The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday March 29th, 2023

[StLouisCruisers]

Today is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, Smoke and Mirrors Day, and Manatee Appreciation Day
 

Food is an important part of a balanced diet. - Fran Lebowitz

Meal Suggestion for today - Ham with Pineapple Salsa
Drink of the Day - Makers Mark Paper Plane
Wine of the Day - Tony Bish Chardonnay Hawkes Bay Skeetfield 2021
Destination of the Day - Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii
 

Eurodam

Oranjestad, Aruba 06:00 - ?
 

Koningsdam

Dry Dock Portland OR Vigor Ship Yard until 4/12
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

San Juan, Puerto Rico 1300-2300
 

Nieuw Statendam

Willemstad Curacao, Netherlands Antilles 07:00 - 16:00
 

Oosterdam

Callao-Lima, Peru 08:00 Arrive
 

Rotterdam

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 0700-1500
 

Volendam

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos 07:00 - ?
 

Zaandam

La Paz, Baja California Mexico 08:00 - 15:00
 

Zuiderdam

Banjul, Gambia 08:00 - 17:00

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 - 19:00
 

Westerdam

at sea Destination Naha, Japan eta 3/30

 

 

 

Sandi for Rich and Roy

[lvhh]

Good early Morning everyone.  Thanks to all contributors.  Thanks for all the concern for our refrigerator!  A new one comes by the end of the week, in the mean time I AM THE ICEMAN.  Good thing the weather is cooler.

[JazzyV]

Today’s care list:

Roy recovering from pneumonia and working on getting stronger

RMLincoln’s DH recovering from eye surgery 

Luvteaching’s DH in the hospital with pneumonia, improving

Smitty34877 losing the aide for Tana

RM Palmer candy plant explosion with deaths, missing and injured

Nashville school shooting victims

Citizens of Ukraine/Tornado victims in Mississippi and Alabama

From the rotation:

Jacqui recovering from elbow surgery

Summer slope’s friend with a brain injury

StLouisCruiser’s DB with pulmonary fibrosis

Scrapnana getting chemotherapy

 

Celebrations and Shout outs:

Bon Voyage Cruzn single!

Bon Voyage Vict0riann (and Pat)! 

Bon Voyage Sailingdutchy (and Martha)!

Welcome home DWAlisaschief!

Welcome to the Fleet Report/Daily sunviking90

Mamaofami seeing better 

First eaglet hatched at the Hays eagle nest Sunday; awaiting 2^nd hatching

Many Dailyites with upcoming cruises

 

4 Days for Mister 67 (Celebrity Reflection 4/2 to 4/9)

4 Days for cruising sister’s trip with DSIL to Tucson

5 Days for Overhead Fred Anniversary cruise (Rotterdam 4/3 to 5/6)

 

Norseh2o (Oceania Marina to 4/6), Cruzn single (Rotterdam to 4/19), Vict0riann (Rotterdam to 4/19) Kplady (Grand Princess to 4/28), Sailingdutchy (Rotterdam to 4/29), St Pete Cruiser (Noordam to 5/2), USN59-79 (Westerdam to 5/7), and Cat in My Lap, Gail&Marty, Richwmn and HorizonChaser1957 (Zuiderdam to 5/12) at sea

 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Today is a Wednesday so you're halfway there to the weekend.  Unless every day feels like a weekend to you!  We are currently 45F, with a mostly cloudy day ahead of us and a high of 63.  I tried to look at the planet alignment last night but couldn't see everything with the naked eye.  But at least it wasn't totally cloudy at the time.

 

Thank you Rich @richwmn for our Fleet Report and Daily material.  Our quote is cute and days interesting.  I salute the Mom and Pop business owners who work so hard to make their businesses a go.  I will let Graham @grapau27 tell me what Smoke and Mirrors Day means because I am behind schedule (slept 15 minutes late).  And I always appreciate wildlife so good for the manatees.  Our meal of ham with pineapple salsa sounds good.  I don't drink Makers Mark, and prefer other wines to chardonnay.   The port this morning is Honolulu, Hawaii, the capital of that state.  Growing up it was a dream to think I would ever see Hawaii, but I have 4 times and enjoyed each and every visit.  We have had that port twice before on the Daily so links to Rich's post are below to retrieve your photos.  Enjoy the memories when you view them again!

 

Thanks to Vanessa @JazzyV for the Care and Celebration lists.  Prayers will be said shortly for all there on the Care list and any others we may know of who need them. 🙏  Cheers to those celebrating, sailing, and with improved health!  🎉🥂  Bon Voyage!  Let me also thank my friends Debbie @dfish, Ann @cat shepard and Dixie @summer slope for their help making the Daily the place to be every day.  

 

Welcome home to @DWAliaschief and Joy and Allen @Seasick Sailor !

 

Here are the links to the former port day posts:

 

 

 

 

 

While I was growing up I never imagined I would get to see so many places in this big wide world.  Didn't everybody dream of going to Hawaii someday?  Of course when we sailed to Hawaii the first time in 2007 on Diamond Princess we wanted to see Pearl Harbor so took a tour there.

 

 

 

 

 

After the Arizona Memorial we went to the U.S.S. Missouri where Japan surrendered at the end of WWII.

 

Appropriate for us to visit - that's our home state!

 

The site where the papers were signed.

 

Back to the ship docked next to Aloha Tower.

 

We were entertained by local dance groups that evening.

 

 

In 2009 we visited Honolulu again on the Golden Princess.  This trip we traveled with friends we'd met the previous year on a cruise.  We were parked next to Aloha Tower again.

 

The four of us headed out to meet a friend of theirs in Chinatown.  The first thing we saw was a skyscraper and some window washers.  Scary!  That doesn't look safe!

 

 

We headed into the fish market.

 

Heading towards the beaches we passed the statue of Queen Liliuokalani.

 

and the Iolani Palace.

 

followed by the beautiful statue of King Kamehameha.

 

A quick stop to look at the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  Not too shabby!

 

And a brief look at Waikiki Beach

 

 

 

Off to my treadmill now.  May everyone here have a safe day and let's make it a Winning Wednesday!

[grapau27]

Good morning from a cloudy 50°F North East coast of England.

Thank you so much Sandi @StLouisCruisers for preparing today's daily reports and your fantastic port photos.

3 good days today.

Nice food and wine.

We visited Honolulu on November 24th 2019  during our 15 nights Hawaiian cruise on Grand Princess November/December 2019.

Prayers for everyone who is unwell.

Graham.

Edited March 29, 2023 by grapau27

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info SLC plus JazzyV.

Smoke and Mirrors Day. That’s me, RNB, just an illusion! 😳

Appreciate a Manatee Day. Great sea mammal that needs appreciation and protection for those powerboats that are there greatest enemy!

Port of the Day, Honolulu. Last time there in 2019 a group of six of us did the North Island Foodie Tour. It was incredible. 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[ocean sounds]

Thank you for the daily and fleet report, and todays care list.

 

had the opportunity to snorkel  with the manatees one time in Florida.  What magical gentle giants!  We stayed at a distance to observe, but they were curious and came right up to us. 

 

Prayers 🙏🏻 For all in need, smiles and cheers for those celebrating. 
 

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  Hug your family and share a smile with a stranger.

Edited March 29, 2023 by ocean sounds
Added

[grapau27]

24 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Good morning from a cloudy 50°F North East coast of England.

Thank you so much Sandi @StLouisCruisers for preparing today's daily reports and your fantastic port photos.

3 good days today.

Nice food and wine.

We visited Honolulu on November 24th 2019  during our 15 nights Hawaiian cruise on Grand Princess November/December 2019.

Prayers for everyone who is unwell.

Graham.

We had a tour to Pearl Harbour.

Edited March 29, 2023 by grapau27

[summer slope]

Maker's Mark Paper Plane cocktail:

 

Ingredients
3/4 part Maker's Mark® Bourbon
3/4 part Aperol® Aperitif
3/4 part Amaro® Nonino
3/4 part Lemon Juice
Garnish: Lemon Peel

Instructions
Add all ingredients to an ice filled shaker, and shake until well chilled. Double strain into coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
 

 

[seagarsmoker]

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

I am not one for writing cruise reviews anymore. I honestly do not have the time.

Overall, we had a wonderful cruise, met some great people, our meals were good to excellent, and enjoyed staying in the PS for the first time. That being said, the PS was too big for us. We found ourselves looking for things too often as cabin space was overwhelming. The bathroom was the biggest part of the cabin. A huge oval tub, two sinks, a humungous shower, a sit-down desk/mirror, a towel warmer, and even a scale. Just what I need, something that reminds me how much weight I have gained on vacation… 😊 Another ‘private’ sink and toilet. Nice king-size bed, a 55” TV, and a long hallway with tons of closets and storage. A dining room with a large table, a 55” TV, a living room with a 55” TV, and another bathroom. Also, a kitchen and foyer. I won’t even go over all of the phones…   The best perks were special embarkation (walked by an officer to the cabin from the port) and disembarkation (walked to security to assure we were among the first ones off). Louisa was the Neptune Lounge Concierge, and she was absolutely the best we have ever had with HAL (we have been on 10+ Neptune suite cruises). She helped us out a few times and ensured my birthday dinner expectations in the cabin were done correctly. I will say on a personal note, we tipped the highest amount we ever had to date to staff members. 😊    

I have attached some photos of the cabin.

[ocean sounds]

9 minutes ago, summer slope said:

Maker's Mark Paper Plane cocktail:

Thanks, @summer slope.  I’ve never had one.  Love the name!

[rafinmd]

@cruzn single, @sailingdutchy, @Vict0riann, @jayhawk66, and @Overhead Fred your ship is in.

 

 

Roy

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning from a chilly 35F Boston.  Thanks for the daily report.  I like the collection of days, I’ll have to buy my lunch today at a mom and pop sub shop near my office.  I appreciate manatees every time that I see them, such quiet, majestic creatures.  I like today’s funny quote.  The meal suggestion sounds nice.  Can’t wait to enjoy the photos of today’s port. Prayers for everyone on our prayer list.  Cheers to those of you celebrating happy events today!  

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Daily and Fleet Report.

Happy Hump Day.

 

We've got flurries in the forecast, I guess winter doesn't want to give up yet.

 

I try to deal with "mom and pop" businesses but it is difficult with so many conglomerates owning so much.  I don't like smoke and mirrors.  Manatees need to be protected.

Amusing quote.

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

I may try that drink the next time we're on a BHB.  Hope the wine is good too.

Thanks for pictures of today's port.

 

@seagarsmoker Thanks for sharing your pictures of the Pinnacle Suite.   I don't think we'll ever stay in one, but it was nice to look.

 

Prayers for everyone.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a wonderful day.

Stay safe.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

Thanks for the info. 

[cat shepard]

Thank you for making this happen, Sandi! Rich, thank you for laying the foundation! It was 70 when Bindi and I headed out this morning, but the strong breeze made it feel much cooler.
 

Vanessa thank you for keeping track of all our happenings!  Today I hope to visit a local garden center, though its proximity to the wildfires means I need to check the wind direction before heading out. I am not sure wearing a mask would keep 100% of the smoke smell out if the wind is blowing that way. Bindi walks, car washing and my HIIT class will round out my day.
 

 
 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Cheers to all who are celebrating! Get well & stay well everyone!

 

 

**********

Tony Bish Chardonnay Hawkes Bay Skeetfield 2021

You need to either live in New Zealand or Australia to enjoy this Chardonnay. I would love a taste, but the commute would be costly. 😎 I found one online distributor that ships to Australia residents only for $61.21+ shipping. 

Raymond Chan Review

 

Review Date : 23-Sep-2022

☆☆☆☆☆

Bright, straw-yellow with depth and a light green sheen, slightly lighter on the rim. The nose is complex and enticing, with aromas of stonefruit, citrus and yellow blossoms entwined with layers of toasty, creamy and spice elements. Medium-full bodied, aromas of peach, apricot, lemon sherbet and pink grapefruit show purity, unveiling toasted brioche, almond, lemon curd and delicate oak spice. The wine is sleek with a seamless acidity flow; it elegantly binds and integrates oak elements and underlines power and structure. Chalky phenolics left a silky, opulent mouthfeel. This sleek Chardonnay possesses pristine fruit with elegant, well-portioned, integrated oak elements on a seamless palate. Match with lemon butter langoustine and hamachi sashimi over the next 8+ years. Dry-farmed Mendoza clone handpicked, whole bunch pressed. 100% barrel-fermented to 14% alc, 60% new Taransaud French oak. 100% MLF, battonage, on lees for 12 months. 19.5/20 pts (98 pts)

[dfish]

Good morning, everyone!

 

After my drain guy left yesterday, I spent the day doing laundry.  I did several loads with no problem at all.  Yippee!  I may do more today just because I can.

 

Today is back to the gym.  I like to walk outside if the weather is good, but today is not one of those days.  We're supposed to get snow, but only .3".   It will be gone soon after it falls.  I am happy I have the gym to fall back on.  

 

It looks like we're getting ready for Easter dinner with today's meal.  The pineapple salsa sounds good, but I am not a ham fan.  At least not a grocery store ham fan.  They inject them with too much stuff that makes them rubbery to me.  I staged my first ham revolt when I was 4.  Here's a recipe calling for a ham steak for those smaller families these days folks.   https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ham-with-pineapple-salsa/

 

 

The slow cooker spiral sliced ham may be the way to go when making this for a crowd.  I remember my mom and brother arguing about how you could or couldn't put pineapple slices on a spiral sliced ham.  Pineapple salsa seems to solve that problem.  https://www.fromachefskitchen.com/slow-cooker-honey-ham/

 

 

This recipe is quite different, calling for poaching the ham in a spice mixture and then finishing in the oven.   It might be worth a try.  https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/recipes/a37849422/summer-spiced-ham-pineapple-salsa/

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

[smitty34877]

Good morning. I went back to using the big coat this morning as it was only  36. The weather person promises it will be fifty later so that is fine.

I will only say that there is a little too much “smoke and mirrors” in today’s world. There are still a few “Mom and  Pop “ stores around here  and we have been to the port. We were with DD and DSIL on the best cruise ever and had a great time on the Veendam. We saw Waikiki Beach and took a tour that I was hoping would get closer to the big wave surfers. It did not.

We walked from the Aloha Towers dock to Waikiki beach but found a taxi for the return trip.Like Sandi @StLouis Cruiser, I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would see Hawaii.

I will pass on the ham recipes. I never cared for it either  and admire Debbie for her age 4 revolt, @dfish.

Today is a repeat of yesterday with my cousin the police officer escorting DH. We are very fortunate to have such splendid help!

[GTVCRUISER]

🙂 

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Sandi, Vanessa, Debbie, Dixie, and Ann.  My local hardware store is a long time mom & pop institution.  I agree we have too much smoke and mirrors and manatees are majestic animals.  Not quite sure what to make of today's quote; it seems so obvious I wonder if there's a hidden meaning somewhere.  I've been to Honolulu several times on Crystal and by air.  I like ham and pineapple but would pass on the salsa.  My alternative is Pinnacle Caesar Salad, Petit Filet, and Baked Alaska as served on MS Zaandam March 29, 2017:

 

 

Roy

[Vict0riann]

Good morning, Dailyites!  No ham for us tonight, we have a reservation at Tamarind, but thank you everyone for posting.  
 

I don’t think I have mentioned, but Pat’s surgery has been moved up to May 5, so we are going to be very busy after we get back on April 26.  And he now seems to be getting nosebleeds almost every day, I don’t know why.  He’s having one now.  Hope it stops before we board. I wonder if they can do cautery on the ship…

 

too late to cancel…..

[RMLincoln]

Sunny and 42!  Off to a good day!  Happy to see good news being posted.  Love Hawaii but it’s farther away from us now that we’re in Maryland from previous home in New Mexico. 
 

@0106 Last night late I posted about patagoniashorex. I hope the info helps. 
 

We got through the night, DH slept upright in recliner. Today is 1-day followup.  They’ll take the bulky patch off and hopefully he’ll be able to get his glasses on. Have to straighten out if they want the ointment that they told us about but didn’t prescribe to pharmacy. Take tge eye pressure… hoping for good news!  
 

Bon Voyage Ann and Pat, all our Dailyites heading out on Rotterdam today!  Stay well and safe. 
 

Blessings for all in need of healing, comfort or hope. 
 

Cheers to all celebrating!  Life if good!  m—
 

 

[superoma]

Good morning all. We saw the manatees at Tampa bay electric company, Apollo beach. Quite the sight. They congregate there when the weather turns cold in the winter. We also spotted manatees, either singly or in groups of two, three, off the dock in safety Harbor. Impressive animals. We have seen animals with scars across their body from boat motors. 
 

i went out early yesterday after reading the first few posts of the daily and when I came back around 2 it seemed the daily had exploded! When I am home most of the day I don’t see how fast the responses come since I check frequently. What a great group here.

 

My Wednesday wise women group will be having a shrimp Caesar salad tonight, along with wine and other libations. Not much else on the agenda today except preparing chocolate chip cookie dough to be baked tomorrow. Youngest grandson turns 19 tomorrow and they are his favourite.

 

prayers for all that need them, celebratory shoutout to others. And bon voyage to those travelling. 

[cruising sister]

11 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

Good morning, Dailyites!  No ham for us tonight, we have a reservation at Tamarind, but thank you everyone for posting.  
 

I don’t think I have mentioned, but Pat’s surgery has been moved up to May 5, so we are going to be very busy after we get back on April 26.  And he now seems to be getting nosebleeds almost every day, I don’t know why.  He’s having one now.  Hope it stops before we board. I wonder if they can do cautery on the ship…

 

too late to cancel…..

I wonder if you could go to the ER to see if they can see where he is bleeding from?  I would hate for you to get on the ship and not be able to stop the bleeding. Is he on a blood thinner like Plavix?