Carnival Spirit Vancouver to Hawaii Semi Real Time Review

[capndinghy]

Cap, You need to take another cruise soon so I can read another one of your very funny reviews!! I was going to ask what airline you were with prior to retirement! I fly AA to St. Croix several times per year...perhaps you have gotten me there safely before? Anyway, you and your compadres are much appreciated!!

 

Great review!!!!

I may very well have flown you to St. Croix in the past. I just may take you up on your suggestion that I should take another cruise. What a great idea! Thanks for your kind words and stay tuned as I plan on adding more photos. (Now that I have figured out how to)

[LRene]

Cap - Kudos on your great review! It's been my entertainment this evening for sure.

 

We've been on the Spirit twice and have done land trips to Hawaii twice but we've only kicked around doing the Vancouver to Hawaii cruise. I'm always worried about going stir-crazy with that many sea days. You made it sound so easy and made it sound like it went by so fast! Might just have to try it.

 

Thanks for taking the time to share with us. I enjoyed every word. :)

[CupKayke]

Fantastic Review! We are booked on the Spirit for a very short cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles in Sept 2011 and plan to go ahead and book her again in Feb 2012 out of San Diego for a 9-day Mexican Riviera cruise ~ I can only hope to write a review as entertaining as yours! Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!!

[lucy-ba-ducy]

Hey Cap!

 

Thank you for posting such an enjoyable review. One day DH & I hope to enjoy this voyage...but not until our little guy is off to college. Seems all of the sailings are during our school year. Anyway I really enjoyed your pictures and writing style...kinda Nelson DeMille-ish, which is a good thing in my book ;) Sorry about Pat's lack of success in the casino. I fully understand her attraction to Wolf Run, the machine she was pictured at in the casino...I've been there sister!! I loved the shot of the AA coming in on Maui. I remember my first time landing there thinking, um wheres the foliage (?) and then the drive to the west side to Kaanapali (past Lahaina town) where I quickly came to appreciate the beauty of Hawaii. Anyway, thanks again and who knows, maybe we will all be on the same sailing some day, enjoying a martini in the Atrium :D

[aussie2324]

Chuck,

Your review is great. I feel like we are all back there enjoying the occasional alcoholic beverage:p Making fools of ourselves so desperately trying to win a piece of plastic ship on a stick:D:eek: Well I won a medal in Jeopardy so I proudly wore that around for an hour LOL It all ended to quickly though. But meeting everyone was wonderful. I just hope everyone else had as much fun as we did.

 

Tracey & John:)

[kjunea]

Awesome review! I'm sorry you didn't get to stop and visit the Punchbowl! There are some marble reliefs that show every battle in the Pacific that are spectacular! My late father's cousin is buried up there.

 

And the Arizona memorial is so solemn and breathtaking. My second time there was right after my father passed away. He served in WWII in Europe but they had me do part of the Lei ceremony. I cried all the way through it.

 

Thanks for the wonderful and witty review!

[bolivar5599]

Love the review!:D Your style is refreshing, funny and very informative. Would love to meet you someday. Boy, the stories you could tell.....someday perhaps we will.;)

 

My DW, her "sister" Mary and I are on the Spirit April 2012 San Diego to Hawaii and back 15 day trip. This is a dream come true for me and it was made all the sweeter yesterday.:cool:

 

My DW and I love to garage sale - sometimes we don't buy a thing and today was almost one of those for me. I was rooting through a box of books and came across "Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial - a Pictorial History" published for the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Museum Association by Pacific Basin Enterprises and well I just had to buy it. It went for the outrageous price of 25 cents:eek: so I parted with the quarter and took it home with anticipation. I was not disappointed. The history in there alone was well worth the original 1986 price of $5.50 and then some. The pictures are even more fascinating. The lady I paid told me she got it in 1991 when they went there. I can hardly wait to see it for myself.

 

I recommend it to anybody who is interested in the history of the event and memorial. It is likely out of print but, they have other fine books available online at the link below.

 

I will try to do some scans of the more fitting pictures just to whet the appetite. I will post them on the Moana Malihini thread. We are members there - bolivar5599, pinkbugs471 and mayfly511. If anybody is interested, the link for them is:

 

http://pacifichistoricparks.org/phh.php

 

as you can see they changed their name in the years since.

 

Again Cap, your review has opened my eyes even further and I didn't know that was possible. I am so anxious for this trip and feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas morning.......Thank you and glad you had a good trip!

[capndinghy]

[FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Sea Day 2

Dead Reckoning Postion: 700 miles South West of Vancouver

Some where in the (North?) Pacific Ocean

 

Our Carnival Alarm clock went off promptly at 6AM, announced by the knocking at our door. The Room Service Waiter had arrived with our morning coffee.

 

Once again a look out the window confirmed that this will not be a coffee on the balcony morning either. The new day has dawned Cloudy, Windy, and Chilly. We seem to be heading toward deteriourating weather as the wind is picking up and white caps are forming.

 

I headed up to the Lido for my breakfast. Today the Bacon Policeman was taking his duites quite seriously. I was allocated a measly 3 pieces to go with my Scramble eggs and Grits. Oh well. I enjoyed chatting with a gentleman from Bristish Columbia about traveling and the impending doom of the earth due to melting ice caps and rising oceans.

 

The Omelet Man by capndinghy, on Flickr

The ship is defintely rocking today. There is a swell running from the North West. I suspect myself and my fellow intrepid passengers will be using our Sea Legs today.

 

 

We continue to enjoy or Ocean Vista Suite. There is no doubt about it, it is quite nice as well as roomy. I am not so sure I will book one again, however I think these Suites are perfect for familes. There is a fold out couch as well as a BunkBed imbedded in the ceiling.

 

My Eagle Eye DeadRecking Navigating skills has me projecting a postion abeam Cabo San Lucas Mexico sometime tomorrow. I figure by then we will be entering the Tropical Pacific. In other words hopefully it will warm up and we can all start toasting ourselves in the sunshine.

Steaming on ever Westward by capndinghy, on Flickr

10:30AM -Wednesday, September 16th

As we watched the low clouds and rain on the horizon we decided it was time to head down for some Eye Opener Morning Bloody Marys ($4.95 on specail before noon). For some unkown reason Pat chose the Casino Bar for our Morning libation. So, while Pat headed off to that Slot Machine that was beackoning, I visited with a couple from Boston that were enjoying their morning Libations as well. After several eye openers I decided this would be a good morning to nap. So I did.

Pat at Party by capndinghy, on Flickr

Around 12:30 we decided to sample Empire Main Dining Room for lunch. We stopped by the Spa so Pat could make a reservation for a manacure then continued on to the Empire. We were seated immediately, sharing a window table with 8 other fellow luncheoners. Pat had a Hamburger and I Bean Soup and Spare Ribs. Lunch was good. Lunching at the Main Dining Room is a bit more reserved that the Buffet wait in line upstairs at the La Playa Grill located on the Lido Deck. One thing is becoming pretty apparent. Most of our fellow passengers are seasoned Cruisers. I enjoyed hearing about the different cruises and places our tablemates had experienced.Breakfast time by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

As we were dining the Captain Roberto visited the table to welcome everyone on board and have a quick visit. The Captain is a very engaging fellow and we enjoyed visiting with him. I thought that was quite good of him stop and visit with us. He didn't need to do that. He had his photo taken by with a group of our table mates. I was happy when he confirmed my Dead Reckoning position (guess) of somewhere abeam San Francisco, California on our Rumb Line Course for the island of Hawaii. (That is the 'Big Island'..i think).

 

After lunch Pat returned to her (Non Winning) Slot machines, I returned to the room to relaxed and read.

 

Around 4:30 there was a knock at the door. It was room service delivering Canapes. This is one of the 'perks' offered to Platinum Passengers. They did indeed hit the spot.

482 by capndinghy, on Flickr

482 by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

I just returned from my sojourn to the Casino. Fortunately for me the Crap Table had not opened yet. So I simply went and treated myself to a Cafe Latte. ($2.95) It was very enjoyable sitting next to the window watching the blue waters of the Pacific flow past. The sun returned and this afternoon was nice if not still a bit chilly out.

The Casino Chips ($65 worth) were burning a hole in my pocket but alas still no activity at the Crap Table.

 

I did stop at the Future Cruise Certificate desk and purchased a $100 certificate that I hope to use on the October Transatlantic Crossing on the Magic. Between the Salesman's sales abilities and my “Sucker” tendacies, I find myself (once again) the holder of a Carnival Credit Card. My former card was cancelled by the credit card company for non use, in other words I did not have a giant balance with 55% usuerous interest built up. Nope, my balance was zero, so they cancelled my Card. The shipboard sales man has assured me that my 'new' card is run by a different company and I can redeem my 'points' at anytime. We shall see. Meanwhile I get 50 bucks off of my sign n sale account and a really cool Carnival knapsack. Am I a great shopper or not???

 

So, with visions af “Carnival Points” dancing in my head I found my dear wife at her Slot Machine. I decided to invest some of my money into one of these purveryors of princley sums and try my luck on a slot. Long story short my $20.00 made the machine whirl, bells ring, whistles blow and an additional 200.00 imaginary silver dollars fell into my 'electronic money bucket'. Sadly money no longer falls out of these machines when one hits the proverbial Jackpot. Instead after a lot of noise indicating that one has indeed broke the bank, one's funds are put onto his sign and sail card, which can then be converted into real money at the casino cashier. So I took my $$ and headed to the Atrium Bar where I celebrated my good fortune with a nice cold dirty martini.

Chuck at Atrium Bar by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

As I add to this missive Pat (the wife) is at the Spa having a her nails done. I suggested she sign up for a Complete Waxing but all that got me was a dirty look. We will go to our 8:15 dinner seating soon.

 

 

Night time Goodies by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

And so ended our Second Day at Sea.

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[MrPete]

Chuck....

 

Finally got a chance to go through this and look at your pics. Always look forward to a Hawaii review to take me back to 1998 when we did this. I always show my now 12 year old as well, who was with us, but not quite born yet.

 

Looks like you had a great time. We can't wait to do it again sometime in the future.

[capndinghy]

Chuck....

 

Finally got a chance to go through this and look at your pics. Always look forward to a Hawaii review to take me back to 1998 when we did this. I always show my now 12 year old as well, who was with us, but not quite born yet.

 

Looks like you had a great time. We can't wait to do it again sometime in the future.

 

Thanks Pete,

Perhaps we can cruise together sometime. I'll sport you a Hardy Burger! :D

[MrPete]

Thanks Pete,

Perhaps we can cruise together sometime. I'll sport you a Hardy Burger! :D

 

LOL.

 

I don't think I've had one in 35 years, in South Carolina to be exact! :D

[crislen]

Thanks for the wonderful review!! Your sense of humour and writing style kept me chuckling throughout!

 

I've always wondered what a cruise to Hawaii would be like and now I really want to go! Alas I'll have to wait until the Boy is done university before we can afford it.

 

Great Job!

[capndinghy]

Good Morning to Everyone

 

Good Morning to everyone on this Tuesday September 21st, 2010. *I do hope everyone is well as this Month of September speeds toward a close. *I can assure the days are flying by for Pat and I as we sail the Ocean Blue. *

 

The morning dawned just beautiful this morning as our trusty ship approached the island of Kauai. *A few fluffy clouds accompanied the sun as it rose on the horizon. *Today promises to be a lovely day on this great island. *The approach to the small harbor here took us right past the Kalui Airport where the Hawaiaan Convertable 737 miraculously landed after losing 1/2 of its fuselege top while in flight about 10 years ago.

Insert photo of sunriseKona Sunrise by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Pat and I had signed up for the Magical Seahorse tour. We boarded our tender and headed ashore with our fellow Sea Horse Affecianodos. Kona is a quaint little harbor town with little shops and tourist souveneer shops. (Tourist Traps?)

 

We boarded our bus and zoomed off on a 15 minute ride to the Sea Horse farm which turned out to be quite interesting. Basically, Sea Horses are about to go extinct. These folks have figured out how to breed and raise sea horses for the Aquarium Trade. It is a renewable way to provied sea horses from farms rather than taking them from Hawiaan Reefs.

We even got to hold one. The are actually cute little critters and I cannot wait to get home and set up a $2000. aquarium for my (very own) sea horses.

Insert photo of Sea Horses

Sea horses by capndinghy, on Flickr

We then stopped by at an actual Kona Coffee Shop and Warehouse. Can you believe what luck we had in that? We all sampled some free 100% Kona Coffee and were then given the lucky opportunity to purcahse some. (Guess who sprung for 1 lb <only $32>?) .

I sure wish the flowers at my house looked like these!

insert photo of Hibiscus

Hibiscus by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

Upon returning to the Harbor Area we wandered around enjoying the quiet ambiance. It is really a nice difference compared to say downtown Cozumel where one must dodge vehicles driven by Mexican Mario Andrettis. There were very few Vehicles which really made it nice.

Insert photo of downtown Kona

Serene Kona by capndinghy, on Flickr

[capndinghy]

We enjoyed a nice lunch at a resterant overlooking the harbor and watched the Tenders from our ship ferry people back and forth.

Insert photo of ship from resteraunt

Tenders by capndinghy, on Flickr

Then of course headed out on our T-Shirt Quest. Today was our Lucky day. Whaler's General Store (and Tourist Trap) was having a Tshirt Sale. Go figure! We purchased our treasures for only 20 bucks for 7 T-shirts. What a deal. I cannot help but wonder if the will last for more than one washing.

Insert Pat and Tree in Kona by capndinghy, on Flickr

 

After returning to the ship we headed for the fantail (that is the nautical term for the back of the boat) for the Sail Away party. *So while enjoying Hawiaan Music our ship set sail (ok Steamed) for our next destination , the island of Kauhai

 

I do hope everyone has a great day.

Be Well!

Your (sea farin) friend,

Chuck

.

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[capndinghy]

Cap, You need to take another cruise soon so I can read another one of your very funny reviews!! I was going to ask what airline you were with prior to retirement! I fly AA to St. Croix several times per year...perhaps you have gotten me there safely before? Anyway, you and your compadres are much appreciated!!

 

Great review!!!!

 

Stay tuned :-) We have booked the Transatlantic Crossing on the Magic in late October 2011.

[disneykins]

Just started reading your review and got to the part where you thought no one was interested so jumped to the end. Really enjoying it. Keep going or did you finish already? I have to go back and read some more. Does any cruise line do the west coast to Hawaii and drop you in Hawaii cruise anymore. We'd love to sail there but then spend a week or two on the islands before flying (or cruising) back.

 

tony

[capndinghy]

Just started reading your review and got to the part where you thought no one was interested so jumped to the end. Really enjoying it. Keep going or did you finish already? I have to go back and read some more. Does any cruise line do the west coast to Hawaii and drop you in Hawaii cruise anymore. We'd love to sail there but then spend a week or two on the islands before flying (or cruising) back.

 

tony

 

Hello Tony,

I am happy to see you are enjoying my ramblings. Keep reading. The blog resumes and then goes on and on and on. :D

 

Carnival has a Hawaiian Cruise out of San Diego every April, I believe as the ship repositions for the Alaskan Summer Season. And yes you can get off in Honolulu. Check at http://www.carnival.com. Also, I suspect there may be other cruise ships that do the same repostition during the spring.

 

Thanks for your kind comments,

Chuck aka Cap

[DVC Sadie]

I wanted to tell you just how much I enjoyed your review and because of your review we will be booking a Hawaiin cruise in the near future. Great job!:)

[bigtoeswim'n]

What can I say. Dining out doors with 500-600 of ones closest friends was not what I had envisoned when I popped $300 for the fancy feast. Over all it was ok and the Roast pig dinnner was pretty good.

(insert photo of luau)

IMG_2250 by capndinghy, on Flickr

There were some rather nice dancers shaking their hineys in a hula dance and Pat really got off on the Fire Dancer Guy.

(insert

IMG_2263 by capndinghy, on Flickr hula dancers)

 

And so ended Day 1 in Maui!

nd post here

 

Hi Cap: I'm visiting this board and searching Hawaii. The DH and I are sailing NCL POA this Dec 2011 and I'm searching for excursions and ideas.

 

I will be attending a Adobe class thru Continuing Education and the local University for the next five Thurs. Hopefully, I will learn 'nuff to actually post pics.

 

I'm pretty much talking myself out of a lauai bc it runs late, and we'd rather sit and sip and enjoy the ship at that hour. Thx for you honest opinion of the ship's excursion to the lauai. (however it is spelled).

 

Love your blog and am glad you had fun on your trip. That Sea Horse farm sounds like a good idea. Sigh. Break is over. Heading back to work to cruise. Take Care.

[regjr13]

OMG!!! We had Putu on our Carnival Victory sailing. LOVED HIM!!!

[jackdis]

This review was fantastic!!!!

Do you have any more photos of Honolulu and/or Waikiki? We were married there. Diamond Head is the background of our wedding photos.

Thank you for the great review.

CANNOT wait to read all about your TA on the Magic!!!!!!!!

[ZZ]

I do hope some of you are enjoying this boring blog. If you get a chance leave a message and ask any questions you would like.

Thanks -- Chuck aka Cap

 

One never knows the impact that they make....I am reading this 2 years after your initial posting, as I am leaving on the same ship for the Vancouver to Honolulu cruise. Thanks for all your insight and notes!