Thursday November 23rd, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[quilty964]

Happy Thanksgiving!  Cranberries will be served today, both fresh and canned.  I prefer the fresh!  Not sure about the meal and the drink today!  Prayers and good thoughts for all who need them, and "Yay" for the rest!  The baby picture today is delightful!!  She is a cutie.  Have a great day, Karen

[1ANGELCAT]

Good sunny afternoon. Happy Thanksgiving to all that celebrate today. 
Our dinner today was at the Hotel Hershey. This is the first time in 4 years that they are having a holiday buffet. It was not quite as elaborate as before but still very nice. Starting in January, they are resuming the Sunday brunch buffet. 
Blessings and prayers to all on our lists.

[57redbird]

[aliaschief]

[cat shepard]

3 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

Sharing what I am especially grateful for on this Thanksgiving. Unfortunately I won't see Lily today with me having Covid. She was enjoying a cinnamon roll eallier this morning.

 

- Jack

 

 

 

 

Oh, Jack! ❤️

 

 

[lazey1]

Thank you to all who posted photos of Tallin. My DD DH and I were there on the Eurodam in 2008 (50th anniversary cruise) and these photos bring back many fond memories. We did a ship tour that included a very old, still working monestary then a tour of old town. 

I had a cranberry muffin for breakfast this morning and will be having cranberry sauce with my dinner which is a dark turkey meat roast from Albertson's. Plenty for me as I still am trying to avoid crowds. I turned down an invitation from my niece for dinner, she normally has at least 20 people.

I am another one who feels very grateful to all of our dailites for all you do including those of you who like me only post occassionally. Reading this is one of my favorite things to do every day.

@grapau27 Just looking at your food posts makes me gain weight.

@rafinmd I very much look forward to you sunrise/sunset posts.

Prayers for all who are ill and/or hurting; hurray for everyone else.

Jane

[ger_77]

Time for a quick mid-afternoon check-in.  I can almost smell the roasting turkeys and baking hams that are coming from my friends in the south.  Cheers to all of you!  And that Lily . . . what a doll!

 

 

[cruising sister]

@Cruising-alongThis morning I changed our San Diego hotel back to what I'd originally booked -- Wyndham Bayside.  I see several of our Dailyites will be at that hotel too.  
 

I changed to the Wyndham too. I read bad reviews about noise etc, at Best Western. Getting excited too. 

[Cruising-along]

4 minutes ago, cruising sister said:

@Cruising-alongThis morning I changed our San Diego hotel back to what I'd originally booked -- Wyndham Bayside.  I see several of our Dailyites will be at that hotel too.  
 

I changed to the Wyndham too. I read bad reviews about noise etc, at Best Western. Getting excited too. 

Wonderful! The selling point for me is the Wyndham has an airport shuttle, and we can walk across the street to the ship.  Still within walking distance to a Rite Aid for last minute things too.  

[kochleffel]

Christmas shopping doesn't really figure in my world view anyway, but I detest shopping at this time of the year, to the point that I can hardly bear to buy groceries. My plan for Black Friday is to sleep through it.

 

[bennybear]

Happy thanks giving to my friends in the US!   I am thankful for this lovely thread and all who contribute.   I was delighted to hear a song from my 99 year old aunt about thanksgiving today! 
 

Thanks to @marshhawk@kazu@StLouisCruisers@Quartzsite Cruiser
@puppycanducruise for the kind comments on the newest addition to our family.  I call her Ms.Bean, her real name is in an ancient language.  She is a real blessing, as he sadly lost his last pup.  
 

@Heartgrove that photo melted my heart!  I’m sorry that you are missing her today.  
 

9 hours ago, puppycanducruise said:

@bennybear  Beautiful looking puppy.  What's her name?  I hope she has a long happy life with you.

Thank you so much for the lovely wishes! 

7 hours ago, kochleffel said:

It's hard to buy just one cranberry. I like espresso well enough but I don't have an espresso maker and I don't think that the cafés downtown will be open today.

 

Pass on the meal and on the cocktail. If you want to put hooch in your tea, go right ahead. In central Europe you can order (hot) tea with rum. For a Cabernet, I'll suggest one from Shalestone Vineyards. I've been to Tallinn on the Serenade of the Seas, sailing from Stockholm, and I think I've posted pictures before. I've seen the Cutty Sark at Greenwich, the day after falling on my face in front of the Royal Festival Hall and getting sutures in the ER at St. Thomas's.

 

Dinner tonight, in addition to the Three Sisters casserole, will be avocado (if one is ripe enough) or Castelvetrano olives, romanesco, and mandarin oranges. I would like a Beaujolais Nouveau but couldn't bother to go out and buy a bottle, so the wine will be cardboardeaux Pinot Noir.

 

 

I love those olives! 

 

She is helping decorate today! 

Edited November 23, 2023 by bennybear

[kazu]

6 hours ago, dfish said:

The turkey is in, the extra dressing is ready to go, the potatoes were made by Bob Evans and will go in later.  I think we're ready to go!  

 

I, also, am very thankful for my Daily family.  This group was a lifeline during the dark days of the pandemic.  It has been a real treat to get to meet some of you since then.  I am really looking forward to meeting @summer slope Dixie and her DH on our Hawaii cruise and getting together again with @Sharon in AZ Sharon and Craig.  

 

I'm thankful for all the newcomers to the group as they bring a fresh perspective.  I especially want to thank @0106 Tina, my stand in, for the Meal of the Day.  Many thanks to @richwmn Rich for compiling the lists of meals, drinks, wines, and ports.  That is no small job.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Food and Beverage Department, @summer slope Dixie and @cat shepard Ann.  Thank you so much to @JazzyV Vanessa for keeping our Prayer and Celebration lists.  

 

And where would we be without @StLouisCruisers Sandi and @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda with all your pictures from various ports.  I think you two have been to more ports than any of us.  And then we have those who bring us our daily dose of humor, @aliaschief Bruce, @kazu Jacqui, @Quartzsite Cruiser Lenda, @kochleffel Paul.  And the cat lovers with their pictures, and those who pop in now and then to say hi and that they have been thinking of  us.  Now, don't let me forget @grapau27 Graham and his food porn pics.  Some of those have been stellar.  

 

No matter how much you post or how little, each person who posts on this thread makes this community what it is.  I am thankful to Cruise Critic for letting us have this space to continue this caring, supportive, and fun community.  You are all truly family.

 

 

 

What an eloquent and lovely post, Debbie ♥️ 

 

 

5 hours ago, Heartgrove said:

 

 

 

 

I am so sorry you will miss Lily today, Jack.  She is such a sweetheart.  Look at that smile, sweet face & curls.  ♥️ 

 

 

4 hours ago, dobiemom said:

Except I was a bit under the weather with sinuses draining causing a cough. I especially didn’t want to get his 91 y/o mom sick so I stayed home. No turkey for me. I’ll have it at Christmas. 

I seem to do better sleeping upright so I’ve been in the recliner. Not the best sleep but at least I’m not disturbing DH with my coughing. 

 

So sorry to hear this Marcia.  So thoughtful of you to put others first.  I hope you are feeling better very soon 🙏 

 

 

3 hours ago, luvteaching said:

It will be different without DH this year but life goes on and I'm glad to be spending today with people I know so well and care about and I don't have to do all the cooking! 

 

I admire your attitude Karen.  I know there will be difficult times but I truly hope you have a lovely time with those who you care about it.

 

 

14 minutes ago, bennybear said:

She is helping decorate today! 

 

Oh my Brenda - she looks like she is being SO good.  Impressive.

[aliaschief]

44 minutes ago, kochleffel said:

Christmas shopping doesn't really figure in my world view anyway, but I detest shopping at this time of the year, to the point that I can hardly bear to buy groceries. My plan for Black Friday is to sleep through it.

 

There is a solution to Christmas shopping. In our family circle other than grandchildren we no longer exchange gifts but give the amounts we would normally spend to charity. Keeps things simple. Can’t remember when I last opened a present at Christmas or birthday. Works for us and someone in need gets some anonymous love from us.

[Niagarawine]

Good afternoon from sunny Fort Lauderdale, Happy Thanksgiving  to my friends here. I want to give a shout out to Air Canada. I was quite nervous about flying  from Pearson today but they handled everything beautifully. We hadnreserved wheelchair assistance  from them and just wow. They took care of everything including customs boarding passes luggage drop off .

Everything is closed but they have fresh Starbucks in the lobby here somI am a happy bunny.

We met lots of other pax going on Rotterdam tomorrow and I brought my water colour supplies and card making kit so maybe we can have an informal art session on board. I just don’t wan to mess up that long very ship with paint lol

 

[Niagarawine]

9 hours ago, aliaschief said:

PHOTO

 

We have a lot to be Thankful for including a World Voyage.

 

Bruce & Sue

Wow I am jealous lol

[Niagarawine]

21 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

There is a solution to Christmas shopping. In our family circle other than grandchildren we no longer exchange gifts but give the amounts we would normally spend to charity. Keeps things simple. Can’t remember when I last opened a present at Christmas or birthday. Works for us and someone in need gets some anonymous love from us.

That is lovely. In my family we started making crafts and looking for vintage Christmas ornaments a thrift stores. Old fashioned Christmas is how we roll

[Niagarawine]

9 hours ago, aliaschief said:

Miss all of you and very Thankful you have let me stay so long.❤️🙏

 

Beautiful and I miss my son 

[Niagarawine]

9 hours ago, Cruise Suzy said:

Happy Thanksgiving to all US CCers.  I am thankful for this wonderful thread even though I seldom post here, many thanks to all who do.

 

It's sunny today in St. Lucia.

Sounds beautiful and I am also thankful for this thread

[ClippyJoe]

You were all in my Thanksgiving list today. I so welcome your remarks, your courtesy, your helpfulness.

This website should be mandatory reading for all students. Probably for many adults too.

How to converse with out being snarky or rude or dependent on impolite language. (That really dates me I know )Keep up the good work everyone !

[dfish]

3 hours ago, aliaschief said:

There is a solution to Christmas shopping. In our family circle other than grandchildren we no longer exchange gifts but give the amounts we would normally spend to charity. Keeps things simple. Can’t remember when I last opened a present at Christmas or birthday. Works for us and someone in need gets some anonymous love from us.

We do that as well.  It sure cuts down on those things you get a have to display and dust because the person who gave it to you will notice if it isn't out.  Now I just have to dust table surfaces.  

 

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful despite the outcome of the Lions Packers game.  The food was good and the company better.

 

 

 

 

[Sharon in AZ]

Good evening everyone!  Happy Thanksgiving!  I will catch up with the Fleet and Daily tomorrow but wanted to stop by to say hi and wish you all a great Thanksgiving. 

[tupper10]

I am hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday today however it was celebrated. I am thankful today for this wonderful group of people.  I love traveling with you to all the different ports that I will probably only see through your pictures.  I also want to thank you for all the caring  and friendship that is shown to all who come here whether we post a lot or not.  

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Good evening.  Our Thanksgiving dinner was a hit with DH even if I was late getting it on the table.  I was aiming to have it ready by 6, but it was after 7 when we sat down.  It turned very nice this afternoon, and I worked outside instead of unloading more food from themotorhome.  There was a very pleasant delay in starting cooking.  Younger DD called, and we had a very nice, long conversation.  Older DD and DSIL are in London this week.  We had a simple meal of a Cornish game hen, which we split, scalloped potatoes and cranberry sauce.  Dessert was ice cream.

 

8 hours ago, summer slope said:

@Quartzsite Cruiserhe is back to normal. Thank you for your prayers. 

 

That is very good news.

 

8 hours ago, luvteaching said:

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
 

It's a cold clear morning here and I'll be heading out in an hour or so. My DDIL's parents are here from Alaska and rented a house about 45 minutes away so that's where we're celebrating. Dinner is at 3:00 or so and I'm in charge of rolls and I made several different cookies for desserts and snacking. They are all at the house  over the weekend but I'm just going down for the day. It will be different without DH this year but life goes on and I'm glad to be spending today with people I know so well and care about and I don't have to do all the cooking! 

Karen

 

Karen, I'm glad you spent the day with your DDIL's family.

 

4 hours ago, aliaschief said:

There is a solution to Christmas shopping. In our family circle other than grandchildren we no longer exchange gifts but give the amounts we would normally spend to charity. Keeps things simple. Can’t remember when I last opened a present at Christmas or birthday. Works for us and someone in need gets some anonymous love from us.

 

We stopped exchanging gifts in 2020.  For several years, we all had been struggling to find things for each other.  Not being able to be together that year was the perfect opportunity to stop exchanging gifts.  We haven't gone back to the old ways.

 

4 hours ago, Niagarawine said:

Good afternoon from sunny Fort Lauderdale, Happy Thanksgiving  to my friends here. I want to give a shout out to Air Canada. I was quite nervous about flying  from Pearson today but they handled everything beautifully. We hadnreserved wheelchair assistance  from them and just wow. They took care of everything including customs boarding passes luggage drop off .

Everything is closed but they have fresh Starbucks in the lobby here somI am a happy bunny.

We met lots of other pax going on Rotterdam tomorrow and I brought my water colour supplies and card making kit so maybe we can have an informal art session on board. I just don’t wan to mess up that long very ship with paint lol

 

 

I'm glad you arrived in FLL safely.  It's always good to hear about an airline doing a good job.

 

1 hour ago, dfish said:

We do that as well.  It sure cuts down on those things you get a have to display and dust because the person who gave it to you will notice if it isn't out.  Now I just have to dust table surfaces.  

 

Our Thanksgiving was wonderful despite the outcome of the Lions Packers game.  The food was good and the company better.

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie, the food looks wonderful, and so does the family.

 

Lenda

[erewhon]

Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate the occasion.

Thanks for the Holland America Line fleet report, and the Daily.with the port photos, and the humour.

Yesterday was a day of various appointments, this morning have made a batch of Shortbread, it is now packed in an airtight tin ready for nearer to Christmas. 

Passegers recently sailing on P&O Pacific Explorer  have complained of Bed bugs............reported on national news.