Sharon in AZ

I am so sorry about Fluff. I’m sure she knew your loving care in her last days. 💔

Congratulations on your retirement! BTW, I never realized that you were in Tucson until early this morning when I was reading the Daily on my iPad. (Locations don’t show on my iPhone.) You mentioned school nurses and I want to thank you for your dedication and service. The TUSD school nurse at my DD’s elementary school really was a godsend in 1992 when she had several seizures at school. Enjoy your retirement! And I agree with you about the heat! I often go outside to warm up after being in a public place with freezing air conditioning.

Thank you Jake for your cruise review and pictures. I’m really enjoying everything you have posted. For those questioning the wine list, please do not go by the printed bar menu. I just completed 32 days on the Volendam and my favorite wines from the bar menu and/or previous recent cruises were not available, nor was beer from the bar menu. Just ask at each bar for your favorite and see what they have available. I finally adapted after being disappointed that my favorite Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc was no where to be seen. And yes, the MDR and some bars or specialty restaurants have different wines than say the Ocean Bar or Crow’s Nest. I often overheard people asking for certain things from the menu, especially wine and beer, and it not being available. I have to say that my favorite bartenders knew what I wanted and would let me know when something new came along.

Good early afternoon from a wonderfully dry warm Tucson. I love early summer in Tucson, my favorite time of year. Most love the fall or the winter but I love late May and June because usually the wind has died down from spring and the temps are warm and hot but dry. Late June and July it can be humid if it's an active monsoon season. Debbie @dfish, so happy to hear your surgery went well and that you are home. Heal fast and take care. Gerry @ger_77, Happy Mid-calendar Birthday to you!! How fun to have a special day separate from your actual birthday since it is already a holiday to celebrate something else. I loved my 32 day cruise on the Volendam. It actually didn't feel like 32 days. I loved the ship, really forgot how much I love the smaller ships, I actually didn't mind being in an inside cabin but don't think I could do a longer cruise without a window. I loved the ratio of sea days to port days, I prefer sea days with a scattering of port days. I didn't do as many excursions as I had planned, in Victoria the high tea was cancelled due to lack of participation and I missed Butchart Gardens because I just wasn't up to all the walking after Seattle. I loved the cooking class in Costa Rica but hated the drive there, I loved the salsa class in Cabo but hated the steps without a handrail, although I discovered a steep ramp instead, which I used both down and up, the resort was beautiful. I really didn't enjoy Aruba as much as I thought I would but really, really loved Grand Turk--absolutely beautiful. The Panama Canal was spectacular, of course. The Alaska segment felt like a totally different ship and feel. A very different demographic, more children and younger couples. I'm glad that Craig decided to join me for Alaska, and it was worth changing cabins. I loved being able to look outside the glass door to the verandah to view the scenery anytime I wanted. My favorite was the train in Skagway and I really hope to do that tour again without 6 little children in the car, sorry young parents, but it's the truth. Since we had been to the other ports I wasn't too disappointed that we didn't go ashore in Juneau. Glacier Bay was beautiful and I am really thankful that we experienced it early in the season, the first time was late in the season. Of course, there is much more but those are the highlights as they have settled in my mind. Have a great day everyone!

Good afternoon and Happy Tuesday from Tucson where it is hot and dry and lovely. Half Moon Cay is a favorite and we’ve been there too many times to count. First time was shortly after the purchase when not much was there except lounge chairs. Another time we rented a cabana but it was soon after they were built so the price wasn’t too bad. The most recent time was on the Rotterdam Holiday cruise 2021/2022. My favorite picture was taken by the ship photographer. Of course I had to buy it. Someone built an elaborate sand castle.

Good afternoon everyone and Happy Monday. I have been remiss in not posting since I’ve been home to let you all know that we got home safely from Vancouver last week. It was a very long day and we got home late. I’ve been busy ever since catching up with various things, most especially my DM and several of her doctor appointments. Plus we’ve had our DGD for 3 nights and snuggling with Blue. Poor thing never seems to sleep when he’s at the Pet Resort and will sleep all day and night when he gets home. Before all that sleep he ran around the house and checked out every room, then went outside and checked every corner of the yard. Probably just to make sure everything was the same. He seemed so joyous and happy running around. Of course I’m very behind on the Daily but hope everyone is well and either enjoying being on a cruise or planning a cruise. Have a great day everyone!

Thank you so much Sandi! We are on our way to Vancouver and had heavy fog all morning but finally just sailed out of it, however it is a bit more bouncy. It was fun having the horn sounding in the fog. Craig remembers having heavy fog before but I don’t. I can’t believe that my 32 days of cruising has come to an end. I’ll be home tomorrow late night and see my puppy Blue on Thursday. I probably won’t be able to post tomorrow so I wish everyone well. Have a great day everyone!

Hello from Ketchikan!

Bon Voyage!! ⛴⛴⛴

Thank you both and also Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the screenshots!

Thank you Sandi!

I just found out that the Tracy Arm excursion were canceled. Not sure when, but I know it hasn’t been offered since embarkation. I’m thinking that it was due to lack of participation of the excursion.

Our current location: If anyone watches the sail in on the webcam could you please take a screenshot for me? Thank you!

Our current location:

Thank you @Dobby36 for the ingredients. And @yerdua, no it isn’t listed on the bar menus but should be, it’s delightful, and it’s available at all the bars.

Good morning from the lovely Volendam as we head to Juneau today. Someone may have already mentioned this but I haven’t read the Daily yet. Sandi @StLouisCruisers, we are actually going to be in Juneau today from 1 - 10. Tracy Arm was scheduled as just a service call but it hasn’t been announced and I haven’t seen any excursions advertised for it. The weather is rainy with low clouds and the forecast for Juneau is 100% rain. Craig was going to Mendenhall Glacier but thinks he’s going to cancel because of the rain. Have a great day everyone!

I’m onboard right now and the weather is choppy and rainy. Supposed to be raining tomorrow too. Take a screenshot for me please!

I think the Mariners Cocktail is a nice refreshing cocktail to have upon embarkation. Light, somewhat sweet but not too much. If you don’t have a drink package you will get a coupon to use as a HAL Mariner.

Wow! What a transformation from Ivan the scruffy dog to Ivan the super cool dog. So handsome. He sort of reminds me of Scooby-Doo. Ruff Ruff! Vanessa, I hope the swelling and pain go away soon. I had a problem this trip with the same thing and it’s not been pleasant but I’m coping and doing less than I planned. I’ve worn compression socks and everything else I can think of. Take care and enjoy your time in Germany.

Bon Voyage! ⛴⛴⛴

Bon Voyage! ⛴⛴⛴

Good evening from the lovely Volendam at sea going really slow to Seattle. I haven’t said much about this segment because it’s not quite what I’m used to. Since it’s a short 4 day cruise there are a lot of young people onboard and a lot of kids. I guess I didn’t realize that so many 30 year olds would like a shorter cruise. And lots of groups, like girlfriends and families and friends. I hate to say it but it reminds me of my one and only Carnival cruise I took 25 years ago with a friend. We have been sailing in a U-turn sort of pattern since leaving Vancouver. We went out past the land that goes beyond the inside passage (sorry but I don’t know what it’s called) and have now turned back in heading to Seattle. It was a bit rolly but not too bad. Our new Captain came onboard, Henk Draper, and the port staff was all a tizzy yesterday because his wife was coming aboard. Vancouver is another story. Whoa! Poor Craig is not going to be happy. What a line even for in transit passengers. Enough said. Have a great evening everyone!

Good evening all! I’m excited because tonight on the MDR menu is Quiche is a favorite of mine so I looking forward to it tonight. Have a great evening!