times and since Covid have gone there in 2022, 2023 and are going again (several times actually) on our upcoming cruises (70 days). We get 2 overnights in Reykjavik in June and July. I'll bring some ink if we can use your money printing press, too! LOL

Finished with the treadmill and a few exercises afterward, ate breakfast and now checking the Daily. Good to see Vanessa @JazzyV has posted and thank you for all the new information. Hope you are resting comfortably.😑 I see it's also Charlene @cunnorl's birthday so happy birthday to you and many happy returns of the day! Elizabeth @Haljo1935 somehow I missed your eye procedure today so I send best wishes and fast healing to you, since I see you are off on a cruise in only 4 days time. The cruise sounds like a good one so early Bon Voyage wishes for you.🚢 Enjoy your birthday celebration onboard the Westerdam!

We visited Kona twice, in 2007 on Diamond Princess and in 2017 on Maasdam. On Dec. 9, 2007 we stopped in Kona on a Diamond Princess Hawaii cruise, our first trip there. We had an outrigger canoe shore excursion planned so tendered to shore with time to spare. The view when we arrived on the dock. And the lagoon on the opposite side of the dock. Our tour would leave from here. Seated on my side of the outrigger. It wasn’t an ideal place to take photos once we were away from shore so I don’t have many. One of the few photos taken during that tour. An hour later we stopped at this restaurant for a refreshing beverage In 2007 we saw the Hulihe’e Palace which is a museum but a former home of Hawaiian royalty. 9.5 years later we visited on Maasdam and it looked like this. A whole new color scheme and roof color More photos from our April 2, 2017 visit on Maasdam. The lagoon again on the side of the dock. This time there were kayaks there. As you leave the dock this is the main road along the shore looking towards the Hulihe’e Palace Museum and the MoKuaiKaua Church, established in 1820. The former BHB Maasdam The last time I saw Kona A great place to visit in Hawaii.

Good morning friends! It's 41F and clear this morning. High will be 73 and abundant sunshine later on. Thanks to Roy @rafinmd for the fleet location maps, and to Rich @richwmn for today's Daily content. I celebrate the English language and English muffins, and think Impossible Astronaut Day is an odd one. I don't care for the quote, and am not in the mood for sheet pan chicken.😜 Let's just wait to see what the cocktail and wine are before any decisions are made. It was a big change for English people and their coins in 1968. Thanks to the reporters today, Debbie @dfish, Paul @kochleffel and Ann @cat shepard with their F&B reports. Prayers for our Care list individuals and their family/friends in need of them. I see that Vanessa @JazzyV made it home after a longer, more difficult surgery than thought, and hope she is sleeping in and has a quick and easy recovery. We're praying for no pain once the healing is done! Good luck and many prayers for Richard and Maureen @RMLincoln with his surgery today. Hope Annie @marshhawk and Chuck @catmando are doing okay, best wishes for Terri and Jim @Cruzin Terri, and a good consultation for Roy @rafinmd yesterday. Waiting to hear some good news for Maurice and Gerry @ger_77! Prayers for DB, twin Linda, great nephew Alex's twins, and my dear friends. Also for Israel and Ukraine, the hostages still held, and our troops in harm's way. Thanks Vanessa @JazzyV for agreeing to keep up the lists, and take however much time you need for it. Let us know if we can help in any way. ❤️ I send congratulations to those celebrating anniversaries and birthdays today, especially Annie @marshhawk who is turning 70 years young today! Also to the cruisers in our group, and hope Dixie and George @summer slope, Jacqui @kazu and friend Debbie, and Colin and Ellen @VMax1700 are enjoying theirs. The list of cruisers is too long to name you all but we've been cheering you on all along. And welcome to the Daily @shadow 123 ! The destination today is Kailua, Kona, Hawaii. This was the port three times before on May 30, 2022, Nov. 5, 2023 and Feb. 23, 2024. Here are the links to back then for your convenience in obtaining your previously posted photos. Hope everyone has a very good day, and try to stay safe and keep well!

Today is English Language Day, English Muffin Day, and Impossible Astronaut Day Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.--Oscar Wilde, De Profundis Meal Suggestion for today - Sheet-Pan Sesame Chicken & Broccoli with Scallion-Ginger Sauce Drink of the Day - Campari Spritz Wine of the Day - Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2020 (750ML) Destination of the Day - Kona, Hawaii, US Today in History: 1968 1st decimal coins issued in Britain (5 & 10 new pence, replacing shilling and two-shilling pieces) Ship Locations Eurodam At Sea Destination Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera eta 04-24 Koningsdam At Sea Destination Victoria BC, Vancouver Island Canada eta 04-26 Nieuw Amsterdam San Diego, California 07:00 - 16:00 Nieuw Statendam At Sea Destination Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal eta 04-25 Noordam Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island 08:00 - 18:00 Oosterdam Naples, Italy 07:00 - 17:00 Rotterdam Brest, France 10:00 - 18:00 Volendam At Sea Destination Newport RI, Rhode Island eta 04-24 Zaandam San Francisco, California 07:00 - 24 Apr 16:00 Zuiderdam At Sea Destination Takoradi, Ghana eta 4/27 Eastern Hemisphere Westerdam Aomori City, Japan Aomori 09:00 - 19:00

I'm so sorry to hear of the change in plans but understand you must do what is best for you and Jim. You have the courage to see that and do what you needed to do. Sending prayers and hugs to you both.

Ditto from me, @1ANGELCAT. So sorry for your loss.

We've only visited Mykonos once in 2012 on Crown Princess. I remember seeing Petros the Pelican, mascot of Mykonos. I think he wishes he could get away from all the tourists sometimes. Folks, could you please get out of my face? The "windmills" of Mykonos. The back alleys The good... And not so good. And one of my favorite photos from our day there.

Good morning friends! It has dipped to 44 this morning. Today will be sunny and 66 degrees. A good day to celebrate Earth Day and the beginning of Passover tonight for those who observe it. Thanks Roy @rafinmd for the fleet location maps. As I mentioned today we will think about the planet we live on, Earth. Also Girl Scout Leaders Appreciation day because they give up a lot of their time to see to helping educate and lead young girls. The quote is a lovely thought, and the coleslaw recipes should be interesting. There must be quite a few ways to make variations of that popular dish. I have no idea what a Fujiyama is and would pass on the red wine. Barbara Walters was an interesting lady so hurray to her on attaining that ground breaking position. Thanks today to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for their reports. Dixie is going on a Disney cruise so if there is a sub today we will want to thank them also. Prayers abound today for our Care list people including Vanessa @JazzyV who will finally undergo surgery which we hope will eliminate all leg pain for her. We wish you a quick and full recovery. Also for Carolyn @Cruising-along's family member Amber who had a frightening turn and surgery. Let us pray for improvement in her condition. I'm thankful to hear Tana had a better time of it over the weekend and hope that continues for her. It would be great to have her at the dinner table every day. Safe travels today for Maureen @RMLincoln and Richard. We hope Graham has good memories today of his late Mam on what would have been her 94th birthday. Also prayers today for DB, twin Linda, great nephew Alex's twins, the people of Israel and Ukraine, hostages still held, and our military in the Middle East. 🙏 Cheers to all our cruisers and everyone with birthdays and anniversaries including Sue @Rowsby. 🎂🎉🚢 Bon Voyage Dixie @summer slope. Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for continuing posting the Care and Celebration lists even while having and recovering from surgery! You are unstoppable! The port today is Mykonos, Greece, an interesting and lovely spot to see. Three previous showcases of that port were on Oct. 4, 2021, Aug. 27, 2022 and June 25, 2023. Here are the links for you if you need them. I hope today is a successful and pain free day for us all. Stay safe including our travelers and keep well.

Today is Chemists Celebrate The Earth Day, Earth Day, and Girl Scout Leaders Day You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.--Dr. Seuss Meal Suggestion for today - Coleslaw Recipe Drink of the Day - Fujiyama Wine of the Day - Casado Morales 2018 Alonso López de Familia Crianza Red (Rioja) Destination of the Day - Mykonos, Greece Today in History: 1976 Barbara Walters becomes 1st female US nightly network news anchor (ABC News) Ship Locations Eurodam Huatulco, La Crucecita, Mexico Riviera 12:00 - 18:00 Koningsdam At Sea Destination Victoria BC, Vancouver Island Canada eta 04-26 Nieuw Amsterdam At Sea Destination San Diego, California eta 04-23 Nieuw Statendam At Sea Destination Funchal, Madeira Island Portugal eta 04-25 Noordam Nawiliwili, Lihue, Kauai Island Hawaii 07:00 - 18:00 Oosterdam Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy 07:00 - 19:00 Rotterdam At Sea Destination Brest, France eta 04-23 Volendam At Sea Destination Newport RI, Rhode Island eta 04-24 Zaandam At Sea Destination San Francisco, California eta 04-23 Zuiderdam Walvis Bay, Namibia 08:00 - 17:00 Eastern Hemisphere Westerdam Sakata, Japan

On the far left of the photo was someone Jacqui met on the ship, Jacqui's friend Debbie, then Jacqui with shorter hair and a skirt on, and then Rich is standing next to Jacqui. He's the tallest person in the pic with the dark shirt and long beard. Excuse me for butting in!

I was on the phone with DD and didn't get a screenshot but was definitely watching. Told her I must watch the Volendam sail away because my friends were on board. Thanks for the picture. Great shot of Jacqui @kazu and Rich @richwmn!!

She arrived on my screen at 5:57 am. I saw several people on the Promenade deck and lots of windows and balconies lit up, unlike the OOS where I literally saw no one moving around. Are they all still asleep over there? lol

Vanessa @JazzyV thank you for keeping us informed on special days in everyone's lives. You do a superb job of paying attention to what we all discuss and getting those details included. Who is going to be your substitute on the Lists, and how long will you be on "sick leave"? Happy 50th wedding anniversary Brenda @bennybear! I know this is a very special occasion for you and your family to celebrate. Happy birthday wishes to Tony @sailingdutchy! I hope there are many happy returns of the day.

The ships are lined up just like airplanes ready to land.

Good morning friends! It's raining and 55 here this early a.m. I expect intermittent rain most of the day with thunder possible. A high temp of only 60F. Thanks Roy @rafinmd for posting the fleet location maps. There's lots to learn about hemp. Kindergartens and chocolate covered cashews are both a good thing (unless you're allergic to tree nuts). A silly quote by Douglas Adams. I would say yes to the stir fry and Sauvignon Blanc but not to a martini. I remember Heartbreak Hotel. My older sister was an Elvis fan. Thanks to everyone for the F&B reports, Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard. Prayers today for DB, twin Linda, great nephew Alex's twins, and friends Scott, Susan and Sandy. Also for Israel and Ukraine, hostages still held, and the military members at sea and on bases in the region. And for all here on the Care list with pain and suffering, awaiting surgeries or recovering from one, feeling the loss of loved ones, and with stress and worry. You're all important to us and we'd love to see an improvement in everyone's life. 🙏 Congrats to all celebrating important events such as birthdays and anniversaries, and those cruising. 🥂 Good luck and bon voyage to those boarding ships today (Jacqui @kazu and BFF and @VMax1700 ). Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for your work on the lists and I'm hopeful you were able to grab some more sleep last night. Best wishes and prayers for you tomorrow! The port today is Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, which was our port before on July 10, 2021 and April 19, 2022. I haven't been to Scarborough, just Port-of-Spain. Here are the links for your convenience. Thanks for your photos! I haven't heard any details nor seen any video yet but it appears from online reports that FC Dallas U17 beat Austin FC U17 2 to 1. Today they play Houston Dynamo FC U17 at 11 a.m. central time in Houston. That is my sports report for today!⚽ Have a great day today no matter what you do. Stay safe and keep well!

Today is International Hemp Day, Kindergarten Day, and National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day I'm spending a year dead for tax reasons. - Douglas Adams Meal Suggestion for today - Steak, Pepper & Sugar Snap Stir Fry Drink of the Day - French Martini Wine of the Day - Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc Destination of the Day - Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago Today in History: 1956 Elvis Presley's 1st hit record, "Heartbreak Hotel", becomes #1 Ship Locations Eurodam Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala 08:00 - 16:00 Koningsdam At Sea Destination Victoria BC, Vancouver Island Canada eta 04-26 Nieuw Amsterdam Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico 08:00 - 14:00 Nieuw Statendam Rotterdam, Netherlands South Holland 07:00 - 15:00 Noordam Honolulu, Hawaii d 23:00 Oosterdam Livorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy 07:00 - 17:00 Rotterdam At Sea Destination Brest, France eta 04-23 Volendam Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida 7:00-15:00 Zaandam Catalina Island, California 0700-1700 Zuiderdam Luderitz, Namibia 08:00 - 17:00 Eastern Hemisphere Westerdam Kanazawa, Japan

Yes but at least they won't have to go further than the terminal. Many times I've been able to turn around and go right back on board. Like someone said, how long you're tied up is dependent on others not following directions. They will hopefully still have plenty of time to enjoy the peace and quiet.

You can stay on board and enjoy having the ship to yourself for a few hours.

I agree with you Mary. They should stay in Santiago and get that tour lined up.

Your cruise leaves from Valparaiso? I thought San Antonio was the preferred departure port for HAL now.