Cruising with Jim and the missus

6 years ago

Cruising has become fun for us. Before I met the missus in 1994, I had cruised 5 times with another person. Our first cruise together was our honeymoon cruise in late October, 1995. We have now completed 629 days on cruise ships. Most of our cruises while we were working were not more than 14 days. Since we retired in 2013, we have been on two 42-day itineraries, a 34-day itinerary and the recently completed 51-day itinerary. We have cruised on five cruise lines and never had a bad cruise.

I will give you lots of information about cruising (as we experience it) and answer questions as best I can. Realize that I have shoulder surgery coming up in three weeks and I won’t be able to keyboard much during the recovery time.

OK…some basics. Cruise ships generally begin their trips late afternoon, mostly around 5:00 p.m. However, there are exceptions. Boarding often begins about 11:00 a.m. as the cabins have been cleaned and whatever ‘official’ things have been cleared (all ships sailing from USA ports must have US Coast Guard certification once a year and that process takes place on ‘turnaround’ day).

We used to get our official documents in the mail – what a grand thing that was, doing the “doc dance!” However, one now prints those out at home and the excitement is not as wonderful. You will need a “boarding pass” for each passenger. The check-in process on the pier is smooth and does not take long. If a passenger gets to the terminal too early (having to check out of a hotel or an early arrival flight), that means sitting around for a while. A good excuse to chat with other passengers that helps to pass the time.

There will be ship’s photographers in the terminal to offer to take your picture – lots of opportunity to buy those prints later in the cruise. Up the gangway and find your cabin. The excitement is extreme now! Holy smoke, we’re going on a cruise!! Free food. Generally the best option is to go to the buffet area on the day you board and load up on whatever will help you put on the pounds. Some ships do have their main dining room open and one can order off a menu and get served efficiently.

Tours of the ship are offered in the afternoon. We prefer to cruise on smaller ships, what we just completed had fewer than 1300 passengers and it would take less than 90 seconds to walk from one end to the other. There are ships that carry more than 5,000 passengers! Not for us. Keep it simple, thank you. Those larger ships have such things as ice rinks, big putting courses, slides, etc. We don’t want or need those things. There are folks though who really want the sun exposure and will park themselves near one of the pools (or wherever the sun is shining). And there are passengers who have to experience everything on the ship. We had sailed on this ship previously and knew our way around.

Every day, there will be printed program of events left in your cabin. It will list hourly events, one can go or not. On our first day on this 51-day cruise, their shore excursion desk opened at 1:00 p.m. I’ll explain their function later. There will always be a Mandatory Passenger Emergency Muster Drill. Every ship in all ports at the beginning of a cruise. That will generally occur after 4:00 p.m. Pay attention. Lots of information will be shared during this 15 – 20 minute exercise.

For unknown reasons, our 51-day cruise was not going to leave San Diego until 11:00 p.m. (past my bedtime thank you). However, there were things to do and places to go on this sail-away day.

Featured Answer

jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author

6 years ago

At 5:00, Mass was offered; Friends of Bill W got together;
LGBTQ and friends had a meet-up; and a Spa & Salon raffle drawing was held.
At 5:30, a class was offered in the fitness center titled: Walking in Comfort
(no charge for that).

We were on Holland America Line’s ms Amsterdam and they
offer music in several venues in the afternoon and evening. In the Explorer’s
Lounge a classical piano and violin duo performed; there is a Piano Bar on this
ship with stools around the piano and throughout the lounge and it makes for a
fun time; in the Ocean Bar, there was a quartet (piano, bass & drums with a
female vocalist),this group is from Hungary, playing standards and favorites
(lots of dancers). On other Holland America ships, there are additional venues
such as BB King’s Blue Club.

And, there is a nice sized theater on board that has a dual
purpose. Movies are shown daily (they used to give away popcorn, but not on
this trip). They also use that space for their version of America’s Test
Kitchen with live performances. And, on a regular basis there is a Singles and
Solo Travelers Meet-up. We have noticed more and more solo travelers on our
cruises. The big caveat there is that most cruise lines require a premium
payment for those who travel alone. There are exceptions, if you want to travel
that way, get information from a travel advisor.

Unless some special rules are in place, casinos are not open
in port and the ship’s shops are not open in port.

Food! Generally, room service is offered all day, every day.
Generally, there is no charge for the food delivered to your cabin; however,
there are some exceptions. We often tip a couple of dollars to the person
making the delivery. And, it is prudent to leave the dishes in your cabin or
call for pick up; placing them in the hall is beyond tacky! Buffet service
varies from cruise line to cruise line, but generally it is three meals each
day of several hours each. And there will be a late-night offering in the
buffet area, too. Unless I have missed something, there are no more midnight
buffets. Some ships have pizza ovens for individual baking of pies.

Want to get great service in the dining room? Yep, that is
part of the experience. Generally, breakfast in the main dining room has a menu
and typical personalized service. On a day at sea, there will be lunch in the
dining room (not on days when the ship is in port as lots of passengers are on
tours). Then in the evening, there is generally main seating dinner and late
seating dinner. You are assigned a table and you have the same wait staff at a
fixed time every day. There is an alternative: open seating, or as you wish
dining, or anytime dining, means that you go to the dining room when you are
ready and express a desire for the size table you wish (from and 2-top to
a10-top) same menu as the fixed seating venue. If you like the service you
receive, you can reserve that table for the rest of the cruise. Or dine with
different people every night. Your choice. No charge for any of those food
venues mentioned.

However, about 25 years ago, cruise lines began offering
‘Alternative’ dining options. Those will cost you extra. Each line has its own
way doing that. You need to investigate a bit and/or speak with a travel
advisor. An online site that I have been using for many years is Cruise Critic.
Lots of good information about a multitude of things can be found there.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (35)

jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Theater for movies and America's Test Kitchen. Notice that there are spots for folks in wheelchairs.
Related Discussions
A long cruise - Tangier, Morocco - part 1
Q
Comments (13)
Jim, I think your better half did an excellent job both on the photos and the information on her trip. Love the doors. Re the narrow street, I've seen several of those in my travels. They were early security systems. As Jim said,. paraphrasing , they were to stop bad guys from entering the buildings. From what I was told on my travels, is that they were built to protect the money centers. mostly cash and gold, from robbers. We went into an old money center. The high windows/peep-holes were meant to allow the people inside to be able to see out but did not allow the people to see in. In one case, I saw steps built into the bottom of the door so people could climb up and see who were outside.
...See More
A long cruise - Almeria, Spain - part 5
Q
Comments (14)
I could add another 10 pictures of what we saw at Alhambra, but I don't want to bore you. If you want more, then post something here and I will be delighted to add another bunch. There is only one more site that I had lots and lots of photos and that was in Seville. Many were of Real Alcazar (you really need to put these two places on your 'bucket list). As we returned to the ship, I took this photo. I asked the missus about lunch that day, and she has no recollection of anything. I don't even recall the ride back to the ship. We were supposed to have some 'free time' in town, but neither of us call recall that! It was a long day, but one that we will remember for many years. I don't usually require this of people, but you must go to Alhambra, it will change your way of thinking about how life was many years ago. The Americas were not 'developed' for many centuries after this part of the world was in full bloom. it was amazing. A wind farm (again) as we set sail from Almeria after our fantastic visit to Alhambra and Generalife Gardens in Granada, Spain.
...See More
A long cruise - Messina, Sicily - part 3
Q
Comments (14)
To sets of poles at the top. One for skiers (yep, they ski this here volcano) and one for gondolas to take visitors to the top. We did not go up any higher. Not really a great photo, you need to look close. And, yes, that is the peak (or it was when we were there - it changes a lot). Darn it, is was cold and windy. This was in November, I shutter to think what it might be like in January. Etna, like Teide in the Canary Islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evidently there a many places on planet Earth that would like to be declared with that honor, but miss out. Etna is one that made in 2013.
...See More
A long cruise - almost home
Q
Comments (11)
This year's itinerary is identical to last year's. They should be returning to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday. Next year! Oh! My! The 42-day becomes 50 days. Beyond what it has now, it adds 3 ports in Greece, plus 2 in Malta. Tough decision time. We have already signed up for October, 2015 and it leaves Los Angeles, goes to Hawaii, Samoa, French Polynesia and back. 28 days. Of those 28, 17 are at sea with no land to be seen. On a per day cost, the one to Europe is less expensive and we could drive to Ft. Lauderdale; but 50 days is a long time. 28 days from the west coast means flying (I hate that) and it is more expensive per day. Never been to Samoa, but nothing else is new on that one. Greece, Malta, etc is real tempting. Jim
...See More
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
OK? Ready to cruise? We left San Diego late on October 28,
sailing toward Hawaii. We have made that trip in four days, but for this
cruise, it was determined by someone in corporate to take five. No big deal
either way.

First day at sea on our way to Hawaii. From the daily
program:

7:00 a.m., Functional Stretch in the fitness center;

7:30 a.m. Abs Class, also in the fitness center

8:00 a.m., Pathway to
Yoga ($15 charge) in the fitness center; and Interdenominational Devotions.
Food service in the dining room was from 8:00 until 9:30 and the buffet opened
for full-service at 7:00 a.m. with Continental beginning at 6:30. Coffee and
hot water are available all the time.

9:00, a class next to
the pool, on Lei Making; RYDE Indoor Cycling ($15 charge) in the fitness center;
coffee with the cruise director; the future cruise consultant available until
noon; and the Shore Excursion desk opened, also until noon.

9:30 offered Beginner’s Bridge begins (the room was always
packed (about 15 tables and offered every day at sea); and in the Microsoft
Studio a class on Windows Digital Ink.

10:00, in the big showroom at the front of the ship, The
Hula, part one of several presentations; and on the sports deck, a basketball
free throw challenge (not well attended).

10:30, get your first book for the book club; intermediate bridge
instruction; and more Microsoft instruction.

11:00, Aloha Ukulele lesson part one; golf putting challenge
(in the inside lower deck); and “Salad for Dinner” in the America’s Test
Kitchen; along with the shops on the ship are now open.

11:30, Detox for Health & Weight loss in the fitness
center; Diamond Sale in the shops and save up to 35% on Citizen Edo Drive
(whatever that is).

12:00, Single and Solo Travelers meet in the main dining
room. Dining room service is open from 12:00 until 1:00; the buffet opens at
11:30 and goes until 5:00 (although after 2:00, the options are limited).

1:00, repeat of the Live America’s Test Kitchen; team trivia;
International Beer Tasting ($15.95 charge); duplicate bridge (until 3:00);
Mahjong (until 4:00); and pickleball on the sports deck.

2:00, in the Mainstage, a talk “Discover Honolulu”; a
shuffleboard challenge; a special in the shops (lanyards 2 for 1); shore excursions
desk reopens until 5:00; and the future cruise consult reopens until 6:00.

2:30, Windows Digital Ink in the Microsoft studio; and Arts
and Crafts in the buffet area (this will be offered every sea day and lots and
lots and lots of passengers attend this at no charge).

3:00, Learn to Hula part one; classic afternoon tea in the
dining room; Snowball Jackpot Bingo; and time to ask the Excursion Guide
questions (this staff function will disappear soon).

3:30, Create Incredible, Shareable Videos in the Microsoft
studio.

4:00, Aloha Sunset Music Hour next to the center outside
pool; Team Trivia; Happy Hour in the Ocean Bar, Crow’s Nest and Sea View Bar
(first drink regular price and second drink is $2); and Pure-Form Pilates ($15
charge) in the fitness center.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
4:30, Ocean Quarter begins their 45 minute gig; Sip &
Savor “Appetizer and Wine Pairing” ($7 charge); studio time to work on projects
in the Microsoft studio; and Friends of Bill W. meet.

5:00, Johnny in the Piano Bar will do his 45 minute gig;
Mass is celebrated; and Total Body Conditioning in the fitness center

6:00, Movie in the theater; Martini Sampling (3 for $15);
and guess the carat weight in the shops

6:30, Ocean Quartet is back; Johnny does his second set; and
repeat of 4:30’s Happy Hour.

7:30, Louie Shelton, legendary guitarist in the Mainstage

8:00, LGBTQ & friends meet; and Complimentary Texas Hold
‘Em demo in the Casino

8:15, Ocean Quartet returns and Johnny in the Piano Bar
(these are timed to begin immediately after the Mainstage show).

8:30, a game called Totally Taboo; and Texas Hold ‘Em cash
game in the casino

9:00, repeat of the day’s movie

9:30, another opportunity to see Louis Shelton in the
Mainstage

10:00, dancing with a DJ in the Crow’s Nest (this is a great
space forward and above the bridge)

10:15, Ocean Bar Quartet for their last gig of the evening

10:30 Paradise Lotto Jackpot Drawing

Phew, I am worn out.
Rosie
6 years ago
Jim, we are going on a 15 day cruise in a few weeks and I am beyond excited. Reading your posts is really getting me worked up; I will live vicariously through your cruise while waiting until it's time to board our ship!
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Continental breakfast options
Waiting on the pier to board on the first day.
Ocean Bar (about half of the room)
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
There is a place on this ship called Explorations Café (open
6 a.m. until 9 p.m.) hot beverages, baristas made for a charge. That is also
the room that is a library, several thousand books and 5 computer terminals and
lots of comfortable chairs for reading (and sleeping). I will discuss computer
stuff later.

There are bars next to the center pool and the aft pool that
are open at 9:00 and close late.

The Crow’s Nest has a bar that opens at 10:00 and closes
late.

The Ocean Bar opens at 10:00 and closes late.

The Casino Bar opens at 10:00 and closes late.

There is a Medical Center with a staff including a MD,
generally a PA or NP and other staff members. On sea days it is open 9 – noon
and 3 – 6. There is a charge for all services.

There is a place near the center pool called the Dive-In,
with burgers and hot dogs and chicken sandwiches to order along with fries.
Next to that is a buffet that most would term a Mexican Menu of hot and cold
items. No charge for the food.

Holland America Line has an evening restaurant called
Canaletto, Italian dining with an extra charge. They are open 5:00 until 9:00
every day.

They also feature Pinnacle Grill, steak and Pacific
Northwest seafood. Fine dining with a bigger extra charge. On sea days, they
are open for lunch (which we prefer) with a simple menu and an extra charge.

Some larger ships with Holland America offer Tamarind,
specialty dining with an east Asian taste.

In the Greenhouse Spa and Salon, there was a special offered
on this first sea day. Book three treatments: get 10% off the first; 20% off the second and 30% off
the third. There are other packages offered and generally the prices are less
when the ship is in port (fewer clients then).
OklaMoni
6 years ago
Jim, I am not a cruising person.. but must say, you explain this all very well. Thank you so much for taking the time to type this in.

Moni
sleeperblues
6 years ago
I love cruising, my DH not so much
User
6 years ago
Yes, thank you Jim!
OutsidePlaying
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
We haven’t cruised much but your explanation is right on from what I recall. Thank you! Your trip sounds great. Each cruise is a little different in their offerings of course, but all generally similar.
llitm
6 years ago
Awesome post, thank you! We haven't cruised HA but this makes me want to.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
AY TWO.

Many of the events from yesterday are repeated daily.

A few different things:

10:00, Scattergories Scramble; Guided Meditation ($15
charge)in the fitness center; and since tonight is dress up night around the
ship, the shops are offering special accessories for $10.

11:00, Chef to the Stars” Kate McAloon in the test kitchen
area; 10-pin mini bowling challenge interior deck 3.

11:30, Increase your metabolism in the fitness center; and
round one in a slot machine tournament.

2:00, a lecture “Discover Lahaina in the Mainstage; the art
of flower arranging; tequila tasting ($15 charge).

3:00, Adagio (classical piano & violin) performance

5:00, Gala Night Portrait Studio. 4 or 5 venues for no-charge
photo by the ship’s photographers.

7:15, The Captain’s Welcome Toast, free bubbly for this.

7:30 and 9:30, Show featuring the ships 4 singers and 6
dancers along with live music. These young people were great, among the best I
have ever seen anywhere, anytime.

The bulk of the day were things very similar to yesterday’s
calendar of events.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Holland America has a Cellar Master on each of its ships.
There is an expensive Cellar Master’s Package that can be purchased and lots of
events are featured. In today’s program is an ad for an upcoming Cellar
Master’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill: premium wines paired with a 6-course
taking menu. One seating at 6:30 for $95 per person.

Let’s talk about money. Several of these things show a
charge. You don’t pay until the end of the cruise. Show your card (that is your
ID for getting on/off the ship and purchases in any location) and it is
automatically added to your account. Drink purchases will automatically have a
15% gratuity added. There are gratuities (Holland America calls them hotel
charges) for each person per day. Those are tips that are supposedly shared
with all crew members. On our cruise, the price was $14.50/person/day unless
you booked upgraded accommodations and those were a lot more. Those numbers add
up quickly, if you are ever offered ‘free gratuities’ for a cruise – take it.

There are also offers of drink packages, soda or liquor.
Generally it is something like 15 drinks per day at no charge, as long as those
drinks are under a certain dollar amount. All day every day for everyone in the
cabin. Not for us. You have to order one drink at a time (no sharing) and the
bar servers are aware of who does what, so cheating is strongly forbidden.

Holland America Line changed the term a few years ago from
Formal Night to Gala Night. Fewer and fewer gents were wearing tuxedos and many
male passengers were hesitant to even wear a sport coat with their logic being
that they were on holiday and did not want or need to dress up. So, the rules
for gents were changed. As long as you are wearing long pants and a collared
shirt, entry to the dining room was allowed on Gala Night. I wore a black suit
and there were many dressed like me. Only a few tuxedos, but I have seen fewer
of them. Too bad I have two tuxedos, my fat one and my not-quite-so-fat one.
There are basically no significant rules for the women, other than no shorts in
the dining room for Gala Night. On those nights when it is dress-up in the
dining room, anything is allowed in the buffet. I have my money tied up in
formal shirts and lots and lots of ties, I wear them! It help me to stand up a
bit taller, too.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Dawn,

Sounds like a trip to Hawaii and back. Right?
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
We're underway, on toward Hawaii, where we will stop 5 times.

Here is the rest of the ports of call:

Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) Kiribati

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Apia, Samoa

4 ports in Fiji

3 ports in Vanuatu

2 ports in Tonga

we had to miss Niue, the winds were too bad to get near the shore.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

6 ports in French Polynesia

Aaiohae, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

back to San Diego.
sjerin
6 years ago
This is very fun to read--thanks, Jim! We were lucky to be able to take a cruise to Alaska a couple of years ago, also on a HA line, so your descriptions and photos bring back happy memories for me. I take it you cruised the whole time around the Hawaiian islands?
Lars
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
What ports did you go to in Fiji? We only cruised (ferry) from Port Denerau to Mana Island and back. We wanted to visit more islands in Fiji but were happy with the time we spent on Mana Island. If we go back, we'll be more adventurous.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Fiji -
Savusavu on Vanua Levi; Suva, on Vita Levu; Dravuni Island, Lautoka.

If you want, do some looking for those places. Somewhat surprising as to their locations. In every port, when we got off the ship, we were presented with "Fiji Water".

For Hawaii: Honolulu, Lahaina, Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hilo, then Kona. Kona was the only new port for us. Been to the others several times.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Less than half of the buffet dining area.
The buffet dining area set up for dinner.
Part of the library seating area in the Explorations Cafe
Putting on a moving ship, deck 3 center. Not that much movement, but still.
sephia_wa
6 years ago
Jim, have you ever done a Viking River Cruise in Europe? A couple of family members have been on dozens of cruises, and then took a Viking cruise. They both said how much more they enjoyed the Viking cruise. The ships are smaller, and they said there was more to see.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
DAY THREE – October 31.

Halloween! There will be a costume party with prizes:
Funniest, Most Creative, Best Team, and Best Overall. 9:00 in the Crow’s Nest.
Since our anniversary is in late October, we frequently cruise on Halloween.
Never have taken costumes with us.

9:00 by the pool, Hot Hula Exercise class

10:00, History of Time and Timepieces (I have zero idea what this might have been about and who would make the presentation.

11:30, Complimentary Blackjack lessons. There are five blackjack tables in the casino and I never saw more than three tables in use in the evening. No one on roulette.

1:30, Ladies Pamper Party (whatever that is) in one of the bars!

4:00, Military meet up.

7:30 and 9:30, comedian Jim Short with his 45 minute show in
the Mainstage

More events as on the first day, from bridge lessons to
things in the Microsoft studio, from movies to destination lectures. Lots of
passengers rarely miss these lectures. Since this is our 4th cruise to Hawaii, I passed on them.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
No, I have never taken river cruises. Most of them are short (compared to what we have been doing) and it generally means flying to and from Europe. I am not a fan of that. I'll fly to Europe and then cruise back (or something like that).

Some folks have mentioned that taking a river cruise in Europe is good in that one can do a land tour afterwards. Inasmuch as the missus has some mobility problems, I'll pass on that option.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
My mom loved a cruise. It started with her honeymoon and an around the world cruise, which was not uncommon and not as extravagant in those days it it would be now. But still a big deal! And it progressed from there :-) Not so much when we kids were growing up - family vacations then - but once we got older and more independent, off they would go! A Mediterranean cruise, Alaska and one memorable one that sailed from Vancouver BC, down the Pacific coast (with various stops), through the Panama canal, various Caribbean stops, then across the Atlantic to Southampton. They spent a couple of weeks in England visiting relatives, then flew back home. We had a big onboard family Bon Voyage party for them in Vancouver and then watched the ship sail.....with horns and streamers and confetti......just like it looked in the movies!!

Mom loved to travel, period, but cruises were her favorites. Daddy just indulged her and went along for the ride :-) I'm sure he enjoyed them - he was Mr. Sociable - but it was never the same big deal for him as it was for her.

My DS worked in the travel industry for years and DSIL worked for a number of years for Holland America and both have been on several cruises, not necessarily because they were a travel choice but because the were promotional work-related and heavily discounted.....if not free.

Cruises have never appealed to me at all. What Jim has described is just not my cup of tea....other than the opportunity to visit various ports of call. Give me a gorgeous, all-inclusive beach resort in some sunny, semitropical location and I am a happy camper. I limit my cruising to taking the ferry to the mainland as infrequently as I can get away with it:-)
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
There were many, many folks on this 51-day South Pacific cruise who got off the ship first opportunity with their snorkel gear in hand. That's all they wanted to do.

When we cruise in the Caribbean in January and February, there are many, many folks from 'up north' who seem to want to do nothing but get sand between their toes. Soaking up the sun isn't right for them, they just gotta go to the beach.
kathyg_in_mi
6 years ago
Love reading about your cruises! We went on a 5 day cruise and I loved 3 of the days. The other 2 I spent in bed with sea sickness. No more cruises for us, but I did so enjoy the shows, games, meals and all the other amenities.
biondanonima (Zone 7a Hudson Valley)
6 years ago
We like to cruise as well, although since we are in our 40s and working we don't have time for anything longer than 10 days usually. We typically do a 7-9 day Caribbean every other year, in the coldest part of winter - such a great way to break up the long cold season. I prefer to do land-based vacations when I visit places with a lot of cultural points of interest (Europe, etc.), but for island hopping and pure relaxation, it's hard to beat a cruise.

This summer we will be taking my parents on their first cruise, an 8-day Alaska on Celebrity Solstice. It will be our first time in Alaska as well so definitely looking forward to seeing some incredible scenery and wildlife. We plan to do a land-based vacation there on our own at some point, but my father's mobility issues made that a no-go when traveling with them.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Sunday, November 3 – Honolulu, Hawaii – arrive 7:00 a.m.,
depart 11:00 p.m.

Since we had crossed time zones, we set clocks back again
when going to bed last night, there was also the change from daylight savings
time on the mainland to deal with. Sheesh!

Many of the fitness center things continue, even though we
were in port early. Nothing in the way of bridge lessons (although there were
many players in that room during the day). No America’s Test Kitchen, but there
was a movie, afternoon tea and trivia games and happy hours happened as per
their usual times. No Johnny in the Piano Bar and the Ocean Quartet had only
two sets. In the Mainstage at 9:30, “This is Aloha” was a special performance
featuring local talent. The casino will be closed during the entire time in
Hawaiian waters, reopening on November 7.

The spa offered an in-port special: a 50-minute Swedish
Massage, Skin Brushing, Foot & Ankle Massage, Neck and Shoulder Massage and
Hand and Arm Massage. 75 minutes total for only $149.

We rented a car and drove to places we had not been to. This
is the second time for renting a car in Honolulu, inexpensive and a leisurely
day. It was fun to do that. Lots of things to see in Honolulu. USS Arizona
Memorial (get there early in the day), a nice aquarium off of Waikiki Beach
and, for many cruise passengers, Walmart for Macadamia Nuts is only a short
distance from the pier and Hilo Hatties is a unique place to purchase authentic
Hawaiian clothes. Many, many restaurants in Honolulu, too many good ones to
mention here.

Our evening meal was eaten ashore. We went to the Halekalani
Hotel on Waikiki Beach. We really enjoy their outdoor dining spot – House
Without a Key. Beginning at 5:30, there is a 3-piece musical group playing
Hawaiian songs and then a previous Miss Hawaii comes out and dances and it is
really a great show. House Without a Key was a Charlie Chan novel written by
Earl Derr Biggers in 1925. Reservations are highly recommended. Wonderful
service, a bit expensive though. But, how often do you get to eat dinner right
off of Waikiki Beach at sunset?
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
The band at House Without a Key
Diamond Head from the restaurant
Miss Hawaii as she performs.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Some other sights in Honolulu
There is an aquarium just off of Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach & some resort hotels
Atop Haleakala looking into the crater
The U.S.S. Arizona memorial
Zalco/bring back Sophie!
6 years ago
Thank you for the great peek into your adventures. It's much appreciated.
Kathsgrdn
6 years ago
Very interesting! Never been on a cruise but want to go to Alaska in the next couple of years.
foggyj2
6 years ago
Reading your commentary, brought back memories of our 5 times cruising on Holland America. We prefer that line, as it is geared a little more toward people over 50. I think it has something to offer, for everyone. We also enjoy the smaller ships.

I can picture doing the things you are describing. We've had good chef's for the America's Test Kitchen programs. I went to every class offered, on introduction to Windows 10. We leave from ports in Florida. Thanks for taking me back onboard!
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
6 years ago
Our next port of call is Lahaina on the island of Maui.
Arrival was at 8:00 and we were due to sail away at 6:00. Lahaina does not have
a pier for cruise ships, the ships tenders are used to shuttle passengers back
and forth. There were many people on our ship who used walkers and those folks
managed to get ashore without too much of a problem. However, those in battery
operated scooters just would not be able to make it. Rather than just turn
loose all those who want to go ashore, there are tickets given out shortly
after dropping anchor. The numbers on those tickets will determine when you go
ashore. They also are working with passengers who have paid the ship for an
official excursion (tour) and those get priority.

Once again we rented a car. I headed for the small town of
Makawao using as many side roads as possible. We went to Maui Hands, where we,
once again, spent money. We ventured into a couple of other stores that offered
art from local folks. Then, again, using side roads, we headed to the famed Hana
Highway. We did not go to Hana, but aimed back toward the small town of Paia,
where we went to the Maui Crafts Guild store. More local art. Lunch was at Thai
Spice there in town. However, if you ever get to Paia, you must consider the
Paia Fish Market restaurant! Communal dining with fresh, fresh fish!

We took our time driving back to Lahaina to return the car.
Free shuttle back to the ship was convenient. If you are ever on Maui, consider
going to their aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center. A great place with two
restaurants. Also on Maui is the shield volcano, Haleakala, a long drive away,
but wonderful views and some good hiking to the top. That is a US National Park
and some folks like to get there for sunrise (reservations recommended for
that). There are some great stores in Lahaina, so if shopping is your thing,
spend your money there.

Back on the ship, Adagio performed in the Explorers Lounge
(always called Adagio with different violist/pianist). The Ocean Quarter had
the evening off, but Johnny held forth in the piano bar. The Lion King was
shown a couple of times in the theater. In the Mainstage, Hyperion Knight
(billed as a virtuoso pianist) had shows at 7:30 and 9:30. Since there was no
live music in the Ocean Bar, at 8:30 and fun time was with Majority Rules Game,
what a blast that one is.

There were promotions throughout the ship for Rudi’s Sel de
Mer dinner. Very French, with a menu of mostly fresh fish, inspired by Master
Chef Rudi Sodamin. This is in the Pinnacle Grill and there is a $49 charge for
this special event. Reservations required.
arcy_gw
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
We went to Alaska on Holland America. The advise I got from cruisers on other lines really didn't apply. The HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, the drink packages were unnecessary, on Holland America--for us. We were allowed to bring one celebratory bottle each and drinks at happy hour were 2/15$. We needed no more and the packages would have cost much much more than we would have taken advantage of. I really appreciated the gratuity charge. I really hate the whole tipping thing and this released all pressure and expectations from it. The dining differences were disappointing. Other ships (from what I am told) have alternative themed "restaurants" that do not include an up-charge from what was paid for the cruise. That would have been appreciated. Holland America we found to be an A+ class experience over all. I appreciate all your pics Jim. We went to Hawaii a few years ago and it's great to be reminded!!