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I suggest you join your Roll Call. Also, if you participate in the same activity daily, you will begin to see the same faces. This could be activities like pickleball, trivia or going to the same bar every night before dinner.

I suggest you check out the Trip Advisor forum. It is very active.

@durangoscots What tour did you do? Why were you tried at the end? I’m trying to plan for January 2025. TYIA @richwmn Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

World record butternut squash 2022 104.5 pounds The Daily is a conflict free zone. Unfortunately, butternut squash has divided us. Do you like sweet potatoes? Butternut squash is very similar. It is a superfood. I love it in salads, soups, casseroles, and desserts. Try it! (This message is NOT sponsored by the Butternut Squash Growers Association 🤣) I hope everyone stays safe in this January weather and has the best weekend possible.

Do you feel it is colder than November? I have read your posts about how you pack. Are you wishing you had brought warmer clothes? Thank you for the wonderful pictures!

I’m glad you are enjoying your meals. If you are ever in Baltimore, please contact me and I will take you out for a real Baltimore crab cake which is made with blue crab, old bay and very little filler. I was talking to the head chef on the Oosterdam in November 2022 and told him I was a pescatarian and ask him what he recommended I order. He said, “The crabcake.” I said, “I’m from Baltimore.” He said, “Don’t order the crabcake.”🤭

Post on your Roll Call You will need warm clothing

We frequently book deck 8 aft cabins on Vista class ships. There is some noise in the morning when they set up the chairs but it has never bothered us because we are usually up by 7. No noise problems at other times. I love deck 8 for the proximity to the Lido and the Seaview pool. I had friends staying in 8147 on the Oosterdam, the balcony is amazing.

I was on the Rotterdam in October and refused to sign any slips for drinks. It was not a problem and after the first day, my favorite servers never presented me with one. I do not want to use a pen that others who may not have clean hands have used.

https://www.homebarmenu.com/recipe/toronto_maple_leafs @summer slopeNo problem. You do an excellent job. @dfish The winter, I often sub arugula for basil. It has a nice peppery taste.

I’d be more concerned about the 39 minute connection in Atlanta on the 11:30 flight, especially on a holiday weekend.

@summer slopeThank you for the Daily cocktail recipe. I believe this recipe is incorrect, where’s the maple? The drink in the photo is not layered but looks correct. Let’s try this one… The "Toronto Maple Leafs" cocktail is a spirited tribute to the passion and excitement of ice hockey and the beloved Canadian team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. This cocktail embodies the essence of the game, blending the rich flavors of Canadian whisky with the sweetness of maple syrup, paying homage to the iconic maple leaf symbol. ½ oz lemon juice 2 dashes angostura bitters ½ oz maple syrup 2 oz Canadian whiskey In a cocktail shaker with ice cubes add Canadian whisky, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Strain the cocktail mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Express the oils from the orange twist over the drink by twisting it over the glass, then use it as a garnish(optional). It is scientifically proven that hugs boost mood, reduce stress and increase happiness. Spread some joy and positivity with a hug today!

If you can carry your own bags, you can self disembark as soon as the ship is cleared. There will be a line of people doing the same. You may want to join it early. Grab a taxi to the airport. We take a 10:30 flight home every time we fly from FLL and are usually sitting at the gate by 9.

I hope all is well. I always enjoy following your blog but I notice it hasn’t been updated since the 6th. Still having Internet issues? Can’t wait to hear about your day in Puerto Montt

The Ocean Bar is open everyday. My experience, sailing on longer cruises on Vista class ships, has been that they have music 5/6 days a week. @TravelBluebird What time is sunrise? What is the “wrong” side of the ship?

Check out this extensive thread.

Have you tried the Ocean Bar?

I absolutely love doubles. The are $2.50 at my local Caribbean carry out. Thank you for your very informative posts and for sharing your journey with us.

Good Morning! This is actually the 3rd time we had minestrone in the past 6 months. I agree that it is a perfect day for soup. Thank you for the recipes Debbie. I am scared of heights but my DH had always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon so I took him for his birthday. I was shaking as I stepped in the basket but once we were in the air I forgot to be afraid. It was an incredible experience. If you ever have the opportunity, go. 🎈🎈🎈

Use the “let us know” feature on the Navigator App to quickly solve problems like the need for an extra pillow. If your DH had a problem with rude shore excursion staff, he should report it there too. You will probably receive a follow up phone call. Every night, I use the let us know feature to compliment at least one staff member who stood out to me in a positive way. They always thank me the next time they see me. I have been told that this type of positive feedback contributes to their shore time and opportunities for advancement. I am very glad the captain is a good communicator. You should try room service or the MDR for breakfast. I’m glad you enjoyed lunch in the MDR. I look forward to hearing about tango lesson.

Thank you for the detailed information from the captain’s talk. I look forward to information about activities on sea days, the lecturers on board and the commentary while you sail through Antarctica. We will be boarding when you disembark.

Happy Monday! I spent the weekend planning tours for our Best of Norway cruise in August. For the first time, I used Tours by Locals: Rotterdam to the windmills, a walking tour in Bergen and a walking tour in Oslo that includes Vigeland Park. The only port that isn’t planned is Farsund. I believe it is a “new” port and cannot find much info. All of the wonderful posters on the Daily who post pictures and info about the ports have made my planning easier. Thank you. Wishing everyone the best possible day!

Movies are only shown by the pool on the Pinnacle class ships (Rotterdam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam). The Vista class ships (Zuiderdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Oosterdam) show movies in the World Stage (theater). Sounds like a great first day. I always enjoy the coffee talks and I understand the Captain is very personable. One of my favorite things about the Vista class ships is the full promenade on deck 3. You are somewhat protected from the wind and rain. If you are on the starboard side and they announce “whale on the port side”. You can easily cut through the ship and hopefully see the whales. I often see photographers there.

If you decide to cruise HAL in the future, there is an excellent website called Halfacts https://halfacts.com/vista-class/4123-noordam/ The obstructions are clearly visible in the pictures that are posted there. The "Ship Beneath The Ice" is excellent. I have read several books about Antarctica in preparation for my cruise at the end of the month. I also enjoyed "Madhouse at the End of the World" the story of the Belgica which sailed to Antarctica 17 years before the Endurance. I read one book at a time; when I finish it, I return it to the library and take another book. Bon voyage. Wishing you fair winds and following seas.

Thank you for your detailed report. Any response to your questions at guest services? Any advice you would give to a January 29 cruiser?