Jim_Iain

I asked last night and it was a Spicy Mango Margarita - You are correct it was Tajin on the rim, Mango Juice, Taquilla, Cointreau and Jalapeno.

I looked at it and think it has some nice rooms. Would consider if the right itinerary and price. I think that is currently our view of most premium lines. We have one follower that was boarding her today.

A quick Time Lapse video of our departure from Honolulu

Yes she has been there all day.

Here’s the itinerary for this cruise.

Like all cruises I think that there is a mix. Many Europeans have a tenancy to dress with more flare than Americans but then again those from New York dress a bit more trendy than those from other sections of the country. Europe is a large continent so you may find mass differences between UK, Med and Scandinavian cruises. - the sheer number of Americans on any cruise will dress the same regardless of location.

We will be doing the same on our own in November 2025. Little too early to start planning bu may ping you when I get closer for details.

Thanks Joan. I just saw the message. They did a fantastic job and was very pleased with the whole 3 day journey.

I booked it direct with a tour company - they arranged Car, Driver,Guide, Flights, Hotel and transfers. They customized it to my requirements. I began by taking Celebrity's description and customized it as we wanted to stay the first night in Petra instead of Deli. I also booked 5* hotels. Our only regret is we couldn't spend more time at the Hotel... it was incredible. I'm not sure I'm allowed to post tour operator recommendations here. E-mail me and I will pass it on. Their prices came in at about 1/3 of that of Celebrity. We were even on the plane with 1/2 of Celebrity's tour- broken up on two flights.

I don't think the menu is particularly all inclusive. I know that Decoy is back and in the Premium Package. I also noticed they had Malbec at $17. The Sommelier on Solstice seems to be doing a good job finding wines within package prices. Iain drinks Chardonnay and is very happy with Louis Jadot 'Macon-Villages"

We weren't sure what we were in the mood for lunch. We decided to check out the OVC. On the way up Iain said --- What I really wished they had were those wonderful meat pies. What can I say... I personally fulfilled his wishes and arranged it to British Day----- Meat Pies, Fish and Chips etc... What can I say I always fulfill all his wishes... I had a Chicken Pot Pie and Iain had a Beef pie. Yum... perfect to finish a perfect morning. To further my treat--- while Iain napped I ran down to al Bacio and they had those fantastic Lemon Tarts with a little chocolate ball on top. For some reason on port days they only serve them on plates instead of those little bags. Tonight is the first of the three Chic night.... Not sure if we are in the mood to Tart it up. Sail away is scheduled for 6:00 PM and we are off to Hilo.

Headed back to the ship. Passing through the University. Honolulu is both beautiful and culturally rich.

As we headed back to the ship we passed the Royal Palace of King Kamehameha. King Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, is the nephew of Kalani‘opu‘u, the former king of the Big Island of Hawai‘i and part of Maui. For the first time, Kamehameha brings all of the Hawaiian Islands into one kingdom when King Kaumuali‘i cedes the island of Kaua‘i to his rule.

We next crossed the street and explored the very vibrant Financial District. Iain had been there before on business but couldn't remember where Bank of America had it's offices.

Today we took off to visit Aloha Tower and piers. It has been nicely developed.

I’ll have to ask. He first went out and came back with a spice mix on the rim. What I remember there was lime, toquilla, orange Cointreau.

Hope you enjoy it. By the way the HDMI ports are really easy to both see and connect to. In the room video I zoomed in on the port... other's probably thought what in the world is he doing...

NCL - Pride of America didn't stick around very long. Around 10 we heard the ships horn and she departed. Inquiring minds wanted to know WHY. Found an article that she had a mechanical issue and had to cut short her current inter-island cruise. Since Terminal 11 was to be used by MSC Explora 1 she had to move to Pearl Harbor. She was replaced by Explora at 11 AM MSC Explora is now in place at Terminal 11.

This is how the sofa bed opens.

After all these years this is the first time I ever used the Sofa Bed. Usually just scrunched up on the Sofa. I had the room attendant bring a blanket. This time I discovered how the sofa's convert. Actually very practical. You pull the back of sofa toward you and it becomes the legs --- Inside mine was already made up with duvet, sheets and two pillows. IN the CS it is the sofa portion facing the windows and almost come to a queen and a half in width. For some reason the one in the CS is much more comfortable than that in the Royal.

Would have to agree with tubs. When I remodeled our house i removed the tubs and did oversized walk in showers instead. I can't tell you when I last took a bath. I know many love them... We are on the Aft Slant --- they also have them on the forward slant, but thought the aft would have some protection from the wind. I put on my Bose Headphones this morning and listened to the home news while relaxing in the lounger. I often pair them to the TV so I don't wake Iain when I'm up early.

I may post some food pictures on this cruise. After HILO we have 5 sea days.

The shopping center has just about anything form everyone tastes...

The beds are either configured as a Queen or as two singles. They are configured to a Queen upon arrival but the Stateroom attendant can set them up as requested. The CS also has a Queen Sofa bed in living room. I sometimes pop the living room bed open when Iain snores.