AncientWanderer

Onboard Westerdam now… Our itinerary included South Korea, so I did get the visa for that, but never needed it. I think your itinerary only includes Japan. No visa requirement for that with U.S. passport. The Westerdam team has done an amazing job of working with Japanese officials so that immigration requirements go smoothly. Even flying in, things went quickly. Arriving and departing on the ship should be simple as pie. I filled out the “Visit Japan” form online, but that was totally unnecessary. It was hard to fill out and there wasn’t even a quicker line at the airport. Again, high marks to Westerdam team. I hope hotel manager Dustin Coomer is onboard for you. Very well-run ship. (Your itinerary is different than ours, so I can’t help much with excursions, but suggest booking early. They do fill up. Anything scenic or outdoor park type is great. So fun people-watching. The Japanese ladies dress themselves and their dogs beautifully for a day at the park! 😍)

We’ve been on Westerdam about three weeks. Yes — definitely more variety in fish choices and preparation has been quite good. I tend to order fish a lot, and with the exception of one disappointing halibut meal, all fish selections have been very appealing. We’ve actually been overthinking it — looking up the menu fish on Google to determine what is being offered. That’s been a waste of time. It’s impossible to get things sorted out. So many different names for the same fish. So just trusting and ordering, we’ve enjoyed our fish dinners. 👍🏻

After just a few days on Westerdam, our plans disappeared entirely from the app. Tour tickets are still there, so that hasn’t been a worry. DH and I have looked on a variety of devices. I updated the app on my phone one day when I had cell service in port. Plans are still gone. We haven’t bothered to seek help onboard, since I keep my own calendar anyhow of dining reservations, etc.

Hi Kazu. Glad to see you’re enjoying your cruise! I’m kinda out of the loop, but wondered…here on the Westerdam we are seeing different lunch menus on sea days, instead of repeat of same as they’ve been doing lately. This is a welcome change, but wondered if it’s just because we’ve run out of the everyday stuff or if it’s fleet wide change. Maybe check if you have a sea day? Here’s our lunch menu for today… Thanks and wishing you fair weather and calm seas!

You and Chuck are in our prayers, Annie. Cancer is brutal and there’s just no denying it. Stay strong and carry on. God has a plan. We have just completed our circle of Japan and are headed across the Pacific. I’m really excited for you for a couple of reasons. One is that Japan is just very special. Second is that we’ve been all over the place and while we’ve seen crazy beautiful cherry blossoms, it’s been surprising how so many other trees and plants haven’t even budded out yet, this late in spring. The hills are covered in trees that still look like winter. They must have a really short growing season and crazy beautiful autumn colors. I would LOVE to see the fall colors. Seriously thinking of coming back. Be aware that we’re spoiled by ADA in the US. It’s hard accessing a lot of the tourist attractions in Japan — many steep stairs. But honestly it’s the beauty of the natural world that is most enchanting in Japan. You guys are in for a real treat. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Greetings everyone from Japan. I hope all are doing well. Glad to see that @kazuJacqui was able to make her trip, and even has enough oomph to do a “live from.” 😊 The Westerdam is delivering the goods here in Japan. We’ve had great excursions, quite good food, and wonderful service. And blessed with sunny skies. And…perfect timing for the cherry blossoms. Happy campers. Here are a few photos. Shirakawago from Kanazawa port stop Hirosaki from Aomori port stop And a pretty darn lavish Asian dinner in the Lido Wishing everyone a best possible day. Many thanks to the Daily team and all contributors. ❤️

Our condolences, Bruno, for this sad and tough time. I hope you feel better soon. Not easy…

Greetings friends. I’ll tip my hat to McDonalds, as the very first one was in our neck of the woods and nice to see big things come from small places. 🍔 🍟 @Quartzsite CruiserLenda, I hope Steve has a positive doctor visit. You’ve been through a lot. We are go, go, going in Japan. @JazzyV, we are indeed onboard until Seattle. And that less hectic schedule for the transpacific will be most welcome, HAL is doing a nice job on the Westerdam. Lots of regional touches, like fun wasabi bar mix, nicer sushi offerings, special Asian dishes on the menu. No opportunity for speakers as it’s just constant port stops. Definitely the most strenuous cruise I’ve experienced. We are booked for the Morimoto dinner and I’ll take photos and report on that. We haven’t seen much feedback on it yet. Take care all. Wishing everyone a pleasant day, although I don’t know what day it is anywhere! ❤️

Greetings friends. We really love Cozumel. Usually rent a car and have at it. We have good Cozumel memories. Now, we are in Yokohama preparing to board Westerdam. It’s so funny…all the research and reading live threads…nobody prepared us for just how charming Yokohama itself is. We expected a blah industrial port town. Instead, we had a delightful day in a vibrant city, full of parks like this… Right now I’m so jet lagged I barely know my own name, and my dogs are tired from LOTS of walking. But will post from time to time as we carry on. Things have started off really well on this trip. Walked our legs off and are enamored with Japan. Hope to share good stuff with our Dailyites in the coming days. @bennybear, I think you nailed it. Good vibes here. Sending best wishes to all. Have a great day! ❤️

Happy Birthday @StLouisCruisersSandi! Everyone in the country sure as heck was celebrating today. 😊 I'm sorry to hear Linda had a disappointing day. Hopefully her evening will be nice. Enjoy the rest of your day, too!! 🎂 🎈 🎊

Oh do call them, Jane, and don't hesitate. My dad was in congestive heart failure for many years. He was extremely proactive about getting help if something seemed "off." In fact it used to annoy my mom because she had health problems of her own and thought he was too fussy. But you really can't be too fussy. There are lots of tools to keep the ticker going, but they have to know you need them. Sorry if I'm too vehement on this point, but we lived through it. My dad was amazing. Best wishes to you, Jane. Maxine

Roy, I seem to recall that @Horizon chaser 1957has a daughter in Taiwan. Perhaps we'll hear from her. I hope everything is okay for her as well.

@smitty34877 Terry, very sad news from your home today. Tana and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Maxine

Debbie, that stinks that Sue gets migraines so often. Yes to the BHB cure! I may have posted about this book before, but it really helps to understand the migraine process and how triggers work. It helped a lot for me to keep things under control. Try to ignore the crazy book cover. It's really a good book. Might help Sue. https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z5UOVJGWVQ5D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vk_7kffMH63rg9t3bvrlrL78cBTQhLDyiLqOKBg1m3K4oFAlpKqScUbuMawioYeRcnwEzwogUClagUW2B53TXwY9MKNbmCV7_bg9d4sLHA8mj5ut-MffP70Z51lc_iZtDMYsvYkyHpOzCE9qV-pKQRUgzUmjghAMbGNXQeg-qPJYfPwJZ8RdhQq2gsgLPJO2-Ky2MqCWlgVaNRuY9mN4L27rsqhABka0B7oLwRUNFlY.vav3Y8U46Ca4XtAlqmR0UFimD0NxZ561NLpbQdm_zOo&dib_tag=se&keywords=heal+your+headache&qid=1712095067&sprefix=heal+your+headache%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1 It sounds like you identified your big headache trigger, Annie. 👍 Luckily my triggers are things like chocolate and red wine -- not DH! lol Good that the oral surgeon has a plan you're comfortable with. Hooray for that!

Greetings friends. Back from an early neurologist appointment, The hunt for the perfect migraine med continues. Very doubtful there is one. Ferrets? No thanks. But a PB&J is always good; purple drinks are pretty, and management of our produce is very important. @cat shepard, I hope your jury duty experience is a good one. @doobieb, stay safe. Scary storm warning! @dfish, hope your eye feels better. @smitty34877, I hope you find some time to rest after a rough night. @aliaschief, your photos are a treat. And HAL can use some friendly "peer pressure" from the competitors. @summer slope, your friends Mike and Sue are in our prayers as Mike struggles with pneumonia. @StLouisCruisers, your needlework is gorgeous. Such an intricate design! Beautiful! @Nickelpenny, I hope you find some relief for your knees. @marshhawk, wishing you a good visit with the oral surgeon, @RMLincoln, excellent news about DH's eyes. What a load off! @bennybear, the chocolates are beautiful. And so unusual! @Quartzsite Cruiser, stay safe on the road! It's very nice out today in San Diego. We again have DD's pommie along with our own, so lots of dog walks today. Wishing everyone the best possible Tuesday. ❤️