The Fleet Report and Daily for Tuesday January 10th, 2023

[0106]

Bar Harbor is a beautiful port.  We were lucky enough to do a tour of Arcadia.

 

 

We were surprised to see the Coast Guard with mounted guns patrolling the perimeter of the Veendam when our tender returned.

 

Unfortunately, after this season the BHBs will no longer be able to visit the port.  In November, voters adopted a citizens petition that limits the total daily number of cruise ship passengers to just 1,000 people. https://maritime-executive.com/article/bar-harbor-votes-to-dramatically-limit-cruise-passenger-arrivals

 

Feeling grateful this morning, a few shout outs are in order.
 

Very happy to hear that Jacqui @kazu and Kathi @Scrapnana will both be home soon.  Sending them healing thoughts.

 

Thank you Rich @richwmnfor creating the Daily content and Roy @rafinmd for posting the Daily every morning and the Bon Voyage threads while Rich is on the WC and Jacqui is healing.

 

Thank you Debbie @dfish for your recipes that encourage me to try new dishes and Dixie @summer slope and Ann@cat shepard for expanding my beverage palate (but not during dry January).

 

Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the links to previous port picture and all your personal pictures and commentary about the port of the day.

 

Thank you Joy @Seasick Sailor for postings while on the Rotterdam.  I board 2/4.  I have a reservation the the Pinnacle  Valentine’s Day dinner but may change it to a different night in Rudis.  It would be less expensive and it seems like you enjoyed your meal there.

Thank you Terri @Cruzin Terrifor your advice on Barbados.  BTW, the email link in your signature does not work.

 

Thank you Bruce @aliaschief for inspiring me to explore additional cruise lines.

 

Positive thought to those who need them and cheers to all who are celebrating.

Edited January 10, 2023 by 0106

[HAL Sailer]

The vigil for DSIL continues into day eleven. From five hours away, my DH prays his sister knows it is okay for her to quit the fight...

 

So glad to learn that @Scrapnanaand @kazu are both headed home. My 🙏prayers🙏 are offered for each.

 

-Melisa

Edited January 10, 2023 by HAL Sailer

[RedneckBob]

3 hours ago, RedneckBob said:

Thanks for the Fleet update and general info so early in the AM.

 

Today is Peculiar People Day? Do you know of any peculiar people? I don’t. 

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most peculiar person of all ? 🥸

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

 

Have great day.

[RedneckBob]

2 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning! We had a wonderful dining experience last night. Yes the wine selections on yesterday’s menu I posted was a typo. Today we are in St Lucia and tonight is White Night. Whether permitting tables are set around the pool, majority of folks dress in white. Big BBQ and feast served by officers then band, dancers singers perform and a lot of dancing among guest. A bunch of mature guest acting like teenagers!

When I think of peculiar people Red Neck Bob comes to mind!😁

Enjoying a cafe latte and breakfast will soon arrive.

May post some food porn pics later.

Thanks for the reports

 

Thanks for the shoutout and continued wonderful cruise and great food!

[4966and556]

Thank you for everyone who posts amazing info on the  Daily Report!  So happy to read that Kazu and Scrapnana are both on their way home!!  

[HAL Sailer]

1 hour ago, richwmn said:

We were nearby and heard, saw, and felt the lightning strike that hit Zuiderdam. There was only minor damage so we are on our way.

Given the descriptions, on various GWV threads, of the explosive bang felt when the lightning hit, the ship's radio antenna being destroyed, a window broken, and a hole left in the Lido, methinks my definition of 'minor' differs widely from @richwmn's. 🤔Whew! So glad the Zdam is underway and that no injuries are reported.

-Melisa

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good morning from a sunny and breezy central Texas.  It is currently 55F, but we are supposed to warm up to 82F this afternoon.  Having the breeze coming from the south should help.  I'm not sure what's on the agenda today.  I was supposed to get a haircut this morning, but the stylist texted a while ago that she has the flu and is still not doing well.  I'll call in a few minutes and see if someone else can get me in.  It's been six weeks since the last haircut, and I'm getting a bit shaggy.

 

Bittersweet chocolate has it's place, but I much prefer dark chocolate.  BTW, @StLouisCruisers Sandi, it's generally semi-sweet chocolate chips that are used to make chocolate chip cookies.  Until we started traveling a lot about 20 years ago, I had several special houseplants.  One winter, older DD left them on the balcony of her apartment, and they froze to death.  Since then, I decided the kindest thing I could do for houseplants was to let someone else have them.  Some of our non-traveling, non-cruising friends think we are peculiar.

 

Today is our younger DD's 45th birthday.  Like so many others, we are scratching our heads trying to figure out where the time went.

 

The Jean-Paul Sartre quote seems to be a little cynical.

 

We'll pass on the meal and the drink.  The wine might be worth a try, and we may have tried it.  I know the Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is good.

 

We have been to Bar Harbor many times on BHBs and other cruise lines.  Our first visit there was in 1974 when we camped in Acadia National Park for a week.  

 

We were very glad to read last night that @kazu Jacqui was on her way home, and that @Scrapnana Kathi will be heading home tomorrow with the help of her daughter.  Wishing them both the best.

 

@marshhawk  Annie, I hope you can go in with your DH today.  Just tell them you are his advocate and caregiver.  I hope Bubbles survived the night and is beginning to heal.

@aliaschief  Bruce, I'm glad you had a good dinner last night, and the white party sounds like fun.

@Cruzin Terri  Terri, it sounds like you will be back in your house very soon if not tonight.

@richwmn  Rich, I'm glad you had a good time with your friend yesterday. Wow, about the lightning striking the Zuiderdam.  I think I agree with @HAL Sailer that I would not call the damage minor, but at least the ship could still sail.  Enjoy your sea days.

@cunnorl  Congratulations on booking the grand voyage for October.

@HAL Sailer  Melisa, I know the vigil for your DSIL is difficult for both of you.  You and your family are in our thoughts.

@StLouisCruisers  Sandi, I'm sorry today is a bittersweet day for you.

 

I lucked out.  One of the stylists, the one I know, can get me in at 4:30 today.  

 

Lenda

Edited January 10, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[Himself]

Roy you are doing a nice job.  thanks for pinch hitting for Rich.

[StLouisCruisers]

45 minutes ago, 0106 said:

Bar Harbor is a beautiful port.  We were lucky enough to do a tour of Arcadia.

 

 

We were surprised to see the Coast Guard with mounted guns patrolling the perimeter of the Veendam when our tender returned.

 

Unfortunately, after this season the BHBs will no longer be able to visit the port.  In November, voters adopted a citizens petition that limits the total daily number of cruise ship passengers to just 1,000 people. https://maritime-executive.com/article/bar-harbor-votes-to-dramatically-limit-cruise-passenger-arrivals

 

Feeling grateful this morning, a few shout outs are in order.
 

Very happy to hear that Jacqui @kazu and Kathi @Scrapnana will both be home soon.  Sending them healing thoughts.

 

Thank you Rich @richwmnfor creating the Daily content and Roy @rafinmd for posting the Daily every morning and the Bon Voyage threads while Rich is on the WC and Jacqui is healing.

 

Thank you Debbie @dfish for your recipes that encourage me to try new dishes and Dixie @summer slope and Ann@cat shepard for expanding my beverage palate (but not during dry January).

 

Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for the links to previous port picture and all your personal pictures and commentary about the port of the day.

 

Thank you Joy @Seasick Sailor for postings while on the Rotterdam.  I board 2/4.  I have a reservation the the Pinnacle  Valentine’s Day dinner but may change it to a different night in Rudis.  It would be less expensive and it seems like you enjoyed your meal there.

Thank you Terri @Cruzin Terrifor your advice on Barbados.  BTW, the email link in your signature does not work.

 

Thank you Bruce @aliaschief for inspiring me to explore additional cruise lines.

 

Positive thought to those who need them and cheers to all who are celebrating.

Tina, thank YOU for all your kind words to everyone.  I'm happy to add anything I can each day, and you provided valuable information about Bar Harbor that we can all use.  💖

 

 

 

45 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

The vigil for DSIL continues into day eleven. From five hours away, my DH prays his sister knows it is okay for her to quit the fight...

 

So glad to learn that @Scrapnanaand @kazu are both headed home. My 🙏prayers🙏 are offered for each.

 

-Melisa

Melisa, these last days can be the hardest.  Hugs to you both...

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, HAL Sailer said:

Given the descriptions, on various GWV threads, of the explosive bang felt when the lightning hit, the ship's radio antenna being destroyed, a window broken, and a hole left in the Lido, methinks my definition of 'minor' differs widely from @richwmn's. 🤔Whew! So glad the Zdam is underway and that no injuries are reported.

-Melisa

That does sound rather extreme!  I hope anyone near the strike is okay.  It's not going to be easy to patch things up while on this extended voyage.  Nice that we have friends on board who can report back on this most unusual event and fix up.🛠️

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

These are the pictures I posted on July 4, 2021, of our visits to Bar Harbor.

 

We have been to Bar Harbor seven times by cruise ship, and once by land in 1974 when we tent camped in Acadia National Park.  In 2004, we did a roundtrip NYC to Montreal and back on the old Regal Princess, with two stops in Bar Harbor.  The rest of our visits were on the Veendam in 2013 with two b2b 14-day cruises out of Boston.  In 2019, Bar Harbor was our last stop before Boston on Veendam's TA.  I hope I'm not posting too many repeat pictures taken during all our cruise visits.

 

We took Oli's Trolley tour of Acadia twice, I hope these are not repeats.

 

In 2013, I booked two other tours before we left.  One was a whale watching tour that is best forgotten.  It was so rough, no one left their seats.  We should not have left the dock, and even the whales were smart enough to go someplace else.  We  got vouchers for a free whale watching trip to be used with in three years.  We were back two weeks later, but decided to pass.  That was one day I did not take any pictures.

 

On a brighter note, the previous time, we'd booked a tour on the Lulu Lobster Boat, and that was fantastic.  We learned a lot about lobsters, Maine and wildlife.  Plus, as the pictures show, it was a sunny, calm day.

 

Pictures as we sailed back to the dock.

 

Just a few pictures of our walks around this very pretty town.

 

In 2004, this boat was returning from a tour as our ship was getting ready to sail.

 

Lenda

[travelnap]

1 hour ago, RedneckBob said:

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most peculiar person of all ? 🥸

I was ok until I looked in that darn mirror.  OK, I confess I like being different as being normal is so boring.  Being different is much more fun.  Does that make me peculiar, if so, I like being peculiar.

[luvteaching]

Good morning all, 

 

Good news that @kazu and @Scrapnana are both heading home and getting the care they need. 

 

DH is improving and can come off the care list. Yesterday morning his speech was still not right but by the afternoon it was much better and he's speaking clearly this morning. Yesterday DS was here for father/son time and I got in water aerobics (2 classes) as well as stops at See's candy, Costco, and Fred Meyer. Now the car doesn't leave the driveway until next Monday. Today we have a video visit with our doctor at 1:00, nursing comes in at 2:15 to do wound care (so I don't have to change the dressing today) and the PT aide comes about the same time. The aide is someone we've had numerous times, "gets" DH, and is so upbeat working with him. 

 

Karen

[richwmn]

@HAL Sailer, @Quartzsite Cruiser

I haven't seen the cracked window. The hole in the roof of the Lido will be patched. The replacement will probably not happen until a dry dock, the same with the window. The radio antenna can most likely be replaced, possibly with a spare, while underway, but again I have not actually seen the damage.

I called it minor because nothing had to be repaired before we could get underway.

Edited January 10, 2023 by richwmn

[RedneckBob]

23 minutes ago, travelnap said:

I was ok until I looked in that darn mirror.  OK, I confess I like being different as being normal is so boring.  Being different is much more fun.  Does that make me peculiar, if so, I like being peculiar.

Ditto

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

This is DSIL's last day here, and we'll just spend it here at home resting up.  She needs it before her flight home tomorrow, we've been keeping her busy and more active than she's accustomed to.  Also this morning is DH's 4th chemo bladder wash, so we wouldn't be going anywhere anyway.

 

Yesterday we took her north to Blaine and after a very nice lunch out with my sister and DBIL in Bellingham, we took DSIL to see the Peace Arch on the border between the US and Canada.  Not sure I've mentioned it, but when I was 12 my class went there to see President Johnson.  He was inches from me, and my best friend, standing next to me, shook his hand.  I was probably too shy. 😉  

 

DSIL really enjoyed this outing.  Even though she can't go into Canada (no passport) she could "see it".  After spending some time there, we drove back south to DS and DDIL's where we had a delicious dinner with them.

 

 

 

Except during Covid!  

 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good morning and Happy Tuesday. Today Blue is at the vets having dental surgery (again) and a pedicure. Seems like he has to have a tooth removed about once a year, soon he won’t have any left. When they told us this last time they recommended no more hard chew sticks or toys, so I threw away all the hard ones. Now he has these cute little toys from Bark Box that squeak and crinkle. We should be able to pick him up about 1:00 pm. 
 

Congratulations @cunnorl on your 4* status!  And also for booking a Grand cruise. 
 

What good news to hear about Jacqui and Kathi traveling home. Prayers for uneventful and safe travels. 
 

Rich @richwmn, wow on the lightning strike.  I wouldn’t have wanted to be in the Lido when that happened. 
 

Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser, Happy Birthday to your DD!  
 

Today’s meal suggestion looks good but I don’t peanuts in my food so would make it without them. 
 

Just got a call from the vet and Blue had to have a total of 6 teeth removed. Ouch. Doctor said he now doesn’t have any teeth left on the bottom front and may stick his tongue out. Oh dear, poor thing. She did say that he should adapt. 
 

Have a great day everyone!

[grapau27]

1 hour ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

These are the pictures I posted on July 4, 2021, of our visits to Bar Harbor.

 

We have been to Bar Harbor seven times by cruise ship, and once by land in 1974 when we tent camped in Acadia National Park.  In 2004, we did a roundtrip NYC to Montreal and back on the old Regal Princess, with two stops in Bar Harbor.  The rest of our visits were on the Veendam in 2013 with two b2b 14-day cruises out of Boston.  In 2019, Bar Harbor was our last stop before Boston on Veendam's TA.  I hope I'm not posting too many repeat pictures taken during all our cruise visits.

 

We took Oli's Trolley tour of Acadia twice, I hope these are not repeats.

 

In 2013, I booked two other tours before we left.  One was a whale watching tour that is best forgotten.  It was so rough, no one left their seats.  We should not have left the dock, and even the whales were smart enough to go someplace else.  We  got vouchers for a free whale watching trip to be used with in three years.  We were back two weeks later, but decided to pass.  That was one day I did not take any pictures.

 

On a brighter note, the previous time, we'd booked a tour on the Lulu Lobster Boat, and that was fantastic.  We learned a lot about lobsters, Maine and wildlife.  Plus, as the pictures show, it was a sunny, calm day.

 

Pictures as we sailed back to the dock.

 

Just a few pictures of our walks around this very pretty town.

 

In 2004, this boat was returning from a tour as our ship was getting ready to sail.

 

Lenda

Great photos and Happy 45th birthday for your DD today Lenda.

[CrabbyPatti]

Good Morning Everyone!

        Would love to visit Bar Harbour one of these days.  Enjoying all the pictures people have posted.

      Take care everyone, I am enjoying your cruise plans and pictures you have been posting!  Keep them coming!

 

Denise

[HAL Sailer]

1 hour ago, richwmn said:

I called it minor because nothing had to be repaired before we could get underway.

@richwmn Thanks! Didn't mean to challenge your use of 'minor' just knew, based on the reports of damage, that it was lucky the outcome wasn't more serious especially since there are posts about people being on the sports court when the lightning hit. 

Glad all are safe and repairs minor.

-Melisa 

[marshhawk]

I'm about to go take that nap I promised myself.  I did tell the doc's assistant, that I was the side kick, and DH said, well she remembers things I cant.  And they let me go in with him.  And sure enough when he was with the doc, he did not mention the droop in the lower eye lid.  I did, she looked and sure enough, he has an infection in the eye, and since it is the only eye that works, and the infection is rather serious s he called in another prescription for him.   Which still hasnt been processed.    The eye lid is turning in on itself, and he has another appointment with an eye lid specialist.  now that must really be a specialized dr.  And this is where the infection is being created, and since he takes a kleenix and rubs his eye, and then uses it on the other eye, well both eyes are now infected.

 

Bubbles infections which had swelled immensely has burst, he is covered in blood and goo, but is bathing himself, and eating the crunchies I gave him, and sun bathing in the back yard.  Guess the healing will take a while.  Prayers for kitty and for my rather peculiar husband, who loves to buck what the docs tell him.. Doesn't help him, but he still hates the nagging.

[Sharon in AZ]

Thank you to Sandi @StLouisCruisers for posting the link to the last time Bar Harbor was port of the day.  It makes it so much easier to post pictures, especially since these are pre iPhone pictures and are on the hard drive. 

 

 

We were in Bar Harbor August 30, 2009 on the Eurodam.  Craig went on a hiking tour and really enjoyed it and had the camera so I don't have pictures of the Park tour I took.  After our tours we met for lunch and walked around town.  It had become quite crowded in town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for those who remember, I'm wearing my upholstery jacket that Craig hates:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

7 minutes ago, marshhawk said:

The eye lid is turning in on itself, and he has another appointment with an eye lid specialist.  now that must really be a specialized dr.  And this is where the infection is being created, and since he takes a kleenix and rubs his eye, and then uses it on the other eye, well both eyes are now infected.

Annie, this is the type of doctor that I worked 10 years for, it’s called oculoplastics. What DH has is called an entropion. Because the eyelid and eyelashes are scratching the eye it causes more than an infection.  It can actually effect his eyesight.  If it doesn’t resolve after treatment he might need surgery to repair the eyelid. The first thing that they will tell DH is to not rub his eyes. Easier said than done, but it’s the truth. One thing that really helps is an eye lubricant like a gel, you can find it in the eye drop area at the drugstore. 
 

So glad Bubbles is cleaning himself. Good sign. 
 

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Thanks to all for the photos today... @Mr. Boston, @0106, @Quartzsite Cruiser, and @Sharon in AZ.  Sharon, I'm happy to help everyone get to their photos easier.  And I like your upholstery jacket!  It's cute!  Lenda, happy birthday to your DD.  Amazing how the years pass so quickly.  Annie @marshhawk you really do need to go with DH to his appointments.  I hope this new medication helps him.  Good luck keeping him from rubbing his eyes though.  And what a pity Bubbles has to suffer through abcesses.  You see a lot of that on the veterinarian shows.  Hope you get some sleep this afternoon.

[rafinmd]

I'm guessing that tomorrow Zaandam and Eurodam will pass through the Gatun locks pretty much together and then part ways as Zaandam goes to the Pacific and Eurodam returns to Fort Lauderdale.  I wonder what the rules are on tooting in Lake Gatun.

 

Roy