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Cursive writing is making a comeback in US schools. It is required in MD and 23 other states.

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Today is the unofficial start of summer in Ocean City, MD. The traffic is already heavy on the Bay Bridge and will become a nightmare as the day progresses because it coincides with the Naval Academy graduation. Morse Code Day made me think of the Semaphore flag system used by the life guards to communicate. This system was used by ships to communicate prior to Morse code. I hope everyone has the best possible weekend.

No BBKings on The Oosterdam; only on the 3 pinnacle class ships. They have The Rolling Stones Lounge and Billboard (a piano bar). Look at the LIVE Zuiderdam thread, it is the same class ship and the author is posting the Daily program.

@kazuThanks for your hard work on this thread. Is it possible for you to change the title from March to May?

I do not think the clam shells are worth it and I do not the location, very crowded area. I prefer to walk down the beach, get a free lounge chair and pull it up under the trees. Even with two ships at HMC this has never been a problem. This picture was taken first thing in the morning. I walk all the way to the trees.

I love sea days! So relaxing. I like to read, socialize, have lunch in the Pinnacle, listen to lectures, catch up on on-demand movies be pampered by my room stewards and servers. I like that the ship is full of experienced cruisers. I prefer to go from East to west, I think it is easier with the time change.

Before celebrating International Being You Day (the date has changed to June 22 beginning this year) you may want to do a bit of research on Dain Heer proponent of Access Consciousness who created this day. I will honor Harvey Milk and Biodiversity is important for the health of our planet. I have an abundance of spinach and love pasta so am looking forward to the recipes. I have been to San Diego to embark/disembark cruises. I will be there again in January. Before the cruise we plan to go to the zoo. We are trying to decide what to do on our turn around day. Any advice or suggestions? Currently considering the ferry to Coronado, walk over to the Seaport Village or to the Little Italy Mercado. Thoughts? Positive thoughts to all people and animals who need them. Cheers to those with something to celebrate.

I always book an aft if available. I prefer the upper decks. I was in an aft cabin on the NS in March with a friend who had never sailed in one. She loved it and felt the view of both sides of the ship was incredible and enjoyed sitting on the verandah when we were sailing. Another convert.

I can open the files on my iPhone and laptop. Similar menus have been posted by @Crew News HALMenus and More if that is easier for you to access without downloading.

I use a PCC. You do not need to reverify. You can use it more than once a year. I booked a cruise onboard in January. When I received my invoice, I noticed the teacher OBC was not included. I emailed my PCC, during her working hours. Within 10 minutes she emailed me a new invoice that included the $100 OBC. Why does it have to be so hard? Good luck!

The Food & Beverage department has been doing an excellent job with the “vague” suggestions (2019 Merlot, spritz, spring salad). I made my favorite spring salad last night. Spinach picked from my garden, asparagus and strawberries from the farmers market in a light vinaigrette. A salad is always best when the freshest, local, in season ingredients are used. Thank you to all the regular posters, especially everyone who posts port pictures. The Dali has been refloated. I am watching the local news as it is being moved to the Seagrit Marine terminal. Carnival has stated they will return to the port of Baltimore at the end of May. Positive thoughts to those who are struggling from physical or mental issues. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

I am not a fan of the spa, I think the prices are outrageous and the push to sell you products makes the entire experience stressful. A recent thread speaks to this type of situation experience on the Volendam. (begin with post #304) YMMV I hope that you have a relaxing facial. Please post about your experience.

Laundry on the Oosterdam SA & Antarctica was the same as posted on this thread. $35 a bag. Unlimited depending on the length of the cruise.

I believe what @SilvertoGold wanted to know was were the olives actually Kalamata olives which are tastier (imo) and more than expensive than black olives because they remain on the tree until fully ripe and are processed salt, not lye. On the NS in March, the pizza had black olives, not kalamata, regardless of what it said on the menu.

Happy 149th running of the Preakness Stakes Day! Currently raining, the track is definitely going to be wet.🏇 @cat shepard Here is a recipe that I use for elote salad, MexicanStreet Corn Salad. it was one of the MOD I posted last month when Debbie was out of town.🌽 I always look forward to @dfish recipes. I’ll be going to the farmer’s market this morning and will be sure to pick up some asparagus. If you don’t like tarragon, try subbing garlic scapes or chives. Glad the sun is shining on @kazu Positive thoughts to all who are in pain. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

The Pusser’s Painkiller Story begins at the Soggy Dollar (where we first played the addictive hook & ring game) and winds its way to Pussers on Tortola. This is the recipe I use. If you can’t find Pussers, it must be a good dark rum. I think fresh grated nutmeg is important too. Cheers🍹🏴‍☠️⛵️

How wonderful to have a naturalist onboard. Has he been giving lectures? Is it possibly blue to interact with him while on the ship? How exciting that you were able to rent a car and explore Wrangall. Fabulous pictures and you seemed to have avoided the crowds that often come with the big HAL tours. It’s a port I’ve never been to and now I want to go!

A gin fizz is basically a Tom Collins that is shaken: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, soda water, fancy bars add an egg white. Sloe gin is a liqueur, very sweet; if you substitute sloe gin for gin, it is a sloe gin fizz. The Origin Story is shown on every HAL cruise. Hopefully you will see it in the future. I am enjoying your positive attitude and your live thread!

Celebrate! The work of these elders enabled my beautiful goddaughter to marry her wonderful wife. Positive thoughts to those who need them. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

@carnivaljunkieAccording to the HAL website, January 9 and 31, 2026 cruises to South American and Antarctica both include the Early Booking bonus.

@kochleffelWe spent a week in Aruba. I am going to give you two very different suggestions. The Atlantis submarine company is available on several islands. I am a bit claustrophobic but it was an amazing experience. The Butterfly Farm was also very nice. Hoping that all who are dealing with medical issues are on the road to recovery.

I had zero tendering priority. We made arrangements to meet our private tour group (between 8-12 people arranged on the Roll Call) in the Ocean Bar. Then the group went to Rolling Stones to line up for our tender tickets. The tour operators seem to understand the difficulties of tendering. I met many people who only did HAL tours. If you are going Santiago to BA, the penguins on Magdalena Island from Punta Arenas. I wanted to see penguins at every possible opportunity. If it was my first experience it would have been incredible. It was my last and there weren’t as many penguins as at some of the other places because by mid February, the juveniles were beginning to migrate. We explored Montevideo and Isla de Chiloe Castro on our own. If you want to hike, you will need transportation to get out of town. Chile is a beautiful country with many hiking opportunities. Adventure Falklands (formerly Patrick Watts) was by far the best tour. People cautioned me about the long rough drive but it was so worth it. El Pedral from Puerto Madryn, my first time walking with the penguins. Tierra del Fuego National Park with Alma Calma in Ushuaia. When planning, I found a lot of information on the previous Roll Calls. You should book your tours asap for 2025. Have a great time planning.

I will celebrate Decency Day. The mission of the organization is to inspire decency in our everyday life, in our conversations and our actions. DECENCY is all about: Active listening Better understanding Compassion The Key bridge has been removed from the Dali, the ship will be refloated and tugs will move it to the marine terminal in a few days. Here is an article from the Baltimore Sun: Cruise Industry Hopes Channel Reopens Positive thoughts to those who are suffering. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.

Here is a translation of @Swiss traveler post. Hello from Switzerland! I'm thrilled to have found your review because me and my best US colleague will be doing the same cruise as you at Eurodam in April 2025! I'm also a person who writes a lot, so I'm looking forward to reading what's coming from you!! One question in advance: Did you need a visa for the different countries we visit? Except for an ESTA for the USA, I think a “one day” stop to different countries doesn’t require a visa. Thanks

I am interested in the activities available onboard, particularly on your sea days or when you miss a port. Are there any guest lecturers or naturalists? Anything oriented to Alaska? Cooking demonstrations? I am not a gambler and not interested in coloring for adults.