RMLincoln

Great news @kazu! It’s about time you got the 👍. And very happy for both you and Ivan. Keep warm! The Zonin Moscato sounds very good to me. Moscato is one of the few wines I can still drink without getting all congested. I think HAL still has it onboard but we usually request the Ruffino. When they were out of Ruffino I think they substituted Zonin, very nice! m—

Good morning after a shortish but very restful 6 hr sleep, a lot better today than yesterday! @cruising sister Glad you’re there safe and sound and liking the hotel. enjoy Barcelona! What a great city to experience! @ocean sounds May all your and your sister’s flights be smooth! @seagarsmoker Thanks for all your beautiful pictures! And same to @GTVCRUISER Luv see San Diego, keep ‘em coming! I discovered the rum and ginger ale combination many years ago. I guess I’d like it with ginger beer, will give it a try. Will be shopping today for groceries including treats for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow. Yum. Blessings to @St Pete Cruiser for continued strengthening and a ticket home! To Dr David, @Vict0riann and Pat, Mary Kay, all on the Cares list especially those in need of healing, comfort or hope. Thanks to all for your continued support as we figure out our path dealing with DH’s eye needs, and the changes in our schedules, but first things first! Yay for moving forward! Cheers 🥂 to all celebrating! Smooth travels for all the ✈️s 🚢s and 🚘s! Hoping Annie and Chuck are enjoying Vancouver! And the @aliaschief grandkids behave! May the 4th be with us all! m—

Bring a paper print out of your OBC confirmation. I’ve never needed it but I’ve always had it to show if there was a glitch. If you booked directly with HAL you should be able to see credits on your confirmation. If your booked through a TA they can contact HAL for confit of your OBC being posted to your account. m—

What a day of good news here! @Vict0riann excellent that Pat’s bone scan shows no spread! (We ran that hurdle 3 years ago!). Moving forward! Richard got a stent drain to relieve the InterOcular Pressure IOP. He had the first done in March with a cataract Len replacement surgery. All good. The other eye had the cataract replaced in 2009… now these new stents are not yet approved unless emplaced during a cataract surgery…. no definitive reason given but the doctors think it’s because there are not enough studies for the stent-only procedure… 🤷🏼‍♀️. DH has developed some form of dermatitis they surmise as an allergic reaction to the medications or the preservatives. Best of fortunes to Pat and you!🤞 @St Pete Cruiser SO happy for you to be discharged and working on getting home! Beautiful surrounding! Thanks for letting us know. We’re still with you! @kazu Jacqui, hoping you will have positive news to share soon! Same for @smitty34877 and @cunnorl and @luvteaching… and everyone else jumping hurdles to wellness! Maureen

💝 Heart full of thanks to you all for your support. I know that all who read the Daily replies do so because they care. @rafinmd, @kazu, @ger_77, @Quartzsite Cruiser, @ktbraun and @grapau27 all included us in their words today but I’m very aware of all the unspoken good wishes sent out! Many, many thanks! Getting through these things is not easy! It was a long afternoon at the Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute but we are moving forward! The short story is that the pressure in the surgery eye was at its target👍. The other eye pressure is high, not unexpected since off some of the meds, but not urgently dangerous. OK, where do go from here? Well after discussing with different doctors we eventually got in for a visit with the surgery scheduler and actually got scheduled today for a surgery Aug 1 (wait listed June 19). This is truly Amazing! There are hurdles… we need another pre-op physical and ECG, the ones for the March surgery will be out of date! Sigh. The procedure is probably covered by insurance but the stent may not be covered (pay for out of pocket) so we’ll have to sort out pre-authorization or partial denial of insurance…. And we may have to buy or rent a tonometer to monitor the pressure at home between now and August….. last we checked they are several thousand $$ but we’ll see about a rental and of course we’ll do whatever we need to do! If we can’t use our money for health and eyesight, then what the heck are we saving it for!! So it was a very good day that has us on a path forward to eventually get the eye pressure managed without (as much) medication and slow the eyesight degradation maybe indefinitely! Lessening the use of meds will hopefully ease the very significant itching reactions. I’m tired! Tomorrow we’ll take the new glasses Rx (changed because of the new cataract lens replacement) to Costco to get a new glasses lens. And we’ll learn about home eye pressure measuring devices. And look at whether we can or can’t get up to Newfoundland this year. Again, since 2019. Oh well, something else will work out! Life is Good! Blessings to Mary Kay on her postponed surgery! Hopefully Friday will be a more perfect time instead if today! I have to say to Graham, @grapau27 I was wishing someone made me supper like that today! Wanted to stop for supper (we missed lunch) but DHs eyes were dilated so a darkened home was more comfortable. Maureen

Oh Ann @Vict0riann with so much going on you don’t need a headache! Lots of water! Prayers for you both! One day at a time is Everything. We’re at the eye doctor’s now🤞 m—

It’s pressure check day. 1 month after DHs eye surgery. He’s been off some of the glaucoma eye drop meds for a week, today we learn more. Only had the stent surgery in one eye but he’s off the one med for both eyes so I’m not sure what we’ll hear. No plan yet for the other eye. I’m praying for Amazing! Blessings for smooth surgeries for @cunnorl and @cruizn single; good report for @kazu And prayers for all in need of an extra blessing today including Fr David on pilgrimage. Cheers to those celebrating! Smooth travels to all away! Annie and Chuck it’s time to begin the adventure! I’d love to get some more sleep but not likely, woke up at 2:20. Just gotta get through today! m—

You deserve it! 👍

Oiy. HAL IT strikes again. There should be Club Orange for suites. You should have zero trouble getting 2top. The only time we had trouble getting a 2-top was on Amsterdam (R class like Volendam and Zaandam). We were on a 48 night S Pacific that was running prior to World Cruise. Lots of high star guests, we were only 3stars, turned 4 stars on that cruise. Anytime diners with a lot more clout than us reserved all the 2tops. We got seated very late, mostly dining around 8:30 unless we agreed to sharing. It was awkward and we talked to the MDR manager and the Hotel manager. They cater to their elites. But with a suite and Club Orange you should have no issues! Have a great cruise on Zuiderdam! m—

Wish they’d do more cruises out of NJ/NY.

Sorry you’re having such frustration! I’ve had trouble getting data into HAL, but others suggested trying a different browser. Chrome has worked when Edge didn’t, or iPhone Safari didn’t. Using a computer has helped instead of a smartphone. For the flight, is there a place to enter the airline? Then you can put in just the numerals, dropping the leading AC. The passport number is critical. As is the credit card number which is where I’ve usually choked. Wishing you better luck! m—

What ship? That can make a difference. For MDR and Club Orange.

Good that there’s at least the cube seat, that helps. Thanks for that additional info. Now that we live on the east coast Europe feels a lot closer! m—

We rolled luggage from CS to hotel, then to docks all on sidewalks. I don’t know exactly where HAL will be docked, but it was all hard surface and good for pedestrians. Just be very, very aware of bicycle lanes which are clearly marked on the pavement. There are more bicycles than cars, so keep your head turning! I guess I should add that because don’t know exactly where HAL will berth, YMMV.

Remember, if you will have OnBoard Credit $s you can only use that on board. Prebooking will have to be paid for on your credit card when purchased. Although the R class ships, Volendam and Zaandam, don’t have the big, snazzy centrally located hydro pool, they do have a jacuzzi size mineral water hot tub, along with the heated loungers, steam room, aroma therapy showers, and a beautiful sea view including from the jacuzzi. Enjoy! Maureen

@Bostonjetset thank so much! Always enjoy your reviews! Great review and photos! I’m not 40 or 50 or 60 anymore so might not be getting back to these place like I’m sure you will! Thanks for sharing! We did a recent family cruise on Rotterdam… agreed that a lot is not like it used to be, but we had a great time, went to lovely places and had plenty of very good food options! (It’s always better when someone else makes it!). BTW, it looks like an inside room… we’ve done a lot of cruises in insides but not on the Pinnacle class… was there no place to sit except the bed or the toilet? Sigh…. —m.

I appreciate your concern about stairs! We were booked at a hotel with elevator in Amsterdam near the train station. But it had apparently expanded over the years to spread out to include adjacent buildings. We had several places with steps in the hallways, just a few steps each maybe 4 at most, because the buildings’ floors did not all meet at the same levels! We managed with our one roller each just fine a few steps up, down, up down… but it would be much more difficult if mobility issues were a concern, in which case one must communicate with the hotel staff before booking. Enjoy your stay in Amsterdam! Maureen

Sad to hear of Gordon Lightfoot’s passing. I grew up with ALL his music. Had every album until last October when I gave the whole collection to my NC brother. I went to several of his concerts before I left NY in the 70s. He took requests at one in Lincoln Center- asked us to write requests on a paper and leave it on stage at intermission. I managed to flick my paper slip to land closest to the mic stand. It was the first he picked up! I had written the names if two songs: Steel Rail Blues and Softly; he played Softly! It is a very sweet memory! I will always have his songs running through my head and heart. I have 3 siblings all older, a 4th died as an infant before me, so there is a 6-9 yr age gap between me and them. We are not close but we talk. The oldest brother, in NJ, I have tried to see several times but he refuses for unspecified reasons, just not a good time he’ll say. I know his wife is not well physically or mentally so I’ve accepted I’ll probably never see him again. It’s been 21 years now, since 2002. Even though we’ve buried 2 parents, the 4 of us haven’t been together since 1978, at my first wedding. None of them came to my second wedding in 1993. NM was too far, not a good time, etc…. It’s not that we don’t love each other or care, but I think children from dysfunctional homes have such individual perspectives from their own personalized survival mechanisms that we lack deep bonds. It felt very good to see my sister in the FL Keys in December before we boarded Eurodam for our celebration cruise, but even 2 nights in a nearby motel was almost too much, we are just too different. Talking by phone is easier! I wish them all wellness, peace and happiness. @kazu Beautiful of your sister! Thanks for the pics of the flowers and Ivan! He is one lucky dog! Annie, @marshhawk we’re all very excited with you! Anyone who can do the job you do, can think on the fly and be flexible if travel plans need to shift. You’ll do great! And with your tender loving spirit you will be touched by sharing your adventures with Chuck and your BFF. We’re all on your side! Wishing you lots of fun, and smooth healthy travels. We’ll miss you every day and look forward to your thoughts when you get back. Enjoy it all! Blessings to all in need of healing, comfort, hope, guidance, strength…. And cheers to all celebrating! Life is Good! Bon Voyage to our cruisers embarking! And smooth travels to all who are away. Safety and endurance blessings to Fr David! Wish we could follow along and hear where he is and how he’s doing. Hoping the pilgrimage is inspiring. Today is filing day! Not just filing but also beginning a rework of our files to streamline them. Some day we’ll need to move and won’t have or need 6 drawers of files! —Maureen

We have done many Guarantee rooms, several beginning with the lowest category, N or on some shops MM. Have never stayed in an N. Usually they were assigned to a contracted employee such as a visiting entertainer or lecturer. But we’ve had M and MM. And we’ve had upgrades. I’ve never been assigned a bad cabin but it can happen. Your cabin assignment will likely appear about 2 weeks out from your embarkation date. But it might not. We have had rooms assigned at the pier where we have to get the room assignment from the porter with the manifest. The later our room assignment has been, the better our “upgrade”. So don’t despair, you’ll be on the ship! But if you are a light sleeper, as I am, bring ear plugs in case you get a room with sound from the show lounge or worst would be the galley. If you are prone to motion sickness bring your favorite remedy, sea bands or bonine or such because you will likely not be in a midship location. Enjoy your cruise! Maureen

@smitty34877Terry (I hope I got that correct) it’s a privilege to walk with our loved ones when they need us most. You are a valiant warrior for their causes, but you don’t get to choose the outcomes. We extend our loving support to you and yours! @dobiemomMarcia, good they are checking the eye pressure! Hope it is lowered soon which it should be between the meds and being able to pick up your head more. Praying the gas bubble dissolves back again and all recovers soon. May everyone get a good rest tonight (and for those in the other hemisphere, hope you had a good rest!). Maureen

@kazu Thank you for posting the photo of you and Jose. Beautiful. And for sharing so much of your joys together with us over the years and the journeys! 💐 @marshhawk Annie, I used a TracFone for years. They have an international add-on for $10. You add it to your account and international calls are deducted per minute use. And I don’t think it expires. I hope it’s easy for you, lessens your stress about making calls in Canada. It’s one of the things I miss about TracFone, it was easy. @grapau27 I’m very encouraged about your positive experience with MSC. We might consider them. Hoping you can get on a good path for your hip issues. Mine are working🤞, not able to walk as far as I have on our travels, but working! Will get to pool this week for exercises. And I did recognize several of your exercises that you posted the drawings for! Universal challenges! For now our priority is to stabilize DHs eye issues. Going Wednesday for pressure check (been off the double med eye drop for a week, both eyes, the surgical one with the new stent drain and the other too, so we’ll learn…). 🙏 Blessing to all in need of healing paths, comfort, hope or strength! Prayers, hearts and hugs! Yay for all celebrating milestones 🥂🌠. Life is Good! Smooth travels fir all away, and especially for those on cruises. Ice @JazzyV, take care of that knee! 🥴 Having tea today with a close friend (long ago friend from Albuquerque that fate has brought me to again and after decades of living in different parts of the country, we now live in the same complex!) who has a NM friend of her’s visiting here in MD. Should be a fun visit. Weather has been a bit wet, blustery and cool but I don’t have to be out in it much so I don’t mind it. I rather like the frequent changes in the weather around here, and none of it is particularly bad. And I prefer cool to hot. 💨. Blessings all for a good start to May and the week! (I said my rabbits way too early today 🤣, but I did get back to sleep!) Maureen

Rabbit Rabbit White Rabbit. Now maybe I can go back to sleep. Blessings everyone! m—

@JazzyV and @57redbird ice is good for those bruises- as often as you can for 15 minutes. Vanessa, hoping the troublesome knee issues don’t flare up! 🙏 @mamaofami thanks for the good news Carol! @ger_77 You’re a hearty bunch on the frozen tundra, having meetings and meals in the deck when it was zero, even zero C. Prayers for your Ukrainian friends and their families. Feels like it’ll never end. 💔 Wonderful pix of Norway. We didn’t get to that particular port, it’s lovely. We had rain Friday and today but yesterday was a good day to open get the kayaks out! First day is a chore finding everything, and then found that someone had turned the boats over to rummage the hatches for things to steal (they are locked to a post on the shore at a nearby lake.). They were filled with water and leaves and yuck, the hatches too. But no damage, just had to hand pump them. Getting on the water was heavenly, saw bald eagles 🦅! Today is indoor chores! Blessings to all in need. Cheers for those celebrating. And Bon Voyage to @lobsternight even without the limo!

Appreciate your time in sharing your experiences. Have been on both ships though not recently, so not familiar with NCL app… we’ve thought the HAL app was not great, not as easy as Carnival’s which is my only comparison so I’m surprised NCL isn’t as good. We might be cruising NCL more again, maybe out of NY which is a lot closer than Florida… I think I’m done with the drive from Maryland to FL. And without Lincoln Center Stage we’re not as drawn to HAL m—

Thanks for all the pix of Istanbul! We did two days of ship tours there. They looked daunting but were excellent. We saw everything we could, including a boat ride on the Bosporus. It rained a lot but they were so well organized. Figured we’d never get back so we absorbed as much as possible. So glad we did. Great to relive it through Sandi’s pictures! 🙏Blessings for all on the Cares List, and each one of you for being here! 🥂Cheers to all celebrating! Life is Good! Smooth travels to all away, Bon Voyage 🎈to those embarking! Many thanks for sharing your preparations, your experiences… brightens our time in the mundane and deepens our connections! m—