Jim_Iain - 9/5 and 9/17 Equinox B2B - Come along for a Live Blog

[Oville]

11 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Speaking of books, here is the most recent suggested books listing.  Let me know if I’ve missed any.  
 

 

Books and Book Series to Read

 

Georges Simenon Series 

 

Gideon Oliver -Aaron  Elkins  series 

 

Louise Penny’s Gamache series.

Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey series

Any books by Josephine Tey

 

Barbara Hambly - Benjamin January series, if you like historical mysteries!

 

JD Robb books and Robert B Parker

 

The Scarapetta series by Patricia Cornwell 

 

MC Beaton books

 

Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley Series. 

 

Donna Leon’s Brunetti series. 

 

Any books by Tana French

 

Any books by P. D. James.  

 

Greg Isles, a writer from Natchez, MS.

 

Snowblind” by Ragnar Jonasson.  (Book 1 of 6 - DarkIceland)

 

Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger.  Also non-series books.

 

Brad Thor

 

JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter series), writing under the name Robert Galbraith -- the Cormoran Strike series.

* Andrea Camilleri -- the Inspector Montalbano series.

* Helen Fields -- the Perfect series.

 

Karin Slaughter -- the Will Trent series

Daniel Silva - Gabriel Allon series

 

JAMES CRUMLEY —should be read in order

 

Winston Graham—Poldark series

 

Janet Evanovich—Stephanie Plum series.  Fox and Hare series.

 

Anything by Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiassen 

 

Old Archie comic books and Mad Magazine. 🙂

 

 

 

11 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Speaking of books, here is the most recent suggested books listing.  Let me know if I’ve missed any.  
 

 

Books and Book Series to Read

 

Georges Simenon Series 

 

Gideon Oliver -Aaron  Elkins  series 

 

Louise Penny’s Gamache series.

Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey series

Any books by Josephine Tey

 

Barbara Hambly - Benjamin January series, if you like historical mysteries!

 

JD Robb books and Robert B Parker

 

The Scarapetta series by Patricia Cornwell 

 

MC Beaton books

 

Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley Series. 

 

Donna Leon’s Brunetti series. 

 

Any books by Tana French

 

Any books by P. D. James.  

 

Greg Isles, a writer from Natchez, MS.

 

Snowblind” by Ragnar Jonasson.  (Book 1 of 6 - DarkIceland)

 

Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger.  Also non-series books.

 

Brad Thor

 

JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter series), writing under the name Robert Galbraith -- the Cormoran Strike series.

* Andrea Camilleri -- the Inspector Montalbano series.

* Helen Fields -- the Perfect series.

 

Karin Slaughter -- the Will Trent series

Daniel Silva - Gabriel Allon series

 

JAMES CRUMLEY —should be read in order

 

Winston Graham—Poldark series

 

Janet Evanovich—Stephanie Plum series.  Fox and Hare series.

 

Anything by Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiassen 

 

Old Archie comic books and Mad Magazine. 🙂

 

 

 

 

A few more:

 

Ian Rankin’s Rebus series

Peter Robinson’s DCI Banks series

Nevada Barr’s National Parks series

Anything by Anne Cleeves

Edited September 20, 2021 by Oville

[Jim_Iain]

15 hours ago, hcat said:

Aw... what a cutie!

We had a great day today with our dtr sil,  grandsons, and a   visit from my husb's brother and wife..Haven't seen them in about 6 yrs since our dtr's wedding. They met our " boys " ( ages 5 and 18 mo for the first time)  Sure  beats video chats!    

 

Weather was perfect for the outdoor deck..no masks needed.

 

These are tough times.    I haven't seen my Grandkids in 18 months since all the kids are not vaxed.  Probably a good thing as I mentioned my Daughter's Mother In Law (an anti-vaxer) was diagnosed with Covid right after my grandson's birthday party.    Yesterday my Daughter tested positive even though she is double vaxed and works in medical field.   I hope none of the kids come down with it.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

14 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Oh, I’m so glad you like the Gamache books.  They get better and better.  Her own story is an interesting one..I think she is probably a pretty lovely person.  I have bought and saved on kindle her most recent book...saving it for the next cruise.  Two treats in one...a cruise and a great book.

Joanie -

 

You are such a wonderful resource for all of us readers (and audiobook listeners).    At 2-3 books a week I think I will have a supply for the next year for sure.    I have saved your list and will use it often.

 

I love to read books in series but like to mix them up and  alternate between 2-3 authors.

[Jim_Iain]

Last night was our first chic night.    A number of women were really dressed to the hilt.  Most men in shirt with collar.  

 

We usually wear bow ties and dinner jackets and enjoy the opportunity to dress for the evening.   The Luminae Manager and Assist. Manager were in rare form as the get to go to the beach tonight.  The came up to Retreat and took our arms and escorted us down to dinner.    They loved putting on a show. 

 

I'll be the first to admit that I have never mastered to tie my bow tie and rely on Iain.

 

 

[Jim_Iain]

 

Beautiful moon raise last night.   Iain keeps seeing what he believes to be the space station every night.    Of course when he tried to show it to me last night It wasn't there.  

Edited September 20, 2021 by Jim_Iain

[Jim_Iain]

Dinner 1st Chic Night

 

 

 

Louis Jadot -  Chardonnay 

 

Steak Tartar 

 

Lobster Salad 

 

Loin of Lamb

 

Halibut

[Jim_Iain]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GeorgiaPeach51]

9 hours ago, bloomcruisers said:

A couple more book series suggestions:

 

Set in London

Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes - current times

Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry - Victorian era

 

and if you are planning a trip to Egypt check out the

Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters

I second the Martha Grimes series.  Each book is the name of a pub....great characters that really grew on me the more I read.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

One more update with the latest new suggestions. 

 

Georges Simenon Series 

 

Gideon Oliver -Aaron  Elkins  series 

 

Louise Penny’s Gamache series.

Dorothy L. Sayers Lord Peter Wimsey series

Any books by Josephine Tey

 

Barbara Hambly - Benjamin January series, if you like historical mysteries!

 

JD Robb books and Robert B Parker

 

The Scarapetta series by Patricia Cornwell 

 

MC Beaton books

 

Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley Series. 

 

Donna Leon’s Brunetti series. 

 

Any books by Tana French

 

Any books by P. D. James.  

 

Greg Isles, a writer from Natchez, MS.

 

Snowblind” by Ragnar Jonasson.  (Book 1 of 6 - DarkIceland)

 

Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger.  Also non-series books.

 

Brad Thor

 

JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter series), writing under the name Robert Galbraith -- the Cormoran Strike series.

* Andrea Camilleri -- the Inspector Montalbano series.

* Helen Fields -- the Perfect series.

 

Karin Slaughter -- the Will Trent series

Daniel Silva - Gabriel Allon series

 

JAMES CRUMLEY —should be read in order

 

Winston Graham—Poldark series

 

Janet Evanovich—Stephanie Plum series.  Fox and Hare series.

 

Anything by Tim Dorsey or Carl Hiassen 

 

Old Archie comic books and Mad Magazine. 🙂

 

Ian Rankin’s Rebus series

Peter Robinson’s DCI Banks series

Nevada Barr’s National Parks series

Anything by Anne Cleeves

 

Set in London

Richard Jury series by Martha Grimes - current times

Thomas Pitt series by Anne Perry - Victorian era

 

and if you are planning a trip to Egypt check out the

Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters

[Jim_Iain]

Aruba - 9/20

 

Aruba looks beautiful from the ship as we are enjoying breakfast in our room.   Eggs Benedict  for a great start of the day.

 

For day visitors Aruba is open for business.  We are required to bring our Covid Vax card with us to exit the port.  Masks are required at all times both on the streets as well as all indoor locations.  

 

Curfew -   No one permitted on beaches between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.    All establishments must close no later than 9:00 PM

 

For full details:

https://www.visitaruba.com/traveling-to-aruba/entry-requirements-and-visas/aruba-travel-restrictions-covid-19/

[Jim_Iain]

20 hours ago, goldsmip115 said:

Jim,

 

Please post multiple pictures of your verandah.  That will help me manage my expectations of the PS verandah after the M class suite verandah.  As Karen and I often say, once you’ve sailed in the PS it is hard to ever go back.  At least we have 33 nights already booked in the PS so lots to look forward to.  Enjoy every moment.

Trish

 

Here ya go.   While smaller than M-Class it seems more usable and seating was designed for comfort instead of the revolutionary form vs function.  
 

you will also live the new shower products.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are 3 sliding door  entrances -  Bedroom, Living  Room and Dining Room

Edited September 20, 2021 by Jim_Iain

[DevilinaBluDress]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

 

I'll be the first to admit that I have never mastered to tie my bow tie and rely on Iain.

 

 

Way back in the early 1980s I worked at Brooks Brothers. You'd be shocked at the number of men I taught to tie a bow tie! 

 

Molly

[ymncruise]

Jim, How are your daughter and her mother-in-law feeling? Hopefully their symptoms are mild. 

[Jim_Iain]

4 hours ago, MadisonMom said:

Way back in the early 1980s I worked at Brooks Brothers. You'd be shocked at the number of men I taught to tie a bow tie! 

 

Molly

 

I would believe it for sure.     Iain found a great video that actually makes it simple.  I just get lost doing it in a mirror.

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, ymncruise said:

Jim, How are your daughter and her mother-in-law feeling? Hopefully their symptoms are mild. 

Her mother-in-law went to the ER and had Anti-Virals.   My daughter said the  has been feeling awful and coughing.      She went  to the County test site to confirm her home kit and they confirmed she was positive and are doing contract tracing.  

 

I'm hoping they both rebound soon. 

 

Thanks for asking.  

[funatseascott]

Hello everybody.  Sorry for being quiet and not posting but got locked out of cruise critic.  As I’m not a techie, I couldn’t figure out what to.  I’d open a page and see my name and posts, but couldn’t post anything.  I cleared out my cookies today as my last resort as it cleared out all cookies to all my sites.  Oh well, I’ll get the other sites back up but wanted to keep sharing.

[funatseascott]

We took private transport to Arashi Beach, as we didn’t want to be stuffed in buses with most on this cruise not masking or social distancing.  This beach is good for snorkeling and swimming as shallow and safe.  We plan to stay the day and return to the ship at 5:30.  If we go to a beach, we like a full day not just a few hours.  A “Nemo” boat was giving a tour.

[ymncruise]

Hope they have a speedy recovery and everyone stays well on the cruise. 

[ymncruise]

Scott, is that coral you can see in the water? Did you do any snorkeling there?

[ymncruise]

Just now, ymncruise said:

Scott, is that coral you can see in the water? Did you do any snorkeling there?

Just saw your note at the top. Looks beautiful there. 

[funatseascott]

A pelican just came by to see us as he was diving and getting food.

[funatseascott]

4 minutes ago, ymncruise said:

Scott, is that coral you can see in the water? Did you do any snorkeling there?

I haven’t gone out yet, but Sophia said she saw a lot of fish.  I’ll look for the coral and see what types I see.

[ymncruise]

5 minutes ago, funatseascott said:

I haven’t gone out yet, but Sophia said she saw a lot of fish.  I’ll look for the coral and see what types I see.

Nice! How is the wind and water temp? When I was last in Aruba it was in May and the water felt chilly. We rented a car for the day and drove around the island. I’m making a note to go to this beach on our next visit. I love snorkeling and this looks perfect. 

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

15 hours ago, GeorgiaPeach51 said:

Oh, I’m so glad you like the Gamache books.  They get better and better.  Her own story is an interesting one..I think she is probably a pretty lovely person.  I have bought and saved on kindle her most recent book...saving it for the next cruise.  Two treats in one...a cruise and a great book.

 

She's lovely and gracious in person.  When she came to Minneapolis, I had gone to the venue an hour early thinking to get a good seat.  Ha!  I was the last one to get in.  She came along and stopped and visited with those of us waiting in the very long line.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

The age spread is probably skewed to the older passenger side at this time.    There is only 1 child aboard that I have seen.     I haven't seen any tweens but did sea a Happy 21st Birthday decorated cabin door so must be some. 

 

My guess -   70+   30%

40-69       50%

>40          20%

 

I think that the restrictions on PAX traveling with children under 12 has a major affect on them traveling.   All ports are restricting them  to ship tours only.

 

Most of the passengers regardless of age don't seem to be concerned.     5-10% wear masks

 

Most PAX try to social distance but some are just brain dead about it.    One passenger here reported they had a nice table in OceanView with the place 90% empty.    A lady came over and sate down right next to her. 

 

Iain was on Lawn Club smoking area with 10 chairs spread out.   He was the only one there.   A lady came up and said do you mind if i share your ash tray with you.    He looked at her and said there are plenty of ash trays available and pointed to the  empty row.     She mumbled something and walked away.

 

This report would make me nervous about cruising as a solo during this time.  I love to meet new people, which is one of the reasons I cruise.  As long as people are considering others as disease vectors, that is probably not possible.  Dining alone would not be fun.  I do that most of the time at home.  So, much as I would love one of the Equinox cruises you're doing, I think I'll pass for the moment.