Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[ellie1145]

7 minutes ago, PurpleTraveller said:

 

I think the southernmost capital city in the world is Wellington, New Zealand. 

 

I am really enjoying your cruise and will join you in sunny Hawaii tomorrow. 🌴☀

 

Spot on Purple Traveller!

 

What prize would you like? 😉

 

Think you may need your welly boots and umbrella though! 🤣

 

Edited November 26, 2020 by ellie1145

[PurpleTraveller]

3 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Spot on Purple Traveller!

 

What prize would you like? 😉

 

Think you may need your welly boots and umbrella though! 🤣

 

 

Ohh, thank you! Since I have a couple of your mini Votex vacuums from your Majestic cruise and a vacuum from this cruise (and extremely useful they are! Can't imagine life without them 😀) one of your beautiful orchid leis would be most welcome! 

[ellie1145]

1 minute ago, PurpleTraveller said:

 

Ohh, thank you! Since I have a couple of your mini Votex vacuums from your Majestic cruise and a vacuum from this cruise (and extremely useful they are! Can't imagine life without them 😀) one of your beautiful orchid leis would be most welcome! 

Your slightest wish is my command.....🤣

 

 

[ellie1145]

The Salty Dog Gastropub 

 

 

After a quick lunch in the Horizon Court, we decide to take a walk around the ship.

 

The Salty Dog is a fairly new addition to the Alternative Dining venues, having debuted in 2016. We have certainly not come across it before. It is in part of the Wheelhouse Bar, on Deck 7, and is open for reservations from 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm. There is a $19 fee for the Salty Dog Plates. It is a casual venue, and often has live music.

 

 

 

 

This should not be confused with the casual eatery, the Salty Dog Grill on deck 15, which is open from 11.00 am - 11.00 pm each day and which serves the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, Street Tacos, chicken breast, fries etc.

 

 

The Salty Dog is designated as a ‘gastropub’ and Princess partnered with Ernesto Uchimura, an award winning chef from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He grew up in Los Angeles, went to culinary school in New York and was instrumental in the success of several restaurants in L.A. before winning numerous accolades for his creativity.

 

 

 

Edited November 26, 2020 by ellie1145

[azbirdmom]

2 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

4. Many artists sang the jingles for Coca Cola, but who sang ‘Things    

Go Better With Coke’ in 1969, before later switching to Pepsi?

 

That would be Ray Charles.  I saw him perform in a tiny venue New Year's Eve in Lake Tahoe back in the 80's.  Wonderful show.

[ellie1145]

19 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

 

That would be Ray Charles.  I saw him perform in a tiny venue New Year's Eve in Lake Tahoe back in the 80's.  Wonderful show.

 

Absolutely right, azbirdmom! That must have been a great performance. You must have been a mere teenager then! 😉

 

Now you have the choice of the MINI VORTEX, THE ULTRA VORTEX or my UNIQUE LEIS.....

[cr8tiv1]

I am not a trivia person, but have random answers from the recesses of my brain.  I'm glad to see you post the questions.  I may be able to add a few to my nonsensical compartment in my brain. 

 

[azbirdmom]

20 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

Now you have the choice of the MINI VORTEX, THE ULTRA VORTEX or my UNIQUE LEIS.....

 

Aloha Ellie!  I'll take one unique (virtual) lei.  Mahalo!

[ellie1145]

2 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Aloha Ellie!  I'll take one unique (virtual) lei.  Mahalo!

 

It is already on its way, azbirdmom! 😉

[ellie1145]

14 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I am not a trivia person, but have random answers from the recesses of my brain.  I'm glad to see you post the questions.  I may be able to add a few to my nonsensical compartment in my brain. 

 

 

I’m so glad you are enjoying the questions. 

 

I’m really good at storing the answers in my brain, but not so good at retrieving them at the critical moment........😉

[ellie1145]

 

Tiki Dave is leaving....

 

There is quite a lot going on this afternoon - there is the ‘Rock the Room Gameshow’ at 1.45 pm in Club Fusion, and an Arts and Crafts session at 2.00 pm in the conference room on Deck 6.

 

I’m a little confused by the advertised ‘International Hair Show’ as, according to the Patter, you can ‘Learn how acupuncture can reduce arthritis, inflammation and pain.’ Presumably while you have your hair styled?

 

As I mentioned earlier, the wonderful Tiki Dave is leaving the ship tomorrow, so he is giving a performance in the Princess Theatre at 3.00 pm, called ‘Jukebox of our Lives.’ We don’t want to miss it so we make our way early to try to get a seat. It is very popular, and the theatre is pretty full, and no wonder. He is such an energetic performer and so talented. He is going to be sorely missed by his Ukulele Class. 

 

Sing along if you will, we all did! 🎶

 

Hands touching hands,

Reaching out, touching me, touching you....

Sweet Caroline, ooh ooh ooh.....

 

 

We have just enough time afterwards to dash down to Afternoon Tea, before our Afternoon Trivia at 4.30 pm.

 

There’s not much left, but the tea is good!

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Music, Music, Music! 🎶

 

There is a lot of live music around the ship this afternoon and evening, including Mary Simon, the guitar and vocal entertainer in the Wheelhouse Bar at 5.45 pm and 10.00 pm until late (she’s great by the way!), Cocktail Melodies with the Souvenir Duo in the Piazza at 6.00 pm and 8.15 pm, Music and Dancing with the Walker Black Duo in the Wheelhouse Bar at 7.15 pm, Hawaiian Melodies and Steel Drums with Tiki Dave in the Piazza at 7.15 pm, and Piano Melodies with Richard Sulek in the Wheelhouse Bar at 8.15 pm.

 

The Wheelhouse Bar

 

 

 

 

The evening music continues with Mary Simon in Explorers Lounge at 8.30 pm, Tommy McPhee in Crooners at 9.00 pm, Evening Melodies with the Souvenir Duo in the Wheelhouse Bar at 9.15 pm,  More Music and Dancing with the Main Offendors at in Club Fusion at 10.15 until late, and the Walker Black Duo in the Explorers Lounge at 10.30 pm.

 

This evening’s Showtime is the Comedian Robbie Printz, with two shows in the Princess Theatre at 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm. After our Trivia session we get ourselves ready and dressed so that we can go to the 6.30 pm performance before dinner.

 

There is also a Spotlight Showtime with Craig Richard, the instrumentalist, in the Explorers Lounge at 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm.

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by ellie1145

[Redwing55]

On 11/25/2020 at 7:16 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I, too, misread your post.  I hope Hawaii will be ready since I have a voyage to Hawaii booked for March 2022.  Since I live part time on Oahu, I go for the ride.

No problem.  I thought a few might miss that it's more than a year out.. not THIS winter.  LOL   I (maybe others??) may be pm'ing you for some insights though.  I know it's better to stay days on the islands, but figured we'd hit em with a cruise first.  May be looking for some excursion tips.💭

Edited November 28, 2020 by Redwing55

[Papa Yoda]

On 11/26/2020 at 12:46 PM, ellie1145 said:

 

 

So here are today’s brain teasers. Feel free to ask Mr G for help if you are stuck! Usual choice of prizes, of course...

 

1. What was the first man-made invention to break the sound barrier?

 

 

#1 is a whip!

Edited November 28, 2020 by Papa Yoda

[cr8tiv1]

6 hours ago, Redwing55 said:

No problem.  I thought a few might miss that it's more than a year out.. not THIS winter.  LOL   I (maybe others??) may be pm'ing you for some insights though.  I know it's better to stay days on the islands, but figured we'd hit em with a cruise first.  May be looking for some excursion tips.💭

 

I love the grand class ships.  When they announced the Grand Itineraries, I was on the phone with Princess at 9 AM one early July 2019 morning.  Booked a b2b for March 2022.  I wanted to guarantee my cabin.

 

I am always happy to share my home state with anyone.  Doubtful that I will be on Oahu for your cruise, otherwise, I'd be happy to do a person tour.

 

Unfortunately, no PM'ing on Cruise Critic.  You will need to send me your email address.

[ellie1145]

23 hours ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Aloha Ellie!  I'll take one unique (virtual) lei.  Mahalo!

 

I hope your lei has arrived safely. I did pop a small one in for your little bird so it didn’t feel left out.........😉  

[ellie1145]

18 hours ago, Redwing55 said:

No problem.  I thought a few might miss that it's more than a year out.. not THIS winter.  LOL   I (maybe others??) may be pm'ing you for some insights though.  I know it's better to stay days on the islands, but figured we'd hit em with a cruise first.  May be looking for some excursion tips.💭

 

I am so sorry I misread your post. I really hope your February 2022 cruise sails.

 

As we’ve never been to Hawaii before we enjoyed getting a taste of each island, although of course it would be lovely to stay longer at each one, We really hope we can return one day soon, fingers crossed. Hope you get some ideas of what to see and do from this thread. I know that we will follow the advice to go it alone if we return to Pearl Harbour, for example. 

 

 

[ellie1145]

16 hours ago, Papa Yoda said:

#1 is a whip!

 

You are so right, Papa Yoda! 

 

We got that one wrong I’m afraid. 🙀

 

Your choice of prizes will be winging its way to you momentarily. 👏

[ellie1145]

12 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I love the grand class ships.  When they announced the Grand Itineraries, I was on the phone with Princess at 9 AM one early July 2019 morning.  Booked a b2b for March 2022.  I wanted to guarantee my cabin.

 

I am always happy to share my home state with anyone.  Doubtful that I will be on Oahu for your cruise, otherwise, I'd be happy to do a person tour.

 

Unfortunately, no PM'ing on Cruise Critic.  You will need to send me your email address.

 

Good luck for 2022. Sounds like it will be a great cruise in a great cabin. 🙂

[ellie1145]

Here are the answers to the Trivia Questions.

Well done to everyone who got them right!  🌸

 

1. What was the first man-made invention to break the sound barrier? A Bull Whip

 

2. What is the southernmost capital city in the world? Wellington, New Zealand 

 

3. What is the name of Google’s corporate headquarters? Googleplex

 

4. Many artists sang the jingles for Coca Cola, but who sang ‘Things Go Better With Coke’ in 1969, before later switching to Pepsi? Ray Charles

 

[ellie1145]

After Trivia and before we get ready for dinner and the comedy show we take a quick walk round the deck. The sea is calmer but there is little sign of any sun.

 

 

 

After the comedy show we make our way down to dinner.

 

 

For a change DH orders a starter and so do I.                                                                                   

 

DH orders the Honey and Rum Roasted Pineapple....

 

 

while I order the Rustic Beef and Vegetable Hot Pot. 

 

 

 

 

 

As usual, DH orders fish, the Seared Salmon with Rice and Broccoli from the Princess Favourites menu.....

 

 

while I choose the Rack of Pork with my usual plain baked potato and steamed vegetables.

 

 

Tonight we have yet another treat - a Chocolate Journey Dessert! It’s a dark chocolate Creme Brûlée and with a roasted coconut base, a coconut buttery cake and a coconut mousse. It looks pretty but I have to admit it’s not my favourite. 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

‘Time for bed,’ said Zebedee, Magic Roundabout 

 

After dinner we take a walk round the ship, pausing to listen to the music everywhere. We give the Spotlight Showtime a miss as it’s late at 9.30 pm and we want to be ready for tomorrow and our first Hawaiian island.

 

So we sit in the Horizon Court and drink a last cup of decaffeinated tea before retiring to our cabin.

 

As usual, the cabin has been prepared beautifully, but best of all, as well as the chocolate on our pillows, we see that there are two tickets for our tour of Pearl Harbour. We really thought we’d missed this tour as it’s taken days to sort the problem out, but we are pleased that the tickets have arrived at last.

 

We get our things ready for the morning, as we have a private tour booked, and then it’s time to fall into that dreamy bed, as we need to be up bright and early tomorrow morning.

 

We hope to see all you Cruising Adventurers by the gangway at 8.20 am for our first tour. I would normally suggest you bring sun cream, but think that an umbrella will be more useful tomorrow! ☔

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Hawaii, and the Big Island, our first port of call

 

Now I know that many of you are very familiar with Hawaii, but for those who have yet to experience its beauty, here is a little background information. I love to find out about the places we visit, and Hawaii was certainly very interesting. 

 

I wonder if anyone else remembers that wonderful 1966 film with Julie Andrews and Max Von Sydow, called, of course, ‘Hawaii?’ With its stunning scenery, it was the first time I became aware of this tropical island, never thinking at age 16 that I would ever be lucky enough to actually visit Hawaii.

 

Hawaii is the only US State located outside North America. It is also the only island state.

 

 

There are actually 137 volcanic islands which make up the Hawaiian archipelago, and it joined the union in 1959. The name, Hawaii, originates from the name of its largest island, Hawai’i, otherwise known as ‘The Big Island’ and our first port of call.

 

There area eight main islands, plus lots of smaller islands, but on this cruise we are going to visit just four of them.

 

Now here is a little bit of interesting trivia for you. Did you know that Hawai’i’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, is actually taller than Mount Everest. ‘Surely not?’ I hear you saying. Well, it is if you measure it from the base of the mountain, which lies under the Pacific Ocean. Measured this way it rises about 33,500 ft. That’s actually how high we fly when we cross the Atlantic!

 

Captain Cook arrived here in 1778, although the Spanish explorers probably discovered it some 200 years earlier. After his visit in 1779, he had to return to Hawai’i when the Resolution’s foremast broke, and needed repairing. When a group of natives took one of Cook’s small boats so he attempted to kidnap and ransom the King of Hawai’i. The villagers then attacked and killed both Cook and four of his marines.

 

Sugar cane was one of the primary industries, although tourism is now its largest industry. Sandalwood, pineapples and whaling have also been important, and now honey bees are a valuable export, as well as seeds.

 

The volcano, Kilauea, erupted in May 2018, resulting in the opening of 22 fissure vents. More than 2,000 residents had to be evacuated due to the lava flows and the sulphur dioxide fumes.

 

[cr8tiv1]

More trivia:

 

*The Big Island is now called Hawaii Island.

*Each island has its own distinct characteristics/flower/color.

*There are no islands that have a road the circles the entire island from start to finish.

*Kauai is the only island with a navigable river.

*There are 4 main counties:  City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii Island, County of Kauai, County of Maui (Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i).

*Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i are all connected, but through the years, parts of the "island" sank.  That is why the area is a natural habitat for Humpback Calves.  It is shallow and warm.

*Ni'ihau is a private island owned by the Robinsons.  The residents need to have a certain percentage of Hawaiian blood and they live off the land.  

 

BTW:  You can only call yourself Hawaiian if you have Hawaiian lineage.  Otherwise, you are a Kama'ana (local) or Malahini (foreigner).  I can say that I am from Hawaii, but am not Hawaiian.  

 

The village set for the movie Hawaii (with Julie Andrews) was constructed out on the west end of Oahu (Makua).  It is just a hope skip and a jump from the famous Makaha Surfing Beach (where my weekend home was around the corner).

 

If you really want to read a great book on the history of Hawaii, then I would recommend "Shoal of Time" by Gavan Daws. 

https://www.amazon.com/Shoal-Time-History-Hawaiian-Islands/dp/0824803248

 

Here's a link for his book on Father Damien

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Man-Father-Molokai-1989-02-01/dp/B01FKUI9YS

 

I was lucky enough to take a history class from him at the University of Hawaii.

 

I was also in the right place at the right time when Kilauea Iki erupted in 1959.  Awesome to sit on the caldera edge and look down at the lave flow from a safe distance.

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

18 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

More trivia:

 

*The Big Island is now called Hawaii Island.

*Each island has its own distinct characteristics/flower/color.

*There are no islands that have a road the circles the entire island from start to finish.

*Kauai is the only island with a navigable river.

*There are 4 main counties:  City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii Island, County of Kauai, County of Maui (Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i).

*Maui, Moloka'i, Lana'i are all connected, but through the years, parts of the "island" sank.  That is why the area is a natural habitat for Humpback Calves.  It is shallow and warm.

*Ni'ihau is a private island owned by the Robinsons.  The residents need to have a certain percentage of Hawaiian blood and they live off the land.  

 

BTW:  You can only call yourself Hawaiian if you have Hawaiian lineage.  Otherwise, you are a Kama'ana (local) or Malahini (foreigner).  I can say that I am from Hawaii, but am not Hawaiian.  

 

The village set for the movie Hawaii (with Julie Andrews) was constructed out on the west end of Oahu (Makua).  It is just a hope skip and a jump from the famous Makaha Surfing Beach (where my weekend home was around the corner).

 

If you really want to read a great book on the history of Hawaii, then I would recommend "Shoal of Time" by Gavan Daws. 

https://www.amazon.com/Shoal-Time-History-Hawaiian-Islands/dp/0824803248

 

Here's a link for his book on Father Damien

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Man-Father-Molokai-1989-02-01/dp/B01FKUI9YS

 

I was lucky enough to take a history class from him at the University of Hawaii.

 

I was also in the right place at the right time when Kilauea Iki erupted in 1959.  Awesome to sit on the caldera edge and look down at the lave flow from a safe distance.

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, thank you so much for all that wonderful information. What an amazing video of the eruption.