Sharon in AZ

Checking in

Bon Voyage ⛴⛴⛴

I actually thought the high tops were more comfortable than the regular tables. And, yes, the lighting is dimmer at dinner. No candles though.

Sounds like my Mom! No sense arguing with her either!

Craig says we got 4 inches maybe 5. Of course it depends upon where you are and where the reporting is. Very unusual for us, especially in March. If I wanted snow I'd still be living in Colorado.

The shows are pretty regular and you can probably find many Daily program postings on live from threads. You might even search for a past live from a TA. I don't think they change too much outside of the box for a TA.

Was just on the Nieuw Statendam in October and we ate at CO for breakfast and dinner. There are two tables in the back set for two people. We were seated at those two tops frequently but I really liked the high top tables set for four.

The Dutch Cafe is not what I would consider a "dining" venue. It has limited hours and a limited menu. From the HAL website https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/dining/grand-dutch-cafe.html Looking for a refreshing pick-me-up on an adventure-filled day? The Grand Dutch Cafe is for you. Located just off the atrium area, it’s the perfect spot to connect with friends over a cold beer, coffee or other Dutch specialty beverages, such as Genever and Advoccaat, and a snack. Choose from among 16 Belgian and Dutch beers (four on tap) and a variety of spirits or enjoy your favorite coffee beverage with complimentary Dutch snacks. For heartier appetites, there are made-to-order Dutch specialties from open-faced herring sandwiches to apple and bacon pancakes. Just place your order at the counter; anything we prepare will be brought to your table. Make sure to try the pea soup.... it's wonderful!

Rich, So now that you are literally half way around the world and half way through your WC do you think you would do it again? I mean the entire WC. I know you are on the Grand Austrailia next year which isn't quite as long.

We have had CO three times and never had a problem with getting our wine delivered promptly. In fact, the wine stewards got to know our preferences and viola! it arrived. They even knew that we didn't want to order until our first glass was in front of us. And the mimosa server at breakfast knows who wants one and who doesn't and those who want two.

We love the Neptune Lounge when we book Neptune Suites. The first get together cocktail party can be fun and you will meet people there. However, I wouldn't say it's a good place to meet people otherwise. It can be empty at times and usually just people getting treats/coffee/wine/etc or needing things to be fixed or questions for the staff. There are solo meet ups and those are posted in the Daily program. I've even seen a solo lunch meet up.

Yes there are tables for 2 and oftentimes we were seated at a table for 4 or 6 for just the 2 of us. They are very accommodating with your wishes and get to know your preferences for seating.

Good morning and Happy Thursday from snowy Tucson. It started about 10:00 last night and was still snowing at 8:00 this morning when I got up. Third snow this winter and the latest I ever remember. According to my weather app we got 2.8 inches. Last night: This morning: Our kids called us this morning excited. Our DS works outside so has the day off. He and his SO decided to just drive around and take in the beauty. Have a great day everyone!

Bon Voyage ⛴⛴⛴

From my post on May 13, 2021: I wanted to jump in with some Saguenay pictures. I shared a few when the St. Lawrence River was the port. I really loved Saguenay and am happy that it is on our itinerary for our October 2022 cruise. The three of us (DH, DM, and myself) were on the Eurodam, New York to Quebec City. On September 4, 2009 we were met at the dock in Saguenay by locals, it was quite a celebration: We were the first cruise ship to dock at the new cruise terminal: There were a lot of activities going on. You could choose to participate if you wanted: This was French Class but I think they taking a break and eating lunch. Behind them you can see part of the lovely town: The wine was flowing for the celebration: We didn't have anything planned this day so we walked around a bit and visited this church. Sorry, I don't remember the name. Time to get back on board to sail away: It was my Mother's Birthday and that evening at dinner she was serenaded. (I wish I could remember the lady's name on the right.)

We did a similar route last June. You don’t have to pay unless you want to. I booked us as business class and our seats were together from Venice to London. Then London to the US we were in window seats one behind the other in business class. If you don’t mind something like that you don’t need to pay, they just get assigned for you. You can also check 24 hours ahead and change the assignment online.

🐇🐇🐇 Good morning everyone and Happy Wednesday. The weather is going to be crazy over the next few days. Wind this afternoon then rain then this is forecasted for the early morning: ❄️ We’ll see what happens, if it does it’ll be the 3rd time this winter and I don’t ever remember snow in March. Pigs are very messy. I remember when I would stay the weekend at one of my aunts in rural Eastern Colorado she would make me join my cousins in doing farm chores. One was calling the pigs when we fed them. They are smart and love to eat. I like peanut butter but don’t eat it much anymore. I used to take it for lunch a lot. Debbie @dfish, those recipes look amazing. I’ll check them out but today I’m making pizza. I have dough in the fridge that I need to use up. Sandi @StLouisCruisers, I’m glad the Benedryl helped. I slept better last night and didn’t even have to take a second one at my waking hour in the middle of the night. Bruce @aliaschief, Happy Birthday!! Enjoy your special day! 🎈🎈🎈 I’ve been to Saguenay twice and will look for my pictures after I post this. Have a great day everyone!

Thank you Graham and also to all who wished me well. I feel much better after an antacid and having a really good nap. Jane, I am so sorry you have had so many tests and haven’t felt well. It sounds like you are improving. I’m praying for you. I can’t wait to see you in May on the second segment of my cruise. Terri, you are strong to share this with us. Prayers for you and your DH. Welcome to the Daily! Edi @NextOne, thinking of you and prayers.

Good afternoon! I had a mammogram and x-ray appointment this morning that seemed to take forever. Something I ate in the past few days is wrecking havoc with my stomach and giving me heartburn and stomach aches. I feel your pain Terri @Cruzin Terri. I know it wasn't the Cincinnati Chili because it happened after that. Probably the Wild Wings hamburger and onion rings we had yesterday. I'm sure my Otezla med isn't helping the issue. Even though I slept better last night I am exhausted. Catching up on sleep seems to be a bigger problem after multiple days of bad sleep. No way I will sleep in public, however I did have to after a very long flight with a very long layover from Europe once. Happy Anniversary!! OMG Bruce! the cartoon of the man with the nurse and the stick is so Craig! I forwarded it on to him and he groaned. Safe Travels! Your flowers are beautiful! Joy, Craig takes those same gummies and really likes them. He still has trouble with waking up but I still think he sleeps better than me. I've tried them and they don't seem to work for me. I use Benedryl which seems to help and even my PCP recommended. Have a great day everyone!

Good morning everyone and Happy Monday. After two nights of good sleep last night was rough. I was awake for quite awhile and couldn’t get comfortable. Finally decided to read a bit and that helped. Of course my reading was mostly here on CC. The days are good and the meal looks good too but I probably won’t make it. And the wine actually sounds good for a Chardonnay. It’s sunny today so Blue might be able to catch some sunshine on the stairs about 11:30. Have a great day everyone!

I can’t answer your first question, however the roughest seas I’ve been on were Alaska from Seattle, the very first day. And several times in the Caribbean. I do get seasick and take precautions so was really surprised about Alaska but it was only once of our three cruises there. Never have had a problem in the three Canada/New England cruises we’ve taken.

Good evening. Not sure what happened, I started to read the Daily earlier but didn’t finish until now. It rained early this morning, I could hear it while I was trying to fall back to sleep. It continued to rain and drizzle most of the morning. Blue took one look and decided not to even try. It took several trips to the back yard for him to actually go outside and do his business. How can such a small dog with such a small bladder not go for 16 hours? Reminded me of the cartoon Bruce @aliaschiefposted the other day. @TiogaCruiser, I’m staying at the Element. You will love the Las Oslas area. I decided since I’m on my own I should use a HAL hotel. I’m arriving 2 days early. I have a few excursions planned but I’m mostly looking forward to all the sea days. I have been to a few of the ports already and have decided not to ashore in Cartegena or Mexico. Feel free to email me, see my email in my signature, so we can meet up for a drink. Sorry, I feel really bad, I don’t even know your names. Have a great evening everyone!

Thank you. She is almost 94 and very heard of hearing, so I discuss important things in person. I think it doesn’t help that she uses two calendars, a small one for her purse and a big one for her kitchen table. This time she hadn’t corrected a rescheduled appointment on the big calendar so she called me very confused. I never know when she hears me and when she doesn’t so I ask her to repeat what I say and I’m sure she gets irritated when I do that. It is a challenge.

Bon Voyage! ⛴⛴⛴

Booking onboard would be your best option. Deposit is $100 pp and OBC based on the number of days the cruise is.