The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday December 30th, 2022

[rafinmd]

Today is National Bacon Day, National Resolution Planning Day, and Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute
 

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. Marcus Aurelius - Roman Emperor

Meal Suggestion for today - Sausage Cauliflower Skillet Casserole
Drink of the Day - Blue Mule
Wine of the Day - Figgins 2018 Estate Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA)) Columbia Valley
Destination of the Day - Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand
 

Eurodam

Grand Turk Island, Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos 08:00 - 15:00
 

Koningsdam

At Sea Destination Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico eta 12/31
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida 07:00 - 16:00
 

Nieuw Statendam

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles 08:00 - 16:00

 

 

The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday December 30th, 2022

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Ushuaia, Argentina eta 01/04
 

Rotterdam

At Sea Destination Ocho Rios, Jamaica eta 12/31
 

Volendam

San Juan, Puerto Rico 10:00 - 23:00
 

Zaandam

Philipsburg St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles 08:00 - 17:00
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Puerto Plata-Amber Cove, Dominicana eta 12/31

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

At Sea Destination Sydney, NSW Australia eta 01/02
 

Westerdam

At Sea Destination Melbourne, ETA 1/1.

 

 

 

Roy posting Rich's content

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and general information.

 

It’s National Bacon Day. This topic and day should be sizzling! My two favorite bacons are candied and Kevin.

 

It’s and I will abbreviate, FOECATLM. With yesterday’s Tick Tock Day, what are there doing, trying to drive me insane completing everything at the last minute. I could not sleep last night with that tick tock sound in my ear all night. Like going to Disney and having that song, It’s a Small World, repeating in your head for days. 

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report. I’m happy to celebrate bacon day.  I’ll pass on today’s meal suggestion but have no idea what we will have tonight.  Today is the last work day of the year, hopefully it will be a quiet one.  I hope that anyone traveling has a safe journey.  

 

 

[lindaler]

Good morning all. I will try to get a quick update in before the wifi goes down. As there are 1500 on board the Volendam now and over 400 are children and 300 are over seven, the demand on the ships wifi has pushed the system. Latest word on my suitcase is that it is in the warehouse with 750 other suitcases to be delivered Jan. 3.  Their words are: “There is no excuse for such a serious blunder and we truly want to reunite you with your bag ASAP.  In this case, the safest option is to deliver your bag to the Volendam on January 3rd. It is too risky to attempt to deliver the bag to San Juan before the cruise departs again.”
 So for now I will continue to live out of my small carry on and hope for the best. I hope all my Dailyite family stay safe. 

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thank you for the Daily and Fleet Report.

 

It's fairly mild here, 10°C.  Normal for this time of year is -2°C.  We've got rain in the forecast and a lot of snow has melted already.  Things are starting to look a little muddy in spots.

 

Interesting days.  I'm a fan of back bacon (also called peameal bacon).  I don't make resolutions.  I'm not sure about the Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute, I still have tomorrow to do things before the end of the year.😉

Not sure about the quote.

The meal sounds good, looking forward to seeing the recipe.

I'm sure a Blue Mule will be tasty.  Hope the wine isn't expensive.

 

Prayers for everyone.

Have a wonderful day.

Stay safe.

[seagarsmoker]

Thanks for the Daily report and I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

First, I am one of the rare peeps who doesn't like bacon.... 

Second, I hope everyone here has a Happy New Year!!! 

[ottahand7]

@lindalerit was so nice to meet you last night. It was great to hear your bags are going to be delivered when we start the GSA.  I hope you enjoyed your PG dinner.

We are heading to San Juan. I missed yesterday because we did an electric hummer tour of Turks and Caicos which ran a little long then the premium wine tasting in the PG. We had a full day topped off with a port tasting in the Crow's Nest that was included in our wine tasting.  It was a great way to get to know some great people four of whom are staying on GSA with us. Casino is packed with table game players and we are having fun playing slots, unlike the tragic thumping we took on the NS last winter. 

 

@rafinmdthanks for doing all of our reports. I will try to get caught up if the wifi cooperates. Prayers for all on our Care list and for the people of Ukraine. 

We have begun to get the port maps that went missing for several years.  The food and service has been attentive and excellent on the Volendam.  Have a wonderful day! Nancy 

[grapau27]

Thank you Roy for today's reports and lists.

It is 46°F and raining here at 12 noon.

We both like bacon and it is in every Full English breakfast.

Our brain's create our thoughts and responses to everything so a good quote today.

We are both well versed in preparation and planning which prevents any last minute panic to get things done.

Today's food sounds good.

Prayers 🙏 for everyone who they can help.

Best wishes for good health for everyone.

Graham.

 

Edited December 30, 2022 by grapau27

[rafinmd]

I like bacon but rarely eat it except on cruises.  I especial;y like the English bacon served on Cunard.  I am past the point of liking Last Minute Changes or planning resolutions, but like the Aurelus quote.  I've been to Christchurch a few times on Crystal and land trips.  I'll pass on the casserole.  My alternative is Chilled Mixed Berry Soup and Broiled NY Striploin as served on MS Ryndam December  30, 2014.

 

Today’s care list:

RIP Pelee
Cruisin Terri still waiting on furniture movers
lindaler still living out of carryon
Seasick Sailor’s friends with covid and Allen with bad cold
From the rotation:
Cruising-along niece awaiting a kidney
Status of St. Louis Sal (7/1) and JAM37 (7/7)
HAL Sailer Sister in Law with aggressive cancer therapy

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Nieuw Amsterdam in Everglades

Kwanzaa (to Jan 1)
A difficult but important and successful trip for HAL Sailer
Welcome home (sort of)  Cruisin Terri after a restful cruise
6 days for ger_77 (Rotterdam 1/4 to 1/25)
5 days for Cat in my lap (Zuiderdam 1/3 to 5/12)
Bon Voyage crystalspin, Copper10-8,Vict0riann, and sailingdutchy(1/31) (Koningsdam 12/29 to 1/7/23)
1 day for Gail&Marty (Zuiderdam to 5/12/23)
Cunnorl (Noordam to 1/2),  Kazu, Av8rix, crystalspin, Copper10-8, Vict0riann, sailingdutchty (1/31)  (Koningsdam  to 1/7), Damcruiser (Nieuw Statendam  to 1/14), Seasick Sailor (Rotterdam  to 1/25),  indaler and ottahand7(Volendam  to 3/18), and garlictown (1/3), Gail&Marty,richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam  to 5/12) at sea

Roy

 

[ger_77]

Good morning, thanks for the Fleet Report and Daily!  We enjoy bacon, whether at home or on a BHB.  I'm not into resolutions, so will take a pass on that and am definitely not a fan of enormous changes at the last minute, especially these days when it comes to air travel.

 

@lindalerwhile I'm glad they've finally located your luggage, I'm sorry you're still having to live out of your carry-on.  I'm using you as an example for what will go in ours, and have a contingency plan in place in the event that our luggage doesn't make it to FLL with us.  I've scoped out the nearest stores (Ross, Walmart, Old Navy) to our hotel and if they haven't arrived by the day before we sail, we are going shopping.  

 

Today is going to be busy - we have to get to the bank to withdraw our U.S. funds, make a stop for a gift card for the lady who took care of Sochi while we were away last week, drop a pot of soup off for a friend who isn't well, and then finish the packing.  I've got most of it done, now I have to list everything in the suitcases so DH can find his things without rifling through every bag.  It will be good to be on the ship and unpacked; I'm not a fan of living out of a suitcase.

 

I think I'd like to try today's menu suggestion, but another time.  It's Friday night pizza night at our house, so we'll check the online menus to see what appeals to us.  It'll be pizza at the kitchen table tonight.  And wine.

 

Prayers for everyone who needs them, especially the people impacted by the storms and the people of Ukraine who are still so brave.  Cheers to all with celebrations.  Be safe, stay well.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

[GTVCRUISER]

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  It's only 45F this a.m. and it's hard to believe my kids in Ohio and Michigan are having warmer temps than we are down South!  However it should reach 66F which will feel good.  I just wish the sun planned on coming out because they predict clouds all day followed by rain overnight and tomorrow.  

 

Thanks Roy @rafinmdfor posting the Daily for us and also to Rich @richwmnfor preparing it all ahead of time.  Roy, thanks for figuring out how to do the maps you include, too.  Prayers for all on the shortened Care list. 🙏  Sorry to hear about Pele.  DH and DGS Ren were talking about his accomplishments over the weekend.  What a soccer player!  Cheers for the cruisers and Celebration list folks. 🥂

 

We have something to celebrate.  Yesterday along with all the other chores (car cleaning continued, groceries finally, and paying our real estate taxes) we decided to book a cruise.  DH has been less than pleased with our two cruises this year and I thought I might never get him to book another cruise again.  However, he has expressed he would like 3 to 4 week cruises and not go too far beyond that time span.  We saw a 25 day Zaandam cruise roundtrip Boston to Canada, Greenland and Iceland on July 29 and decided we could enjoy that one quite well.  We've been to a lot of the ports, but there are some we haven't and would like to.  When I went to read the Roll Call I found Debbie @dfishand sister Sue will be on board too so that sounds like fun!  Now I have to figure out how to get there and where to stay.  That should keep me busy!

 

Linda @lindalerI'm thankful they will be getting you your luggage in FLL and agree with their statement that there is no excuse and a serious blunder!  I think some OBC is warranted!  Nancy @ottahand7that electric vehicle ride you took yesterday was one we were planning on doing but it was all cancelled of course when we cancelled the Dec. 27 cruise you guys are on.  It sounded interesting and something unique to try.  Hope all of my CC friends on board the Volendam are enjoying this week between Christmas and the GSA&A.

 

Interesting days and menu suggestion today.  I'll take some bacon!  I don't like last minute changes, and I recognize that I need to make some resolutions and get some things accomplished I've been putting off.  This seems like a good time to start!

 

The port today is Akaroa, New Zealand.  This is the third NZ port this week!  We have been to Akaroa twice but never to Christchurch.  I really like visiting the smaller towns the best however.  On Oct. 16, 2022 our port was Lyttelton, NZ for the port of Christchurch.   Since this is the first time Akaroa was posted there will be no link today.  I'll gather some photos from our two visits there next.  

 

Have a great day everyone!

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  A nice collection of days and quote to match.  I’ll pass on the meal suggestion and say yes please to today’s drink. I haven’t been to today’s port and look forward to seeing the photos. Prayers for everyone on our prayer list.  Cheers to everyone celebrating happy events today!

[Seasick Sailor]

Good morning Dailyites. Roy thank you for the Fleet and Daily report. And many thanks to our food and beverage department, Dixie, Ann, and Debbie.

 

We stayed in to eat last night. Allen has no fever or other cold symptoms except his nasty cough. In our neighborhood at home, out of 9 friends left with Covid,  8 still tested positive yesterday. Many coughers and hackers on this very full cruise.

 

I called Guest Services an hour ago to tell them we got the wrong laundry back last night. Ours are MIA.. @lindaler, at least you know where your luggage is!! Lol.

 

Today is a sea day. Tonight is Orange night. I'm going to the Chat with our Executive Chef. If the World Stage isn't crazy packed I still have not gotten to watch The Deep Blue. Allen doesn't feel comfortable going to the Military meetup due to his cough. Other than Trivia, that will be my day. 

 

Prayers lifted for our Daily friends..

 

P.S. I'll happily share my bacon with ya'll!

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s Report & Daily, Rich via Ron! A lovely morning already 54. I am planning to try my first gym class since my return today. Looking forward to seeing how I do - it has been more than a week. My only aerobic activity has been walking. I can’t count Bindi walks, though at least those get me moving. 
 

Roy, thank you again for doing triple duty. Your efforts really have helped make this a community. It has been such an eventful year for many of us. 
 

Sometimes a single picture tells an entire story….

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! 
 

Get well & stay well everyone!

 

***********

Figgins 2018 Estate Red (Walla Walla Valley (WA))

Good news another superb wine that does not cost $500+. The bad news - only 19,000 bottles and prices start at $96.60 online. It sounds lovely, just outside of my budget. But you might find it for less locally. 

 

Winemaker Notes

On the 10-year anniversary of their inaugural vintage release (2008), it is apropos that the 2018 Estate Red is unquestionably their favorite to date. When Figgins planted this site, this was the single vineyard wine they dreamed of making! Explosive, high-toned nose of mixed florals, vibrant candied cherries, freshly picked blueberries, and pencil shavings. The palate has layer upon layer of plum and dried figs. While the wine is structured and dense with the stuffing to age two decades easily, it is plush, balanced, and already drinking beautifully for a young bottle of Figgins.

D97 Decanter

Inky and brooding once in the glass this is quite simply the best wine ever produced by this estate. Needing an hour in the decanter, this unveils tar and tobacco leaf tones aromatically with graphite and a massive core of dark fruits also providing intrigue. Juicy, with outstanding acidity and freshness, this shows off cassis, anise, charcoal and menthol flavours that mingle with the bright sense of verve. Glorious now, try to resist this beautiful wine for at least another year. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2045.

JD97 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Red Wine is another stunner from this talented team. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot aged 23 months in a mix of new and used barrels, it has an incredibly pure bouquet of both red and blue fruits as well as graphite, violets, and blood orange. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it stays tight and focused on the palate, with a beautiful mouthfeel, ripe yet firm, chalky tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great, great finish. It’s a gorgeous wine that will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20+ in cold cellars.
Rating: 97+

V97 Vinous

The 2018 Red Wine Estate might just be the best edition ever of this incredible high-elevation bottling. It’s nothing short of a blending masterpiece by Chris Figgins and his winemaking team. This thing is massive monster of a wine that really needs several hours of air to get going. But once tamed, the aromatics explode out of the glass, unveiling dark currants, roasted figs, black rose petals and creosote tones with shades of green bell pepper from the Petit Verdot. The palate is soft and opulent in the mouth. Layers of crème de cassis, anise, violets, dark cherry cordial, graphite and espresso bean with green bell pepper undertones all brilliantly combine with a vibrant sense of tension, and firm tannins hold everything in place. While this is extraordinary to savor upon release, try your best to resist it for at least a few more years. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2050.

JS95 James Suckling

Blackcurrant, blackberry, walnut and mint chocolate on the nose, as well as hints of radish and mocha. It’s full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Concentrated and chewy with a dense core of black fruit. Solid and tight. Cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot and merlot. Give this time. Try from 2024.

RP94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Immediately impressive in the glass, the 2018 Estate Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot with aromas of juicy and ripe blackberry, spiced black cherry preserves, elegant floral tones and elements of boysenberry and blueberry with a soft amount of volatility. Full-bodied, generous and full of flavor, the blend displays power and finesse, unpacking layers of complexity with a tight tannic grip that will loosen with additional bottle age. The wine somersaults to a spectacular finish with a firm, juicy and dusty sensation that gives pleasure at every turn. The wine rested for for 23 months in new and used French oak barrels. Just give it another few years in the bottle for the wine to shed its baby fat. Just under 19,000 bottles were filled. Impressive; Bravo!

WS94 Wine Spectator

A dynamic and refined red, with detailed blackberry, green olive and spicy espresso flavors that build tension and polish on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

[StLouisCruisers]

On Dec. 20, 2013 Diamond Princess tendered us to shore to visit Akaroa.  It was a picture perfect day.

 

The town was busy with all the cruise passengers in town.  We ran into our tablemates Geoff and Margie from Australia, and they took a nice photo of the two of us.

 

Everyone seemed to be taking photos of this tree, which I believe is a Pohutukhawa tree, known locally as the Christmas tree.  At least that's what I was told.

 

First we walked left and enjoyed the small town atmosphere.

 

Isn't this place darling?  Looks like a B&B to me.

 

 

 

A statue of an artist.

 

A craft market at a local church.  Remember it was 5 days before Christmas so lots of last minute shopping happening there.

 

Walking back to investigate the right side of town, we noticed this happening out in the bay.  

 

We headed over to the Akaroa Lighthouse for a closer look.

 

 

 

The second time we were there was Dec. 1, 2017 on Sun Princess.  Another gorgeous day.

 

Most people like to shop but we like to sit and people watch.

 

Or seagull watch...

 

Or sheep watch...

 

Akaroa is a real gem and a great port of call.

 

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

Good morning! Just a quick note as we are getting ready to head for Tallahassee so we can meet daughter and transfer granddaughter. So at least four hours of driving both ways this morning. Hoping we get this done before forecasted heavy rain arrives.

Thanks for the reports and post.

 

 

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is supposed to be a warm day here, but totally overcast.  That's ok.  I'll take the warmer temps as they'll make our laps around the neighborhood more pleasant.  

 

41 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

We have something to celebrate.  Yesterday along with all the other chores (car cleaning continued, groceries finally, and paying our real estate taxes) we decided to book a cruise.  DH has been less than pleased with our two cruises this year and I thought I might never get him to book another cruise again.  However, he has expressed he would like 3 to 4 week cruises and not go too far beyond that time span.  We saw a 25 day Zaandam cruise roundtrip Boston to Canada, Greenland and Iceland on July 29 and decided we could enjoy that one quite well.  We've been to a lot of the ports, but there are some we haven't and would like to.  When I went to read the Roll Call I found Debbie @dfishand sister Sue will be on board too so that sounds like fun!  Now I have to figure out how to get there and where to stay.  That should keep me busy!

 

 

What wonderful news!   Sue and I are both excited that you are joining us on this cruise.  We'll have to make some plans!  

 

Casseroles do not need to drown in creaminess to be enjoyable. In this recipe the cauliflower stands out and is delicious presented as itself, instead of being pureed into a gooey sauce. Accompanying the cauliflower is simple Italian sausage, along with a tangy tomato sauce.  https://paleogrubs.com/sausage-and-cauliflower-casserole-recipe

 

 

This is a wonderful take on a skillet full of delicious ingredients.  It’s a one-pan dinner, and it’s full of flavors you’re sure to love. Whether you’re making this for a bunch, or to have on hand, it’s great left over and will leave your family, or guests asking for more.  This can be served with a side salad for a healthy balanced meal.  https://myheavenlyrecipes.com/skillet-dinner-with-sausage-cauliflower/

 

 

The combination of sausage and cauliflower makes for a delicious main meal, especially when the weather starts to turn a bit cooler, and you want to start making warming casserole dishes. It's also a breeze to prepare.  https://www.thespruceeats.com/cauliflower-sausage-roast-with-cheddar-cheese-3052494

 

 

One last entry because it looked so good.  I think this is the recipe I would use.  https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-cauliflower-italian-sau-137481

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day!  

[grapau27]

55 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

On Dec. 20, 2013 Diamond Princess tendered us to shore to visit Akaroa.  It was a picture perfect day.

 

The town was busy with all the cruise passengers in town.  We ran into our tablemates Geoff and Margie from Australia, and they took a nice photo of the two of us.

 

Everyone seemed to be taking photos of this tree, which I believe is a Pohutukhawa tree, known locally as the Christmas tree.  At least that's what I was told.

 

First we walked left and enjoyed the small town atmosphere.

 

Isn't this place darling?  Looks like a B&B to me.

 

 

 

A statue of an artist.

 

A craft market at a local church.  Remember it was 5 days before Christmas so lots of last minute shopping happening there.

 

Walking back to investigate the right side of town, we noticed this happening out in the bay.  

 

We headed over to the Akaroa Lighthouse for a closer look.

 

 

 

The second time we were there was Dec. 1, 2017 on Sun Princess.  Another gorgeous day.

 

Most people like to shop but we like to sit and people watch.

 

Or seagull watch...

 

Or sheep watch...

 

Akaroa is a real gem and a great port of call.

 

 

 

 

Nice photos of the port and yourselves Sandi.

Graham.

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Thanks for the Daily report and I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

First, I am one of the rare peeps who doesn't like bacon.... 

Second, I hope everyone here has a Happy New Year!!! 

 

Nice photo. Is that me snorkeling next to pier? Believe it or not when the port was first opened you could snorkel under pier where I saw a shark and stingray. And speaking of stingrays, several months after Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray I was snorkeling 20 feet from beach in Grand Turks when a stingray appeared. I told everyone in the water to come look at the stingray and you would have thought I yelled Shark!  All the bathers exited the water, I think even some walked on water to get out quickly. 😀

[kochleffel]

I got home just after 5:00 p.m. yesterday. The Junior Cat had a lot to say and none of it sounded complimentary.

 

Driving back was not as difficult but was, if anything, more annoying: gas stations that didn't sell gas (is their business lottery tickets, or meth?), restaurants that closed just as I arrived (no staff), the worst coffee I've ever tasted, including NCL's. However, it was 50° and I got my car washed in Harrisburg. On Monday it had gotten so coated in slush that, in the hotel garage, I couldn't recognize it; it appeared to be battleship grey instead of electric blue.

 

My luggage did not get lost, which would be really alarming in a car trip. For my last two international trips, because it would be harder to buy replacement clothes abroad, I've carried an international-size carry-on bag (slightly smaller than the maximum allowed on domestic airlines) instead of just a so-called personal item. For the Spanish Farewell next year, I'll use it as one of two bags to check on the outbound flight, and then carry it for the return flight from FLL, where I'll be able to check only one.

 

If you can get to Washington before March 26, "Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South" is well worth seeing at the National Gallery.

https://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2022/called-to-create.html

 

 

[summer slope]

Blue Mule cocktail:

 

Ingredients
1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
½ part DeKuyper® Blue Curacao
1 ½ parts Ginger Beer
Lime Juice

Instructions
Add the Vodka and Blue Curacao to a Moscow Mule mug or tall glass. Mix lightly with a bar spoon. Top with ginger beer and ice.

 

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, GTVCRUISER said:

 

Very nice for Bacon Day. Which ship is that PG?

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

 

Have a great day.