The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday, December 22nd, 2023

[kazu]

Today is Mathematics Day, National Cookie Exchange Day, and Zimbabwe Unity Day
 

That's my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard. - Joe Rogan

Meal Suggestion for today - Extra Lemony Seitan Piccata
Drink of the Day - Kentucky Sunrise
Wine of the Day - Sinello Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva
Destination of the Day - Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island, Alaska

Today in History:
1894 United States Golf Association forms in New York

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

Grand Turk Island, Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos 07:00 - 15:00 
 

Koningsdam

At Sea Destination Honolulu, Oahu Island Hawaii eta 12-27
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas 08:00 - 14:00 
 

Nieuw Statendam

Kralendijk Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles 08:00 - 23:00 
 

Noordam

At Sea Destination Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand eta 12-23
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Port Stanley, East Falkland Island eta 12-23
 

Rotterdam

Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida 07:00 - 15:00 
 

Zaandam

St John Island USVI, Cruz Bay, US Virgin Islands 08:00 - 17:00 
 

Zuiderdam

Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida 7:00-15:00 

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Volendam

At Sea Destination Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Mexico eta 12-25
 

Westerdam

Singapore 7:00-17:00

 

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

Cruising sister’s great niece Murphy post-surgery, on CPAP, gtube

Kazu’s DBIL’s DM moved to palliative care

Marshhawk’s DH Chuck not feeling well

Summer slope recovering from tooth extraction

JazzyV with right leg pain, tingling and numbness

 

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza

All Dailyites going through worries and stress, whether mentioned or not

 

From the Rotation:

RMLincoln’s DH with glaucoma issues

Tana with pulmonary issues

57redbird recovering from spinal fusion surgery

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Bon Voyage Richwmn!

Bon Voyage Nickelpenny!

Welcome Home Suslor!

Welcome Home Crazy For Cats!

Kochleffel’s great course grade

Kazu stepping up to keep the FR/Daily going while Rich is cruising

Cruising sister’s g-niece Murphy extubated, on CPAP 

Ger_77 visiting family in Calgary

Smitty34877 traveling to NH today to visit family

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

Seagarsmoker (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 27, Southern Caribbean), Petunia1950 (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 27, Southern Caribbean), Nickelpenny (Zuiderdam to Jan 3, Panama Canal Sunfarer Holiday), St Pete Cruiser (Zaandam to Jan 4, Southern Caribbean Holiday), Ichiban Nekko (Rotterdam to Jan 5, B2B, Western/Tropical Caribbean), Av8rix (Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), Haljo1935 (Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), GTVCRUISER(Koningsdam to Jan 6, Circle Hawaii Holiday), Seasick Sailor (Rotterdam to Jan 14, 51d B2B2B Eastern/Western Caribbean (14n) + Tropical/Southern Caribbean Seafarer (16n)) and Richwmn(Volendam to May 4, 12d Mexico & Sea of Cortez Holiday + Jan 6 94d Grand Australia & NZ Voyage + Apr 6 15d PC Cruise + Apr 21 The Atlantic Cruise)

[seagarsmoker]

Good morning dailyites and thank you for the Daily Report. 

We arrived early this morning in Bonaire.  

Yesterday afternoon was pretty much relaxing by the aft pool in perfect weather. 😎

For dinner, we ate at Canaletto's again. Suzi had the shrimp scampi and I had the Italian sausage pasta, both were delicious with excellent service. 

I lost a little at the casino.  😞 However, still way ahead for the cruise.  😀 

We are going on an island tour in about 45 minutes. We've never been here before, so it will be opportunity to check the island out and then probably Suzi will want to do some shopping. 

I will check in later.  I hope everyone has a wonderful day. 

Bon Voyage to @pennynickel!

Pics are when ship arrived about four hours ago. 

Edited December 22, 2023 by seagarsmoker

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Debbie, Dixie, and Ann for the TGIF and first full day of winter report.  I was a Math major so this seems like my day.  Zimbabwe sure has has a checkered history..  I don't expect to exchange cookies today.  I expect many of our dailyites will celebrate the formation of USGA.

 

I expect almost anyone who has been to Alaska has been to Ketchikan.  I have been there many times both on cruise ships and on the ferry system. I like the Rogan quote.

 

No idea what the meal is.  My alternative is freshly made Bacon and Ham Omelet as served in MS Prinsendam's lido December 22, 2013.

 

Lots of shopping errands this morning.

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  We are slightly warmer today at 35F and it will be 59 and cloudy later on.  The only rain in the forecast is for Monday, Christmas.  Thank you Jacqui @kazu for posting the Daily for Rich @richwmn.  And thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for the Care and Celebration lists!

 

Most of us aren't thinking of mathematics today unless we are adding up our holiday bills.  Hurray for cookie exchanges, a good way to gather a lot of different kinds of cookies for our guests.  Good that Zimbabwe has reached unity in that country.  I like the quote from Joe Rogan.  I think I will pass on the meal, drink and wine today and eat a little simpler.  Congratulations to the US Golf Association for their anniversary on Dec. 22.  🏌️‍♂️⛳  Thanks to Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope and Ann @cat shepard for the F&B reports.

 

On to the prayers.  I have time while on my treadmill to think about those who need our help and send prayers up for everyone.  Those include my DB and friends in need, our Daily family who have ill health, pain and suffering of all kinds, and the people at war along with hostages still held.  Praying for the safety of our service men and women who are constantly under attack. 🙏🙏  And every once in a while I pray for this country because there is nothing but bad news out there and we need help, too!!  🌎 

 

Congrats to those on the Celebration list! 🥂 Bon Voyage to all beginning their cruises, and welcome home to those ending theirs. 🚢  I hope all of us traveling to see friends and family (including DH and I Sunday) will arrive safe and sound with no scary moments along the way.🚗 ✈️  

 

Amazingly enough, today's port of Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island), Alaska has never been our port of the day!!  No links today.  Like most of us here we have visited there several times (twice on one cruise), and enjoyed our time spent there.  We've even seen sunshine in that notoriously rainy spot.  I'll post my photos next.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone and try to stay safe and well.  

 

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

A cloudy day in store for us, no snow.  A green Christmas is in the forecast.  Not much on the agenda for me today, Bertie and I will go for a walk when it gets light outside.

Three good days - I celebrate mathematics, I won't exchange cookies today, I did that last week, congrats to Zimbabwe.

I like the quote.

The meal sounds good, I hope the drink and wine are tasty too.

Prayers for everyone.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a good day.  Save travels for everyone on the road.

[puppycanducruise]

@Nickelpenny    @richwmn     Bon Voyage! ✨

[StLouisCruisers]

 

Ketchikan, Alaska!  In 2002 DH and I took our first cruise at the behest of our DDIL who was interested in trying it.  So with her and DS we flew to Anchorage and boarded the Star Princess in Seward, Alaska.  Our better photos of Ketchikan would be taken on future cruises but here is a photo of DH and I kayaking in Ketchikan.  7/18/2002

 

 

 

On Sapphire Princess on September 6, 2009 DH and I celebrated our 40^th wedding anniversary.

 

 

 

This was B2B cruises in Alaska and this was the first week.   After a nice walk around town checking out the salmon running at Creek Street, we took in this view of the long line of passengers returning to the ship before sailing.  There were two gangways open, too!

 

 

 

 

Our sunniest visit to Ketchikan was on our 14 day Amsterdam cruise on August 28, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went down to Creek Street to see if the salmon were running. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s the rapids the salmon try to move up.

 

 

 

 

Leaving port that afternoon we saw the spot we remembered kayaking at in 2002

 

 

And the flag comes down for the day

 

 

 

 

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning from the Rotterdam, we are docked and had our last breakfast.   We will self disembark when we are allowed,  hopefully around 7:30.  We want to get to the airport as soon as possible to deal with the expected crowds. The clouds make it look like it could rain.

Last night's dinner at the Tamarind was a big letdown.  An hour in and we only had our appetizer. 

I hope everyone has safe travels as they go to meet family and friends. 

 

[grapau27]

Good afternoon.

It is 47°F and cloudy here.

Pauline's best friend has had to take her husband to ER for a brain scan 🙏.

Prayers 🙏 for everyone else who is unwell.

Best wishes for a nice day to all.

[StLouisCruisers]

Graham @grapau27, I'm sorry to hear about Pauline's best friend having to take her DH to the ER for a brain scan today.  Prayers for him that all will be well and with no further problems.  Not the best way to begin the Christmas weekend.  🙏

 

[grapau27]

7 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Ketchikan, Alaska!  In 2002 DH and I took our first cruise at the behest of our DDIL who was interested in trying it.  So with her and DS we flew to Anchorage and boarded the Star Princess in Seward, Alaska.  Our better photos of Ketchikan would be taken on future cruises but here is a photo of DH and I kayaking in Ketchikan.  7/18/2002

 

 

 

On Sapphire Princess on September 6, 2009 DH and I celebrated our 40^th wedding anniversary.

 

 

 

This was B2B cruises in Alaska and this was the first week.   After a nice walk around town checking out the salmon running at Creek Street, we took in this view of the long line of passengers returning to the ship before sailing.  There were two gangways open, too!

 

 

 

 

Our sunniest visit to Ketchikan was on our 14 day Amsterdam cruise on August 28, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went down to Creek Street to see if the salmon were running. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s the rapids the salmon try to move up.

 

 

 

 

Leaving port that afternoon we saw the spot we remembered kayaking at in 2002

 

 

And the flag comes down for the day

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your lovely photos Sandi.

Being from the UK we have always preferred warm weather holidays and never been to Ketchikan which looks nice in your photos.

[grapau27]

3 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

Graham @grapau27, I'm sorry to hear about Pauline's best friend having to take her DH to the ER for a brain scan today.  Prayers for him that all will be well and with no further problems.  Not the best way to begin the Christmas weekend.  🙏

 

Thank you Sandi.

They are at hospital now and we are ready in case they need anything.

[puppycanducruise]

@grapau27 Prayers for Pauline's friend.

[kazu]

Good morning all.  

 

A quick post as  a lot to do this morning & not in the best of spirits, let alone Christmas spirit.  Great collection of days.  I like Rogan’s attitude in the quote.  Haven’t been to Alaska and, unlike many, it was never on our bucket list.  Maybe when I am really old 😂 

 

 

 

Prayers for those on the Care list, those suffering losses, health problems, pain, worries & those that need them 🙏 Cheers to those celebrating and cruising 🥂 

 

 

 

Have a Good Friday everyone.

[summer slope]

Happy Friday.  My tooth extraction is healing nicely. Thank you for putting on the care list, but I think you can take me off.♥️

 

Kentucky Sunrise Cocktail:

Ingredients
1/2 part Grenadine
1 part Jim Beam® Original
3 parts Orange Juice
Garnish with Maraschino Cherries
Garnish with Orange Slice

Instructions
Build in order over ice in highball glass. Float the grenadine. Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry.

 

[RedneckBob]

Thanks for the Fleet Update and General Info from all contributors.

 

We continue today with Chapter V of my cruise review from the Celebrity Reflection, 12/3-12/17.

 

 Chapter V:  What Did I Just See!,  Part 1

 

This review will go to the edge and probably discuss a topic which has never been talked about anywhere on the CC. And y’all know RNB will go anywhere to tell a joke and this is no exception. The topic is the Men’s Public Restrooms on the Celebrity Reflection. So if you maybe offended by this topic I would suggest you still should read it.

 

Well Celebrity has come up with a unique idea in the design of their men’s bathroom which I have never seen anywhere. Above the urinals on the wall are signs with riddles or quotes that you can read while doing your business in lieu of looking what’s going on below deck. Otherwise your face is staring one foot from the wall.

As an example, you might read a riddle, “Who said, ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”? The answer is upside down at the bottom of the sign.  So RNB came up his idea of a sign, printed it out and taped it on the wall above the urinal. The message was a quote from Omelet, I mean Hamlet. “To be or not to be, that is the question”, but I changed it “To pee or not to pee, that is the question.” Then at the bottom of the sign I placed a warning that said, “After reading the complete quote from Hamlet you are still peeing, I suggest you go see a urologists. 

 

Nothing like a little humor in the restroom??

 

 

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui! Rich, thank you for making sure it continues in your absence. A cloudy 57 degree morning greeted Bindi and me this morning. Not sure what the day will turn out like. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for taking care of our lists. I pray that you get relief for your pain - soon. Bless your BFF for taking care of the holiday feasts! 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores, dropping Bindi off & packing for my whirlwind visit to New England. Spending the Holiday with my nephew & niece and their families. I do not believe there will be a white Christmas this year. 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Especially those suffering from debilitating pain and conditions. And those grieving the loss of a loved one.  Terry safe travels today. Thinking of you, Tana and your families. 

 

Cheers to all who are celebrating. 

 

May we each find a reason to smile today!

 

*********

Sinello Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Riserva 2019

After using my secret decoder ring to correct the wine’s name, I chose the 2019 vintage info for this somewhat elusive Italian red wine.It is the only one I found available. It has lots of consumer fans. I found a few online distributors with prices starting at $21.99.

Distributor notes
Montepulciano 100%
ALCOHOL CONTENT
13.5%
Harvested at the beginning of October. Removal of grape stalks and long soaking with “delestages” and repassing of must over the grape dregs in small capacity stainless steel containers with automatic control of the temperature of maceration
and fermentation. Aged from 12 to 15 months in Slavonian barriques and refined in bottles for three months before being placed on the market.
TASTING NOTES
Intense bright ruby red with violet hues. Fragrant and fruity, persistent and intense with clear notes of spices, liquorice and
vanilla. Balanced, full, warm and an embracing good body, it expresses itself with a good intensity and pleasant persistent lingering taste.
FOOD PAIRING
Dishes with red meats, game and aged cheeses. 
 It’s also ideal for pleasant meditations.

[cruising sister]

Good early morning for me,

It will be a busy day for me.  My 3 yo DGD and I are headed to the nail salon and then DGS and DS will join us to see a movie. I will bring the grands back to my house to bake some cookies for Santa while my DDIL works and DS runs some errands. My DDIL is so bummed she is busy at work and can’t join in the fun. 
 

Safe travels for those embarking and disembarking on their latest adventures. I am sending good thoughts for those who are feeling blue with the coming holidays. It is hard when you are missing loved ones. Prayers for those on our care list and everyone have a great day!
 

[RMLincoln]

@grapau27 blessings for your friends in urgent need!  
 

Getting colder here in north NJ. And most of this region, but I’m told it’s not as bad as last year! I  guess it’s winter. The eastern cold is so different from the dry cold of the west which I have lived in since I was 23!  Being back to the east is very strange, so different but vaguely familiar. 
 

I’m not sure about most wines but I can say I’ve been to Montepulciano!  Like all of Tuscany it’s picturesque, delicious and with interesting history. Wonderful place to visit!  
 

I think my niece was discharged yesterday, I assume the baby was too. I saw two photos of him and he looks healthy and alert!  What a world he will experience, beyond my wildest imagination!  My sister says he’s adorable!  Of course! It’s her first grandchild!  

 

Blessings for all on our Care list, thank you Vanessa!  For our country, your country and the world. And all in need of an extra hug today!  Those who are too cold, too warm, too uncomfortable, too anxious… may today better. 
 

Smooth travels to all away!  For me, I’m so very grateful to be home!  Had a lovely meal last night with some interesting table mates…  one of the advantages of community living.  And we enjoyed a special service at the community chapel yesterday. Today I have a meditation marked on my calendar, see if I get to it. I’m sure it would do me well!  Time to learn more about my new environment. 
 

Our closing for selling the Maryland condo is supposed to happen soon. I’m a little dubious about it all working out with the holidays but papers are supposedly being FedExed to a local NJ Notary who will bring them to us for signatures Tuesday morning; then ship them back for buyers to sign on the 29th, last business day of the year. We’ll see when it all happens but I’m confident that it will happen sooner or later!  
Thanks all for being here!  
Maureen 

[grapau27]

6 minutes ago, RMLincoln said:

@grapau27 blessings for your friends in urgent need!  
 

Getting colder here in north NJ. And most of this region, but I’m told it’s not as bad as last year! I  guess it’s winter. The eastern cold is so different from the dry cold of the west which I have lived in since I was 23!  Being back to the east is very strange, so different but vaguely familiar. 
 

I’m not sure about most wines but I can say I’ve been to Montepulciano!  Like all of Tuscany it’s picturesque, delicious and with interesting history. Wonderful place to visit!  
 

I think my niece was discharged yesterday, I assume the baby was too. I saw two photos of him and he looks healthy and alert!  What a world he will experience, beyond my wildest imagination!  My sister says he’s adorable!  Of course! It’s her first grandchild!  

 

Blessings for all on our Care list, thank you Vanessa!  For our country, your country and the world. And all in need of an extra hug today!  Those who are too cold, too warm, too uncomfortable, too anxious… may today better. 
 

Smooth travels to all away!  For me, I’m so very grateful to be home!  Had a lovely meal last night with some interesting table mates…  one of the advantages of community living.  And we enjoyed a special service at the community chapel yesterday. Today I have a meditation marked on my calendar, see if I get to it. I’m sure it would do me well!  Time to learn more about my new environment. 
 

Our closing for selling the Maryland condo is supposed to happen soon. I’m a little dubious about it all working out with the holidays but papers are supposedly being FedExed to a local NJ Notary who will bring them to us for signatures Tuesday morning; then ship them back for buyers to sign on the 29th, last business day of the year. We’ll see when it all happens but I’m confident that it will happen sooner or later!  
Thanks all for being here!  
Maureen 

Thank you Maureen.

Your niece's baby looks lovely.

[cunnorl]

Good Morning from a cloudy but warming up day at the beach

      It is currently 65 and expected to go to mid 70s. I see a beachwalk this afternoon.

Hats off for Mathematics. Basic math is my limit. Although I do not use a calculator, preferring to do it "in my head".  No cookie exchange this year. I have received or should I say DD has received boxes of cookies from friends. We will share.

      A note of recognition to the USGA on their anniversary. I do very much enjoy the game of golf. 

       We have been to Ketchikan twice, once in 2001 on the Statendam and again in 2014 on the Amsterdam. Thank you Sandi @StLouisCruisers for your great pictures.

     Graham @grapau27  Prayers for Paulines friend. 

     @cruising sister   Prayers continue for Murphy. She is a little fighter. Hopefully soon she will be able to go home with her parents.

       Wish everyone traveling safe and healthy travels. We are staying put and it will be a quiet Christmas for us, which is ok.

 

Stay well and enjoy today

    Charlene

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning from a sunny, cold (brrr 22F) Boston.  Thanks for the daily updates.  Nice collection of days, I’ll gladly celebrate cookie exchange day.  Nice quote today.  I think I’ll skip the meal and drink suggestions.  I haven’t been to today’s port.  Prayers for everyone on our prayer list.  Cheers to those who are celebrating happy events today!  I’m off to purchase my final gifts today and will begin wrapping later, let the games begin!

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Jacqui, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Sam had his six-month checkup yesterday at home and our vet felt he was in better condition than when she last saw him! His tumor hasn't grown and some of the fluid appears to have been re-absorbed. Her prognosis has changed (thankfully!) to possibly another year with him. Last Summer she was predicting making a choice by April.Sam is now 11 years old which is great for an Alaskan Malamute his size. He just loves her massages while examining him!

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for those in need.

- Jack

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 22, 2023 by Heartgrove