rafinmd

Good luck with that. I was on deck on the Rotterdam when she picked up the pilot this morning and am exhausted. I'm trying to think, is Beyond backwards today. I thought that Orange thingie was on the dock side not towards the webcam. Roy

Port must be back open. Bimini ferry is on final approach to enter. Roy

I wasn't expecting a port closure. It's been horrible weather but I saw nothing to make me think it would close a port. Roy

Wow. I had 2 excellent waiters at Table 30 on the Eurodam.' Roy

I've arrived at my Cocoa hotel after a very messy day of driving. Still going out soon for dinner with my brother's widow, so not really back in the game yet. Roy

A bit concerned we haven't heard anything from @kazu. It looks like our disembarkation is running a bit late. Roy signing off for now.

Happy Sunday from Pier 21. I will preview the Sunday lists before shutting down my big laptop. Today’s care list: Kazu severe foot injury Ottahand7 Brother in rehab Terri’s next door neighbor Joanne with stroke and complications Jazzyv digestive issues Cruisin Terri continuing autoimmune flareup From the rotation: Marshhawk and DH struggling with smoking cruisin single step-son with double cancer and months of recovery before kidney removal Quartzite Cruiser DH in rehab Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney Celebrations and Shoutouts: Alianchief in California Welcome home Norseh2o, Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 7 days for Ichiban Nekko and Himself (Nieuw Statendam 11/26 to 12/3) Bon Voyage Cruise Suzy, Lazey1, and HAL Lover (Rotterdam 11/20 to 11/30) GTVCRUISER (Koningsdam 11/19 to 11/26) StLouisCruiser and Summer Slope (Volendam 11/19 to 12/17) at sea Welcome home RednckBob and CrazyForCats Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), Damcruiser (Nieuw Statendam 11/19 to 1/14/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

Eurodam is docked, it looks like Reflection is arriving. Roy

Saturday, November 19, 2022, Final Sea Day, MS Eurodam The weather did not improve much Saturday but at least the bottom of my foot was significantly better. When I first left my room the forward promenade doors on both sides of ship were roped off, giving me a good clue of what the prevailing weather was. Sunrise was 6:55AM, just before the Lido Marketplace opened, and I stepped onto the aft deck after getting an omelet. The sun was coming up over the stacked pool loungers and I had to fight a substantial wind to get a photo. I did most of my walking on the ship’s interior corridors (decks 5,7, and 8). I did go back up to the lido just before breakfast closed for a waffle, and walked back on the promenade deck from the aft entrance to the forward entrance. I went back about 11:30 before lunch and walked from the forward entrance around the bow and stern returning to the aft doors for one full but split lap around the ship. Overall about 40 minutes total walking, a LOT better than yesterday. My biggest activity for the day was preparing to leave the ship, mostly packing up all my junk in a manner that would facilitate nights in a Cocoa hotel and on the Auto train. Once Faisal had made up my room the bed became a war zone, and remained that way through dinner. In his final noon update Captain Bant indicated we had sailed 929 miles from Puerto Limon averaging 21.7 knots with 304 remaining to meet the pilot at 4:30AM tomorrow. We have a strong breeze and choppy seas with a temperature of 27/81. I made a final visit at 2:30 to Lincoln Center Stage for a program of works by Chopin. We were all present for our final dinner at table 30. Not long after arriving the sun disappeared into the clouds out our back window. My final dinner on the Eurodam was Classic Caesar Salad, New York Strip Loin, and Red Velvet Cake a la mode. I passed on the final Mainstage offering, Step One Dance Company. The planned show had been “In Tandem” but Gage indicated it was being replaced by Humanity due to the sea conditions. My 2 bags for the porters went out about 7:55, leaving me just the things I will use tonight to carry off the ship. I hope to be in bed early tonight. https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/bagsout.jpg As my parting shot, the cruise is basically over but not the trip. I still have travel and family time tomorrow, and the Auto Train Monday to Tuesday. It will be a busy time; I will be back but perhaps not before I get back home. Roy

A sad one for me, leaving the Eurodam behind. Roy

Oosterdam drew the short straw because she's coming from a transatlantic and heading off to a South American season so nobody will need to park at the terminal. Eurodam was also supposed to be in Fort Lauderdale today but my cruise got extended a day so we could get in. Roy

I refer to today's (taken yesterday) sunrise as horizontal rather than vertical. On a very windy morning, the sun did not rise above the horizon but appeared as low lying clouds blew out of the way by near gale winds: Roy

I refer to today's (taken yesterday) sunrise as horizontal rather than vertical. On a very windy morning, the sun did not rise above the horizon but appeared as low lying clouds blew out of the way by near gale winds: Roy

From me as well. Roy

Friday, November18, 2022, At Sea, MS Eurodam Friday was not a good day as I was somewhat under the weather in more ways than one. When I started what should have been my first “Lap with a purpose” I found the forward promenade deck hard to open with the wind howling outside. I quickly decided that walking was not a good idea at least for then. Heading up to the Lido and out to the seaview pool with coffee, there was some drizzle with evidence that harder rains had found some leaky spots. In addition, a sore spot on my left foot was bothering me, especially when I walked. Surprisingly, when the time for sunrise came, I found there were more breaks in the clouds than I thought, and saw my first horizontal sunrise. I did not see the sun until several minutes after it had cleared the horizon, and it first really emerged as some fast moving clouds blew out of the way. There were a number of activities, although I only partook of a few and did quite a bit of packing. At 10 Captain Bant appeared on the Mainstage, presenting a virtual tour of the Bridge and Engine Room, and answered some questions. On Deck For A Cause was at 11:30. The 5K walk normally benefits cancer research but for now the funds are being used for medical aid to Ukraine. Our hostess explained that the cause was especially poignant for her because she had been assigned to the Volendam for several months while it served as emergency refugee housing. While the wind was not quite as bad then as it had been earlier I still found it a tough walk. The group started out all together but spread out nicely well before the end of the first lap. I only walked for one lap but there were refreshments out for the end of the walk. The shirts are different this year. While they have always been white with blue lettering, this year they are blue with white lettering. In his noon update Captain Bant indicated we had sailed 399 miles since leaving Puerto Limon with 833 to go. Conditions might even be a bit rougher Saturday (they appear to be but at least my foot feels a bit better). My main activity in the afternoon was a visit to Lincoln Center Stage for a Brahms concerto. A very interesting juxtaposition of very different movements. We were all present at Table 30 for our final Dressy dinner. My choices for the evening were Apple, Pear, and Cucumber Salad, Cracked Pepper Beef Tenderloin (holding the shrimp), and Vanilla ice cream. I was out of the dining room barely on time to be on time for the 7PM Mainstage show, a repeat performance by the Island Magic Steel Band. After the show I did some more packing and called it a night about 10PM, As my parting shot today, some sea days are better than others, but it’s hard to complain when you eat well with no shopping, no cooking, and no cleanup. I’ll take it. Roy

Thank you for the Saturday report, Rich. I'll celebrate all 3 of the days today and hoping things aren't too stressful today for @kazu as she leaves the Oosterdam. I'm glad Fairbanks is billed as a destination rather than a port; it's one of the few places I will miss on my Grand Alaska next year. Not sure what to think of the quote and I'll pass on the meal. My alternative is Apple, Pear, and Cucumber Salad, Cracked Pepper Beef Tenderloin (holding the shrimp), and Vanilla ice cream as served last night on MS Eurodam: @Lady Hudson's post has me a bit stressed out trying to figure what to carry onto the Auto Train so I don't freeze if I step outside while waiting for my car to be delivered. Still stormy but my foot feels a bit better for some walking on inside corridors today. Today’s care list: Medical emergency on Oosterdam Kazu severe foot injury Ottahand7 Brother in rehab Terri’s next door neighbor Joanne with stroke and complications Jazzyv digestive issues Cruisin Terri continuing autoimmune flareup From the rotation: Luvteaching DH recovering from fall and facing dimentia Status of St. Louis Sal (7/1) and JAM37 (7/7) HAL Sailer Sister in Law with aggressive cancer therapy Cruisin Terri leak damage Celebrations and Shoutouts: Alianchief in California Good riddance Marshhawk boss from hell Welcome home Norseh2o, Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 7 days for Ichiban Nekko and Himself (Nieuw Statendam 11/26 to 12/3) 1 day for Cruise Suzy, Lazey1, and HAL Lover (Rotterdam 11/20 to 11/30) Bon Vouage StLouisCruisers and Summer Slope (Volendam 11/19 to 12/17) Bon Voyage Damcruiser (Nieuw Statendam 11/19 to 1/14/23) RednckBob (Beyond to 11/20), CrazyForCats (Nieuw Amsterdam to 11/20), and me (Eurodam to 11/20) at sea Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

Instead of a sunrise today I have last night's setting sun Roy

Instead of a sunrise today I have last night's setting sun Roy

Dressy nights were the second night (first sea day), and tonight (sea day after Puerto Limon, and mainstage shows are 7 and 9. Not sure what to tell about your cruise; I expect it would not be the day in HMC so probably your first sea day and the sea day after Puerto Limon, but I'm somewhat guessing. Roy

Thursday, November 17, 2022, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica Since we had moved the clocks back Wednesday night sunrise should have come up early and I was on deck about 5:30 to a very overcast drizzle, although while was at the Seaview Pool the pilot boar came by. While I’ve been to Puerto Caldera on the Pacific side of Costa Rica several times, this was my first visit to the Caribbean side, and we docked right next to the town. The tours all seemed to take up our entire time at the port and I was not interested but did take a walk into the town about 8, turning towards the ocean once out of the city. It did not appear to be a very nice city; even the village square seemed quite dingy, and the sidewalks were a bit uneven so I tried to walk carefully. The one thing I saw that looked quite nice was the city Teatro. I was off the ship about an hour; I was impressed by one bit of recycling, the benches at the cruise terminal were all based on recycled oil drums. I did not try sitting since there was still a bit of a drizzle. The rest of the day on the ship was pretty quiet; I did have a church related zoom meeting at 1 but did not really do a lot else. All aboard was 3:30 and the tours pretty much all returned on time. In his sailaway update Captain Bant indicated we had 1233 miles to Fort Lauderdale and we would need a speed of 21kt to be on time. We would advance the clocks overnight to get back on Fort Lauderdale time. We were well away from the pier just a bit after 4. Sunset was 5:03 but I went up to the Seaview Pool to catch the last little bit of the sun before it disappeared behind clouds about 4:50. Diane and Sharon finally returned to the Dining Room after several days away. My choices for the evening were Classic Caesar Salad, Roasted Lamb Shoulder, and Vanilla Ice Cream. I passed on Comedian Jose Sarduy on the Mainstage and timing did not work for me on Lincoln Center Stage performances at 6:30 and 8. I had hoped to briefly drop by the Orange Party at 9:30 but dozed off about 9 and completely missed it. My parting shot today will be a salute to the internet and technology. While the wifi on ships is spotty, at least when most passengers are off the ship it was possible to attend a meeting that would otherwise have been impossible. Roy

Interesting that your guy takes reservations. Mine is strictly first come first serve. Roy

Thank you for the Friday report, Rich, from a stormy Caribbean. I like Apple Cider but haven't had it recently, and will pass on Mickey Mouse and Princess days Kushiro was actually my first port on my Grand Asia segment after missing Dutch Harbor due to storms so it was my first land after many sea days. I think I like the Lady Gaga quote but will pass on the Sardines. My alternative is Classic Caesar Salad, Roasted Lamb Shoulder, and Vanilla Ice Cream as served on MS Amsterdam November 17, 2022: Today’s care list: Medical emergency on Oosterdam Kazu severe foot injury Ottahand7 Brother in rehab Terri’s next door neighbor Joanne with stroke and complications Jazzyv digestive issues Cruisin Terri continuing autoimmune flareup From the rotation: cruisin single step-son with double cancer and months of recovery before kidney removal Quartzite Cruiser DH in rehab Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney Marshhawk’s friend Jesse with throat cancer and poor attitude Celebrations and Shoutouts: Alianchief in California Work about to start on Cruisin Terri’s house and great progress with insurance and contractor 2 days for Cruise Suzy, Lazey1, and HAL Lover (Rotterdam 11/20 to 11/30) 1 days for StLouisCruisers and Summer Slope (Volendam 11/19 to 12/17) 1 days for Damcruiser (Nieuw Statendam 11/19 to 1/14/23) Norseh2o (Sirena to 11/18), Kazu , 0106, jimgev, Heartgrove and ger_77 (Oosterdam to 11/19). RednckBob (Beyond to 11/20), CrazyForCats (Nieuw Amsterdam to 11/20), and me (Eurodam to 11/20) at sea Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2/23), and Horizon Chaser1957 (Zaandam 10/1 to 12/20; Zuiderdam 12/22 to 5/12) at sea Roy

There's nothing official but I do see a few more of the crew wearing masks. Roy

Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Panama Canal and Colon(Part 2) Once out of the upstream locks we anchored near the dam which makes Lake Gatun possible and a number of passengers got off for shore tours that would rejoin the ship in Colon. You generally cannot see the new locks from the old of vice versa, but I did see a ship headed for the new locks from Lake Gatun. On the return to the Atlantic I tried a couple of vantage points as it was raining but by the second chamber I returned to my room for more of the light-dark-light sequence getting some nice closeups of the lock walls, the gates and hinges, the water rushing into the chamber from the bow cam, and even how dark it could get in my room in the depth of the chamber. After leaving the locks I stepped out to the Seaview pool for a couple of other views, first a remnant of the original canal as dug by de Lesseps. It isn’t much of a canal. A bridge has been under construction for the past several years, and was opened just a couple months after my last transit on the Prinsendam. It’s quite majestic. https://morethangetaways.files.wordpress.com/2022/11/colonbridge1.jpg I did something I’ve never done before in Colon, stayed on the ship without ever getting off. I had been to Colon on the Crystal Symphony in 2018 and knew there was nothing there that interested, so I never even crossed the gangway into the terminal. It was just me again at Table 30. Banyu and Agus even prepared a setting for Diane and Sharon with their ice tea at the ready but we never saw them. (Could they have been on a tour?) My choices were Radicchio and carmelized pear salad, Parmesan coated Veal Loin, and Butter Pecan Ice Cream. The show in the mainstage was billed as the Step 1 dancers with “Off the Charts” I went with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised. They were joined by the Billboard piano duo so it was a full live experience, music, vocals, and dance. We gained an hour overnight to get on Costa Rica time but my sleep schedule seems to be out of whack, dozing off during the show and not sleeping much if at all. Quick parting shot, I need my sleep schedule back. Roy

Today's sunrise is from yesterday, taken from deck12 forward as Eurodam was preparing to enter the Gatun Locks. Roy