Golden Princess LIVE - 12/20/2009 Hawaii Christmas New Years Sailing

[ro]

hi,

we're on this cruise Feb.28, 2010 and I was wondering about the new International Cafe. Are there extra charges for the food there? and how is all the new stuff, e.g. sushi, paninis, etc.?

[Scrapchick]

We're also on board and have met many of our fellow CC members here. We had a lovely Christmas Eve dinner with Karatemom and her family and she's got me playing Trivia every chance she can too, which is something I've never done before. My daughter is having a blast with her daughter and also Mountain Mom's daughter too, plus other girls she's met on board who are with CC members.

 

KarateMom did indeed beat the competition with her beach shack style gingerbread house, which had a nice Hawaiian theme to it. I think it stood out with its green roof!

 

This is turning out to be such a fabulous cruise... The Christmas theme is everywhere, but not overdone. We all sang carols with the officers and crew in the Piazza on Christmas Eve and that was after a fun couple of hours decorating cookies and meeting Santa, who arrived, Vegas style with his glitzy escorts down the stairs in the atrium. Dinner that night was Formal, complete with English style Christmas crackers on the tables. I can't say enough good things about Princess and the way they've made this such a special trip for everyone on board. The dining staff are all highly competent and accommodating and there's a great mood on board the Golden.

 

We're in Honolulu today and sail for Kauai late tonight. I'm enjoying the ports but also looking forward to another long stretch at sea and more Trivia sessions with Karatemom and the kids. We're all going to the Crown Grill together and have to plan a dinner date with MountainMom and her family too. There aren't enough days, I swear...

 

My only gripe is the gym!!! Too many people up there!! I miss the old days where it was the loneliest place on the ship... Now every minute on the elliptical counts because there's a line of people waiting for their turn.

 

This is turning out to be one of the most fun cruises we've done in a long time and a big part of that is down to the wonderful CC gang we've hooked up with and run into all over the ship.

 

Happy New year!

[Loralu]

Hi all - I just got of this cruise on 12/20, and really had a good time. We only had a few kids on board, the ship was decorated for Christmas - the food was great - the Service was outstanding!!! and the weather we had was awesome - NO rain. It was a wonderful cruise - and I'm so glad we did it - the sea days were filled with activities - I did survivor, trivia, the adventurous duck contest, and many other great activities. My only gripe was the casino.. tight machines.

If any of you happen to have Rusty and Jay as your waiter and asst waiter - please tell them HI from "Team Rusty" we named the duck after him - these guys were the best wait staff we have every had (traditional seating 8:00pm)

Good job on the live post - hope you have the great weather I did.

Enjoy your cruise:)

[helenb]

Sorry it's been a couple of days since I have posted. We've had a busy time, and there wasn't a free moment to post! How different from those lazy sea days... ;)

 

Before I forget, Judy, I'm not sure about accommodating a scooter at the Chef's Table. I'm guessing that your DH might not be able to go into the galley, but he could easily be accommodated at the dining room table. I would simply ask the moment you get onboard.

 

I forget who asked this, but no, there is no charge for food in the piazza. However, my husband really had to be aggressive at Vines to get sushi without buying a glass of wine! But the Bistro has wonderful panini, desserts, quiches, etc. and it's all free. The coffee shop next door charges for coffees, but you can use the coffee card.

 

Christmas Eve was wonderful! At 3 pm they had a 'Christmas Fair' in the piazza. The cruise director read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and then Santa arrived (complete with snow, and Vegas-style-clad Princess dancers). He had a present for every child, and my kids were thrilled with their Princess teddy bears. There were also stations set up around the area: one for balloon hats/animals, one for face painting, one for cookie decorating, and one for ornament making/card decorating. The kids had a blast at this!

 

We also (coincidentally) had our lei-making class on Christmas Eve. This was a fun event, but I recommend bringing a thimble! I must have stabbed myself with the needle about 20 times. But the results were beautiful. They gave us gorgeous white/purple orchids and green ribbon to make our leis. Apparently on the way back to LA they will have ribbon lei classes, and I'm hoping to go to that.

 

Christmas Eve was formal night, and we all enjoyed dressing up. This was the most dressed up/formal crowd I have seen on a Princess ship since my honeymoon cruise over 10 years ago. Everyone was clearly having a blast in their formal wear! We went to see the comedian in the Vista Lounge, and he was incredibly funny. After his 'act' was finished, Lee Childers (cruise director) came onstage to wrap it up, but the comedian kept returning and ragging on Lee! We just couldn't stop laughing!

 

Christmas morning the kids spent awhile opening gifts from Santa, and then we met our tour guide for our tour of Hilo/Big Island. Our guide took us to see the lava pouring into the ocean. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see the lava itself... only massive clouds of steam as it hit the water, but it was still a unique site. After this we went to black sand beach which was slowly growing a coconut tree forest! Apparently the locals have a tradition where they come and plant coconuts in the black sand. The sand is very conducive to tree growth, and the coconuts grow quickly. In 10 years, they expect to have a full-blown forest there.

 

After this we took a driving tour of the Big Island, and ended up at volcanic hot springs. There was a gorgeous swimming 'hole' which was enclosed by a breakwater, so we got to swim in hot-tub-style water. Little crabs crawled around the rocks on the side (scared of humans, so no danger but fun to watch) and small fish swam around our legs. We all enjoyed this stop very much! Once we had dried off a bit we went to the Lava Tree State Park, and our guide explained how the tree formations were created. We still had some time so we made a quick stop at Rainbow Falls, and then along a beach area looking for sea turtles (unfortunately they weren't to be found that day). We then returned to the ship just in time for our early seating dinner.

 

After dinner we took our daughter to see the juggler in the Vista Lounge (not the same guy who performs in the piazza) and we all had a great time. This is a terrific, family-friendly show.

 

Apparently we will have a magician on our way back to LA, and we are all looking forward to that!

 

This morning we were in Honolulu. We got off and hopped into a taxi to get to Pearl Harbor. It is about $30 each way, but for four of us it was a slightly better price than the shuttle. We had booked tickets for the Pacific Aviation Museum, which is on Ford Island, and we spent a few hours there immersed in World War II and the battles in the Pacific. We taxied back to the cruise ship (we are conveniently docked at the Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu) and had lunch, then walked off again and went over to the Iolani Palace. We went on the self-guided tour of the palace, and learned a lot about how Hawaii transformed from a Monarchy to a US Territory.

 

On a tip from our taxi driver, we walked another block over the Honolulu City Hall, and found an incredible display of Christmas trees and decorations! There was a GIANT Hawaiian Santa and Mrs. Claus sunning themselves outside City Hall and cooling their feet in a fountain, and a family of snowmen n the opposite site. A large Christmas tree was in the center. Inside was a large atrium filled with customized Christmas trees and gingerbread houses! The trees were all themed: there was an '80s music' tree, a 'Mario' tree, a 'Nemo' tree, a 'Silver Bells' tree, etc. Then down another hallway was a 'wreath-making' competition. The wreathes were all gorgeous and hand-made, some done by schools and other by individuals. They were all wonderfully themed, and we saw that they had been judged by City Hall officials. This was a unique stop, and we all enjoyed these Christmas decorations.

 

We meandered back through downtown (BTW, Honolulu downtown is pretty dead on a Saturday afternoon) and found a Longs drug store (on Hotel Street) for cheap supplies. There is a Pricebuster (like a discount/dollar store) across the street where you can buy cheap candy and beach items.

 

We're now back onboard and going to dinner shortly. Afterward we will go to the hula show.

 

Whew! Now I'm caught up!

[Bucky3]

Helenb et al - We're loving your ship and shore reviews. How we wish we were there, but thanks for taking us along with you. Looks like Princess is living up to all we experience on her ships. Love Princess!

[Nancyquilts]

Delighted to see you're having a hula show. We were quite disappointed in November when there wasn't any.

[chamima]

S

 

Christmas morning the kids spent awhile opening gifts from Santa, and then we met our tour guide for our tour of Hilo/Big Island. Our guide took us to see the lava pouring into the ocean. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see the lava itself... only massive clouds of steam as it hit the water, but it was still a unique site. After this we went to black sand beach which was slowly growing a coconut tree forest! Apparently the locals have a tradition where they come and plant coconuts in the black sand. The sand is very conducive to tree growth, and the coconuts grow quickly. In 10 years, they expect to have a full-blown forest there.

 

After this we took a driving tour of the Big Island, and ended up at volcanic hot springs. There was a gorgeous swimming 'hole' which was enclosed by a breakwater, so we got to swim in hot-tub-style water. Little crabs crawled around the rocks on the side (scared of humans, so no danger but fun to watch) and small fish swam around our legs. We all enjoyed this stop very much! Once we had dried off a bit we went to the Lava Tree State Park, and our guide explained how the tree formations were created. We still had some time so we made a quick stop at Rainbow Falls, and then along a beach area looking for sea turtles (unfortunately they weren't to be found that day). We then returned to the ship just in time for our early seating dinner.

!

 

Who did you book this tour through? It sounds really comprehensive!

 

Thanks for your great descriptions of everything! We did this cruise last year and I am loving re-living it. Plus we're doing Honolulu to Tahiti next year so you are adding to the anticipation.

[waterduo]

Sorry it's been a couple of days since I have posted. We've had a busy time, and there wasn't a free moment to post! How different from those lazy sea days... ;)

 

Before I forget, Judy, I'm not sure about accommodating a scooter at the Chef's Table. I'm guessing that your DH might not be able to go into the galley, but he could easily be accommodated at the dining room table. I would simply ask the moment you get onboard.

 

I forget who asked this, but no, there is no charge for food in the piazza. However, my husband really had to be aggressive at Vines to get sushi without buying a glass of wine! But the Bistro has wonderful panini, desserts, quiches, etc. and it's all free. The coffee shop next door charges for coffees, but you can use the coffee card.

 

Christmas Eve was wonderful! At 3 pm they had a 'Christmas Fair' in the piazza. The cruise director read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and then Santa arrived (complete with snow, and Vegas-style-clad Princess dancers). He had a present for every child, and my kids were thrilled with their Princess teddy bears. There were also stations set up around the area: one for balloon hats/animals, one for face painting, one for cookie decorating, and one for ornament making/card decorating. The kids had a blast at this!

 

We also (coincidentally) had our lei-making class on Christmas Eve. This was a fun event, but I recommend bringing a thimble! I must have stabbed myself with the needle about 20 times. But the results were beautiful. They gave us gorgeous white/purple orchids and green ribbon to make our leis. Apparently on the way back to LA they will have ribbon lei classes, and I'm hoping to go to that.

 

Christmas Eve was formal night, and we all enjoyed dressing up. This was the most dressed up/formal crowd I have seen on a Princess ship since my honeymoon cruise over 10 years ago. Everyone was clearly having a blast in their formal wear! We went to see the comedian in the Vista Lounge, and he was incredibly funny. After his 'act' was finished, Lee Childers (cruise director) came onstage to wrap it up, but the comedian kept returning and ragging on Lee! We just couldn't stop laughing!

 

Christmas morning the kids spent awhile opening gifts from Santa, and then we met our tour guide for our tour of Hilo/Big Island. Our guide took us to see the lava pouring into the ocean. I was a little disappointed that we didn't see the lava itself... only massive clouds of steam as it hit the water, but it was still a unique site. After this we went to black sand beach which was slowly growing a coconut tree forest! Apparently the locals have a tradition where they come and plant coconuts in the black sand. The sand is very conducive to tree growth, and the coconuts grow quickly. In 10 years, they expect to have a full-blown forest there.

 

After this we took a driving tour of the Big Island, and ended up at volcanic hot springs. There was a gorgeous swimming 'hole' which was enclosed by a breakwater, so we got to swim in hot-tub-style water. Little crabs crawled around the rocks on the side (scared of humans, so no danger but fun to watch) and small fish swam around our legs. We all enjoyed this stop very much! Once we had dried off a bit we went to the Lava Tree State Park, and our guide explained how the tree formations were created. We still had some time so we made a quick stop at Rainbow Falls, and then along a beach area looking for sea turtles (unfortunately they weren't to be found that day). We then returned to the ship just in time for our early seating dinner.

 

After dinner we took our daughter to see the juggler in the Vista Lounge (not the same guy who performs in the piazza) and we all had a great time. This is a terrific, family-friendly show.

 

Apparently we will have a magician on our way back to LA, and we are all looking forward to that!

 

This morning we were in Honolulu. We got off and hopped into a taxi to get to Pearl Harbor. It is about $30 each way, but for four of us it was a slightly better price than the shuttle. We had booked tickets for the Pacific Aviation Museum, which is on Ford Island, and we spent a few hours there immersed in World War II and the battles in the Pacific. We taxied back to the cruise ship (we are conveniently docked at the Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu) and had lunch, then walked off again and went over to the Iolani Palace. We went on the self-guided tour of the palace, and learned a lot about how Hawaii transformed from a Monarchy to a US Territory.

 

On a tip from our taxi driver, we walked another block over the Honolulu City Hall, and found an incredible display of Christmas trees and decorations! There was a GIANT Hawaiian Santa and Mrs. Claus sunning themselves outside City Hall and cooling their feet in a fountain, and a family of snowmen n the opposite site. A large Christmas tree was in the center. Inside was a large atrium filled with customized Christmas trees and gingerbread houses! The trees were all themed: there was an '80s music' tree, a 'Mario' tree, a 'Nemo' tree, a 'Silver Bells' tree, etc. Then down another hallway was a 'wreath-making' competition. The wreathes were all gorgeous and hand-made, some done by schools and other by individuals. They were all wonderfully themed, and we saw that they had been judged by City Hall officials. This was a unique stop, and we all enjoyed these Christmas decorations.

 

We meandered back through downtown (BTW, Honolulu downtown is pretty dead on a Saturday afternoon) and found a Longs drug store (on Hotel Street) for cheap supplies. There is a Pricebuster (like a discount/dollar store) across the street where you can buy cheap candy and beach items.

 

We're now back onboard and going to dinner shortly. Afterward we will go to the hula show.

 

Whew! Now I'm caught up!

After reading your reports, you have whetted our appetites even more!

We will be joining the Golden on the 3rd.

Coming from the UK . Thank you so much for your input and continue to enjoy your voyage.

 

Richard

[ro]

They're calling it a blizzard here in the mid west. It's 18 degrees out and the wind is blowing between 30 and 40 mph and there is 5 inches of snow on the ground and they are calling for a total of 12 inches before it is done. We've been stuck in the house and are unable to go to our Christmas eve party because of the weather. Hope this makes your cruise just a little more enjoyable. We cruise on the Golden Feb. 28th and this just makes it that much more important! Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!

 

Hi Dawn,

we've got a little rollcall going for the Feb. 28th cruise and here's a link to our 'list'

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmsgDpzblbyOdEZodk5rdTJMU2hPbjJYNE1BTC1RNlE&hl=en

come join us.

[Daniel1313]

Can anyone that is currently on the cruise let me know if there seems to be many teenagers in the 17 to 18 year old range on board???

 

Thanks

Dan

[SANDEE]

Good Morning, How do you sign up for EZ Check? We are cruising in April and would like to know more about this.

Thanks, Sandee

[helenb]

There are 344 kids onboard:

 

age #

3 8

4 4

5 9

6 12

7 14

8 26

9 23

10 28

11 27

12 34

13 29

14 30

15 39

16 27

17 32

 

 

The tour company in Hilo was lavatours.com. Ask for Mark.

[Cruisin' Chick]

I do not usually follow Princess threads but looked at this one after reading the review of the November voyage by diane pomroy.

 

I think that you guys must be on a different ship! I have never read such a negative review on CC. Having sailed on Princess only once on a TA, I am amazed at such a review. I hope that no one who is contemplating a cruise takes any notice whatsoever of its content.

 

I think that it is notable that this was their first cruise and it appears that cruising is just not for them, especially cruises with lots of sea days. I think choosing a 14-day cruise as a first cruise with two-thirds of the days sea days is just not a good idea.

 

Boy, I'll have to hunt for that review. I do hope that a veteran cruiser who loves sea days doesn't get dissuaded from taking this cruise. On our roll call, there was a British couple who were about to take their first cruise and I felt like screaming, "take a different cruise first." Turned out the husband spent the first few days in their cabin, sick as a dog. Not the right first cruise for them.

[Cruisin' Chick]

Whatever TA supposedly helped Ms. Pomfrey really messed up. If I was a TA, I would have suggested a different cruise for her. But she was also working on a lot of misconceptions. I still can't figure out why the in-wall beds would have been in her way in her cabin. I've had that type of cabin ever since our daughter has been cruising, and you shouldn't even notice the extra beds until they're brought down by the steward.

 

I'm guessing she would find fault with anything.

[karatemom2]

We spent another fun day in port today on the island of Kauai. The last three days have been very full and it’s a good thing we can look forward to four more relaxing sea days after four very busy port days.

 

In Hilo we rented a car and drove to the end of the road in Kalapana. Even though the lava viewing area is supposed to be closed until 5 p.m., many people were taking the hike down toward the beach on the marked path over the lava, so we followed suit. The views were amazing and we did get a brief but very impressive view of lava splashing into the ocean below the huge plume of steam. It was definitely one of those moments when you wish you had remembered the binoculars. After a stop for some Banana Macadamia Nut Ice Cream we found our way to a small black sand beach with lots of tide pools where DH decided to play Survivor and open up a coconut on a rock. I’m happy to say DD had the good sense to record it for posterity on video.

 

Yesterday was Honolulu and we again rented a car and visited the military museum on base at Schofield, spent some time shopping at the Aloha Bowl swap meet, followed by a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery (very moving) and finishing the day with a special tour of Iolani Palace during an evening event honoring the 175th birthday of Queen Kapiolani. I’m not sure how we managed to fit it all in one day, but we were plenty tired last night.

 

Today in Kauai we rented a convertible and did the scenic drive up to the end of the road on the North Shore and then all the way back to Poipu for a brief beach break. Back on the ship we met up with our friend Scrapchick for the sail away and got a special treat viewing numerous whales as we left the harbor.

 

It has been an absolutely great cruise. Even though this is our third year, we still love everything about it. And it has been wonderful to meet such nice people onboard. Scrapchick became our hero when, through what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, she located both her gingerbread house and ours after they had in fact been spirited off to someone else’s cabin instead of off to the incinerator as we had been told. It is now holding a spot of honor in our cabin along with our other Christmas decorations! She and her family have been terrific traveling companions as have many other of our CC friends.

 

Tomorrow we have a snorkeling trip plan in Lahaina and then look forward to settling in for our final sea days.

[karatemom2]

Mary, congrats on winning the gingerbread house competition! Wish we were there! Enjoying following you all along on this Christmas cruise. Happy Merry Sailing to All and thanks for taking us all with you (sorta!)!

 

Hi Bucky!! We wish you were with us too. One of these days I know we will end up on the same cruise again. Happy New Year to you and your family!

[karatemom2]

HelenB,

 

Thanks so much for your posts. My daughter and family are on your cruise, and your posts make me feel like a fly on the wall, enabling me to hear what's going there. If you happen to run into them, tell them that Mamie and Toppy said "hi". My daughter is Melissa, her husband, Tom- the kids are Caroline (11) and Jack (8)- from Colorado.

 

It sounds like a great time on the cruise with lots of activies for the kids. Have a wonderful time- I look forward to you posts.

 

Hi Mamie! I met your daughter this morning while we were waiting in an extremely slow line at the Alamo office. We were both there picking up our rental cars. She recognized me from the gingerbread house contest and put two and two together and realized that I was karatemom2 from the CC board. They are having a wonderful time and I am passing on a "Hi" from her to you!

[Piperpals]

We spent another fun day in port today on the island of Kauai. The last three days have been very full and it’s a good thing we can look forward to four more relaxing sea days after four very busy port days.

 

In Hilo we rented a car and drove to the end of the road in Kalapana. Even though the lava viewing area is supposed to be closed until 5 p.m., many people were taking the hike down toward the beach on the marked path over the lava, so we followed suit. The views were amazing and we did get a brief but very impressive view of lava splashing into the ocean below the huge plume of steam. It was definitely one of those moments when you wish you had remembered the binoculars. After a stop for some Banana Macadamia Nut Ice Cream we found our way to a small black sand beach with lots of tide pools where DH decided to play Survivor and open up a coconut on a rock. I’m happy to say DD had the good sense to record it for posterity on video.

 

Yesterday was Honolulu and we again rented a car and visited the military museum on base at Schofield, spent some time shopping at the Aloha Bowl swap meet, followed by a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery (very moving) and finishing the day with a special tour of Iolani Palace during an evening event honoring the 175th birthday of Queen Kapiolani. I’m not sure how we managed to fit it all in one day, but we were plenty tired last night.

 

Today in Kauai we rented a convertible and did the scenic drive up to the end of the road on the North Shore and then all the way back to Poipu for a brief beach break. Back on the ship we met up with our friend Scrapchick for the sail away and got a special treat viewing numerous whales as we left the harbor.

 

It has been an absolutely great cruise. Even though this is our third year, we still love everything about it. And it has been wonderful to meet such nice people onboard. Scrapchick became our hero when, through what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, she located both her gingerbread house and ours after they had in fact been spirited off to someone else’s cabin instead of off to the incinerator as we had been told. It is now holding a spot of honor in our cabin along with our other Christmas decorations! She and her family have been terrific traveling companions as have many other of our CC friends.

 

Tomorrow we have a snorkeling trip plan in Lahaina and then look forward to settling in for our final sea days.

 

Glad you are having a great time. We are on this cruise in April so really appreciate the live review. Please let us know about the snorkeling trip as are considering it for our cruise.

 

Cheers

[west coast cruiser]

We spent another fun day in port today on the island of Kauai. The last three days have been very full and it’s a good thing we can look forward to four more relaxing sea days after four very busy port days.

 

In Hilo we rented a car and drove to the end of the road in Kalapana. Even though the lava viewing area is supposed to be closed until 5 p.m., many people were taking the hike down toward the beach on the marked path over the lava, so we followed suit. The views were amazing and we did get a brief but very impressive view of lava splashing into the ocean below the huge plume of steam. It was definitely one of those moments when you wish you had remembered the binoculars. After a stop for some Banana Macadamia Nut Ice Cream we found our way to a small black sand beach with lots of tide pools where DH decided to play Survivor and open up a coconut on a rock. I’m happy to say DD had the good sense to record it for posterity on video.

 

Yesterday was Honolulu and we again rented a car and visited the military museum on base at Schofield, spent some time shopping at the Aloha Bowl swap meet, followed by a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery (very moving) and finishing the day with a special tour of Iolani Palace during an evening event honoring the 175th birthday of Queen Kapiolani. I’m not sure how we managed to fit it all in one day, but we were plenty tired last night.

 

Today in Kauai we rented a convertible and did the scenic drive up to the end of the road on the North Shore and then all the way back to Poipu for a brief beach break. Back on the ship we met up with our friend Scrapchick for the sail away and got a special treat viewing numerous whales as we left the harbor.

 

It has been an absolutely great cruise. Even though this is our third year, we still love everything about it. And it has been wonderful to meet such nice people onboard. Scrapchick became our hero when, through what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, she located both her gingerbread house and ours after they had in fact been spirited off to someone else’s cabin instead of off to the incinerator as we had been told. It is now holding a spot of honor in our cabin along with our other Christmas decorations! She and her family have been terrific traveling companions as have many other of our CC friends.

 

Tomorrow we have a snorkeling trip plan in Lahaina and then look forward to settling in for our final sea days.

 

What agency did you rent your car from on Kauai? Did you book it from home before you went on the cruise? Thank you so much for your updates. We will be on the March 1th cruise.

WCC

[karatemom2]

What agency did you rent your car from on Kauai? Did you book it from home before you went on the cruise? Thank you so much for your updates. We will be on the March 1th cruise.

WCC

 

This year we rented from Alamo. They were the only agency with available cars at the time we made our reservation. We weren't overly impressed and I would probably not rent with them again. It took us almost an hour to get the car and the vehicle was not in the greatest shape.

 

The two years previous to this we used Budget and were very pleased with the service and car. I would happily rent from them again on any of the islands. Many people seem to use Thrifty as well.

[CanuckCurlers]

Yesterday was Honolulu and we again rented a car and visited the military museum on base at Schofield, spent some time shopping at the Aloha Bowl swap meet, followed by a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery (very moving) and finishing the day with a special tour of Iolani Palace during an evening event honoring the 175th birthday of Queen Kapiolani.

So glad you are having such a great time. I have a question about the Aloha Bowl swap meet. Was it worth the visit? We are traveling with my 85 year old Dad who doesn't mind walking but isn't a shopper. Are there places to just sit and watch the people go by and how long did it take to go through the market? We are planning on walking over from PH and will need to tell the shuttle what time to pick us up.

Thanks so much for sharing.

[Bettyboop66]

Thanks so much for keeping us updated on what a great time you are having. My DH and I are going in April for our 10 year anniversary and this has me even more ready to go. The snorkeling that you are doing did you book through that ship or privately? We booked the excursion with the snuba option and I am very excited but also a little nervous about how it will be. We have cruised in Hawaii once before and made the mistake of not snorkeling and I don't want to repeat the mistake. But when I saw that snuba was offered we booked that. I can't wait to hear all about it. Thanks again.

[Daniel1313]

There are 344 kids onboard:

 

age #

3 8

4 4

5 9

6 12

7 14

8 26

9 23

10 28

11 27

12 34

13 29

14 30

15 39

16 27

17 32

 

 

The tour company in Hilo was lavatours.com. Ask for Mark.

I am not sure how you got all these numbers but thank you very much. I have just been concerned that there may not be many 17 and 18 year olds on our cruise. This helps.

 

Thanks Again,

Dan

[Daniel1313]

We spent another fun day in port today on the island of Kauai. The last three days have been very full and it’s a good thing we can look forward to four more relaxing sea days after four very busy port days.

 

In Hilo we rented a car and drove to the end of the road in Kalapana. Even though the lava viewing area is supposed to be closed until 5 p.m., many people were taking the hike down toward the beach on the marked path over the lava, so we followed suit. The views were amazing and we did get a brief but very impressive view of lava splashing into the ocean below the huge plume of steam. It was definitely one of those moments when you wish you had remembered the binoculars. After a stop for some Banana Macadamia Nut Ice Cream we found our way to a small black sand beach with lots of tide pools where DH decided to play Survivor and open up a coconut on a rock. I’m happy to say DD had the good sense to record it for posterity on video.

 

Yesterday was Honolulu and we again rented a car and visited the military museum on base at Schofield, spent some time shopping at the Aloha Bowl swap meet, followed by a visit to Punchbowl National Cemetery (very moving) and finishing the day with a special tour of Iolani Palace during an evening event honoring the 175th birthday of Queen Kapiolani. I’m not sure how we managed to fit it all in one day, but we were plenty tired last night.

 

Today in Kauai we rented a convertible and did the scenic drive up to the end of the road on the North Shore and then all the way back to Poipu for a brief beach break. Back on the ship we met up with our friend Scrapchick for the sail away and got a special treat viewing numerous whales as we left the harbor.

 

It has been an absolutely great cruise. Even though this is our third year, we still love everything about it. And it has been wonderful to meet such nice people onboard. Scrapchick became our hero when, through what can only be described as a Christmas miracle, she located both her gingerbread house and ours after they had in fact been spirited off to someone else’s cabin instead of off to the incinerator as we had been told. It is now holding a spot of honor in our cabin along with our other Christmas decorations! She and her family have been terrific traveling companions as have many other of our CC friends.

 

Tomorrow we have a snorkeling trip plan in Lahaina and then look forward to settling in for our final sea days.

Hi when you rented your car in Honolulu did you pre book your car? Is it very far when where the boat docks to where you pick up the car??

 

Thanks

Dan

[west coast cruiser]

This year we rented from Alamo. They were the only agency with available cars at the time we made our reservation. We weren't overly impressed and I would probably not rent with them again. It took us almost an hour to get the car and the vehicle was not in the greatest shape.

 

The two years previous to this we used Budget and were very pleased with the service and car. I would happily rent from them again on any of the islands. Many people seem to use Thrifty as well.

 

Thanks for getting back to me and for the info on Alamo.

WCC