A Silver Shadow Over The World - December 2023 to May 2024

[mysty]

9 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

An allergy is a specific immunological reaction, or set of reactions, to an allergen manifesting from the mild (rhinitis, urticarial rash) through to the life-threatening - the justly dreaded anaphylaxis. 

 

There is no difference in terminology related to the physiological events - I'm sure American, Indian, Australian etc drs wouldn't dream of belittling allergy by using the term except where it specifically applies - although I agree that the term allergy is widely misused in social rather than medical discussion. 

 

Using the term "real allergies" pejoritively (and note my first para in the quoted post) neither diminishes nor affects the simple fact that ambushing the term to include intolerances, delicacies and mere dislikes is medically wrong. 

 

It is an important distinction because the clinical management and treatment of allergic reactions is based on preventing the immunological overreaction characterised at its most severe in anaphylaxis. 

 

Whether someone likes this approach or not is totally irrelevant to the immutable and scientifically demonstrable process that occurs in response to an allergen. 

 

Intolerances and other physiological conditions separate from allergy need a different approach. 

 

48 minutes ago, Port Power said:

I work for an immunologist paediatrician.  Allergic reactions are very real, especially anaphylactic reactions.  Developing a rash from spruce is very different from enjoying looking at a spruce Christmas tree from afar..  just don’t touch.  An anaphylactic reaction just from smelling peanuts is much more nasty - and life threatening!  The spruce allergy person can easily stay away from the source. The peanut allergy person is much more at risk of aerial contamination and potential fatality.

 

 

10 hours ago, Tothesunset said:

Those of us who have had the dubious duty of treating anaphylaxis probably get a bit terse with those who use the term "allergy" when what they really mean is intolerance. People even use the term allergy simply to describe something they don't like. 

 

I would strongly suggest that anyone who suspects they have an allergy should be allergy tested - most particularly if their putative allergen is ingested or injected. 

 

My OH is anaphylactically allergic to wasp stings and carries 2x epipens at all times. She shows no other allergies. 

 

My best friend died in my arms from an anaphylactic reaction to a hornet sting. Middle of nowhere, no drugs, 45 mins for ambulance to arrive by which time he had been dead for half an hour. 

 

The term "allergy" should be reserved for allergies yet it has become increasingly fashionable to claim an allergy or series of allergies. 

 

Apologies if anyone's sensitivities are ruffled but this matters. 

 

 

 

Thank you @Tothesunset and @Port Power for providing the medical knowledge! Much appreciated 🥰  I'd now like to respectfully request that we return to our regularly scheduled program please.  

[Host Jazzbeau]

Sorry for starting the diversion with my post about Christmas trees.  The picture from Seabourn looked safely artificial 😉  

 

And your special food ideas sound terrific!  I hope the chef gets into that spirit with you!!!

[mysty]

As this grand adventure will, in all probability, be our last kick at the World Cruise can I'm making a list of things to try that I haven't yet attempted on any cruise.

 

1.  I've been an onlooker of folks enjoying the hot tubs.  I have never even dipped my toe in.  I'll pack the bathing suit that I haven't worn in eons and give it a go.

 

2.  I'm not a swimmer.  For some reason my body sinks like a stone.  Regardless of years of lessons this is just not something in my skill set.  However, I plan to tarry near the shallow end and enjoy the experience.

 

3.  I've always wanted to have a meal comprised of only appetizers.  Maybe a little unorthodox but why not.

 

4. I want to try to host a special dinner for a few folks we gravitate to over the journey.  I've been a guest at these special meals but I have never hosted one. 

 

5.  Myster has agreed to take dancing lessons with me.  There are typically escorts on World Cruises and they offer dance lessons.  We've never done this on past cruises.  

 

6.  Due to # 5 I will attempt to stay awake past 9:00 pm and go dancing.  I love to dance!  I've even picked up a few line dancing moves courtesy of a  friend.  If I remember correctly, there used to be a DJ playing in the Panorama Lounge.

 

7.  I'm going to ask kind folks to take pictures of Myster and me.  We have a few from past cruises.  This one is a bigger deal and photos would be amazing.

 

So if you see someone flailing around in the pool or careening around the dance floor, in all likelihood it will be me.  😅

 

 

[Stumblefoot]

8 hours ago, mysty said:

As this grand adventure will, in all probability, be our last kick at the World Cruise...

NOOOooo!!!

 

8 hours ago, mysty said:

1.  I'll pack the bathing suit that I haven't worn in eons and give it a go.

Do you think people will complain about its age like some here like to do about the age of some men's tuxedos?

 

9 hours ago, mysty said:

2.  I'm not a swimmer.  For some reason my body sinks like a stone.  Regardless of years of lessons this is just not something in my skill set.  However, I plan to tarry near the shallow end and enjoy the experience.

Grab one of these from your suite and head into the deep for your tarry.

 

9 hours ago, mysty said:

3.  I've always wanted to have a meal comprised of only appetizers.

I've got the perfect place to take you when you visit the Rocky Mountains someday.  We'll knock this one off your bucket list.  The restaurant is up in one of Spins's favorite villages in the world.  Maybe she and Dr. Spins could join us!

 

9 hours ago, mysty said:

6.  I will attempt to stay awake past 9:00 pm and go dancing.

Proud of you.  We'll join you after our 9:00p dinner seating.

[mysty]

5 minutes ago, Stumblefoot said:

NOOOooo!!!

 

Do you think people will complain about its age like some here like to do about the age of some men's tuxedos?

 

Grab one of these from your suite and head into the deep for your tarry.

 

 

I've got the perfect place to take you when you visit the Rocky Mountains someday.  We'll knock this one off your bucket list.  The restaurant is up in one of Spins's favorite villages in the world.  Maybe she and Dr. Spins could join us!

 

Proud of you.  We'll join you after our 9:00p dinner seating.

NOOOooo!!! - Thank you Stumble!!!

 

Do you think people will complain about its age like some here like to do about the age of some men's tuxedos? - They may well!  In fact, even I may well!  🤣

 

Grab one of these from your suite and head into the deep for your tarry. -  Okay, lovely image I now have in my mind.....ages old bathing suit on a panicky woman wearing a life jacket.  Well if I escaped notice prior to this, I would definitely be the talk of the ship.  🤣

 

 I've got the perfect place to take you when you visit the Rocky Mountains someday.  We'll knock this one off your bucket list.  The restaurant is up in one of Spins's favorite villages in the world.  Maybe she and Dr. Spins could join us! - Oh yes please with cream and sugar on it!  Love this idea!  🥰

 

Proud of you.  We'll join you after our 9:00p dinner seating. -  Thank you Stumble!  If my eyes slam shut it won't be for lack of trying to stay awake like a grown up!  😁

[jpalbny]

14 minutes ago, mysty said:

got the perfect place to take you when you visit the Rocky Mountains someday.  We'll knock this one off your bucket list.  The restaurant is up in one of Spins's favorite villages in the world.  Maybe she and Dr. Spins could join us! - Oh yes please with cream and sugar on it!  Love this idea!  🥰

 

Me too!

[Stumblefoot]

2 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

 

Me too!

Sounds like we got the makings of a real party!

[Daveywavey70]

11 hours ago, mysty said:

I'll pack the bathing suit that I haven't worn in eons and give it a go.

You could always just put patches over the knees and elbows! 

[mysty]

14 minutes ago, Daveywavey70 said:

You could always just put patches over the knees and elbows! 

 

It's not quite that old DW! 😅

But I do appreciate your suggestion! 

Edited August 26, 2023 by mysty

[lincslady]

At the age of about 3 I had a hand knitted swimsuit - you can imagine what it looked like when I came out of the sea.  Luckily things improved over the years.

 

Lola

[Host Jazzbeau]

5 hours ago, mysty said:

 

It's not quite that old DW! 😅

But I do appreciate your suggestion! 

 

I like the tartan.  Would go well for Formal Night.  😉

[mysty]

We've never bothered with taking a nighlight with us on cruises.  We find now that we need at least some light to find our way to the washroom at night.  I'm investigating options.  I like the idea of a rechargeable, dimmable light.  I'm showing this one for demonstrative purposes...not to advertise the brand.  It comes with a magnetic strip which I am taking to mean that it could attach directly to the suite wall without the strip.  It may also sit on the small shelf near the suite washroom.

 

[lincslady]

We used to leave the bathroom light on, and there was enough light under the closed door to get there without being noticed  in the bedroom  - depends on how the suite is configured, though.

[mysty]

26 minutes ago, lincslady said:

We used to leave the bathroom light on, and there was enough light under the closed door to get there without being noticed  in the bedroom  - depends on how the suite is configured, though.

 

We did that on our last cruise.   Myster has cataracts developing and he needs more light to make his way now.   If the nightlight can be dimmed it will be okay I think.

[jollyjones]

Since you're on the Shadow, I expect you'll need one.

 

I always travelled with a nightlight (I use one that is a low wattage LED, non-polarised plug, that plugs into the shaver socket) until I started cruising on the Moon and Dawn - they have one built in to the bathroom. It's bright enough that leaving the bathroom door open gives enough light to guide you to the bathroom, but it isn't so bright it shocks you fully awake - I hate that with the 'leaving the bathroom light on but the door closed' solution.

 

No use to you Mysty (sorry) but other cruisers may be interested!

[mysty]

8 minutes ago, jollyjones said:

Since you're on the Shadow, I expect you'll need one.

 

I always travelled with a nightlight (I use one that is a low wattage LED, non-polarised plug, that plugs into the shaver socket) until I started cruising on the Moon and Dawn - they have one built in to the bathroom. It's bright enough that leaving the bathroom door open gives enough light to guide you to the bathroom, but it isn't so bright it shocks you fully awake - I hate that with the 'leaving the bathroom light on but the door closed' solution.

 

No use to you Mysty (sorry) but other cruisers may be interested!

 

Thank you @jollyjones !  We'll see how this plays out.   We use a nightlight at home with the door ajar and that works.   On the Shadow,  with the bed placement relative to the washroom,  I'm concerned that there wouldn't be enough of a beacon.

[profpeabody]

I bought this set from Amazon last week.  So far, great.  It is a nice golden light that is perfect for a bathroom.  It does have a magnetic back.  I used a battery operated light on our last WC but with this one, no need to carry spare batteries.  I put one light just above floor level in the room so that it lights the hallway and then the second goes in the bathroom itself. 

[mysty]

45 minutes ago, profpeabody said:

I bought this set from Amazon last week.  So far, great.  It is a nice golden light that is perfect for a bathroom.  It does have a magnetic back.  I used a battery operated light on our last WC but with this one, no need to carry spare batteries.  I put one light just above floor level in the room so that it lights the hallway and then the second goes in the bathroom itself. 

 

Thanks @profpeabody !  Those were the ones I had intended to order.  When I went online yesterday, only the 4 pack was available.  We definitely did not want to buy 4.  I did manage to order some from a different brand.  I'm glad they are working well!

[mysty]

For this cruise I'm packing rain pants and hiking boots for both of us.  We purchased those items for our Grand Northern Europe voyage last May-June.  We didn't use the rain pants but we really appreciated having the extra grips on the hiking boots.  We are possibly going to run into very cool wet weather as we hit the northern part of Japan followed by Alaska.

[mysty]

I also recently scored a deal on a Helly Hansen rain coat.  Waterproof and breathable.   It was 1/2 the original price.  It's got a wide body to allow for layering. 

 

[mysty]

It seems that the Panama Canal Transit has become a bit of a sticky wicket due to water levels.

 

https://maritime-executive.com/article/delays-cancelations-and-costs-mount-as-panama-canal-reduces-daily-transits?fbclid=IwAR0mIOmoj9_rg3IaZGkpCRgH6CfW1pJws_ecR4yr3rc640yd_Fy-nrjHueY

Delays, Cancellations and Costs Mount as Panama Canal Reduces Transits

PUBLISHED AUG 8, 2023 5:52 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

 

Currently the Silver Shadow is still scheduled for the Panama Canal crossing on January 2, 2024.

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/panama-canal-port-442?tab=schedule&month=2024-01&fbclid=IwAR0mIOmoj9_rg3IaZGkpCRgH6CfW1pJws_ecR4yr3rc640yd_Fy-nrjHueY#schedule

 

All digits and bendy bits are crossed that this transit will happen as planned.

Edited August 27, 2023 by Host Jazzbeau
copyrighted material removed (to avoid deleting entire post)

[Port Power]

9 hours ago, mysty said:

I also recently scored a deal on a Helly Hansen rain coat.  Waterproof and breathable.   It was 1/2 the original price.  It's got a wide body to allow for layering. 

 

I saw the sign “Helly Hansen” above a store recently in Oslo. I had no idea what was sold there. Not that you would buy in Norway: far too expensive.

[turtlemichael]

5 hours ago, mysty said:

It seems that the Panama Canal Transit has become a bit of a sticky wicket due to water levels.

 

https://maritime-executive.com/article/delays-cancelations-and-costs-mount-as-panama-canal-reduces-daily-transits?fbclid=IwAR0mIOmoj9_rg3IaZGkpCRgH6CfW1pJws_ecR4yr3rc640yd_Fy-nrjHueY

Delays, Cancellations and Costs Mount as Panama Canal Reduces Transits

PUBLISHED AUG 8, 2023 5:52 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

 

Currently the Silver Shadow is still scheduled for the Panama Canal crossing on January 2, 2024.

https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/panama-canal-port-442?tab=schedule&month=2024-01&fbclid=IwAR0mIOmoj9_rg3IaZGkpCRgH6CfW1pJws_ecR4yr3rc640yd_Fy-nrjHueY#schedule

 

All digits and bendy bits are crossed that this transit will happen as planned.

All digits and bendy bits are crossed with you. It's hard to see what alternatives they would have.  And on the subject of you swimming and dancing - go for it!!!! On WC 2019, not so much in 2023, the pool in the morning was the best place to keep UpToDate with the gossip. Just sayin' xx 

[Grand Duchess]

16 hours ago, mysty said:

I also recently scored a deal on a Helly Hansen rain coat.  Waterproof and breathable.   It was 1/2 the original price.  It's got a wide body to allow for layering. 

 

Aha, you got yourself what they call in Northern Germany a "Friesennerz" (Frisian mink coat)😊

When in Sylt (North Frisian island, bit like the Hamptons) last time in June, I took full advantage of the Sales and bought two, a lined one and a thinner one, with the WC 2025 in mind. Very convenient and they do not take up too much luggage space.

[mysty]

Today I scanned through our booked excursions to see if there were gaps that could be filled if the spirit moved us.  Here are the empty slots:

Auckland on February 10
Sydney on February 23
Airlie Beach on March 1
Cairns on March 3
Thursday Island on March 5
Broome on March 12
Benoa (Bali) on March 17
Hong Kong on  April 3

For our Auckland visit I had found the idea of taking a ferry to Rangitoto Island.   I went looking for some other options.

 

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-things-to-do-in-auckland

 

Taste local seafood at the Auckland Fish Market
For a taste of local seafood, head to the Fish Market in Wynyard Quarter in the city. Take your pick from the eateries and enjoy fresh fish the way you like it best, whether that’s sashimi, poke bowls, lobster rolls or traditional fish and chips.

Enjoy your food outside at a seat in the sunshine, and on the weekends you’ll often be treated with live music. After you’ve finished eating, take a stroll through nearby Silo Park, where you’ll find events in the summer and a nearby playground where the little ones can burn off some energy.

A makeover in early 2019 incorporated a seafood-focused upscale food court and a relaxed courtyard bar with a good beer and wine selection. Dining options include sashimi, Thai food, South American barbecue, pizza, and fish and chips. Check the website for details of regular seafood cookery classes including Vietnamese and Mediterranean flavours.

 

This would be about a 20 minute walk from where the Shadow would be docked.

 

Take a ferry to Devonport
From the city, it’s only a 15-minute ferry ride to Auckland’s North Shore and the charming suburb of Devonport. The ferry itself gives visitors an opportunity to see the city from the water and gain an appreciation for the number of the boats in the harbor – Auckland is called “the city of sails” for a reason.

When you arrive in Devonport, walk along the coast past the Navy Museum and up North Head, or Maungauika, one of Auckland’s many volcanoes, which juts out into the harbor. From here, you’ll find stunning views of the city and Rangitoto Island. North Head also houses a network of historic tunnels and military defenses built during WWII. On your way back to Devonport, explore the colonial village and pick a local restaurant for lunch – there are a few good options to choose from.

 

https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/editorial/north-head-maungauika-historic-walk/

The ferry that goes to Rangitoto stops in Devonport.