We arrived in Honolulu and enjoyed a champagne breakfast courtesy of Cruiseship Center in Sidney. The planned balcony sitting was moved indoors, as Princess decided to have a crew pressure wash balconies and glass panels AND the refueling barge rumbled directly below us.
We had a full day in Honolulu, but we didn't clear US customs until around 10AM. The cost of US security must be off the dial and none of these costs increase (actually they DECREASE) productivity or improve the US bottom line. Many folks on board the ship express concerns over meals about the state of the US economy and Obama's Health initiative. We tend to steer around real prickly discussions, but it is hard to do.
We caught a 'free' shuttle to Ala Moana Shopping center via Maui Divers Jewelry factory (shuttle sponsor) and a 45 minute 'tour' of the facility. After a further 30 minute wait, the shuttle deposited us at the Mall for some power shopping for friends and family. We shared a cab back to te ship with an Irish couple and had lunch on board before venturing out again. The ship's entertainment crew have a cruise long digital scavenger hunt so we collected our last photos on land in preparation for the big 'reveal' before we hit LA. We took the city bus down to Waikiki beach to get a picture of us dancing on the beach ( one of the hunt items) only to meet up with the Irish couple again! They took the shot and we parted company, again. We then walked down to the Royal Hawaiian for their signature Mai Tai, some poo-poo (nibblies) and watched the sunset over Waikiki. What a great way to end the day!
We took a cab back to the ship and caught a folkloric Hula troupe performing in the theater. The girls ranged from 5 to around 14 and all boasted A or A/B averages in school, according to the troupe leader. It was a great performance leaving us all with the true Aloha spirit!
Yesterday, we anchored off Lahaina and tendered ashore. Brian was again under the weather with a cold/cough so after a few hours, we returned to the ship for a rest. The captain had already cut short our shore time as a weather system was moving in and he wanted an extra couple of hours to make up time en-route to LA. Again, US security at the dock checking passengers before boarding the tenders resulted in our planned departure delayed one hour.
Today was cruise director Richard Joseph's 50th birthday, so when he hosted trivia we gave him a rousing version of Happy Birthday a couple of cards, and some gag gifts. HE seemed truly touched and grateful for the recognition.
We are now at sea for four days heading to LA. It has been a remarkable trip with many 'AHA' moments which I have attempted to chronicle here. Not sure if we would do another 30 Days anytime soon, but find this type of vacation suits our wants pretty well.
We caught a 'free' shuttle to Ala Moana Shopping center via Maui Divers Jewelry factory (shuttle sponsor) and a 45 minute 'tour' of the facility. After a further 30 minute wait, the shuttle deposited us at the Mall for some power shopping for friends and family. We shared a cab back to te ship with an Irish couple and had lunch on board before venturing out again. The ship's entertainment crew have a cruise long digital scavenger hunt so we collected our last photos on land in preparation for the big 'reveal' before we hit LA. We took the city bus down to Waikiki beach to get a picture of us dancing on the beach ( one of the hunt items) only to meet up with the Irish couple again! They took the shot and we parted company, again. We then walked down to the Royal Hawaiian for their signature Mai Tai, some poo-poo (nibblies) and watched the sunset over Waikiki. What a great way to end the day!
We took a cab back to the ship and caught a folkloric Hula troupe performing in the theater. The girls ranged from 5 to around 14 and all boasted A or A/B averages in school, according to the troupe leader. It was a great performance leaving us all with the true Aloha spirit!
Yesterday, we anchored off Lahaina and tendered ashore. Brian was again under the weather with a cold/cough so after a few hours, we returned to the ship for a rest. The captain had already cut short our shore time as a weather system was moving in and he wanted an extra couple of hours to make up time en-route to LA. Again, US security at the dock checking passengers before boarding the tenders resulted in our planned departure delayed one hour.
Today was cruise director Richard Joseph's 50th birthday, so when he hosted trivia we gave him a rousing version of Happy Birthday a couple of cards, and some gag gifts. HE seemed truly touched and grateful for the recognition.
We are now at sea for four days heading to LA. It has been a remarkable trip with many 'AHA' moments which I have attempted to chronicle here. Not sure if we would do another 30 Days anytime soon, but find this type of vacation suits our wants pretty well.
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