April2nd

April 2^nd

This is Thursday and it is our second sea day on our way back to Vancouver.

The navigator tells us that during the day the Grand Princess will maintain a north-easterly course across the Pacific Ocean. The map on the television shows us making a bee line from Hawaii to Vancouver with never a bend in the path.

We woke around eight and decided that we would have breakfast in the dining room. We were sat at a table for ten which is something we don’t like. There are too many people and it is too hard to visit. But we did end up sitting next to a very nice couple from Mill Lake. The other three couples were from Vancouver Island. I have heard that over 2000 of the 2600 passengers are from Canada and I’ll bet 1900 of them are from British Columbia.

After breakfast we headed for the Princess theatre to listen to George McGuire and his talk on Puzzles and Paradoxes. He would have been something to have as a son or as a student. At 4 he wanted to know how long was now. He has since concluded that now doesn’t exist , it is always past or future. He certainly knows how to make a person’s head spin.

After that I checked on the Hawaiian Market place and found that everything was so highly price that nothing was worthwhile.

Then I made a quick stop at the Fruit carving demonstration and took some pictures.

Ken and I had never tried the pizza at Alfredo’s so we decided that today was the day. The atmosphere is very nice. Ken took one of his beer from the mini bar and enjoyed it in his mug. I had a coffee. We had the vegetarian pizza. It was the thin crust type and it was good but it couldn’t hold a candle to the ones from Ocean Park.

Back in the room I stumbled upon one of the Mission Impossible movies with Tom Cruise, so between that and doing the blog the afternoon disappeared. Ken was busy getting more sun. He has developed quite a good tan. I have a little but not anything compared to his.

We got dressed for dinner . This was Italian night and they had Lemonchello.

They no longer have the cordial glasses so the cost was three dollars instead of six. Four of us bought it and much to our pleasure and surprise we got a late refill. We took our glasses to the theatre with us when we went to the theatre to see the comedian Scott Harris. He was hilarious and since he hails from Canada we related to many of his jokes. Perhaps all of the lemonchello helps to make him funnier.

 We sat with Erik and Rosalie. They enjoyed it as well. They are really enjoying their cruise which was so nice to hear.

They headed to Explorers for Pub Night but since Ken and I have seen it a couple of times we did not go with them.

Our original plan was to go to the International café and have a special coffee and brandy. But the lemon drinks made us change our minds. We had had enough alcohol.

We both were thirsty so we took our coffee mugs and our water bottle topside to Horizon Court. We filled the containers and had a glass of ice tea. Ken had a piece of wonderful chocolate cake and I had some fruit.

That is how we finished our day.

April Fool's Day

April 1st/2015

This is our first sea day of the return voyage.

Our clocks were moved ahead one hour overnight and so today began later that usual for us. Normally we wake up between 7 and 8 but this morning we were later than normal. We had not ordered room service and because we were late we had to go to Horizon Court for breakfast. Quite accidently we ended up sitting with Ken our evening table mate. As soon as we finished we went to the Princess theatre to hear George McGuire. His lecture was titled The Pleasure of Thinking. As usual he thrilled us and challenged us and entertained us all at the same time.

I had an appointment to get my hair done at eleven so I went directly from the theatre to the SPA. My appointment was with Phinole . She did my hair on the last cruise and she does a great job. This is formal night and my hair is going to look great.

Because we had a big breakfast we decided to basically skip lunch. I had an orange and took my meds.

I had a short nap and then got ready for the Wine Tasting. This is the event that is complimentary to Elite members. It was being held in the Botticelli dining room. The turn out was pretty good and we were treated to 5 different wines including 2 white, 2 red and 1 sparkling. The thing that really angered us was how rude some of the people were. Instead of listening to the facilitators they were chatting and laughing and being VERY rude. I cannot understand how some people can be so disrespectful;. These people were English speaking Canadians who should have known better. I was so embarrassed by them and angry with them and ashamed of them.

Then we returned to our room to get ready for dinner. This is the evening of the Captain’s Circle Party. We had arranged to meet Zuitka and Ken at Crooners so we could get into line early and get a good seat for the party. Ken and I usually like to sit nearer the back but Zuitka wanted to sit in the very front row. I was actually uncomfortable there and would not sit there again. But we did survive the evening and again we did not win a bottle of champagne. We learned that the most travelled passengers had 1200 sea days, next was 6oo days and the third place was just over 500 days. We also learned that there are 224 passengers with Elite cards on board.

This was lobster night in the dining room and the lobster was enjoyed by all. I especially enjoyed the crab cakes that went with the lobster.

Tonight we were treated to another special Norman Love chocolate journey. It was so rich that I ate only half of it. I could just see my blood sugar going through the roof, especially since I had 2 rum punch at the Captain’s party.

We left the dining room and headed back to the Princess Theatre because the feature was a production show “Stardust”.

It is such a grand show and it makes people feel good. What a great day to finish a day!

Flopping Waves!!

OOPs,

We had a very nice leisurely breakfast and then we headed for the Princess Theatre around 9:20. We were to be there at 9:45.

We were given our identifying sticker and shown to a seat to wait . They were a little late but after a relatively smooth tender ride we were on our way to a bus which would take us to Kaanapali Beach. It was less than 20 minutes away in spite of fairly heavy traffic. When I stepped from the air conditioned bus I was shocked by the intensity of the heat. My first thought was that this was a mistake, a big mistake. We played follow the leader and headed around the complex to the beach. We had paid 69 dollars each for this excursion and we were told it included a beach chair and a complimentary drink and a discount on our dinner. The bus would head back to the ship at three o’clock. We would be in this intense heat for more than 4 hours.!!

We were then told that upgrading from our Tommy Bahama chair to a lounger would be an extra 6 dollars, getting an umbrella would be another 21 dollars, and getting one of those shade cabanas would be an additional 46 dollars. I was not impressed and I was not going to spend that much more. Well I was beginning to feel terrible at the end of the 5 minute walk to the beach. We were given our chairs at the end of this walk and the inviting beach lay in front of us.

My first impulse was to remove my shoes. That was a big mistake. The sand was so hot that it actually felt like my feet were being burned. I did manage to get the sandals back on and we found a spot near the water. I told Ken right away that I would be heading back the way we came to look for shade very shortly.

Well we put our things on our chairs and headed for the water. The beach was full but there was ample room. As soon as we reach what I could see had been wet sand I was able to remove my shoes and the breeze from the water hit me and I felt a bit better. We had swim suits under our clothes so we quickly removed our outer items and headed for the water. Ken had brought umbrellas in his pack and I had brought a wide brimmed hat. So you have to picture me in a swim suit wearing a hat and carrying an umbrella. (You are supposed to call it a parasol when it is not raining).

This shoreline is very steep. The sand is soft and wonderful and it drops off quickly. These conditions make it very different from the beaches I am accustomed to. The waves don’t exactly break on the shore. It is more like they flop and roll over. The result is a smashing affect and an unbelievable undertow as the water rushes back. Children with boards were having a grand time. They would walk out a few yards, watch for a wave, turn with their backs to a wave, jump on the boards and ride the wave into and up on the beach. The ride would be about 20 yards or more.

For almost an hour I watched the children play. I made sure not to go in very deep, but it was deep enough that the waves would splash me and I was being kept cool. Ken was out deeper bobbing up and down in the waves. I took pictures and he took pictures. The area was beautiful with swaying palm trees and all things tropical.

I was standing next to Ken when before I knew what hit me I was down trying to get back up. The wave rushed around me and as the water retreated the sand was washed out from under my feet and I was down with my hat missing and my umbrella was broken into pieces and the top of it came flying toward me. Ken was trying to keep me up and a man came over to rescue my hat and offer to help. Then I felt the pain in my ankle as it twisted under my off balanced weight.

I managed to get out of the water and up on the shore. The ankle was a bit swollen but not too bad at all. Thankfully I was able to put weight on it and managed to get to a place with some shade. Ken brought me my chair and I rested. Ken got us our complimentary drink. It was a very good Mai Tai.

Another couple decided to go back to the ship early and they were going to call a cab. We went with them. We got back to the dock just as a tender was getting ready to leave and they had room for us.

Our shore excursion came to an end..

I rested and we ordered room service for lunch. We each had a club house sandwich and a piece of chocolate cake. I had one of my diet cokes from our mini bar. Then I lay down with my foot up on a pillow. I was able to go to dinner with no problem. After dinner we came back to our room and called an end to the day.

My ankle seems fine today.

March 31st

March 31^st,

It is sunrise and the ship is within sight of the port of Lahaina on the island of Maui. I have gotten a couple of very nice sunrise pictures. 

This is a tender port and we have a beach day planned. We have to be in the Princess theatre at 9:45 so we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The sea is flat calm and it appears as if the sun will be shining all day. There is not a cloud in the sky.

Yesterday was great. As you have no doubt guessed the internet connection returned and I was able to get you caught up on our journey. We were in Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai.

 Within sight of the ship was a very nice beach. Because we could not get to the lighthouse ( it is closed on Monday) we did not book an excursion.  We decided to walk over to that beach.

Because we were not in a rush we went to the dining room and had a very nice breakfast. We dined with a couple from Langley and a gentleman from North Van. I am certain that more than three quarters of the ship is from British Columbia.

Anyway after eating we made our way back to our stateroom and we got our swimsuits on, and gathered our things and away we went. The walk was about 7 minutes.

We discovered that there are several free shuttles that run back and forth from the ship to different malls and our beach was at one of them. We had a quick look and decided that this would be a grand place to do our shopping before heading back to the ship. We could take a free shuttle and not worry about juggling packages. But first things first.

 We found a nice spot on the sand and enjoyed an hour or so playing in the water. There was a nice cooling breeze and the sun was not bright so that was a perfect prescription for sun burn. We were careful not to stay too long.

We went into and out of the stores and found our gifts for the grandchildren with no problem at all. We bought some boxes of candy to give as gifts along with our extra tips to Sad and Alvin and Joe.

We returned to the ship and decided to stop at the international café and have lunch there. It was not busy as so we got our lunch right away. We each had a small spinach quiche and an iced coffee.

When back at the room I discovered that we had internet and so that is where I spent the next couple of hours trying to catch up on the blog, post pictures and read e-mail.

Ken went to the spa to enjoy the hot tub and to shower there. The sea water is so salty that you feel sticky all over. I showered here.

We went to dinner and enjoyed the evening show in the Princess theatre. The entertainer was a magician and as is usual he left us dumbfounded. We watch these people and we can never figure out the things they do and how they ever manage to do them.

After the show we returned to our room and ended the day.

Morning continued!!

The ship is at anchor and two tenders from this side have been lowered into the water. Ken just saw a whale spout and we have hung our Canadian flag for the last time for this adventure.

Palm Sunday!!HONOLULU

Palm Sunday, March 29^th

We awoke early just in time to see the first sighting of Honolulu and the island of Oahu.

Again it was strange to be pulling in and recognizing the land marks because we had been here before. The sunrise was rather unspectacular with rather ominous clouds on the horizon. We had room service for breakfast and then got ready for our day. We have booked tour number HNL -610 the Atlantis Submarine Adventure.

 It is scheduled for 10:30 till 3:30. Our adventure begins with transportation from the ship to Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village for a short boat ride with scenic views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.

 Upon arrival at the dive site we board our submarine and descend 100 feet underwater. This eye opening experience takes us beyond the classroom as we learn about coral reef life and submersibles while we visit sunken ship wrecks, airplane and artificial reefs. The friendly crew share their love of the ocean with us. With a spacious air-conditioned interior, with large view ports and comfortable seating. This one of a kind submarine gave us access to Hawaii’s sea life. It was wonderful. The corals and the fishes and the  wrecks made it so interesting. Our guide was an experienced scuba diver and he had so many interesting things to tell us.

After the submarine adventure we were allowed 2 hours to explore Waikiki before returning to the ship. It was hot and the beach was very crowded but we did manage to enjoy the water. Ken swam and I waded as usual. Then we walked a little so I could get some pictures. We picked up ice coffee at a Starbucks and shared a scone.

The return ride was uneventful but when we arrived at the ship I was beat. We shared some fruit and then I lay down. I was out like a light. I slept for a little over an hour and then it was time to get ready for dinner.

It was interesting. Sad did some magic for us. First he gave me a small piece of paper that had been folded many times. Then he asked me to count from one to ten both forwards and backwards many times. Then he stopped me and asked me to name a vegetable. I said Carrot. He then had me open the paper and on it was the word carrot. He got a round of applause and lots of laughter. I guess they play the odds. I had no idea I was so predictable.

They had the folkloric show tonight but because we had seen it only a few weeks ago we decided to return to the hot tubs on deck 16. Again it was wonderful. By this time it was dark and the lights of the city were spread out before us. The deck was empty and we had it all to ourselves. There were some clouds but there were lots of stars and the moon was shining. The ship was docked along a flight path from the local airport and we watched planes come and so. The sky was midnight blue and the stars just shone. Another magical evening.

We returned to our room and enjoyed a glass of wine on our balcony while we viewed the city lights.

Land Ho, HILO

Saturday March 28, 2015, On Land

The clocks were set back for the third time last night and so we are finally on Hawaii time

This was an interesting day to say the least. This was our day to be in Hilo and since it was our first stop in the US since leaving Canada it was necessary that we go through Immigration. Princess sent instructions on Thursday giving us times and telling everyone how important that we go to The Vista Lounge at our assigned times. Then we received another sheet with those same instructions on Friday This time they were in English and Chinese. There is a large contingent of Asian descent passengers.

The ship was due to dock at eight and our assigned time was ten. The Grand docked early and the process was to begin around 8:30. Unfortunately even though times were given to everyone there was a line up over half the length of the ship at 7:30 and the ship was still no where close to docked.  Persons with booked Princess tours were supposed to be handled early so they could connect with their tour. People with the 8:30 time were at the back of the line and people with 9:30 times were at the front of the line. Of course that made a complete mess of what should have been a smooth process. I am so glad that we did not have a tour booked for this morning. I am certain that many people with independent tours were unable to connect with their tour. You could not disembark without an immigration clearance card and those who did not follow instructions caused those who needed to get off early to be unable to. What a mess. Knowing we did not have a tour we went to the international café and visited and drank coffee until the line cleared out. We were not cleared until almost 11:30. Since it was almost lunch time we decided to eat on the ship and disembark after our lunch. We went topside and got a hot dog and came down and enjoyed it on our balcony.

Because the internet is out and since I have been unable to blog since Tuesday and because I know friends worry I decided to take the free shuttle to Wal-mart. There is a Starbucks right in that mall . I was able to post from there. The pictures are missing but at least friends and family know we are alive.

We caught the shuttle, found Starbucks, posted the blog and got back to the ship by two o’clock.

To go back to the start of our day. We awoke and saw land so we got up right away and sure enough we were on our way into the harbor. The day began with dark clouds up close to the ship and sun on the distant hills…mountains actually. Above the hills and the clouds we could see the snow capped area of the Keck Observatory. We could actually make out three of the telescopes. Ken was delighted.

We had ordered room service and by the time our breakfast arrived at eight the shower had begun so we ate inside. Then we went to the café to wait for our turn to clear immigration.

When we returned to the ship the sun was shining and it was lovely and hot. We decided to take advantage of the almost empty ship and we quickly changed and went to deck 16 to the hot tub. It was almost magical. We were almost alone with few others around. There was no one on deck 16 but we could see a few others on deck 15. The sky was as blue as could be and there was not a cloud. The water was a wonderful royal blue color. There were a few small sailboats beyond the breakwater and every now and then we would see a whole blow and splash in the distance. Memories are made of afternoons like this.

Around 3:30 we returned to our stateroom. The sun was on our balcony so I rinsed out my suit, hung it to dry and went up to deck 14 to get Ken and I ice cream and cookies…

The internet is still not in operation. I was hoping they got it repaired while we were gone but no such luck.

We dressed for dinner and had a fun time as usual. We certainly lucked out when it came to dinner companions. We certainly do enjoy our mealtimes. Erik and Rosalie were telling us all about their tour and the people talking instead of listening to the guide‘s commentary. But all in all they enjoyed their day and got a lot of wonderful pictures.

For the evening’s entertainment we went to hear a group called “These Guys”. They were fabulous!!

That was all we did, but of us were tired and ready to end the day. I discovered much to my surprise that I had quite a bit of sunburn.

Still no internet.

Tomorrow we are in Honolulu and we are taking a submarine tour.

March 27th

Friday, March 27^th

We did not order room service for our breakfast this morning. Instead we went up to Horizon Court. As usual it was busy but we did get a seat with an Asian couple. They seemed very friendly and spoke right away when we sat down. But I think they were vegetarian . They had only fruit on their plate and the look of horror and stress on the face of the man as he watched Ken eat bacon. I had to smile to myself when I noted that they were both sitting almost sideways in their seats so their backs were toward Ken. Every now and then the man would sneak an unbelieving peak in Ken’s direction. When they finished breakfast and said their good byes and left we were joined by a man named Andrew MacFarlaine. He was originally from Scotland and had a wonderful accent. Currently he lives in Ponoka. Anyway we had a grand visit and then away we went. Ken was on his way to a lecture on Wales done by George McGuire and I was going to check out the sale and do some blogging, which I did in Explorers because I wanted a good seat for the presentation that was being done by Craig Richard. He had an accident while rock climbing and almost died during his attempt to get back to civilization. It had been the topic of a television show and I want to hear his account of the accident.

Next I went to the shopping host’s presentation. I picked up a few maps and a couple of coupons and that was all.

After that I came back to the room to discover that my room key no longer worked. I had purchased a magnet this morning at that sale and the magnet ended up next to my key card and that rendered it useless.

I had to get a room steward to let me in. Ken was here but he was out on the balcony and could not have heard me knock.

We decided to have an orange and a banana for lunch since we had had a nice big breakfast.

We thought about going to the Rum tasting event but we changed our minds and decided to go hunting for the Cookies and Milk people. We were a few minutes early but before long they were there with their cart and their trays of cold milk and hot fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookies. Roy, Ken’s curling buddy, and his wife were there so we had a great visit with them.

We decided that tonight would be the night that we go to the One5 for cocktails so we had to dress early. I wore my dress from Bora Bora and I had a strawberry daiquiri while Ken had a rum and coke. I took my drink with me to the dining room since I had not finished it when it was time to head to the dining room.

We took in the second full show done by Al Katz and he was hilarious as usual. This was the night of the King Kamehameha festival. We watched the dancing and joined in the music for awhile.

The movie The Theory of Everything is showing in the Princess Theatre but we decided not to attend.

They were presenting the Vista version of Motor City but we do not enjot that one as much so we returned to our room and called it a day. Tomorrow we will be in Hawaii, a port after 5 days at sea.