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Although they look similar, jackfruit is very different from durian. In a Thai cooking class I learned how to make a delicious coconut jackfruit sticky rice that I frequently serve as a dessert. The ripe fruit has a banana/mango flavor. The green fruit makes an excellent substitute for meat. I have made bbq with it and people did not know they weren’t eating pork. It is easily found in a can. Durian is the “stinky” fruit; I have never tasted it.

I am a bit confused. Isn’t Weymouth about 3 hours by car from Falmouth? We visited a Abbottsbury Subtropical Garden and a swannery in Weymouth when our ship docked in Portland. I like that the MOD has expanded to include sauces, side dishes and desserts. These things can make a plain meal more exciting.

Are meals throughout the day included (also lunch/snacks)? Yes Are drinks (below $11) free everywhere on the ship? Yes Are drinks also free during dinner in the restaurant? Yes Are specialty coffees also included? Yes, they count as one of your fifteen drinks Maybe an easier question: which food/drinks/bars are not included, or when specifically? Specialty restaurants: Rudi’s Sel de Mar, Morimoto, Pinnacle, Tamarind, Caneletto are not included. Make reservations asap. Gelato and Nami Sushi not included - Should(/can) we make reservations for non-specialty restaurant(s)? Do you have fixed dining? If so you already have reservations. If not, you can try to make reservations once you are on the ship.

The Carnival Legend will be disembarking passengers in Norfolk and busing them to Baltimore according to WBAL. Carnival has a presence in Norfolk.

BB Kings is still available on the Rotterdam, Koningsdam and NS. It was the best venue on the NS for the first two weeks in March. The Billboard piano players couldn’t sing and the Rolling Stone band had no charisma. Unfortunately, BBs is gone from all the other ships.

@MayWThere are pictures on this site: https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/category-detail.php?c=2632 The beds fold up into the ceiling when not in use.

From WBAL 11 News, a Baltimore station, with regards to the operations of the port due to the collapse of the Key Bridge: The Maryland Port Administration announced on Tuesday the suspension of vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore until further notice. The port is not shut down and it's still processing trucks inside of the terminals. As far as cruises go, the Cruise Lines International Association sent a statement to 11 News, saying any adjustments to current cruise activity at the port will be announced as soon as available by the individual cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Lines said its evaluating options for the Carnival Legend's return, which is scheduled for Sunday. Regarding future trips, Carnival has sailings scheduled in May. Carnival sent a statement to 11 News, saying: "Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic accident. It is premature for us to comment on possible impacts to upcoming sailings." WBAL-TV 11 News has also reached out to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and will update this article when a response is received. Royal Caribbean has a sailing scheduled to leave Baltimore in April. The Cruise Lines International Association's statement follows: "We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted. We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind — to save lives. We are closely following this situation. Right now, the most important thing to do is to allow the emergency workers to do their work." Based on published itineraries, there are 12 ships making 115 ship calls in 2024. Baltimore is the 29th largest cruise port in the U.S. with 378,000 passengers scheduled to move through the port.

Here is the Roll Call for your cruise. There were several LIVE threads this year that may be helpful with your planning. Be sure to book your tours early before they sell out.

@Haljo1935I am extremely sorry that you lost your younger brother to suicide. My godson, a Naval officer, committed suicide too. I remember him by writing a message on a rock and throwing it into a stream we used to visit when he was a boy. I know many people release a ballon to remember a loved one. Balloon releases are now illegal in MD because of the negative impact they have on the environment and in particular marine life. An easy alternative would be to blow bubbles. If the weather cooperates, you could fly a kite. Today, I hope you can reflect on the good memories you have of the time you spent together. My thoughts are with you on this difficult day.

Here’s the link to the RC.

@kochleffel I always enjoy your posts although sometimes I need to Google to understand them. Unfortunately, I am unable to discern the meaning of a “Spacehook group”. Could you please enlightened me? Loved the cartoon. Here in MD we have the “burning of the socks” which was celebrated today in Annapolis. Celebrate the spring equinox and the beginning of boating season each March by burning those nasty winter socks at the Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning. In a tradition dating back to the late-1970s, Annapolitans relieve themselves of the necessities of winter as the “Burn Your Socks” is recited.

Hi Jacqui! I think it is time to add November 2-17, 2025: Cultural Crossing With Andalusia & Morocco. Others who are looking for a fun transatlantic may be encouraged to join us!😊 Tina

This info is from the company that built the Nieuw Statendam and the Koningsdam. https://www.fincantieri.com/globalassets/prodotti-servizi/navi-da-crociera/holland-america-line/scheda-cruise_c-02-19_koningsdam-nieuwstatendam_275x225_web.pdf I hope we don’t get to the point where these ships sail with 4173 maximum persons on board.

There are cooking demonstrations on some ships but not cooking classes. I believe it may have something to do with if they have a venue set up to accommodate a cooking demonstration. On the Rotterdam in October 2023 TA, there were not any demonstrations. I believe the ship was built after the conclusion of Americas Test Kitchen program. On the Oosterdam in February, wonderful cooking demonstrations in the Rolling Stone! The executive chef mentioned they weren’t part of the formal HAL program but he enjoyed doing them and since we had 5 sea days and 7 scenic cruising days there was plenty of time. No demonstrations on the Nieuw Statendam this month, the former ATK venue has been converted into Club Orange.

The FAQ section of the HAL website does not specifically prohibit fishing rods. https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/get-ready-for-your-cruise/faq#prohibited-items Information about fishing in Norway: https://www.visitnorway.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/fishing/sea-fishing/practical-information/#

Grey Goose martinis were $11 on the NS in the beginning of March.

On the NS from March 3-17, the CO dining room was a comfortable temperature. (I get cold easily.)

I hope everyone who posted about the Ball and Chocolate Surprise remembers to put this information on your post cruise survey. I think using the Lido pool would be nice too. Safe travels home everyone.

@Ready2go11on the Oosterdam in February, the lectures by the onboard guest lecturers for Antarctic were live streamed into The Rolling Stones lounge and were still overcrowded. After much complaining from the passengers, they were recorded and could be viewed in the cabin at a later time. The only programs that could be viewed in the cabin were the guest lecturers. No other on board program from the Main Stage was available for viewing in the cabin.

Happy Friday! I love daffodils. This photo was taken in Baltimore’s Patterson Park by Barbara Haddock Taylor from The Sun staff. I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. William Wordsworth

Maybe paying for amusement park type rides on Carnival and other cruise lines?

@BermudaBound2014 Thank you for this excellent LIVE thread and your tips for do-it-yourself on Hilo. The whale watching excursion looked fantastic. What company did you use? @Breezy66We are thinking of booking a helicopter tour too. Is there a reason you booked with Viatour instead of directly with the company? What was the refund policy if the ship doesn’t make the port? I will be on this cruise in 2025 and am trying to organize my Hawaii shore trip excursions. I have HIA credit to use but prefer private excursions . If you or anyone else on the cruise have any suggestions , I would appreciate it.

I just disembarked from the Nieuw Statendam, milkshakes were included in my HIA package. Current LIVE threads from the Koningsdam and Oosterdam state that milkshakes are included in HIA too. I hope your granddaughter enjoys the cruise!

I love your socks! I wonder if there is an intentional link between Down syndrome day and Best Buddies month? Many of the students in the Best Buddies program had Down syndrome.

Happy Thursday! Watching the Today Show this morning, I was reminded that March is Best Buddies month, a wonderful organization that had an active group in the high school where I formerly taught. Started in 1993 as a one-day event, it has become a month-long celebration promoting one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I tended bar in Baltimore for 10 years and I’ve never heard of a Baltimore Bang. Baltimore is known for rye whiskey, not bourbon, so I think it should at least be made with rye. Positive thoughts for those who need them. Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.