The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday January 20th, 2023

[rafinmd]

Today is National Buttercrunch Day, National Cheese Lover Day, and Penguin Awareness Day
 

A two-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it. - Jerry Seinfeld

Meal Suggestion for today - Mapo Tofu
Drink of the Day - Elfs Kiss
Wine of the Day - Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Stones 2020
Destination of the Day - Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico Riviera
 

Eurodam

At Sea Destination Panama Canal eta 1-21
 

Koningsdam

Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii 07:00 - 23:00
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

At Sea Destination Half Moon Cay, Bahamas eta 1-21
 

Nieuw Statendam

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas 07:00 - 15:00
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Port Stanley, East Falkland Island eta 1-26
While the next port is Stanley, Oosterdam is beginning her Antarctic Experience

 

Rotterdam

Bridgetown, Barbados 0700 - 1700
 

Volendam

San Antonio, Chile 08:00 - 17:00
 

Zaandam

At Sea Destination San Diego, California eta 1-21
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Papeete, Tahiti Island, French Polynesia eta 1-21

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand 08:00 - 18:00
 

Westerdam

At Sea Destination Singapore eta 2-03
 

Just one map today.  Sorry for the misprint above Zuiderdam.

 

Roy for Rich

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[seagarsmoker]

Thanks for the Daily Report and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

[ottahand7]

Good Friday morning from San Antonio Chile. We had a fairly smooth departure yesterday and are in smoothly today. For us to disembark yesterday the captain had to drop both anchors and hire 2 sea tugs to push us in position for the entire day. Thank you captain! We got off and shared an Uber with a lovely couple from Utah to the light house in La Serena then hoofed the mile to the Japanese Gardens.   My phone doesn't like the Chilean roaming so we couldn't call an Uber back. It must have been some holiday because every cab that went by was full. I asked a fellow running the parking lot where to get a taxi. Language barrier so for a while it didn't work out. After a while seeing us standing there he came up and we figured out where we needed to go by our map in hand. He got on his phone and called someone for us.  No need for him to do that but so kind. We ended eating our lunch in the Lido because the nice seafood restaurants were at the lighthouse all near the ship were the packed public market.  Today is a HA excursion to a winery past Santiago. 

Prayers for Jacqui, Kathi, Tana, Sarah and the people on our Care list and the people of Ukraine. Photos from Coquimbo/ La Serena. Have a lovely weekend!  Nancy

 

[grapau27]

Good morning.

Sunny and 36°F here.

Thank you Roy for producing another wonderful daily.

Butternut crunch is lovely.

I like most hard cheeses.

Penguin 🐧 awareness is so important.

I will give today's food and drink a miss although a 

Marlborough Sauvignon blanc is lovely.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

Wishing everyone a lovely day.

Graham.

 

[grapau27]

2 minutes ago, ottahand7 said:

Good Friday morning from San Antonio Chile. We had a fairly smooth departure yesterday and are in smoothly today. For us to disembark yesterday the captain had to drop both anchors and hire 2 sea tugs to push us in position for the entire day. Thank you captain! We got off and shared an Uber with a lovely couple from Utah to the light house in La Serena then hoofed the mile to the Japanese Gardens.   My phone doesn't like the Chilean roaming so we couldn't call an Uber back. It must have been some holiday because every cab that went by was full. I asked a fellow running the parking lot where to get a taxi. Language barrier so for a while it didn't work out. After a while seeing us standing there he came up and we figured out where we needed to go by our map in hand. He got on his phone and called someone for us.  No need for him to do that but so kind. We ended eating our lunch in the Lido because the nice seafood restaurants were at the lighthouse all near the ship were the packed public market.  Today is a HA excursion to a winery past Santiago. 

Prayers for Jacqui, Kathi, Tana, Sarah and the people on our Care list and the people of Ukraine. Photos from Coquimbo/ La Serena. Have a lovely weekend!  Nancy

 

Thank you and nice photos Nancy.

Graham.

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning everyone. 

Thanks for the Fleet and Daily Report.  Love coming here every morning.

Freezing rain was in the forecast for southern Ontario, but we were lucky and it missed us.  We got a bit of rain yesterday and some snow overnight.  This is not our normal January weather.

I like the days, love buttercrunch, love cheese (maybe we'll have fondue!) and who doesn't love penguins?

Amusing quote from a good comedian.

I'll pass on the meal.  I'm sure I'll like the wine.

I've never been to Mexico.

 

Prayers for everyone.  I hope there are lots of celebrations, no matter how small

Have a wonderful Friday.

Stay safe.

 

[mamaofami]

Good morning everyone. It’s 38 degrees outside and I woke to a broken thermostat set to 64. I did some playing and the heat moved up to 65 so I’m hoping I fixed it. 
My wonderful pain doctor is leaving the practice and I’ve lined up several appointments to find someone new. He’s joining another practice but it’s to far for me to drive every month.

Stay safe everyone,

Carol

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning Everyone, thanks for the daily fleet report.  I’ll pass on today’s meal suggestion, not sure what’s for dinner but definitely not tofu.  A new work project came my way overnight so putting that plan together will take up a good portion of the day.  I hope everyone has a good day today.

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  It's 43F and partly cloudy today and we will reach approximately 56. Thanks to Rich @richwmn and Roy @rafinmdfor our Daily and Fleet Report.  That's a funny quote!  The buttercrunch sounds tasty, love cheese and adore penguins.  🐧  If it has tofu in it I will probably skip that dish.  Yes to the wine!

 

Prayers to the Care list.  There are so many in need of them including Carolyn's @Cruising-along2nd cousin Patricia, Sarah, Tana, Jacqui and Kathi.  The people of Ukraine have had an awful time the last 11 months so more prayers for them.  Cheers to our Celebration list people.  Hope all are enjoying themselves on their cruises.🚢

 

Today's port is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and it was listed here once before on Oct. 19, 2022.  Puerto Vallarta is a great little city and we've enjoyed our 3 visits there.  2006 on the old Regal Princess, 2015 on Ruby Princess, and 2016 on Westerdam.  My photos are after Rich's link.

 

 

 

 

 

On March 29, 2016 we were on a Westerdam Panama Canal cruise and had a nice day ahead of us in Puerto Vallarta.  Here is our welcome committee.  

 

Did you notice this lady hugging a donkey?

 

We got off the ship and got right on a local bus to the scenic downtown area.

 

The Malecon still appeared empty.

 

But the performers on the 50 foot pole (they are called Voladores de Papantla) were already out and we were impressed by their performance.

 

We walked around looking at all the statues placed there.

 

 

 

Views up the streets of this colorful neighborhood.

 

Here is the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

 

 

 

It was too early for lunch so we took a walk over the Rio Cuale to Old Town using the hanging bridge.

 

Nice shopping over there.

 

 

 

Time to head to Pipi's for lunch.

 

Here we are at Pipi's

 

 

 

We did a very similar route with the same activites in 2015 on Ruby Princess but you don't need to see similar photos from that trip.  We had quite an enjoyable day there.  I highly recommend visiting Puerto Vallarta if you can.  

[StLouisCruisers]

For all those penguin lovers out there!

 

 

 

 

 

[cat shepard]

Thank you Rich & Roy for today’s Report & Daily! It is 64 and a bit humid here this morning. There is a bit of a marine layer this morning.  We have a chance of showers over the next few days. We will see. 

Roy, thank you again for all you do for us. Just one class and chores. Getting ready for my “traveling Sister’s” birthday celebration tomorrow. And Bindi walks. 


 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support: especially Patricia, Sarah, Kathi, Tana and Jacqui. Jacqui, love that pink cast - it is as unique as you. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone!

 

********

Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Stones 2020

Well my search for an SB from this Vintner with “Stones” in the description failed. But they have two SB. Their signature one, a bit more expensive, did not show a 2020 vintage. So that left the Petit Clos SB. Luckily it has great reviews and a very reasonable price - available from quite a few online distributors with prices starting at $15.40. And I am recharging my decoder ring, so it will be ready for the next challenge. 

 

Winemaker Notes

The 2020 Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc holds an elegance and finesse thanks to the goldilocks conditions leading up to harvest. Balanced and expressive, top notes of elderflower and citrus blossom with gunflint minerality. Textural, with zingy acidity and a flinty, mineral nuance this wine is both fresh and concentrated

WE93 Wine Enthusiast

Despite being a lower priced bottle from younger vines than Henri's flagship Sauvignon, this is a delicious and complete drop. Pale gold in hue, it offers layers of aroma and flavor, from lime leaf, pineapple rind, grapefruit, oyster shell, white spice and crushed stones. The play between crunchy acidity and chalky texture, combined with pithy fruit, is hard to resist. A tasty tipple now, it could gain some honeyed complexity with another few years in the bottle.
Editors' Choice

Edited January 20, 2023 by cat shepard

[summer slope]

Puerto Vallarta is where we ended the cruise season in 2020.  Had to get off the ship and find our own way home.  Got all our monies back and FCC for the whole amount.  Was a happy camper.

 

Elfs Kiss cocktail:

 

Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Pinnacle® Citrus Vodka
1 part Midori®
1/2 part Simple Syrup
1 part fresh squeezed lemon juice
2-3 slices of Fresh Ginger, Peeled
Cranberry Juice
Garnish: Cranberries

Instructions
In a shaker, muddle ginger and simple syrup. Then add Midori®, Pinnacle® Citrus Vodka, and lemon juice and shake until chilled. Strain into an ice filled glass and gently top with a float of cranberry juice. Garnish with cranberries and serve.

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by summer slope

[smitty34877]

Good morning. Our weather matches Sandi's  @StLouisCruisers.Last night the rain was very heavy with thunder and lightening. Our dogs objected to the noise and neighboring pooches joined in.

I have tried many times to enjoy tofu but have not found a recipe that makes it tasty enough.I do use it in recipes  for the vegetarians  here and they love it so I think it is just my personal taste.

The executive  chef wanted to try one of the ground beef, cheese and pasta dishes from last week today.I think we have all the ingredients  and it will be something new.

My DSIL vacuumed all of the smoke and CO2 alarms yesterday and replaced batteries  where needed.It was perfectly quiet  last night.

Enjoy the day and stay safe

[aliaschief]

Top Of The Morning To All Of You. Cold front came through overnight and we are starting the day off in the mid forties! As mentioned yesterday, my cardiology evaluation showed the old ticker is working well. 
We are still adjusting to the realization that Sue retired in May. For instance, “Want to go shopping Saturday for a couple of items for our Cancun trip?” “Why do we have to wait to Saturday!” We can now go just about any day! 
We have many folks on our Care List here on the Daily, as well as several in our personal lives so we will continue to let them know we care and that our prayers give comfort and hopefully healing.

TGIF is not as important anymore with the thanks being -TGIWU- THANK GOD I WOKE UP!

Thanks for the Fleet Report and postings. Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

Bruce

 

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet update and general info.

 

Wow, I have nothing new or unusual to post based on today’s special day. Right, of course I have something. Wait for it!

 

Today is National Cheese Lovers Day. I celebrate this everyday! How. Everyday I cut the cheese 😀

 

[grapau27]

41 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Good morning friends!  It's 43F and partly cloudy today and we will reach approximately 56. Thanks to Rich @richwmn and Roy @rafinmdfor our Daily and Fleet Report.  That's a funny quote!  The buttercrunch sounds tasty, love cheese and adore penguins.  🐧  If it has tofu in it I will probably skip that dish.  Yes to the wine!

 

Prayers to the Care list.  There are so many in need of them including Carolyn's @Cruising-along2nd cousin Patricia, Sarah, Tana, Jacqui and Kathi.  The people of Ukraine have had an awful time the last 11 months so more prayers for them.  Cheers to our Celebration list people.  Hope all are enjoying themselves on their cruises.🚢

 

Today's port is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and it was listed here once before on Oct. 19, 2022.  Puerto Vallarta is a great little city and we've enjoyed our 3 visits there.  2006 on the old Regal Princess, 2015 on Ruby Princess, and 2016 on Westerdam.  My photos are after Rich's link.

 

 

 

 

 

On March 29, 2016 we were on a Westerdam Panama Canal cruise and had a nice day ahead of us in Puerto Vallarta.  Here is our welcome committee.  

 

Did you notice this lady hugging a donkey?

 

We got off the ship and got right on a local bus to the scenic downtown area.

 

The Malecon still appeared empty.

 

But the performers on the 50 foot pole (they are called Voladores de Papantla) were already out and we were impressed by their performance.

 

We walked around looking at all the statues placed there.

 

 

 

Views up the streets of this colorful neighborhood.

 

Here is the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

 

 

 

It was too early for lunch so we took a walk over the Rio Cuale to Old Town using the hanging bridge.

 

Nice shopping over there.

 

 

 

Time to head to Pipi's for lunch.

 

Here we are at Pipi's

 

 

 

We did a very similar route with the same activites in 2015 on Ruby Princess but you don't need to see similar photos from that trip.  We had quite an enjoyable day there.  I highly recommend visiting Puerto Vallarta if you can.  

Thank you Sandi and interesting photos.

Graham.

[RedneckBob]

10 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

Top Of The Morning To All Of You. Cold front came through overnight and we are starting the day off in the mid forties! As mentioned yesterday, my cardiology evaluation showed the old ticker is working well. 
We are still adjusting to the realization that Sue retired in May. For instance, “Want to go shopping Saturday for a couple of items for our Cancun trip?” “Why do we have to wait to Saturday!” We can now go just about any day! 
We have many folks on our Care List here on the Daily, as well as several in our personal lives so we will continue to let them know we care and that our prayers give comfort and hopefully healing.

TGIF is not as important anymore with the thanks being -TGIWU- THANK GOD I WOKE UP!

Thanks for the Fleet Report and postings. Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

Bruce

 

Good health report Aliaschief! Today in the TB Area very foggy and waiting on that cold front. Had to wear fog lights on my behind when I walked this AM.

[Colorado Klutch]

1 hour ago, seagarsmoker said:

Thanks for the Daily Report and I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

 

I guess I'm just a nerd, but Holland America ships are strikingly beautiful. 

[GTVCRUISER]

🙂 

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning.  Thanks for the daily report.  Three nice days today although I’ll have to celebrate buttercrunch day some other time.  Trying to lose a few before our cruise next month. Funny quote and true I’m sure.  I’ll pass on the meal suggestion and was ready to pass on the drink until I read the recipe and realized that it actually sounds refreshing.  I haven’t been to today’s port but am enjoying the photos, thanks for sharing.  Praying for all those on our prayer list, I hope healing comes quickly.  Cheers to everyone celebrating happy events today.  Thanks for all of the well wishes yesterday, my boss was very happy for me and a little jealous, looking forward to the next phase!

[grapau27]

15 minutes ago, GTVCRUISER said:

🙂 

Nice photos.

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

It is snowing very lightly here in mid-Michigan.  It is sticking to the rooftops but melting on the ground.  Give it time.  I'm actually a bit disappointed that there isn't a good snow cover.  The nature center offers snow shoe hikes, but has had to cancel them all due to lack of snow.  

 

Not much on the agenda.  Farkle Friday has been moved to Saturday.  We are celebrating my brother's birthday.  I just hope the cake I made doesn't go stale before tomorrow night.  It is a vanilla cake with an orange buttercream frosting and a cherry/cranberry filling.  Dinner is what he requested - Mom's beef stroganoff.

 

Today's meal is not really for vegetarians as it also contains meat.   You could use Beyond Meat in place of the actual stuff, but I'm not sure how that would impact the flavor.  And warning:  this dish is spicy hot!

 

Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan Province, where spicy food is king and the signature spice of the region––the Sichuan Peppercorn––gives dishes a unique “numbing” effect. It’s almost like the Sichuan peppercorns are there to not only add their fragrance and flavor, but also to numb your tongue so it can take more heat!

https://thewoksoflife.com/ma-po-tofu-real-deal/

 

 

There are slightly different ingredients in this recipe.   https://www.seriouseats.com/real-deal-mapo-dofu-tofu-chinese-sichuan-recipe

 

 

This one has tips for turning the dish into a vegan dish.  https://omnivorescookbook.com/authentic-mapo-tofu/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.  Prayers for Jacqui, Kathi, Tana, Sarah, and Patricia.  

 

 

[4966and556]

Thank you for the Daily Report!  No snow to be seen anywhere around here.  It is another overcast day, though.  I will pass on the drink, but the wine sounds good.  I love hard cheeses and most things that are cheese flavoured.  It was very foggy here last night, but we never got the freezing rain that had been forecast.

[kochleffel]

I'm usually interested in tofu recipes, but this dish seems to come from Sichuan, which makes me wary--much Sichuan cooking is way too hot for my taste. Dinner tonight will probably be vegan sausage, sweet potato, and "baby broccoli," which I think Graham might recognize as "sprouting broccoli," as it was listed in the Thompson & Morgan catalogue.

 

Teams at Youngstown State University in Ohio are known as the Penguins, from an away game during severe weather in 1933. No other Division I team uses the name Penguins. I wonder why not.