AncientWanderer

5 minutes ago, Cruising-along said:

We're going to do the whole thing! 🤞 (I can barely believe it).  Our first world cruise.  It's the first one that has ever tempted us 🙂  

Oh that's awesome!  We'll be late to the party, but after we do that part, we'll have circumnavigated the globe.

Some years ago we rented a car in Lisbon and drove south and around back to Lisbon.  We fell in love with Portugal.  This time we'll head north.

I'm thrilled you'll be onboard!  😊

1 minute ago, Cruising-along said:

Yay, it will be great to meet you!  

 

Are you doing that, too?!  Just that segment or others as well?

Good morning everyone.  We were just in Sokcho, South Korea, but that's not close enough to Incheon to post photos.  We had a great day, though, and enjoyed our brief exposure to South Korea very much.

We had our pre-construction meeting with the project manager for our master bath remodel.  It went great, but DH suggested moving the existing large mirror into the garage to practice his golf swing.  Gonna need to put on my heaviest patience cloak!  lol

This morning, we put a hold on a world cruise segment for 2026 -- Singapore to Lisbon.  Just what we've been wanting -- to spend time in Singapore and rent a car in Lisbon.  I hope it goes!

@aliaschief, you are truly having an epic journey.  So happy that all this amazingness came your way!  Happy Anniversary!

Our Dailyites with troubles are in our prayers, as always.  I sure hope @kazugets that foot sorted out ASAP.  Most of the people here who love to travel are active people -- making it especially hard to be incapacitated.

Wishing everyone some goodness in this day.  Thank you, Daily Team!  ❤️

Maxine

1 hour ago, TheMichael said:

Going to agree with most others that 10% FCC is a more-than-generous bonus for this, especially, as others have also said, that the value of the inside passage vs. the west coast of Vancouver Island is debatable (with the sole exception that the western path can be much rougher when the weather is bad).

 

Also, regardless what the Captain said (he may have been valiantly shouldering the blame), if it were a simple mistake on the crew's part, the guide would still have been booked far in advance and not unavailable. Such things are not spur-of-the-moment. 

 

Also (and this may have been covered, excuse if it has), it's odd that Victoria seems to have been a planned part of your itinerary - it isn't normally included on inside-passage runs that end in Vancouver. If it was part of the itinerary when you booked or in subsequent messages, that would perhaps be a clue that HAL actually (mistakenly) had the ship taking the westernmost route long before the crew were even certain. It's most likely that the captain didn't see HAL's error until the last minute...which might have been on him, I guess.

 

Cruise lines don't give compensation when whole ports are missed, much less a slightly different route taken. Consider this a big win.

Thanks for your thoughtful post.  If I'm reading correctly, there's one thing I'd point out.  This cruise ended in Seattle, not Vancouver.

1 hour ago, Nickelpenny said:

Good morning to all. everything looks so good and /or beautiful.  Happy anniversary @summer slope  This will be a short update. 
 

there were some complications during the surgery so I am here flat on my back until tomorrow Wednesday. Then we will trial raising the head of the bed 10 degrees every hour. If that goes ok the I get to walk. Tentative discharge is Thursday. 🤷🏻‍♀️

 

food?  Lol. A liquid diet. Through a straw. 
 

 

thoughts for others going through trials and tribulations and cheers for those celebrating. Have a great day everyone. 
 

 

I'm sorry things didn't go as expected, Pennie, and hope they are keeping you as comfortable as possible.  Prayers are with you that the adjustments tomorrow go well and that you heal swiftly.  Please keep us updated.

14 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

It must be the day for surgeries gone wonky.  I'm home, but Chuck is not.  Surgery unsuccessful with complications, and NO the dr did not call me or stick around to talk with me.  I was sitting in the lobby at the hospital because the first batch of nurses said I had to, He wouldnt be in long.  When two burly men nurses came to get him for the surgery, they said 4 hours.  I went and got some food, and sat in the car, and walked in the rain, went back to the lobby, called, before I left the car, they said he was not out yet.  Sat back down in the lobby and the phone rang.  It was one of the nurses to tell me that DH aka @catmando had to lie flat on his back for the next 4 hours, the surgery was unsuccessful.  They would call but it wouldn't be before 5 today, so I came home. She asked if I wanted to come down the hall, I asked if he was asleep, she said yes, and I said no, I have thing to do, let sleeping puppies like.  When awake all he does is curse and say OUCH a lot.   If he is asleep he is not in pain, or if he is, he doesn't know it.  And it is freezing back there.  So if there are changes, they will call.  Otherwise I am on stand by.

 

@Nickelpenny I too would vote for milkshakes, but maybe some clear broth.  Women cannot live off gingerale forever.  Please do as the doc says,  and maybe see if they can get a nurse for you when you get home.

 

Time to give momma cat her special food, I hope everyone is having a good day.

Dang...crummy news from your front, too, Annie.  Thinking of you and your long, stressful day, and will be praying that you hear better news soon.

@JazzyV, it's touching to read about how you and BFF look out for each other.  I'm so sorry you're both struggling right now.  

Maxine

Good morning everyone. It’s early here. We have a morning appointment with our project manager for upcoming master bath remodel, so thoughts about that project are waking me up. I don’t think I’ll be doing a chicken dance today!

Getting caught up here, those on the Care List are in our prayers.  I see there are a few serious procedures taking place.  Prayers all go well.

Wishing everyone a best possible day.  Many thanks go to the Daily team and all contributors.

Happy Anniversary @summer slope!!!  💐

7 hours ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

 

Maxine, I read that thread just before coming here.  What a mess, but for me, I would not have been disappointed.  I like the inside passage that's in Alaskan waters, but the area between Vancouver Island and the mainland has too many trees and gets old after a few hours.  Sorry, about that to our Canadian Dailyites, but this west Texas girl prefers wide open spaces. Besides, many times, the ship is transiting that area at night.

 

Lenda

Lenda, I am sorry to hear that some people were very disappointed by this kerfuffle.  We have done both routes over the years, but this cruise we focused so much on Japan, and then having the port stops in Kodiak and Sitka, our brains just thought of the Alaskan passage.  We saw plenty of sea otters and birds around Kodiak.  We booked a Canaletto dinner for sailaway time out of Sitka and a couple of whales went by during our dinner.  So all was not lost.

Weather was bad and seas were high from Japan to Alaska.  The captain communicated really well throughout about timing changes, etc., to deal with that and we sure never missed a meal.   DH and I were impressed that when the mistake was made later, the captain didn't try to blame anyone or throw any team members under the bus.

But again, sorry to hear that some folks were so bummed out to miss that Canadian passage.

18 minutes ago, Torquer said:

This is definitely one of the most remarkable sagas I have ever read on the HAL board.  It is incomprehensible that this error could have been made in the first place, then that the captain would publicly admit to it, and finally that HAL would offer compensation is also amazing.  I am guessing the fact the captain admitted to the mistake is what drove the compensation.  I am speculating that only people who complained actually got that letter offering FCC.

We didn't complain and we got a letter.

Good morning all.  Welcome back, Rich!

We returned yesterday from our 30-day Japan to Seattle journey.  I read all the Daily last night to catch up on things and enjoyed the wonderful photos posted for Mother's Day.

Out there in the wild, there is a thread about compensation for missing the inside passage.  It was funny...we turned on the TV to see the course of the ship, just to see if we'd soon have sun on our balcony.  The ship had turned around and was headed back where we came from.  Then after awhile did a circle.  My first thought was, oh no, man overboard.  Later in the day, the Captain did make an announcement.  It seems course had been set to the course that the vast majority of the Alaska cruises do.  We didn't even know we were missing anything, having been to Kodiak, Sitka and Ketchikan.  That night, with the incredible Aurora Borealis over the open ocean, it seemed meant to be.

Anyhow, great travel adventure we had -- even the wild ride though the Bering Sea -- and now lots of things to get in order here at home.

Have a great day, everyone!

Yes, fair compensation, imho

Northern Lights from the Westerdam en route to Victoria.  Quite a night.  DH has better photos on his camera, but he’s asleep now.  I’m too wound up to sleep.

4 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

 

 

Wait! A question:

For those who cruised in Japan, do you or don't you need a visa? I've read conflicting articles. Also, although no immunization is required, what shots do you recommend?

 

Thanks to all. Have a blessed day, and a safe, healthy, happy week.

Onboard Westerdam now…

Our itinerary included South Korea, so I did get the visa for that, but never needed it.  I think your itinerary only includes Japan.  No visa requirement for that with U.S. passport.
The Westerdam team has done an amazing job of working with Japanese officials so that immigration requirements go smoothly.   Even flying in, things went quickly.  Arriving and departing on the ship should be simple as pie.  I filled out the “Visit Japan” form online, but that was totally unnecessary.  It was hard to fill out and there wasn’t even a quicker line at the airport.   
 

Again, high marks to Westerdam team.  I hope hotel manager Dustin Coomer is onboard for you.  Very well-run ship.

(Your itinerary is different than ours, so I can’t help much with excursions, but suggest booking early.  They do fill up.  Anything scenic or outdoor park type is great.  So fun people-watching.  The Japanese ladies dress themselves and their dogs beautifully for a day at the park!  😍)

We’ve been on Westerdam about three weeks.  Yes — definitely more variety in fish choices and preparation has been quite good.  I tend to order fish a lot, and with the exception of one disappointing halibut meal, all fish selections have been very appealing.  
We’ve actually been overthinking it — looking up the menu fish on Google to determine what is being offered.  That’s been a waste of time.  It’s impossible to get things sorted out.  So many different names for the same fish.  So just trusting and ordering, we’ve enjoyed our fish dinners.  👍🏻

After just a few days on Westerdam, our plans disappeared entirely from the app.  Tour tickets are still there, so that hasn’t been a worry.

DH and I have looked on a variety of devices.  I updated the app on my phone one day when I had cell service in port.  Plans are still gone.

We haven’t bothered to seek help onboard, since I keep my own calendar anyhow of dining reservations, etc.  

Hi Kazu.  Glad to see you’re enjoying your cruise!

I’m kinda out of the loop, but wondered…here on the Westerdam we are seeing different lunch menus on sea days, instead of repeat of same as they’ve been doing lately.  This is a welcome change, but wondered if it’s just  because we’ve run out of the everyday stuff or if it’s fleet wide change.  Maybe check if you have a sea day?

Here’s our lunch menu for today…

Thanks and wishing you fair weather and calm seas!

15 hours ago, marshhawk said:

Its mid afternoon, and today did not go well.  Hoping to get DH off all the meds, and have a nerve block.  Doc wouldnt do it, said he was scared that inserting a needle would push more cancer closer to the brain. Or cause bleeding near the brain.  So we have to figure out something else. He did mention meditation, mindfulness and that DH could get free acupuncture through Windship, as long as one of his docs were with Winship.  And while we were in that appointment, another one of his dics office's called and told him the doc wanted to see him, we went over there (to Winsdhip) she was not available and wont be until June, so what is he supposed to do with the hole that has now appeared in his face and goes through his cheek?  Any way, once the front desk saw him, and the tape that he has to wear so he can swallow, they called, and he has an appointment tomorrow .  And then the very early one on Wednesday. with the cancer dermatologist.  At this point Mose surgery is not an option, and the cancer seems to be inside his nose.

Long day, work tonight, long day tomorrow, work tomorrow night, long day on Wednesday, work Wednesday night....Please keep CHuck in your prayers as he has run out of options at this point, besides the immunotherapy which does nothing for the pain.

You and Chuck are in our prayers, Annie.   Cancer is brutal and there’s just no denying it. Stay strong and carry on.  God has a plan.

9 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Booked our Japan cruise Sept 1st. Got a fully accessible cabin 5001, signature suite. I'm very excited to see Japan. 

We have just completed our circle of Japan and are headed across the Pacific.  I’m really excited for you for a couple of reasons.  One is that Japan is just very special.  Second is that we’ve been all over the place and while we’ve seen crazy beautiful cherry blossoms, it’s been surprising how so many other trees and plants haven’t even budded out yet, this late in spring. The hills are covered in trees that still look like winter.  They must have a really short growing season and crazy beautiful autumn colors.  I would LOVE to see the fall colors.   Seriously thinking of coming back.

Be aware that we’re spoiled by ADA in the US.   It’s hard accessing a lot of the tourist attractions in Japan — many steep stairs.  But honestly it’s the beauty of the natural world that is most enchanting in Japan.   You guys are in for a real treat.   ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Greetings everyone from Japan.  I hope all are doing well.  Glad to see that @kazuJacqui was able to make her trip, and even has enough oomph to do a “live from.”  😊

The Westerdam is delivering the goods here in Japan.  We’ve had great excursions, quite good food, and wonderful service.  And blessed with sunny skies.  And…perfect timing for the cherry blossoms.  Happy campers.  Here are a few photos.

Shirakawago from Kanazawa port stop

Hirosaki from Aomori port stop

And a pretty darn lavish Asian dinner in the Lido

Wishing everyone a best possible day.  Many thanks to the Daily team and all contributors.   ❤️

Our condolences, Bruno, for this sad and tough time.   I hope you feel better soon.  Not easy…

Greetings friends.

I’ll tip my hat to McDonalds, as the very first one was in our neck of the woods and nice to see big things come from small places.  🍔  🍟

@Quartzsite CruiserLenda, I hope Steve has a positive doctor visit. You’ve been through a lot.  
 

We are go, go, going in Japan.  @JazzyV, we are indeed onboard until Seattle.  And that less hectic schedule for the transpacific will be most welcome,   HAL is doing a nice job on the Westerdam. Lots of regional touches, like fun wasabi bar mix, nicer sushi offerings, special Asian dishes on the menu.   No opportunity for speakers as it’s just constant port stops.  Definitely the most strenuous cruise I’ve experienced.

We are booked for the Morimoto dinner and I’ll take photos and report on that.  We haven’t seen much feedback on it yet.

Take care all.  Wishing everyone a pleasant day, although I don’t know what day it is anywhere!  ❤️

Greetings friends.  We really love Cozumel.  Usually rent a car and have at it.  We have good Cozumel memories.

Now, we are in Yokohama preparing to board Westerdam.  It’s so funny…all the research and reading live threads…nobody prepared us for just how charming Yokohama itself is.  We expected a blah industrial port town.  Instead, we had a delightful day in a vibrant city, full of parks like this…

Right now I’m so jet lagged I barely know my own name, and my dogs are tired from LOTS of walking.  But will  post from time to time as we carry on.   Things have started off really well on this trip.  Walked our legs off and are enamored with Japan.   Hope to share good stuff with our Dailyites in the coming days. @bennybear, I think you nailed it.  Good vibes here.

Sending best wishes to all.  Have a great day!   ❤️

Happy Birthday @StLouisCruisersSandi!  Everyone in the country sure as heck was celebrating today.  😊  

I'm sorry to hear Linda had a disappointing day.  Hopefully her evening will be nice.

Enjoy the rest of your day, too!!   🎂  🎈  🎊

2 hours ago, lazey1 said:

Thank you to all who expresssed concern about my symptons this morning. My medication has remained the same for over 2 months so I doubt that it is medication related. If it happens again I think I will call 911 to go to E.R. as I certainly would not be able to drive to a doctor's office.

Jane 

Oh do call them, Jane, and don't hesitate.  My dad was in congestive heart failure for many years.  He was extremely proactive about getting help if something seemed "off."  In fact it used to annoy my mom because she had health problems of her own and thought he was too fussy.  But you really can't be too fussy.  There are lots of tools to keep the ticker going, but they have to know you need them.

Sorry if I'm too vehement on this point, but we lived through it.  My dad was amazing.   

Best wishes to you, Jane.

Maxine 

4 hours ago, rafinmd said:

I just heard Taiwan had a major earthquake.  Prayers for @USN59-79 and family.

 

Roy

Roy, I seem to recall that @Horizon chaser 1957has a daughter in Taiwan.  Perhaps we'll hear from her.  I hope everything is okay for her as well.

@smitty34877 Terry, very sad news from your home today.  Tana and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.  

Maxine