Wednesday December 13th, 2023 -- The Fleet Report and Daily

[richwmn]

 

Today is National Cocoa Day, National Day of Saint Lucia, and National Violin Day
 

The difference between genius and stupidity is: genius has its limits.--Alexandre Dumas-fils

Meal Suggestion for today - Falafel
Drink of the Day - Key Lime Sparkler
Wine of the Day - Delatour Cuvée Premier Chardonnay
Destination of the Day - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Today in History:
1577 Francis Drake sets sail from England on an epic three year circumnavigation of the world aboard the 'Pelican' (later renamed the 'Golden Hind')
1642 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand
1920 League of Nations establishes the International Court of Justice in The Hague

Ship Locations
 

Eurodam

St Johns Antigua, RCI Royal Beach Club 08:00 - 17:00
 

Koningsdam

Loreto, Baja California Mexico 06:00 - 16:00
 

Nieuw Amsterdam

Freeport, Bahamas Dry Dock
 

Nieuw Statendam

San Juan, PR 13:00 - 22:00
 

Oosterdam

At Sea Destination Montevideo, Uruguay eta 12-14
 

Rotterdam

Falmouth Jamaica 07:00 - 15:00
 

Volendam

Pichilingue. MX
 

Zaandam

Bridgetown, Barbados 08:00 - 18:00
 

Zuiderdam

Mindelo, Cape Verde

Eastern Hemisphere
 

Noordam

Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand 08:00 - 17:00
 

Westerdam

Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Selangor 08:00 - 17:00
 

 

[portofrome]

Thank you for the Fleet Report.

[JazzyV]

Today’s Care List:

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

Cruzin Terri safe trip home from Mayo Jacksonville 

Rafinmd Cardiology appointment today

Nickelpenny seeing spinal surgeon

Marshhawk’s DH Chuck not feeling well

Passing of Mr. Boston’s Aunt Roberta 12/10

JazzyV with right leg pain, tingling and numbness

 

Hurricane victims in TN

Citizens of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza

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

 

From the Rotation:

57Redbird recovering from spinal fusion surgery

StLouisCruiser’s DB with pulmonary fibrosis

HAL Sailer’s DH recovering after hospitalization

 

Celebrations and Shoutouts:

Cruising sister’s g-niece Murphy extubated, and on CPAP 

Cunnorl’s new niece Maeve Grace, Welcome to the World!

RMLincoln safe travels to TX for granddaughter’s wedding

 

The Daily Gardening Club posting wonderful flower pictures

All the contributors to the Fleet Report/Daily

 

Upcoming Cruises or At Sea:

2 days for Suslor (Rottendam Dec 15 to Dec 22) Eastern Caribbean w/DGS

2 days for Crazy For Cats (Rotterdam Dec 15 to Dec 22) Eastern Caribbean

2 days for Ichiban Nekko (Rotterdam Dec 15 to Jan 5, B2B) 7d Eastern Caribbean + 14d Western/Tropical Caribbean

4 days for Seagarsmoker (Nieuw Statendam Dec 17 to Dec 27, Southern Caribbean)

6 days for St Pete Cruiser (Zaandam Dec 19 to Jan 4, Southern Caribbean Holiday)

 

GTVCRUISER (Koningsdam to Dec 16) Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez, RedNeckBob(Celebrity Reflection to Dec 17, B2B, Bimini, Grand Cayman & Mexico/ABC Islands), LAFFNVEGAS (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 17, E. Caribbean), Dobiemom (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 17, E. Caribbean), POA1 (Nieuw Statendam to Dec 17, Eastern Caribbean), Av8rix(Koningsdam to Jan 6, 11n Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez + 5n Mexico + 16n Circle Hawaii Holiday), Seasick Sailor (Rotterdam to Jan 14, 51d B2B2B2B PC Sunfarer + Eastern/Western Caribbean (14n) + Tropical/Southern Caribbean Seafarer (16n)) and Lindaler (Volendam to April 6, B2B) 24d Historical Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez Holiday + Jan 3 94d Grand Australia & NZ voyage)

[rafinmd]

Thank you Rich, Vanessa, Debbie, Ann, and Dixie for the hump day report.  I won't say much for a while, probably until after I get back from the Cardiologist.

 

Roy

[summer slope]

Key Lime Sparkler cocktail:

 

Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Cruzan® Key Lime Rum
1/2 parts JDK & Sons™ O3 Premium Orange Liqueur
2 dashes Bitters
1 part Wine, Sparkling
Orange Twist

Instructions
Combine Key Lime Rum, John DeKuyper & Sons O3 Premium Orange Liqueur & Bitters over ice and stir. Strain into a chilled coupe and add sparkling wine. Garnish with a wide twist of orange peel.

 

[seagarsmoker]

Good morning dailyites and thank you for the Daily Report! 

Still job searching and getting stuff ready for our cruise this weekend. 

I hope everyone has an excellent day! 

[StLouisCruisers]

Good morning friends!  Typical winter-like weather with a temp of 30F.  Today will be a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 58.  Thanks Rich @richwmn for the Fleet Report and Daily.

 

Today cocoa, violins and Saint Lucia get their day.  Sounds good.  I like the quote but would probably skip the falafel, key lime sparkler and the chardonnay.  I've rarely tasted a chardonnay I like.  Francis Drake and Abel Tasman were far from home back in the day, and good news about the Hague being established on this date 103 years ago.  Thanks Debbie @dfish, Dixie @summer slope, and Ann @cat shepard for the F&B reports today!

 

Prayers for our Care list people, Israelis and Ukrainians and all held as hostages, and my DB and friends in need of them.  Hoping every day for better news for all, and less pain!  🙏  May all our cruisers 🚢 and Celebration list friends have a great day 🥂 and enjoy those happy events.  🎉🎂  Thank you Vanessa @JazzyV for keeping the lists updated and I hope you get a full night's sleep and lessening pain each day going forward.  ❤️

 

Port today is Dubai, United Arab Emirates which is a very interesting city to explore.  We had Dubai as our destination once before on May 10, 2022.  We've stopped there for a few days in 2016 so will post the photos soon.  Here's the link to the last time for you.

 

 

Hope you all have a great day and stay safe and healthy.

[grapau27]

Good afternoon.

It is raining and 43°F here.

Thank you for today's daily reports.

Today is 7 years since I joined Cruise Critic.

3 interesting days and quote today.

Not sure about today's food.

We have sailed from Dubai twice on Royal Caribbean Brilliance and Vision of the seas.

We stayed in hotels pre cruise and visited several shopping centres and had 

Afternoon tea in the Hotel Burj Khalifa.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

 

[puppycanducruise]

Good morning.  Thanks for the Report.  Happy Hump Day.

We've got a snow squall warning, high winds and snow.  I'm staying in.

Three good days to celebrate.

I like the quote.

The meal, drink and wine are all okay with me.

I haven't visited today's port.

Prayers for our world.

Have a good day.  Stay safe.

[puppycanducruise]

@grapau27  Happy Cruise Critic Anniversary!

[StLouisCruisers]

 

My Shutterfly photo book of our Ancient Lands/Suez Canal cruise in the fall of 2016 on Emerald Princess has quite a few pages devoted to Dubai.  We had an overnight there on the ship before we disembarked, then spent a third day there sightseeing because our flight home wasn't until nighttime.

 

This day was very smoggy looking.  Thank goodness the remaining days were sunny with blue skies.

 

On the first day we packed for disembarkation which was the next day, then looked around the fantastic terminal building where there was lots of shopping.  Then we prepared for our evening Dhow dinner cruise with our CC roll call group.

 

One of the largest, fanciest cruise terminal buildings I've ever seen. 

 

And the shopping

 

 

 

Arriving at the Dhow (traditional wooden vessel) for our dinner cruise.

 

The glittering lights of Dubai

 

being seated for dinner

 

Before dinner we were entertained by a whirling Tonoura dancer

 

 

We were able to step outside to watch our passage along the Dubai Canal, and see all the lights and sights.

 

 

Day 2 in Dubai coming up next.

[StLouisCruisers]

 

The following morning we took a taxi to our hotel Hyatt Place Dubai/Al Rigga and settled into our spacious room.  Then we headed out into the heat of Dubai to walk to the nearest Big Bus sightseeing bus stop.  Walking through a pedestrian walkway over a busy street.

 

 

We walked to the Deira City Centre to catch the next bus.  We bought two day passes because there's so much to see.  First up was Wafi, a connecting station, then the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world.

 

This is Wafi, a complex which includes a mall, hotel, restaurants, residences, and a nightclub.  The "city" is styled after Ancient Egypt.  Below are a waterfall fountain and the Aquarium at the Dubai Mall, largest mall in the world by total area.  

 

We went in the mall and located a place for lunch.  Then we checked out the Aquarium.

 

 

The immense Aquarium has windows into the mall to draw you in!

 

These divers were cleaning the Aquarium while we were there.

 

My granddaughter is a Dive Master and would love a chance to dive here but I always worry about SHARKS!

 

Here is a fountain with "diving statues" which is very interesting to see in person.

 

From near the mall, the Burj Khalifa behind DH.

 

We got back on the bus and finished out the "red" route. DH and I got the front seat of the top deck of the double decker bus.  Lucky us!  We viewed all the downtown high rises and had a front row seat for the traffic of Dubai.

 

A closer look at the Burj Khalifa.

 

 

 

A view of a building called "The Frame" under construction.

 

 

During our route back we passed the Dubai Museum, then saw the Emerald Princess at the waterfront getting ready to sail for India.  We also passed the Old Souk, the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.

 

 

 

 

Oh my!  Still one more day left of bus riding.  Coming up.

[Lady Hudson]

Good morning.  Prayers for those in need — which seem to be many this year.  Thoughts for a good end of semester for 2 college age family members who have been raised Jewish.  I do pray that all goes well for them — we are living in a crazy world right now.

 

Weather here is cold but I may run out for a few gifts.  Getting to the end of my shopping.   I keep on thinking something must be wrong that I am finished this early!

 

DH Bill had a doctors appointment yesterday that went very well.  Bloodwork results were very positive.  Yay!

 

Have a safe and great day.  Katherine 

[StLouisCruisers]

 

The third morning we were back on the bus, first on the "red" route and then connecting to the "green" route.  Highlights of this route were the Burj Al Arab hotel, the white sandy beach, and Atlantis the Palm resort.

 

Burj Al Arab hotel

 

 

 

The Atlantis Palm resort

 

Dropped back at the Dubai Mall, we again went to lunch there because of the huge variety of restaurants to choose from.

 

This machine at the Mall would locate any store or restaurant in the Mall for you.  Very handy because this place was BIG.

 

Back on the bus, then dropped off at the nearest stop by our hotel so we could pick up our bags and take a taxi to the airport.

 

Time for our journey to end.  It was a fun time in Dubai.

[kazu]

Thanks for our Hump Day Daily, Rich

& thanks Ann, Dixie, Debbie & Vanessa.

 

Great collection of days.  I know many love cocoa & will celebrate happily.  Saint Lucia day (winter solstice) - it’s little wonder light is deservedly celebrated in the Scandinavian countries today.  LOL on the quote today.  Oooh do I see a white wine?  Looking forward to the description and hope it’s not too oaky 🤞 

 

 

 

My tree guy was out bright and early this morning with a flashlight to survey the downed tree to assess it for removal.  it’s still being held by  the Maple tree branch - hoping it continues until it’s removed. 🤞 Today is a bit busy with a collection and drop off of things to help a disabled young man set up his apartment and an appointment at the bank while trying to keep my eye on my FB messenger.  Sadly my BIL’s mother is in the hospital with pancreatitis.  They don’t want to operate because of her age but if she doesn’t pass the gallstones, her organs may shut down 😢 My sister is by her side and we are all praying.

 

 

 

For the Garden Club - One bloom on my red amaryllis.  The other bud hasn’t even started to open.

 

 

 

Not at all like the other one with both buds beginning their slow open.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Have a good Wednesday everyone.

[StLouisCruisers]

17 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Good afternoon.

It is raining and 43°F here.

Thank you for today's daily reports.

Today is 7 years since I joined Cruise Critic.

3 interesting days and quote today.

Not sure about today's food.

We have sailed from Dubai twice on Royal Caribbean Brilliance and Vision of the seas.

We stayed in hotels pre cruise and visited several shopping centres and had 

Afternoon tea in the Hotel Burj Khalifa.

I hope everyone is safe and well.

 

 

Happy 7th CC anniversary Graham!  That's a lot of posts in 7 years so you must like people a lot to want to engage that much here.  I am so glad you did engage here on the Daily because it wouldn't be the same without you!  🤗

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Lady Hudson said:

Good morning.  Prayers for those in need — which seem to be many this year.  Thoughts for a good end of semester for 2 college age family members who have been raised Jewish.  I do pray that all goes well for them — we are living in a crazy world right now.

 

Weather here is cold but I may run out for a few gifts.  Getting to the end of my shopping.   I keep on thinking something must be wrong that I am finished this early!

 

DH Bill had a doctors appointment yesterday that went very well.  Bloodwork results were very positive.  Yay!

 

Have a safe and great day.  Katherine 

 

Katherine, I hope your family members at college are feeling safe where they are and experience no problems there.  I agree this is a very crazy world!  My DGS in college is coming home tomorrow for the holidays, too.  I believe he has a little over 3 weeks off for break.  Great news about your DH Bill's good doctor appointment and bloodwork results!  We love good news like that!  Let's hope it's a trend.🙂

[Haljo1935]

Pass on the quote; yes to the meal, drink and wine; not been to the port; days in history all important. 

Dr early this morning then PT and work.

Currently 48° headed to 61° with rain on Friday.  Need to start checking weather for the 12/21 cruise so I can swap out the suitcase.

Prayers and positive thoughts for all. 

[Heartgrove]

Thank you Rich, thank you Debbie, thank you Vanessa, thank you Ann, and thank you Dixie for all your work. And thank you everyone for being here!

 

Stay Safe, and prayers for those in need.

- Jack

[Haljo1935]

Happy CC anniversary @grapau27

[cat shepard]

Thank you for today’s FR & D, Rich! It is 20 degrees warmer than yesterday morning! What a crazy weather pattern! Major wind warnings & last night by the beach was wild! Good thing we didn’t have to walk far! 
 

Vanessa, thank you for keeping up with all of us. Praying that you find relief from your pain, soon. And that you are able to get a decent night’s sleep. 
 

Gym, Bindi walks, chores, and HIIT class should keep me busy. 
 

 

 

 

 

Prayers for all who need our support. Especially those suffering from debilitating pain and conditions. Thinking of you & Tana, Terry. 
 

Cheers to all who are celebrating!

 

May we each find a reason to smile today!
 

********

Delatour Cuvée Premier Chardonnay 2021

I did not find much info about this Chardonnay, but consumers think it is very good.  It is easy to find and priced two it is an easy one to try. Widely available with online prices starting at $7.99.

Distributor’s notes

Aromas of white flowers, almonds and exotic fruit with flavors of crisp apples and pears. Give it a slight chill and enjoy with roasted chicken, turkey, shellfish on the half shell, salmon and shrimp. Clean, pleasant and refreshing.

[grapau27]

28 minutes ago, StLouisCruisers said:

 

Happy 7th CC anniversary Graham!  That's a lot of posts in 7 years so you must like people a lot to want to engage that much here.  I am so glad you did engage here on the Daily because it wouldn't be the same without you!  🤗

 

 

 

 

Katherine, I hope your family members at college are feeling safe where they are and experience no problems there.  I agree this is a very crazy world!  My DGS in college is coming home tomorrow for the holidays, too.  I believe he has a little over 3 weeks off for break.  Great news about your DH Bill's good doctor appointment and bloodwork results!  We love good news like that!  Let's hope it's a trend.🙂

Thank you so much for your lovely words Sandi.

You are the nicest person on here.

Your photos of Dubai were perfect and bring back our memories of Dubai.

I videoed our visits.

We popped out for lunch today.

 

 

[Denise T]

Happy Wednesday. Thank you for the daily and Fleet reports. 

Chilly and sunny day today. Working from home today on a few projects. 

My sister and I are seriously considering moving to Canada in a couple of years. We want to settle in the Maritimes as we loved it so much when we visited two years ago. I have been looking at houses to get a feel as to what is out there, and I like what I see. I am hoping that I can move my clinical practice to Canada, and I should be able to continue to teach as an adjunct/associate faculty. I have never done anything like this so will take time to work out the logistics of it all. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

[StLouisCruisers]

Jacqui @kazu I'm sorry to hear about your DBIL's Mother's health crisis.  I'll gladly add my prayer she makes it through this without surgical intervention.🙏  So nice of you to contribute to the disabled young man's apartment set up!  Hoping your downed tree doesn't do any more damage before the tree guy gets to it. 🤞Thanks for the lovely flower photos today.

 

My twin told me last night one of our cousins whom I rarely saw (especially since we lived out of state for most of our marriage) passed away yesterday of ALS.  There will be a memorial service in the new year.  He donated his body to a local research university for ALS studies.  

 

Yesterday was Grinch Day at DD's school and the teachers dressed in costume.  She sent me a photo of herself all decked out as Cindy Lou Who including the elaborate wig associated with that character.  Hilarious!  She lost her voice so was whispering to her students they must be exceptionally good and quiet all day.  Wonder how that worked out for her??

[StLouisCruisers]

7 minutes ago, grapau27 said:

Thank you so much for your lovely words Sandi.

You are the nicest person on here.

Your photos of Dubai were perfect and bring back our memories of Dubai.

I videoed our visits.

We popped out for lunch today.

 

 

 

Oh Graham, I bet you say that to everybody!  Just kidding!  I hope you and Pauline have a nice day together.  She's off work Wednesdays, right?  Have fun!

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, Denise T said:

Happy Wednesday. Thank you for the daily and Fleet reports. 

Chilly and sunny day today. Working from home today on a few projects. 

My sister and I are seriously considering moving to Canada in a couple of years. We want to settle in the Maritimes as we loved it so much when we visited two years ago. I have been looking at houses to get a feel as to what is out there, and I like what I see. I am hoping that I can move my clinical practice to Canada, and I should be able to continue to teach as an adjunct/associate faculty. I have never done anything like this so will take time to work out the logistics of it all. 

Thinking of all on the care list. 

Celebrating with all who are celebrating. 

Have a safe and healthy day. 

 

Go for it Denise if that is what you want to do!  Life is short and you don't want any regrets at the end.  Good luck!

[Himself]

Love to know where the DAM ships are today.

Thanks for the information.