Do All Princess Cruises To Hawaii Have Hawaiian Specialists On Board?

[cr8tiv1]

During her Historical, Cultural and Monarchy lectures, her mention on the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement and how the US Capitalist and Missionaries ended up owning all the Islands. Then about the joint US Congressional Resolution in 1993, acknowledges the over throw of the Kingdom of Hawaii and signed by President Clinton. Sorry about all the politics. Being informed is enlightening.

 

There is a very fine line between "reporting facts" and taking a side. All lecturers should refrain from biases and leading statements. I am not arguing the politics behind the annexation of Hawaii, nor the movement from a territory to a state (my birth certificate says Territory of Hawaii). Present both sides of the story and allow the passengers to make up their own minds.

 

The movie Princess Ka'iulani is a decent depiction of the annexation of Hawaii. It is a movie. Some of the information is not 100% accurate. But you will get a good feel from the "other" point of view.

 

I am very partial. I believe that Hawaii is just not another state. It is a cultural experience like no other. Enjoy your cruise. Explore the history behind the state. Eat the local foods. Be dazzled by the nature.

[cr8tiv1]

Thrak: Rent a car from Harper's Truck in Hilo...Faster than going to the airport to pick up your car.

[LarryL]

We had Rowena and Brian on a recent cruise. We did not enter act much with Brian, but we did with Rowena. She did most of the presentations on the islands. I will just say that if you have a liberal political viewpoint you will probably like her, but if you are more conservative in your political views she will make you feel not welcome on visiting "her" islands.

 

 

 

Would you let us know what you are referring to as political viewpoints on the presentations? Not everything is political but may be the history that is factual. Sharing history is not political even if it makes you uncomfortable. Please enlighten us. Thanks

 

 

 

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[Wishing on a star]

I would happily skip any scheduled presentation on 'history', knowing this fact.

But, it sounds like what is mentioned goes beyond that one thing...

The possibility of being un-welcomed by Hawaiians is not a new or unheard of thing.

I can remember this being the punchline of a joke on a mainstream sit-com where the family went to Hawaii.

 

We spent a week on Kauai.... LOVED IT!!!!!

But locals attacked an innocent tour group at Hanalei Bay the very day after we were there. : (

 

If this is political innuendo,and is what is going on...

Ohhhh He!!!! Nooooo.

Princess would be hearing about it from me.

This would have absolutely no place on a Princess cruise ship.

Whether it is music concert, awards show, sporting even, a cruise, or anything else that is not openly 'political'.

I will refuse to be a willing captive-audience.

[sterling2]

We’ve been on several cruises with Brian and Rowena, visited frequently with them and didn’t detect any political bias. Brian is a phenomenal musician. Rowena is very personable. The atrium is packed for their performances. We enjoy them very much.

[trbarton]

Aloha,

This is Tiki Dave, from Elua. I thought I might chime in on this topic.

 

While Leialoha and I are the couple that originated and developed the Hawaiian enrichment program, (sometimes called the Aloha Spirit Program) onboard Princess ships, (along with David Cole, who was a long time CD for Princess), Princess has made a concerted effort and commitment to have a couple onboard each ship that includes Hawai’i in its itinerary. Also, in many cases the non-Hawaiian, Polynesian itineraries will also have a couple onboard, even if it is only for a portion of the entire cruise.

 

Each of us adheres fairly closely to the program, and it will almost always include ukulele classes, hula classes, port talks, some form of presentation on language/local cuisine, music performances and lei making/Hawaiian crafting. We each put our own spin on things, for instance, Leialoha and I do a much more involved and expansive Hawaiian crafting class then the other couples. I have “tweaked” the issued port talks to more reflect my personality/knowledge and deliver it in a different style then the others might. Leialoha teaches different hulas then some of the other couples...you get the idea I’m sure. But, the idea is that no matter which couple you get, the experience should be complimentary to the itinerary and enhance your time onboard.

 

There has been a lot of discussion on these boards as to who is someone’s “favorite” or who is the “better” couple to have. While Leialoha and I are blessed and thankful to have many people who have commented favorably on our work throughout our history with Princess, (this past July was 12 years with the company) , I can say that no matter who is assigned to your particular ship, you can certainly enhance your trip and hopefully experience something new by attending the performances, presentations, lectures and classes. I think I can speak for all of the couples when I say that the primary focus of all the cultural ambassadors and the Princess enrichment programs is to share our love and “mana’o” (knowledge) of our islands with as many people as possible.

 

Lastly, I want to mention that besides the couples onboard, we are more often then not blessed with wonderful people who come onboard to give lectures and talks during these cruises. Many have Hawai’i specific topics, whether it is on Pearl Harbor, the voyages of Captain Cook, formation of the islands, volcanos, animals of Hawai’i, whales...there are many topics that have been covered in the past.

 

I know I have gone on a bit, but Leialoha and I are very passionate about this program, and always like to make sure people are aware of it, and have the correct information about. I know it may be redundant to say, but I truly believe that no matter which ship you choose, you will have an incredible time. After all, it’s Hawai’i...IMHO, one of the most amazing places in all of the world. Mahalo for your time.

 

Aloha No,

Tiki Dave

(Of Elua)

Www.facebook.com/eluamusic

Www.facebook.com/tikidavemusic

 

Here’s my view. I traveled with them before & enjoyed talking with them and the various classes & events they had. We invited them to our Meet & Greet which they attended & appreciated their support of our Cruise Critic members.

Tom😀

[weggs]

May I suggest a couple of books:

 

By Gavin Daws (he was my history professor at the University of Hawaii)

Shoals of Time (History of the Islands)

Holy Man (about Father Damien)

 

I can't recommend any of these books, but reading about all of the gods and Hawaiian lore...is most interesting (you can do most on the internet).

 

Follow the Hokule'a (voyaging canoe) on their website

http://www.hokulea.com

 

Rent a car for each island. That's really the best way to get around to seeing most things on your own time. It's an island. You won't get lost, but there will be traffic to deal with.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Happy Planning....

Displaced Local Girl

 

Yes, rent a car, and if you have the Golden Eagle Pass bring it with you to use entering Volcanos, a real bargain and you can do it all on your own time. Hilo stop.

[jagoffee]

I would happily skip any scheduled presentation on 'history', knowing this fact.

But, it sounds like what is mentioned goes beyond that one thing...

The possibility of being un-welcomed by Hawaiians is not a new or unheard of thing.

I can remember this being the punchline of a joke on a mainstream sit-com where the family went to Hawaii.

 

We spent a week on Kauai.... LOVED IT!!!!!

But locals attacked an innocent tour group at Hanalei Bay the very day after we were there. : (

 

If this is political innuendo,and is what is going on...

Ohhhh He!!!! Nooooo.

Princess would be hearing about it from me.

This would have absolutely no place on a Princess cruise ship.

Whether it is music concert, awards show, sporting even, a cruise, or anything else that is not openly 'political'.

I will refuse to be a willing captive-audience.

 

It would appear that you have failed to embrace the Aloha spirit. If you understood the culture/history you might not be as upset. We are all Americans and you certain have the right to think what you want.

[Wishing on a star]

Glad to here some more positive views on Brian and Rowena!

 

Jag... believe me...

I completely and totally embraced the Aloha spirit!!!!

I made a point to learn a lot.

Love the Hawaiian music! Put together a long play-list.

Got out and traveled the whole Island.

 

Just sayin, in reality, that spirit is not always returned.

There is negativity out there.

[jagoffee]

Glad to here some more positive views on Brian and Rowena!

 

Jag... believe me...

I completely and totally embraced the Aloha spirit!!!!

I made a point to learn a lot.

Love the Hawaiian music! Put together a long play-list.

Got out and traveled the whole Island.

 

Just sayin, in reality, that spirit is not always returned.

There is negativity out there.

 

OK, I believe you.

I guess there is always some negativity everywhere.

[Cabernetlover]

Cabernetlover, yes it will be Brian and Rowena as the Hawaiian Ambassadors on Grand Princess. They are getting off Emerald Princess at Papeete on Oct. 26, 2017 and joining us on the 29th. Come to our the Meet & Greet on Oct. 31, 2017, at 10 a.m. up in the One5 Lounge/Nightclub and later in the cruise, we'll be doing a Hawaiian Novelty Gift Exchange. They will be on Grand Princess for the next 7 Hawaiian Cruises out of San Francisco.

 

Thanks, Gimer and Hpeabody, for letting me know that Brian and Rowena will be the Ambassadors on Oct 29 cruise. It's also good to hear the favorable reports about them from some other posts. Also thanks to Gimer for invitation to the meet and greet. I'm really looking forward to this cruise.....

[Gimer]

Cabernetlover, join us on the Oct. 29, 2017 GRAND PRINCESS thread. I'll be making name tags, we can communicate there. Stan

[rowena106@gmail.com]

I have to agree with you...vacation and sporting events are no place for politics

 

 

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Aloha Kakou!

 

E kala mai if I offended any one of you with my talk on the "Effects of Foriegners on the Hawaiian Monarchy and Hawaiian People". This is not my intent. My intent is the information in the way it happened and what I know to be the effect it had on the Hawaiian people. This lecture was in response to many passengers questions on the topic. I fully understand that the "Provisional" government set up by the capitalist had their own reasons for what transpired, as the Hawaiians had their own reasons for their feelings at the time. It is History and as much as individuals may not like or like what had transpired, or the way in which it transpired and/or the results. The fact remained it has.

 

As I always say at the end of each one of my talks "What I do know is each and everyone of us are individuals and I extend my Aloha to each and everyone of you as individuals ." I invite everyone to visit our islands to experience the beauty that we see and hope you can see the beauty that lies beyond the awesome beaches and greenery. We want each and everyone of you to walk away with more that meets the eye, or you see in tourist magazines, if that is what you hope to gain. To make you feel unwelcome would not be Aloha and I believe the world needs more Aloha (in its truest (Pono) form). If I have made you feel unwelcome, then I wholeheartedly apologize. I welcome all with open arms!

 

Warmest and deepest Aloha!

Rowena

[Micahs Grandad]

Aloha Kakou!

 

E kala mai if I offended any one of you with my talk on the "Effects of Foriegners on the Hawaiian Monarchy and Hawaiian People". This is not my intent. My intent is the information in the way it happened and what I know to be the effect it had on the Hawaiian people. This lecture was in response to many passengers questions on the topic. I fully understand that the "Provisional" government set up by the capitalist had their own reasons for what transpired, as the Hawaiians had their own reasons for their feelings at the time. It is History and as much as individuals may not like or like what had transpired, or the way in which it transpired and/or the results. The fact remained it has.

 

As I always say at the end of each one of my talks "What I do know is each and everyone of us are individuals and I extend my Aloha to each and everyone of you as individuals ." I invite everyone to visit our islands to experience the beauty that we see and hope you can see the beauty that lies beyond the awesome beaches and greenery. We want each and everyone of you to walk away with more that meets the eye, or you see in tourist magazines, if that is what you hope to gain. To make you feel unwelcome would not be Aloha and I believe the world needs more Aloha (in its truest (Pono) form). If I have made you feel unwelcome, then I wholeheartedly apologize. I welcome all with open arms!

 

Warmest and deepest Aloha!

Rowena

 

Aloha

 

thanks for your post. Looking forward to meeting you in two weeks.

[huskerdan25]

Aloha,

This is Tiki Dave, from Elua. I thought I might chime in on this topic.

 

While Leialoha and I are the couple that originated and developed the Hawaiian enrichment program, (sometimes called the Aloha Spirit Program) onboard Princess ships, (along with David Cole, who was a long time CD for Princess), Princess has made a concerted effort and commitment to have a couple onboard each ship that includes Hawai’i in its itinerary. Also, in many cases the non-Hawaiian, Polynesian itineraries will also have a couple onboard, even if it is only for a portion of the entire cruise.

 

Each of us adheres fairly closely to the program, and it will almost always include ukulele classes, hula classes, port talks, some form of presentation on language/local cuisine, music performances and lei making/Hawaiian crafting. We each put our own spin on things, for instance, Leialoha and I do a much more involved and expansive Hawaiian crafting class then the other couples. I have “tweaked” the issued port talks to more reflect my personality/knowledge and deliver it in a different style then the others might. Leialoha teaches different hulas then some of the other couples...you get the idea I’m sure. But, the idea is that no matter which couple you get, the experience should be complimentary to the itinerary and enhance your time onboard.

 

There has been a lot of discussion on these boards as to who is someone’s “favorite” or who is the “better” couple to have. While Leialoha and I are blessed and thankful to have many people who have commented favorably on our work throughout our history with Princess, (this past July was 12 years with the company) , I can say that no matter who is assigned to your particular ship, you can certainly enhance your trip and hopefully experience something new by attending the performances, presentations, lectures and classes. I think I can speak for all of the couples when I say that the primary focus of all the cultural ambassadors and the Princess enrichment programs is to share our love and “mana’o” (knowledge) of our islands with as many people as possible.

 

Lastly, I want to mention that besides the couples onboard, we are more often then not blessed with wonderful people who come onboard to give lectures and talks during these cruises. Many have Hawai’i specific topics, whether it is on Pearl Harbor, the voyages of Captain Cook, formation of the islands, volcanos, animals of Hawai’i, whales...there are many topics that have been covered in the past.

 

I know I have gone on a bit, but Leialoha and I are very passionate about this program, and always like to make sure people are aware of it, and have the correct information about. I know it may be redundant to say, but I truly believe that no matter which ship you choose, you will have an incredible time. After all, it’s Hawai’i...IMHO, one of the most amazing places in all of the world. Mahalo for your time.

 

Aloha No,

Tiki Dave

(Of Elua)

Www.facebook.com/eluamusic

Www.facebook.com/tikidavemusic

 

Thank you so much for posting here and explaining what we can expect on our cruise to Hawaii. We leave on 1/22 on the Grand. While we will miss you, we are confident that whoever we have on the Grand will be great and we will learn a lot about Hawaiian culture! Just 2 weeks to go!

[Sacto Rick]

We’ve been on several cruises with Brian and Rowena, visited frequently with them and didn’t detect any political bias. Brian is a phenomenal musician. Rowena is very personable. The atrium is packed for their performances. We enjoy them very much.

 

As did we. We thought they were great Hawaiian Ambassadors and enjoyed the presentations. Rowena is very outgoing and always has a hug and a smile for you. Brian was more low key but we ran into him a couple of times around the ship and he stopped and talked with us. Very nice guy and man can he play the Uke!

 

I hope to see them again on our next Hawaii R/T.