The Fleet Report and Daily for Friday February 9th, 2024

[kazu]

Today is International Winter Bike to Work Day, National Bagels and Lox Day, and National Cut the Cord Day
 

Most people have never learned that one of the main aims in life is to enjoy it. - Samuel Butler

Meal Suggestion for today - Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew
Drink of the Day - Hemingway Daiquiri
Wine of the Day - Figeac 2020 (750ML)
Destination of the Day - St Peter Port, Guernsey

Today in History:
1775 British Parliament declares Massachusetts colony in rebellion
1964 1st appearance of the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", live from New York

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

Castries, St Lucia Island 08:00 - 17:00 
 

Koningsdam

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island 08:00 - 18:00 
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

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

Nieuw Statendam

Cozumel, Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya 11:00 - 21:00 
 

Oosterdam

Antarctic Experience 
 

Rotterdam

At Sea Destination Cartagena Colombia eta 02-10
 

Zaandam

At Sea Destination Kralendijk Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles eta 02-10
 

Zuiderdam

At Sea Destination Guam Island USA, Apra Harbor, Marianas eta 02-18

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

Sydney, NSW Australia 7:00-18:30 
 

Volendam

Darwin, NT Australia 08:00 - 17:00 
 

Westerdam

Nagasaki City, Japan Nagasaki 08:00 - 18:00 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[rafinmd]

Today's maps:

 

 

 

 

Roy

[1ANGELCAT]

Good chilly morning. Just a reminder that today is also National Pizza Day.

 

[superoma]

Well, I am up early today. It was our mission to get our non driving grandson to work for 7 am. His parents are on vacation. I didn’t have to drive but when one is up, all are up!

 

Feb 9

 

Slow cooker chicken and white bean stew

 

More slow cooker recipes. I must admit, I like them. I like to use my slow cooker. Set it up in the morning dinner is ready when you are. Plus the house usually smells great while the food is cooking. I would just use canned beans.

 

https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/269820/slow-cooker-chicken-white-bean-stew/

 

 

Turn it into a chili and kick the taste up a notch

 

https://www.fivehearthome.com/slow-cooker-chicken-white-bean-chili/

 

 

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

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

Ger_77’s DH getting his TAVI CT and assessment today

1Angelcat’s friend Lynda passing 2/8

Cruzin Terri with a trip and fall, with bruised face

Smitty34877’s Tana having a fever

Haljo1935 with a sinus infection

Marshhawk and her DH with respiratory illness 

JazzyV with right leg pain, tingling and numbness; trouble walking

King Charles battling cancer

 

Death of 5 Marines in a helicopter crash

Outside Philly 2 police officers shot, house set ablaze, 6 people missing

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza; loss of US military members

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

 

From the Rotation:

Tana with pulmonary issues

StLouisCruisers’ friend Scott hospitalized for infection, weakness, dehydration

Seasick Sailor’s friend Ron with multiple medical issues

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Superoma’s DH with good outcome from seeing the hand surgeon

57redbird making progress post spine surgery, pain better with Gabapentin

Superoma/Kochleffel covering the Daily meal and drink recipes 

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

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

 

2 days for Quilty964 (Nieuw Statendam Feb 11 to Feb 18) 7d E. Caribbean

6 days for Mister 67 (Celebrity Equinox Feb 15 to Feb 24) 9d Aruba, Curacao & Cayman Cruise

7 days for Mr. Boston (Rotterdam Feb 16 to Feb 25) 9d Southern Caribbean Seafarer

 

Cruzin Terri (Oceania Vista to Feb 11) 11d Windward Islands Explorer, Lady Hudson (Vision of the Seas to Feb 16) 8d Southeast Coast & Bahamas, summer slope (Koningsdam to Feb 17) 18d Circle Hawaii, Sharon in AZ (Koningsdam to Feb 17) 18d Circle Hawaii, Quartzsite Cruiser (Koningsdam to Feb 17) 18d Circle Hawaii, Dfish & Sue (Koningsdam to Feb 17) 18d Circle Hawaii, 0106 (Oosterdam to Feb 20) - celebrating her birthday on board, 22d SA & Antarctica, Ottahand7 (Eurodam to Feb 24 B2B2B Caribbean), Cruising-along (Volendam to April 6) 94d Grand AUS & NZ voyage, Durangoscots (Volendam to April 6, 94d Grand AUS & NZ voyage), cruising sister (Volendam to April 6, 94d Grand AUS & NZ voyage), Cruisercl(Volendam to April 6, 94d Grand AUS & NZ voyage), Richwmn (Volendam to May 4, Jan 3 94d Grand Australia & NZ Voyage + Apr 6 15d PC Cruise + Apr 21 The Atlantic Coast), Cat in my lap (Zuiderdam to May 11, 128d Grand World Voyage) and Aliaschief (Azamara Onward WC to June 9, 156d World Voyage)

[ottahand7]

Good morning from rainy St. Lucia.  The winds howled last night with the wind even rattling through the deck door.  We are in the harbor now with much less wind.  Nothing on our calendar other than walking ashore.  Thanks for the Daily Reports and maps Jacqui and Roy.   Thanks for the cares and celebrations reports @JazzyV.  Prayers for Tana getting over her fever and Vanessa that you can get some sleep and relief of your leg pain. Prayers for everyone needing them.  Prayers for the people of Ukraine.  

 

[grapau27]

Good morning.

It is 42°F and raining here.

Thank you for today's daily reports.

Interesting days,quote and food today.

We have been to St Peter port Guernsey many times.

It is a tender port.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

[ottahand7]

Last night's dinner in busy Tamarind.  Upcharge lobster sushi and wok fried lobster both a pass in the future. 

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.

Love the maps.

We had some rain overnight.  It looks like we could break another record as our mild weather continues for another day.  Not much snow left on the ground but that could change next week. 

I like the quote.

The meal sounds good, thanks for the recipe.  @superoma I love my slow cooker too.  I hope the drink and wine will be good too.

We were supposed to be in St Peter Port last May on the Zuiderdam, but couldn't because the sea was too rough.  Oh well, maybe another time.

Prayers for everyone on the Care List.  Cheers for all the celebrations.

Have a wonderful day.  Stay safe.

 

[seagarsmoker]

Good morning Dailyites and thank you for the Daily Report!

I am finishing up the first week of my new job, and everything is connected and running well. 

A bit warmer here this morning at 49 degrees. Looking forward to next Friday as the baseball season for the University of South Carolina starts with a weekend season at home. 🙂 

I hope everyone here has a wonderful weekend! 

[MISTER 67]

Greetings from beautiful Punta Gorda

60 degrees right now with a nice and sunny 79 later in the day 

I love to ride my bike but not when it’s windy or wintry which in Florida is any temperature below 60

I love lox and bagels

Good quote

To me chicken and beans is not a good mix

8AM tee time today

Have a great day and stay well

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Jacqui, Vanessa, Ann, Eva, and Paul.  I think I'll pass on the days today unless biking to school as a kid counts as work.  I like the quote.

 

Two great days in history with a UK/US relationship involved both times.

 

I have been to St. Peter Port twice, 2015 on Prinsendam and 2019 on Queen Mary 2.

 

I'll pass on the meal.  My alternative is Chilled Coconut and Nutmeg Soup, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, and Pomenegranate Glazed Cornish Game Hen as served on MS Zaandam February 9, 2012.

 

A split away day today.  Wegmans run in the morning then AV practice at church this evening.

 

Roy

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  It's a little warmer today at 43F and we will experience a mostly cloudy day with a high of around 67.  We need to get some groceries and DH says he plans on pruning the crape myrtle tree since February is the best month to do that.  It grows back into a flowering tree by summer.  I woke up at 2:30 am and could not get back to sleep so may need to take a nap today after only 4 hours of sleep.  I was worrying about DGD Morgan who is still suffering from the trauma of being held up by a gun toting robber.  She is very afraid and breaks into tears easily.  Please keep her in your prayers. 🙏 My DD is also quite upset and worried about her daughter so far from home.  Morgan has only gone for therapy one time and we are all encouraging her to delve deeper into that.

 

Thank you Jacqui @kazu and Roy @rafinmd for the Fleet Report and Daily as well as the fleet location maps.  If you have a mild climate you might want to bike to work in winter.  Bagels and lox are popular with some of us.  I don't plan on cutting the cord anytime soon.  I like the quote, and the slow cooker stew sounds delicious.  No thanks on the drink or wine.  Interesting fact about Massachusetts, and I truly do remember the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show.  So exciting to a nearly 14 year old girl!  Thanks to our F&B Dept. reporters Eva @superoma, Paul @kochleffel and Ann @cat shepard.

 

Heartfelt prayers said this morning for DGD Morgan, DB, my friends Scott and Bob and their supportive spouses.  Then the people of Israel and Ukraine, the hostages held, and our troops in danger's way.  And finally my friends here on the Daily listed on the Care list and many who are not.  Prayers for lessening pain, recovery from medical procedures and for those awaiting them.  Also everyone who suffered losses and worry. 🙏 Guess that includes me now. 😢  So sorry to hear of your friend Lynda's death @1ANGELCAT.  A shocking loss after the passing of her husband so recently.  And I'm sending my congratulations to everyone celebrating happy things in their lives and for those who get to cruise right now.  🎂🚢 Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for your fine work in managing the lists for us even with pain and little to no sleep.  We admire your perseverance and dedication.

 

The port today is St. Peter Port, Guernsey.  What a nice port of call to visit!  We have been there three times and were lucky enough to not miss it due to weather.  This was our port three times already on Dec. 30, 2021, July 8, 2022, and Oct. 31, 2023.  I'll post the links below and then retrieve photos for myself and Lenda @Quartzsite Cruiser.

 

 

 

 

Hoping everyone has a good day and don't forget it's Pizza Day as @1ANGELCAT said.  Perfect for Gerry @ger_77!!  Stay safe and keep well!  

[StLouisCruisers]

I'll post my photos of St. Peter Port, Guernsey now.  These were from May, 2019 on the Prinsendam.  We were also there in Sept. 2018 also on Prinsendam and May, 2015 on Royal Princess.

 

The view from the ship and tender ride.

 

The Castle Cornet, an old harbor fortress.

 

Your view as you leave the tender pier. 

 

 

Cute signs around town, but the second one needed a proofreader.  

 

You'd thiink they'd get the island name correct.

 

Taken from the lawn at Candie Gardens, our beloved Prinsendam in the distance.

 

 

There's always something blooming there.

 

 

Our journey down the hill and one of the charming streets.

 

 

 

 

Sunset on the Prinsendam that day, May 5, 2019, taken through the dining room window.

 

On prior visits we visited other places around town so I'll check for some photos from then.  I always enjoy this particular port and have been lucky to be able to tender in each visit due to decent weather.  Not always true unfortunately for some cruisers.

 

The September 14, 2018 stop at St. Peter Port on Prinsendam started out sunny but clouds arrived shortly after we got to shore.

 

From the pier we turned left and walked towards the La Valette bathing pools near the Underground Military Museum.

 

 

 

 

I'd be a little worried about bathing near those rocks, though.

 

A nice view from over here though.

 

We popped our heads into the Underground Military Museum but didn't want to spend our time underground so didn't go any farther than the entrance.

 

The people of Guernsey were under German occupation during WWII.  I've read the novel that describes the occupation twice now, and really enjoyed it.  It's called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  I highly recommend it.  You'll understand the title when you get into the book.

 

 

This port is a hilly one and on this second time here we found these stairs to move up to a different street.

 

From the top looking down.

 

Someone's gate which I find unique.

 

Their view

 

Look at this private property, called Grange Court.

 

Some lovely residences.

 

Our next stop was Victoria Tower which was erected in honor of a visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1846.

 

 

Interesting that they let you borrow the key to go inside.

 

The cannon is one of two German WWI cannons buried as the second WW approached in 1940 so that the invading German forces would think the island wasn't fortified.  The two German cannons were excavated in 1978 and are back on display in the garden there.

 

Next we walked through the Candie Cemetery (which runs alongside the Candie Gardens). 

 

 

Back to the ship!

 

There's always lots to see here!

 

 

 

Edited February 9 by StLouisCruisers

[StLouisCruisers]

Here are Lenda's @Quartzsite Cruiser photos from St. Peter Port.

 

 

 

We have been to St. Peter Port three times on BHBs, and never missed the port.  I sure thought we'd been there more.

 

In 2004, when the Noordam III stopped, it was a overcast and dreary day.  We took a city bus that made a loop of the island, but I don't have any pictures from the bus ride.   Here a a few from our walk around the harbor.  It was very low tide when these pictures were taken

 

 

One of Noordam's tenders

 

We were back in St. Peter Port on the Prinsendam in 2016 and 2017.  In 2016, we walked over to the war museum and then to Castle Cornet that is in the background of the picture just above this.

 

 

 

 

In 2016, there was a lady near the museum entrance selling her book about her experiences in St. Peter Port during the war.  It was fascinating to talk to her and hear some of her stories.  I now regret that I didn't buy the book.

 

A couple of pictures as we walked from the museum to the castle.  The swimming area along the beach with the Prinsendam and a P&O ship in the background.

 

 

Castle Cornet

 

 

 

 

Pictures from our walks around St Peter Port.  Most were taken in 2016, but there are one or two from 2017 when we just walked into town, did a little shopping and went back to the ship.

 

We went in the church in the picture above.  According to Google Maps, the church is called Town Church.

 

 

More pictures from our walks around town.

 

 

 

 

Lenda

[Crazy For Cats]

Good Morning, @kazu thank you for today’s daily fleet report.  @superoma thank you for filling in for @dfish.  Today’s meal suggestion sounds good to me, especially if someone else is cooking.  Today promises to be a nice sunny day.  While I have no work meetings scheduled I expect a busy day as I do some catch up work.

DH is reporting that the hotel he is staying at should not be repeated.  Even though rooms were ready they wouldn’t let him check in until 2pm.  The hotel had a strong scent of pot.  The room is very outdated.  Guess that’s what he gets for booking by price.

I hope everyone has a good day today.

[kazu]

Thanks Rich, Roy, Vanessa, Eva, Paul & Ann for your dedication on this T.G.I.F.

 

No bikes can safety maneuver the streets here and besides I don’t have to go to work so that day is out 😉  Bagel and Lox?  YUM! I don’t have cable but I do have Fibe and don’t plan on cutting that cord. 😉. I like the Butler quote. Loved St. Peter Port.  Have to pass on the meal but if it’s pizza day - just maybe 😉  We had a great tour there where our guide brought history to life thanks to Tony @sailingdutchy.  

 

 

 

Had people coming out early this morning to do some work on the house so I was up early, tore around to get the CC duties done and just found out they had to cancel.  they’ll be here on Monday instead.  Oh well.  Looks like a decent day - it might even get above freezing for 2 whole hours today. 🤞 It will be very short lived, though.  It’s a no dog coat day with luck 👍 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

Hmm - I guess I could bike to work, but it would be a very short ride. I agree w/the quote. The meal, drink and wine sound good. Not been to the port.

Busy work day hoping to get enough done that I can be off the weekend, plus get to PT.

Currently 54° headed to 73°, rain moves in tonight. Oh joy. 💦

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

Edited February 9 by Haljo1935
Typo

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Jacqui!  Roy, thank you for our maps!

A lovely morning with a seasonal temperature of 54. Looks like a lovely weekend coming up. 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that you get relief from your pain  - soon. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, my local food bank asked me to switch my afternoon to today,  more grout work and other chores will keep me busy. 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Those suffering from pain, debilitating conditions, grieving the loss of a loved one, or dealing with a difficult time in life. The caregivers. 
 

Terry, praying Tana’s condition improves. And you get some rest. 
 

@StLouisCruisers Sandi, praying that Morgan can work through this trauma. I take safety for granted. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

 

May we each find a reason to smile today. 
 

*********

Figeac 2020, Grand Cru

What price do you put on near perfection? Start saving your pennies, this superb - classic wine is way outside my budget. I guess if I were a gazillionaire, I might enjoy a bottle. I know a would love a taste.  Online prices start at $244.00.

 

Winemaker Notes

Figeac: a name that shines brightly and echoes among lovers of fine Saint-Emilion wines all over the world. Two syllables which tell the story of one of the brightest stars in the wine firmament. As it slides into the glass, Figeac murmurs like the most outstanding voice of its appellation, with exactly the right tessitura if you know how to pitch it, and a touch of graphite to give it an edge; the energy infused with elegance becomes persistent, reflecting Figeac's desire to be enjoyed again and again. The true dimension of the wine appears with time, as notes of subtly spiced cedarwood offer the absolute quintessence of what a great wine is all about.

• 100James Suckling

  A mesmerizing nose here with flowers such as violets and red roses, then shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonized with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Flavors of perfectly ripened fruit (al dente) with a hazelnut character that comes from the seeds. Incredibly transparent young red. Breathtaking. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon.

• 100Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  The 2020 Figeac is the finest wine that has been bottled to date at this estate since its renaissance began a decade ago. Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries and raspberries mingled with cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, licorice and black truffles, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a suave, harmonious profile, vibrant acids, and beautifully refined structuring tannins. This sapid, complex wine represents the essence of this great terroir. Two years after extensive soil studies of the estate were carried out, and the first growing season to see cover crops used in the vineyards year-round, the 2020 benefited from more coherently demarcated parcels and more precise élevage, which taken together help to account for its edge over the excellent 2019. Best After 2030

• 98Jeb Dunnuck

  The Grand Vin 2020 Chateau Figeac checks in as 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 18 months in new barrels. They also utilize plenty of press wine, and the 2020 has 8% in the blend. Straight-up awesome aromatics of creme de cassis, ripe black cherries, iron, spring flowers, and an almost bloody, salty character emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and absolutely perfectly integrated oak. It's still tight and reserved, which is certainly the vintage, so do your best to hide these in the cellar. It should hit the early stages of its prime drinking window in 8-10 years and will have 30+ of overall longevity. It will unquestionably flirt with perfection at maturity. Best After 2031. Rating: 98+

• 97Wine Enthusiast

   Newly promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the very highest rung of Saint-Emilion’s hierarchy, this estate is at peak performance. This new release, rich in Cabernet Sauvignon, has an impressive structure as well as modulated, velvet tannins. It is a serious, concentrated wine, still just starting out.

• 96Decanter
  This delivers concentration and intensity, a ton of black fruits, definitely Cabernet dominant in terms of fruit, and its slightly serious character, with a whoosh of juice on the finish. An extremely elegant and controlled wine, with savoury bilberry and loganberry, then peony and tobacco leaf as it opens. Tannins are finely layered but there are a lot of them. Not an exuberant Figeac, but this is rarely a wine that rushes out to seduce, it takes its time and has ageing potential in spades. The gravel soils in the drought of the summer meant the grapes slowed their ripening process, although only the youngest vines suffered blockages, and that combined with the high Cabernet content of Figeac means lower alcohols than the past few years, giving a classic balance and a feeling of effortless success. 75% of the production went into the first wine. Harvest September 4 to October 1, a full five weeks. Their final yield here was around 37hl/ha, (higher than in 2019 at Figeac, which was 34hl/ha). As with on the Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignons were the lowest yield (30hl/ha), with tiny berries so had to be careful with the extraction. First vintage in the new cellars.
  Barrel Sample: 96
• 96Wine Spectator

  A broad-shouldered wine that captures the vintage's heat well in a core of cassis and blackberry fruit flavors, which are dotted with lively savory, tobacco leaf and warm earth accents. Reveals a tarry, grippy edge as well as polish as this pulls deeply from its terroir, leaving an echo of warm paving stone at the very end. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Edited February 9 by cat shepard

[GTVCRUISER]

🙂 Happy Friday 🙂 

[Mr. Boston]

Good morning everyone.  Thanks for today’s report, recipes and lists.  I really appreciate the work that you kind folks do and I hope that I don’t take it for granted.  Funny thing about bike to work day is that when I first woke up and before I read this daily, I saw a gentleman out on the sidewalk preparing to take one of the blue bikes to work!  Bagels and lox sound wonderful.  We cut the cord years ago and purchased a digital antenna instead, one of the best household financial decisions we’ve made as we’ve saved thousands of dollars over that period.  I like today’s quote very much.  The meal and drink suggestions sound like winners to me.  By the way, we made Sunday’s ground beef and broccoli stir fry last evening and it was delicious.  I have not been to today’s port.  Prayers for those on our prayer list.  Cheers to those who are celebrating happy events today!

[Nickelpenny]

Happy Friday to all and thanks for the daily and fleet report.  I don't have a bike (or a "real" job, for that matter), bagels yes but not lox, and I cut the cord years ago.  Just have internet and sling.  Lovely quote, I think I will pass on the meal, drink and wine (my bank account couldn't afford that one), never been to Guernsey, and interesting days in history.

 

 

Cold start to the day with the temp at 38F and a dense fog advisory.  Rain predicted for this evening and we did get some last evening.  Heading up to mid 50s with sunny skies until the clouds move in around 1500.

 

 

Last day of subbing for quite a while.  Jr High music.  Then a tele-health visit with the surgeon.  Yesterday's PT was rough.  When I go on the same day of the gym I am exhausted by the end of the day.  The focus group was very, very interesting and I would love to do others.  It was by Nelson and pays well - $150 for 2 hours and I don't have to leave my house!

 

 

Thoughts for all of those in the world and on the care list going through trials and tribulations.  Cheers for those celebrating.

 

 

Have a great day everyone! 

[Denise T]

Happy Friday! Thanks for the Daily and Fleet reports. 

Supposed to go up to 57 today. Yay Spring. Then we might get some snow on Tuesday. Crazy weather. 

Lots of paperwork today. Want to get most of it done by the weekend so I can relax and prepare for the Superbowl. 

243 days until my cruise. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

[kazu]

 

24 minutes ago, Nickelpenny said:

 

 

 

That was me this morning when the planned work was postponed 😂