Today is our last full day on the ship. :0(
Kauai is known as the garden island and is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands. And, boy, they really know how to put on one heck of a luau. Imagine 600 people in one place and you have to operate an open bar, buffet table AND entertain them. They pulled it off without a hitch. All you RCers would have appreciated the fare we had last night at the buffet. The only thing we didn't venture to try was the poi. And the entertainment: Wow! The main show told the story of the trials and tribulations of how the Hawaiians come to Kauai (I believe we were told they arrive approximately 100-200 A.D.) to live. There were fire dancers, men and women dressed in very beautiful sarongs, shirts and leis. (There were also men in tiny Tarzan type outfits that were very skimpy. Loved those outfits!) When you think of a Hawaiian lei you think flowers; however, we're finding on this trip that there are many types of leis, including shells leis, ku kui nut leis and braided cloth leis.
We arrived back at the ship around 9:15 last night and attended the variety show put on by the crew. They have some very talented people on this ship and we were able to see people that we normally don't see behind the scenes perform on stage. It was a good mixture of serious singing, comedy and general silliness.
Tonight we've got a full schedule, probably because we set sail at 2:00 p.m. today and everyone has to be on the ship. So, knowing that, we'll probably be running from one end of the ship to another tonight to catch all the shows. :0) We decided to do our packing this afternoon as we need to get our bags out in front of our stateroom door by midnight. Packing just before midnight didn't sound like fun to us.
Tomorrow we leave the ship. (sigh) But we do have one more excursion planned to Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Missouri. After that they'll take us and our luggage to the airport where we'll sit around and wait until our flight takes off at 9:40 p.m. I can't tell you how much we're looking forward to being cramped in an airplane for 5 hours unable to sleep. It's just much more fun than we can handle. You know I'm right! :0)
Since this is our last full day on the ship, I won't be blogging again until I arrive home to share with you THAT adventure. Hopefully it will go smoothly, barring any tsunamis, snowstorms or other weather-related activity. :0)
Until we meet again....aloha, mahalo, pua, ohana, wahini (those are all the Hawaiian words I can remember!)
Travel Adventures
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Kauai Day 1
We traveled last night to arrive at Kauai this morning and will be here until tomorrow. We're still getting accustomed to the movement of the ship when it's moving about, and sometimes when on land you'd swear the earth was moving. :0)
Kauai is beautiful with mountains, beaches and chickens. Yep, they have chickens running free throughout the island due to a hurricane that hit about 15 years ago and demolished their homes. So now they just let them roam free. Our driver told us the residents do not catch and eat the chickens.
Yesterday afternoon we took hula dance lessons. We were so good that we're going to be certified hula dancers at the end of the cruise. (If you believe we're that good, I have some swamp land to sell you!) But seriously, we will get a certificate. It was very interesting learning the meanings of the movements with your hands and all that hip shaking!
Last night's entertainment was awesome also. It was karaoke night in the Mardi Gras Club and they had a competition similar to American Idol. Three passengers voted and critiqued the contestants to come up with a winner. (One guy was dubbed "Simon.") The lady who won sang Second Hand Rose and was awesome and won the competition. Following the karaoke, they had the Dancing with the Stars competition where they paired up 8 staff and 8 passengers. OMG, did it get crazy! There was no criteria for participating in the dancing, and that made for some very interesting dancing. What a blast that was!
Tonight we attend the luau on the island of Kauai. We heard that 600 passengers from the ship are attending this luau (out of 2200) so it's going to be quite the experience. After the luau the crew is putting on a show in the Hollywood Theatre aboard the ship for the passengers. If it's half as good as the other entertainment we've seen all week, this should be awesome.
The one down side to a cruise is that they like to take pictures of the passengers. Pictures, pictures, everywhere pictures: with the captain, when you take an excursion, when you're eating dinner (no kidding, every night we've been approached by a photographer while we were eating), and again tonight they'll do it for the luau. With 600 passengers attending the luau, it will be crazy. The worst part is they put all the photos on the wall of shame that I told you about earlier for everyone to see. Ugh.
Aloha from Kauai!
Kauai is beautiful with mountains, beaches and chickens. Yep, they have chickens running free throughout the island due to a hurricane that hit about 15 years ago and demolished their homes. So now they just let them roam free. Our driver told us the residents do not catch and eat the chickens.
Yesterday afternoon we took hula dance lessons. We were so good that we're going to be certified hula dancers at the end of the cruise. (If you believe we're that good, I have some swamp land to sell you!) But seriously, we will get a certificate. It was very interesting learning the meanings of the movements with your hands and all that hip shaking!
Last night's entertainment was awesome also. It was karaoke night in the Mardi Gras Club and they had a competition similar to American Idol. Three passengers voted and critiqued the contestants to come up with a winner. (One guy was dubbed "Simon.") The lady who won sang Second Hand Rose and was awesome and won the competition. Following the karaoke, they had the Dancing with the Stars competition where they paired up 8 staff and 8 passengers. OMG, did it get crazy! There was no criteria for participating in the dancing, and that made for some very interesting dancing. What a blast that was!
Tonight we attend the luau on the island of Kauai. We heard that 600 passengers from the ship are attending this luau (out of 2200) so it's going to be quite the experience. After the luau the crew is putting on a show in the Hollywood Theatre aboard the ship for the passengers. If it's half as good as the other entertainment we've seen all week, this should be awesome.
The one down side to a cruise is that they like to take pictures of the passengers. Pictures, pictures, everywhere pictures: with the captain, when you take an excursion, when you're eating dinner (no kidding, every night we've been approached by a photographer while we were eating), and again tonight they'll do it for the luau. With 600 passengers attending the luau, it will be crazy. The worst part is they put all the photos on the wall of shame that I told you about earlier for everyone to see. Ugh.
Aloha from Kauai!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Kona
Another beautiful day in paradise. Today we're on the Big Island again (Hawaii), but on the opposite shore at Kona. The water is so shallow that we were not able to pull up to port, so we had to take tenders (small boats) to the island.
At Kona we took a submarine down to see the fishes and the coral. It was awesome. One group of fish came right up the windows on the sub and swam by. Saw lots of schools of fish and possibly shipwreck remains. I believe we got down to 102 feet below the surface. The water was so blue!
We also did some shopping in Kona and stuck our feet in the water on the beach (including Hermie!). I didn't expect that the water would be cold. Brrr!
Tonight we hope to see another comedian and watch as they pair up passengers and crew to perform in Dancing with the Pride of America Stars. After that, a karaoke contest. Speaking of which, whenever they have anything going on like the line dancing or the Not So Newlywed Game, they tape it. This morning we laughed when we saw on our TV in our room film of us attempting to line dance. It was a hoot!
Gotta run as we're taking hula dance lessons in a few minutes and then something with bandanas. If forget what that's about. Sound like fun?!
Aloha! Shaka Shaka Ohana!
At Kona we took a submarine down to see the fishes and the coral. It was awesome. One group of fish came right up the windows on the sub and swam by. Saw lots of schools of fish and possibly shipwreck remains. I believe we got down to 102 feet below the surface. The water was so blue!
We also did some shopping in Kona and stuck our feet in the water on the beach (including Hermie!). I didn't expect that the water would be cold. Brrr!
Tonight we hope to see another comedian and watch as they pair up passengers and crew to perform in Dancing with the Pride of America Stars. After that, a karaoke contest. Speaking of which, whenever they have anything going on like the line dancing or the Not So Newlywed Game, they tape it. This morning we laughed when we saw on our TV in our room film of us attempting to line dance. It was a hoot!
Gotta run as we're taking hula dance lessons in a few minutes and then something with bandanas. If forget what that's about. Sound like fun?!
Aloha! Shaka Shaka Ohana!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Hilo
Today we spent the day in Hilo and got some awesome pictures. Our tour guide was Dennis, a local Hawaiian; he was very funny and informative, but had a quirk and would end his sentences with "der," (there) just like the UPers of Michigan. We couldn't help giggling. On our tour we saw the Waimea and Mauna Loa mountains, the lava tube and the botanical gardens. Waimea was the most interesting as we saw plumes of hot gasses left over from the 1984 eruption. The botanical gardens were the prettiest, but didn't get to see the whole garden as we were restricted to 30 minutes. We'dbeen running around Hilo since 9:00 this morning and were tuckered out!
The crew is fantastic here and the events going on throughout the day are awesome! Last night we saw a hilarious game called "The Not So Newlywed Game" a take on the TV show from the 60's; they used passenger couples for the game. After that it was to the Hollywood Theatre for a Second City performance. The most interesting part of our evening yesterday was when we pulled out of port from Maui and headed to Hilo. At the time we were at the Little Italy restaurant and it was a bit unnerving seeing the land go bye-bye when we're sitting there eating dinner as the winds were huge and the boat rocked back and forth. We couldn't help but giggle as we attempted to walk on the ship with it going to and fro. The hallways to the rooms are long and it was very funny to see the people walking ahead of us weaving with the waves as they walked. The best way to describe the feeling is the feeling you have when you're not drunk, but buzzed. Very strange. And no, we did not have any alcohol last night. :0)
Tonight we're eating at the Skyline restaurant. We hope to listen to Lex play the piano in the Pink Champagne bar and then a comedy/magic show at the Mardi Gras Club. Should be a fun evening.
Aloha wahinis!
The crew is fantastic here and the events going on throughout the day are awesome! Last night we saw a hilarious game called "The Not So Newlywed Game" a take on the TV show from the 60's; they used passenger couples for the game. After that it was to the Hollywood Theatre for a Second City performance. The most interesting part of our evening yesterday was when we pulled out of port from Maui and headed to Hilo. At the time we were at the Little Italy restaurant and it was a bit unnerving seeing the land go bye-bye when we're sitting there eating dinner as the winds were huge and the boat rocked back and forth. We couldn't help but giggle as we attempted to walk on the ship with it going to and fro. The hallways to the rooms are long and it was very funny to see the people walking ahead of us weaving with the waves as they walked. The best way to describe the feeling is the feeling you have when you're not drunk, but buzzed. Very strange. And no, we did not have any alcohol last night. :0)
Tonight we're eating at the Skyline restaurant. We hope to listen to Lex play the piano in the Pink Champagne bar and then a comedy/magic show at the Mardi Gras Club. Should be a fun evening.
Aloha wahinis!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Maui
Today is our second day in Maui! We went whale watching (didn't get seasick, even though the waves were pretty rough there for awhile) and saw a mama whale with a baby. Didn't get pictures as they disappeared as fast as they appeared. We also had wonderful sunny weather with lots of wind, which didn't help the pitching of the boat. At least we didn't get sick. :0)
Tonight we cruise on to Hilo (Hawaii, Big Island). Vicki and I made reservations at the Little Italy restaurant on board, and we'll be able to see where we're cruising to next while eating dinner.
Speaking of food....OMG! If you go away hungry, there's something wrong with you. We've tried a couple of the restaurants already and last night was the fanciest at the Liberty restaurant. We had a great waiter who we found out has a sister who lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the ship photographer was also in the restaurant taking pictures. This morning we went to the hall of shame (that's what we call it; it's otherwise known as the photo gallery) and found the pictures taken last night. We also found a picture of a couple that sat at the table next to us and I happened to be in the background, eating. We had a good laugh about that. :0)
There is sooooo much to do on this cruise! Every night they post in the mailbox by your room a schedule of the next day's events. Last night we line danced (or attempted to; Vicki said she was vining when everyone else was graping :0) and stayed for the performance of two brothers who sing Brooks & Dunn songs and Elvis. Quite entertaining. Today, we made ku kui nut leis which are totally awesome and tonight after dinner we're going to check out the Second City comedy show in the Mardi Gras club.
For all you inquiring minds, I can safely tell you that Hermie is having a wonderful time. He has a new perch atop our ShaveIce glass, and we have officially lei'd him. Still looking for that hula skirt for him. For now though, he is content. Sorry I can't post any photos of us and Hermie, but do look for them when we return next week.
Until tomorrow....aloha!
Tonight we cruise on to Hilo (Hawaii, Big Island). Vicki and I made reservations at the Little Italy restaurant on board, and we'll be able to see where we're cruising to next while eating dinner.
Speaking of food....OMG! If you go away hungry, there's something wrong with you. We've tried a couple of the restaurants already and last night was the fanciest at the Liberty restaurant. We had a great waiter who we found out has a sister who lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the ship photographer was also in the restaurant taking pictures. This morning we went to the hall of shame (that's what we call it; it's otherwise known as the photo gallery) and found the pictures taken last night. We also found a picture of a couple that sat at the table next to us and I happened to be in the background, eating. We had a good laugh about that. :0)
There is sooooo much to do on this cruise! Every night they post in the mailbox by your room a schedule of the next day's events. Last night we line danced (or attempted to; Vicki said she was vining when everyone else was graping :0) and stayed for the performance of two brothers who sing Brooks & Dunn songs and Elvis. Quite entertaining. Today, we made ku kui nut leis which are totally awesome and tonight after dinner we're going to check out the Second City comedy show in the Mardi Gras club.
For all you inquiring minds, I can safely tell you that Hermie is having a wonderful time. He has a new perch atop our ShaveIce glass, and we have officially lei'd him. Still looking for that hula skirt for him. For now though, he is content. Sorry I can't post any photos of us and Hermie, but do look for them when we return next week.
Until tomorrow....aloha!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Aloha!
To say the least, if you've been watching the news, you know we've had very interesting days here in Hawaii. After arriving at the Honolulu airport at 10:00 p.m. (Hawaii time), we finally made it to our room by midnight, only to be awakened by the police blaring the announcement: " Emergency! Emergency! Tsunami warning." Holy crap. Nothing else wakes you up faster. After freaking out, we went to the front desk of our hotel where we were told to stock up on water and food. We set out to find both, only to discovery everyone else was also. We never did find anything, so Plan B became find a vending machine, fill the ice bucket and eat the food I brought with me in my carry on.
Panicking being over, we decided to enjoy this new adventure and waited in our room for the tsunami. Nothing. After the all clear was given, we left the hotel about 2:00 p.m. and stood in line for 3 hours just to wait while the people on the ship disembarked (they were part of the armada out on the horizon we could see) so we could embark. After settling in to our cabin and eating dinner on the deck of the ship (awesome) we checked out the Mardi Gras room where played bingo and won....we received a cool pic frame and free tickets to the luau! Woohoo!
Today its raining in Maui, but we made it to the Maui mall and found some groovy shops where we picked up a few items and ate ShaveIce. OMG...it was awesome. We were supposed to go on the whale watching trip today, however, the cruise line decided to put us at the 9:45 a.m. tour instead of the 1:00 that we requested. We're whale watching tomorrow at noon, and hopefully it won't rain.
Vicki and I are having a blast, meeting new people, and checking out the ship. We played trivia with a couple of women and came in second place. We had such a blast that we made a date to play trivia every day for the duration of the cruise. We've dubbed our group the "Golden Girls." We found ou they're from Alaska and are traveling buddies.
Tonight we're heading for the Mardi Gras Club where we'll line dance and party down. As I write, Vicki is hanging out in the library and I'm sure having a tough time deciding which book(s) to check out! :0)
Well, that's all our excitement for the past couple days.
I'll write more tomorrow. Aloha and Mahalo!
Panicking being over, we decided to enjoy this new adventure and waited in our room for the tsunami. Nothing. After the all clear was given, we left the hotel about 2:00 p.m. and stood in line for 3 hours just to wait while the people on the ship disembarked (they were part of the armada out on the horizon we could see) so we could embark. After settling in to our cabin and eating dinner on the deck of the ship (awesome) we checked out the Mardi Gras room where played bingo and won....we received a cool pic frame and free tickets to the luau! Woohoo!
Today its raining in Maui, but we made it to the Maui mall and found some groovy shops where we picked up a few items and ate ShaveIce. OMG...it was awesome. We were supposed to go on the whale watching trip today, however, the cruise line decided to put us at the 9:45 a.m. tour instead of the 1:00 that we requested. We're whale watching tomorrow at noon, and hopefully it won't rain.
Vicki and I are having a blast, meeting new people, and checking out the ship. We played trivia with a couple of women and came in second place. We had such a blast that we made a date to play trivia every day for the duration of the cruise. We've dubbed our group the "Golden Girls." We found ou they're from Alaska and are traveling buddies.
Tonight we're heading for the Mardi Gras Club where we'll line dance and party down. As I write, Vicki is hanging out in the library and I'm sure having a tough time deciding which book(s) to check out! :0)
Well, that's all our excitement for the past couple days.
I'll write more tomorrow. Aloha and Mahalo!
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About Me
Door County, Wisconsin
Peninsula State Park, Door County, Wisconsin