Scrapnana

Eurodam will be at pier 21 (starboard to) from 5:30am to 3pm. She is leaving for a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise. Rotterdam will be at pier26 (starboard to) from 5:45 am to 3pm. She is going on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. Also in port is Viking Star arriving at 6pm on the 20th and leaving at 9pm on the 21st. The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: Zuiderdam on Thursday, 22 December.

Thanks for the picture, ski ww! I am getting ready for a final breakfast onboard and have to be off by 9. Hopefully, it won’t take too long to get a cab to the hotel and they will have a room available before the normal 3pm check-in time.

According to the port schedule we are due to arrive at 5:15am and will be at pier 26 (starboard to) until 4pm. She will be leaving on a 16-day Southern Caribbean cruise. There are no other cruise ships in port. The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: Eurodam and Rotterdam on Wednesday, 21 December.

None in my oceanview cabin.

Zaandam’s Got Talent – December 18, 2022 Since I didn’t have anything I had to do until 10:30, I planned to sleep until at least 9. Unfortunately, I woke up at 7am and started thinking about all I had to do over the next five days and could not get back to sleep. I packed some and then met Judy (Bob), Bob, and Sandy for the last Sunday Brunch. I was the only one of the team at 1pm trivia and then went down to get a seat for the Crew Talent Show. I was there 35 minutes early and could not get a good seat but at least I could see part of the show. I am always amazed by the work the crew put into the show after they have finished doing all their regular work. Quite a few of the other crew watched to cheer on their friends and co-workers. There were 12 acts and the show lasted an hour and 50 minutes so no crafts today. If you are ever on a cruise with a crew show, go to it! After trivia, I met up with Judy (Dr’s mom) and two of her friends for a toast to the end of the cruise with some bubbly sent to her by her travel agency. All present at dinner and then it was on to the second show of the B.B. King’s All Stars. They were just as good as last time and had even more people up and dancing. Last full day of the cruise tomorrow. 1pm trivia – I had 10 out of 18 and two teams had 17. 1. What was the first product tested in a microwave? 2. Which shoe did Cinderella lose – left or right? 3. What commonly used word comes from the Latin for “the place where three roads meet”? 4. What is the name of Mad Magazine’s mascot? 5. What company buys more sugan and vanilla than any other in the world? 1. popcorn 2. left 3. trivia 4. Alfred P. Newman 5. Coca-Cola 4pm trivia – We had 13 out of 18 and two teams had 15 1. Who was the editor of the Daily Planet? 2. What is the world’s largest library with 388 miles of shelves? 3. What is the oldest known vegetable? 4. What gangster’s business cards read, “Second-Hand Furniture Dealer”? 5. Where is the World Series of Poker held? 1. Perry White 2. British Library 3. pea 4. Capone 5. Las Vegas 7pm trivia – Lightning trivia – I couldn’t stay to the end but had 13 out of 23 1. What are you unable to do if you suffer from anosmia? 2. What was Elvis’ first gold record? 3. Which European country’s flag has the most colors? 4. What is the color of the Monopoly properties most landed on? 5. Which is the busiest airport in Africa? 1. smell 2. Heartbreak Hotel 3. Croatia 4. orange 5. Johannesburg Smooth sailing until next time!

And a big hug back to both of you!

A Very Brief Visit to Old San Juan - December 17 We were told a few days ago that we would not be docking right in the old town because we had to have a Coast Guard inspection. We also had to go through immigration since this was our first U.S. port. Yesterday, we received a notice that there would be four groups called to leave the ship for immigration and nobody could return to the ship until there was a zero count. Since these groups were labeled A, B, C, and D, I expected them to be called in order, which they were not. A and C were groups with people on HAL excursions. B was for those with independent plans and D for those not planning on anything but getting back on the ship after being seen by immigration. Group B was called first although a lot of people were still around the ship. About an hour later it was announced that everyone needed to get off and be processed. Not sure if A and C were only called in the World Stage (meeting place for excursions) or what. I had not planned on leaving until Group D was called because it was raining and was supposed to clear up later but when I heard the announcement, I decided I had better go. Getting off the ship was not easy because the gangway was very steep and wet. Many of us had to be helped down and then there was the walk in the rain (but I had brought my umbrella). What I hadn't thought of was my cane kept slipping on the wet pavement. There was no line and I walked up to the officer, he had me look into a camera, looked at my passport and off I went. The shuttle took about 10 minutes to get us to Plaza de Colon which I recognized from my tour in 2018. My hip was really hurting (have I mentioned my hip now hurts more than the leg?) and I was worried about the cane slipping so I did a walk around 2/3 of the way around the square, took a few pictures, and then waited for the shuttle. I got back to the terminal at about 11 and they had still not zeroed out the ship, so people were still sitting or standing in the terminal. As I arrived, Vicki and Dave (trivia partners) were leaving. I asked if they saw a drug store to buy me some of the heat pain patches (I had used one yesterday that really helped). Dave said that was where they were headed. I found Judy (Lee) and Rich and talked to them until we were allowed back on. After resting my leg, I had lunch in the Lido and Judy (Dr's mom) came by and we talked and found out that we both play Wordus (like Wordle but an app so you can play as much as you want). It was such a nice day (the sun actually came out), I sat on the Promenade deck and knitted (admittedly I took a short snooze) for over an hour before going back to my cabin. While I had been waiting for the shuttle I talked to a lady with a rollator and I mentioned how the cane was slipping. She said she had used a cane but found the rollator more reliable. She mentioned a company in Fort Lauderdale that rent them for cruises, so I sent them an e-mail asking for a quote. No response yet and likely won't have one until Monday. I also took Rich's for a test drive in the terminal and found it distributed my weight better and did not put as much pressure on my left side. Just before dinner, my room steward brought me a bag from Vicki. She had gotten me the patches and I put one on before going to dinner. Only Bob, Judy, and Sherry for dinner tonight which was not very good. One of the few meals I found disappointing. There was a "Barn Dance" at 9:30 but I did not go. Two sea days until we are back in Fort Lauderdale.

Nieuw Amsterdam will be at pier 26 (starboard to) from, 5:15 am to 3:45 pm. She is doing a five-night Eastern Caribbean cruise. Also in port are Caribbean Princess at pier 21 (5:30am-4:00pm), Celebrity Beyond at pier 25 (6:00am-3:30pm), Celebrity Reflection at pier 29 (4:15am -4:00pm), Harmony of the Seas at pier 18 (5:00am-4:30pm), and Regal Princess at pier 2 (4:45am-4:00pm). The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: We return on Zaandam from the Grand Africa on Tuesday, 20 December.

A Short Entry - December 16 Today was nothing out of the ordinary. I did all my usual things plus a little packing. 1pm trivia - We had 13 out of 18 and the winners had 17 1. What instrument did Glenn Miller play? 2. What letter ends all Japanese words that do not end with a vowel? 3. What day of the week sees the most fatal car accidents? 4. Who speaks 1422 lines, the most of any in a Shakespeare play? 5. What animal was Napoleon deathly afraid of? 1. trombone 2. N 3. Saturday 4. Hamlet 5. cats 4pm trivia - We had 14 out of 18 and four teams tied with 16 1. How long is a French President's term? 2. Who claims its "everywhere you want to be"? 3. What is the most common cause of house fires? 4. Who was the first female artist to start on the Billboard album board at #1? 5. What kind of a bird taught Dr. Dolittle to talk to the animals? 1. 7 years 2. Visa 3. smoking 4. Whitney Houston 5. parrot 7 pm trivia - Celebrity Trash Can Trivia - Three clues to determine the celebrity. (Example - a cowboy hat, a box of chocolates, a volleyball - Tom Hanks) I did horribly but one team had 16 out of 18 1. compass only pointing south, a golden ticket, a poster of a chameleon wearing a Hawaiian shirt 2. a weapon that freezes things into solid ice, an army uniform covered in glow-in-the-dark blood, Turbo-Man doll 3. samurai, green spandex, first place trophy from a burger joint 4. a memory erasing device, U.S. Colonial uniform with matching white wig, igneous rock 5. light saber, white jumpsuit, magical beans 1. Johnny Depp 2. Arnold Schwarzenegger 3. Uma Thurman 4. Tommy Lee Jones 5. Ewan McGregor San Juan, Puerto Rico tomorrow.

Not sure from my brief time there but I will check.

I will be doing a "Live" thread here on Cruise Critic which, as usual, will be the same as my blog (https://2022-2023hal.blogspot.com/) minus the pictures (it just takes too long to upload pictures twice on spotty wi-fi). I am also going to be posting about pre- and post-pandemic "Grand" Voyages starting at the end of the Grand Africa (this coming Tuesday). We have had many discussions onboard about how "less Grand" this has been than previous ones.

Nieuw Statendam will be at pier 26 (starboard to) from 5:45 am to 4:00 pm. She will be leaving on a 10-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise. Volendam will be at pier 19 (starboard to) from 5:30 am to 4:00 pm. She will be doing a 10-day Panama Canal Sunfarer cruise. Also in port are Celebrity Apex at pier 25 (6:15am-3:30pm), Odyssey of the Seas at pier 18 (5am-5pm), and Sky Princess at pier 2 (4:30am-4pm). The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: Nieuw Amsterdam on Sunday, 18 December.

I forgot this in my original post. We did not receive a "Pillow Gift" tonight which we usually do on Formal Nights. Word has it that they will be brought on in San Juan and that they are duffel bags. Stay tuned to see if the rumors prove true.

During Happy Hours, the sodas are $1.25 plus the 18%. You can get two for the normal price of $2.50 plus !8%.

I know a few people who went. There were animals to be seen but they do not have any cats.

On a Rescue Mission - December 15 This morning we had a display of the Linus blankets made on this cruise as well as other items made (cross-stitch, socks, a top, a dragon, and quilting). There were a total of 21 blankets. It was outside of the Ocean Bar and many people stopped by to look as they passed. Just after 11, the captain announced that we were turning around. Last night they had received a notice that a yacht had capsized and to be on the lookout. At that point we were over 350 miles from the presumed location. This morning however, something was seen floating in the water and so we turned around to get a better look. About 20 minutes later he announced that the item had been in the water for a long time and had sea life growing on it so it could not have come from the yacht. Even so, there would still be a lookout kept for any other floating debris. Later in the afternoon the captain announced that another yacht had rescued five people floating in the water so we did not need to look any further. These were very lucky people since we are hundreds of miles from land. I hadn't planned on going to crafts but after I finished my dessert (I usually eat lunch before trivia and dessert after), Sandy came along and we sat and talked until almost 3 so I stayed for crafts. I went back to the gym and the attendant showed me how to use the elliptical machine but said I needed closed-toe shoes which I had already packed. So, no exercise today. Tonight was our final Formal Night so we had the typical "Gala Night" menu. Most people looked very nice. The Zaandam Singers and Dancers performed their last show, "All For Love". At 9:30 there as a "Chocolate Surprise" on Deck 5. I think the surprise was that the chocolate was not very good. They did not have quite the variety from the past and the one item I heard was really good (a chocolate mini-cupcake) was gone before I even saw one. There were lots of marshmallows with a little chocolate on the bottom and sprinkles - most of which were left half eaten (Not sure what the deal is with marshmallows on this cruise - if you get a sundae in the restaurant, it has marshmallows instead of whipped cream on it). There were also chocolate covered things (not sure what but they were not very good) and a chocolate fudge tart that I found awful. In the Ocean Bar there was "A Night in Hollywood" with music, a red carpet, and large cut-outs (with which you could have your picture taken). We gain another hour tonight. 1pm trivia - We had 10 out of 18 and the winning team had 14 1. How many hearts does an earthworm have? 2. The name "Volvo" comes from Latin. What does it translate to in English? 3. Who was the opening act for The Monkees on their first tour? 4. What is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust after oxygen? 5. What country has the largest divorce rate per capita? 1. 9 2. I roll 3. Jimi Hendrix 4. silicon 5. Maldives 4pm trivia - Lightning Trivia - We had 24 out of 30 and two teams had 28. 1. How many cups are played on each side in a game of Beer Pong? 2. In what year was The Lion King released? 3. What direction do bats fly out of a cave? 4. Who discovered penicillin? 5. What is a glossectomy? 1. 10 2. 1994 3. left or counterclockwise 4. Alexander Fleming 5. removal of the tongue 7pm trivia - Fairy Tales - I had 7 out of 18 and the winning team had 12 1. What is the name of Snow White's sister? 2. Hansel and Gretl get assistance from what animal on their way home? 3. "Es war enimal" is German and is usually translated to "Once upon a time". What is the actual translation? 4. What animal is Thumbelina expected to marry after she is kidnapped? 5. In Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen, where does the Queen live? 1. Rose Red 2. duck 3. Once there was 4. mole 5. in the Alps

Zuiderdam will be at pier 26 from 5:45 am to 4:00 pm. She will be going on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise. She is the only cruise ship in port. The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: Nieuw Statendam and Volendam on Saturday, 17 December.

A Journey to a Mythical Land - December 14 There really are some very nice people in the world. I had asked on our Grand Africa roll call (on Cruise Critic) if anyone had a type M plug to be used in South Africa. I received a call from a lady who was willing to order one and have her daughter bring it when she got on the ship and a man on the ship willing to give me one because he had too many. Later in the day, my friend Sandy, said she had a folding cane that she would lend me for the GWV so I would not need to find one in Fort Lauderdale. What great people! After doing my usual daily routine, Sandy and I were talking as we waited for crafts. I was lamenting the fact that after going weeks without gaining any weight, I had gained two pounds since I have not been able to walk my laps around the deck. Sandy said that she had heard of this place onboard that was filled with many large beasts. Saying although it was not a place she had been to, she was sure it really existed. Of course, she was talking about the gym. When I had piriformis muscle problems back in the spring, one of the exercises I did in PT was on a stationary bike. I thought maybe that riding a bike or using an elliptical machine would help because my leg and hip only hurt when they carry my full weight (like walking) and would augment the exercises I am doing now and maybe keep the weight from piling on. So, after 4pm trivia, I ventured to deck 8 and sure enough, there was such a place but some of those beasts were mighty intimidating. I couldn't even figure out how to get on some (which I think were ellipticals) and nobody seemed to be on duty. I found a bicycle, figured out how to adjust the seat and turn it on, and rode for 12 minutes. During my PT I did 10 minutes and did not want to overdo now and make more problems. Provided I feel okay tonight, I will go back tomorrow for a few more minutes and maybe, if someone is on duty, figure out the elliptical machines. I dined tonight with Judy (Bob) and Bob at their table. We talked until almost 9:30. I skipped the show, another comedian. 1pm trivia - We had 13 out of 19 and the winning team had 16. If some of these sound familiar, all but the bonus question are repeats from previous trivias 1. What percentage of air makes up a Twinkie? 2. What is a group of frogs called? 3. What is the capital of India? 4. What star sign is directly opposite of Scorpio on the Zodiac chart? 5. What color are the four Teletubbies? (the bonus) 1. 68% 2. army 3. New Delhi 4. Taurus 5. purple, green, yellow, and red 4pm trivia - This was a lightning trivia and Erica used more of the questions we turned in yesterday. It was much harder than yesterday's and we only had 10 out of 30. The winning team had 20. 1. What musical instrument's name means "jumping flea"? 2. One-half of a byte is called what? 3. What are the three ingredients in a "Dark and Stormy" cocktail? 4. Who is the only person inducted into both the baseball and football halls of fame? 5. What mountain is closest to the Moon? 6. Who played Lumpy on Leave It To Beaver? 1. ukelele 2. nibble 3. dark rum, ginger beer, and lime 4. Cal Hubbard 5. Mount Chimborazo (in Ecuador) 6. Frank Bank

The Dreaded "P" Word - December 13 My leg was feeling a little better this morning so I started without the cane and was able to make it until after lunch. When I returned to my cabin before trivia, however, I needed it again. When trivia was over, I went to speak with the representative from Luggage Forward. Many people received their tags when he came on board a couple of days ago but I didn't. I had been told that Luggage Forward would pick up the two suitcases I shipped in September, hold them for two days, and then return them to Zuiderdam on the 22nd of December. When I told the rep my name, he said, "Oh, I know about you." Sounded a bit ominous 😲 but he said that Justin (who I had spoken with to set up the shipping of my luggage from home) had e-mailed and told him about my luggage situation. Luggage Forward picking up these two bags made my life much simpler (even before I had movement issues) by not having to take four suitcases (two I shipped and two that I brought with me) to the hotel for two days and then back to the port to board the new ship. After this I went to spend some time in the hot tub. I thought the hot water wouldn't hurt but maybe would help my hip and leg. It felt wonderful (I let the jets pulse against the points where I have the most pain) but I don't think it really helped. Our dinner table ate in the Pinnacle Grill tonight. It's very nice to have a good group, which I have been lucky to have on most cruises. We had a good time, good wine, and good food. The show tonight was B.B. King's All-Star Band and they were fantastic. Some of the HAL ships have a B.B. King Band on all the time but the smaller ships (like Zaandam) don't. The Band had people dancing and singing all over the World Stage. Now to the "P" word --- packing (ugh!). I had my room stewards get my suitcases out from under the bed today. I am not going to do my best packing job because things won't be in there but a couple of days and with my leg acting up, things take three times as long to do. I will be happy just getting everything in during the next six days. We gain another hour tonight. 1pm trivia - We had 14 out of 18 and the winning team had 17 1. For which country did Lennox Lewis box in the 1988 Olympics? 2. What type of animal does "lagomorph" pertain to? 3. Who won a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Oscar, and Grammy in the same year? 4. What is the official marine animal of Hawaii? 5. Who directed the 1980 film Platoon? 1. Canada 2. rabbits 3. Lady Gaga 4. humpback whale 5. Oliver Stone 4pm trivia - this was called "Trivia Roulette" which consisted of questions turned in by the players. We had 14 out of 18 and the winning team had 17. 1. Who coined the term "computer bug"? 2. What is the title of Beethoven's only opera? 3. What is a group of sea cucumbers called? 4. Who invented peanut butter? 5. When did the Battle of Thermopylae take place? 1. Grace Hopper (they actually found a moth in a computer in 1947) 2. Fidelio 3. pickle 4. Marcellus Gilmore Edson 5. 480 BCE

Hi, Barbara! I have had a couple of people onboard (former medical people) tell me that I would have very little chance of getting an MRI, having it read, and getting a plan of action in the two days that I will be in Fort Lauderdale. So, I am going to buy OTC meds, get a cane, do exercises, and hope and pray that I will get better (or at least not hurt so much) until I get home.

A Morning in Mindelo, Cape Verde - December 11 Today we had something different - another cruise ship in port. This was Mein Schiff Herz, a German cruise ship. I don't remember being in port with any other cruise ships this entire cruise. Judy (Dr's mom) called me and asked if I wanted to go into town on the shuttle, which I did. I called Judy (Lee) to see if she wanted to go but she was still not back 100% from yesterday. The shuttle only took a few minutes and we then started walking around. There was one small shop open (it was a Sunday) and we looked around before heading up the street to Our Lady of the Light Cathedral built in 1862. There was no service going on so we were able to go in and look around. There were many people visiting from our ship and the German one. We decided to walk down one of the streets and saw a market that had many of the stalls open and were doing a good business with all the tourists in town. There was a small kiosk selling drinks, so I tried one of the local beers, Stela. While we were there we met up with Marlis, one of my knitting friends, so the three of us walked together back to the shuttle. The town was pretty clean and the beach we passed, which was right in the center of town, was beautiful and there were quite a few people enjoying the clear blue water on a pretty, sunny day. Back on board, Judy (Dr's mom) and I ate lunch in the Lido before she went to see today's movie in the Wajang Theater, Sully. I had my appointment with the doctor at 4 pm and it was a waste of time and money. I came away with nothing more than being told to continue taking naproxen and to have an MRI. I have to admit I indulged in a pity party for most of the afternoon thinking about all the things I couldn't do while on the world cruise if this problem doesn't get better. I don't get down often but I sure did today. We had a complimentary wine and cheese sail-away and I was definitely not very good company, although my friends had saved me a seat. The Ocean Bar Band played for an hour and a half and people were having a great time. I went to 7 pm trivia and then to dinner. It was a girl's night - Bob and Pete did not come. The three of us sat and talked until 9 pm (I had not planned to go to the show - a comedian). We now have five sea days until San Juan, Puerto Rico. We gain an hour again tonight. 7pm trivia - I had 11 out of 18 and two teams had 15 1. This animal's fingerprints so closely resemble humans that it is difficult to differentiate. What animal is this? 2. John Lennon changed his middle name from Winston in 1969. To what did he change it? 3. Bright's Disease affects which part of the body? 4. In 1999, the world's population hit an even number of how many billions? 5. Which country disintegrated into civil war after the death of its leader, Marshal Tito in 1980? 1. koala 2. Ono 3. kidneys 4. 6 5. Yugoslavia

Not a bad idea to tell HAL (or if you have a TA, let them do it) that you will need an extension cord for your CPAP machine so they don't run out. The one I have now is only about five or six feet (for the fridge I rented) and will not make it to the bedside tables (I am in an oceanview). If your machine does not have about a six foot cord, you might need two extensions, unless HAL has some longer ones.

Pain in Praia, Cape Verde - December 10 I had not booked a tour since I had done one when I was here in 2018. Judy (Lee) had said she might want to take the shuttle into town, so I went to visit her. Turns out she wasn't feeling too well, so we talked for a while instead. After having lunch, I took the shuttle into town to get some pictures. My leg was hurting and my hip has decided to jump on the pain wagon and was also hurting. I made it the two short blocks from the shuttle to Alexandre Albuquerque Square. I walked around the square and then back to the shuttle. From the time I got off the ship until I got back on was one hour. Walking hurt so much, I actually sat in my cabin for almost two hours (and you know I had enough of my cabin when I was in solitary). At 4 pm I called the Medical Center to make another appointment. The best they could give me was tomorrow at 4pm (evidently a lot of us old fogies are falling apart). Having had enough of my cabin, I sat out in one of the deck chairs and worked on my knitting before watching us sail away just before 6pm. I went to 7 pm trivia and then dinner and the show. Sam and Victoria, two of the singers, and the four dancers performed the show, "Dance Fever". The other two singers, Hailey and Jack, were in the audience and they were acting out the dances in their seats. There was a Pajama Party in the Crow's Nest but I didn't have the energy to hobble up to take some pictures. I want to wish my grandson, Turner, a wonderful 12th birthday today. Mindelo, Cape Verde tomorrow. 7pm trivia - I had 10 out of 17 and the winning team had 16. 1. What two ingredients make up a Godmother drink? 2. How many players on a rugby team? 3. What color is a sunset on Mars? 4. What can a tick bite make you allergic to? 5. In what year was the game Pac-Man released? 6. In what country was the first FIFA World Cup held? 1. vodka and amaretto 2. 15 3. blue 4. red meat 5. 1980 6. Uruguay

Nieuw Amsterdam will be at pier 21 (starboard to) from 5:45 am to 3:00 pm. She will be doing a 7-day Southern Caribbean cruise. Rotterdam will be at pier 26 (starboard to) from 5:30am to 4 pm. She is heading out on a 10-day Southern Caribbean Seafarer cruise. Also in port are Celebrity Beyond at pier 25 (6:15am-3:30pm), Celebrity Reflection at pier 29 (4:30am-4:00pm), and Odyssey of the Seas at pier 18 (5:15am-5:00pm). The PTZtv webcam can be found at https://www.portevergladeswebcam.com/. Next up: Zuiderdam returns from drydock on Thursday, 15 December

Thanks to you both. I am going to try these starting tonight.