Vacations to Go Agent Lucinca 1-800-338-4962 -ext 7185 Special Deal #32155
Princess # 7JCNHX Air reservation with Delta Airlines non-stop to/from San Francisco GEV5S3 (s as in sam) Delta phone #1-800-221-1212 Boarding registration Room A252 Deck Aloha (upgrade)
Swimming Pool
Day 1 San Francisco, California Friday, October 4 Depart 4:00 PM
Our shuttle van transported us to the pier with plenty of time to register. Sister Margaret (above) and I headed to the Horizon Court for lunch to wait for our liggage to be taken to our room.
Our dinner that evening was in the di Vinci dinning room (assigned seating). We started off with
fresh fruit and a sprig of mint.
Fred ordered Hawaiian luan Pork and apricot served with veggies.
After dinner we relaxed at the atrium, taking in music by a quartet that featured an excellent violinist.
Showtime carried the welcome theme, but photography was not permitted.
Day 2 At Sea Saturday, October 5
Breakfast: omelette and bacon
The first of many excellent daily hour-long orientation presentations was brought to us by the capable naturalist Gary Shahan. This former high school teacher instructed us in The Princess Theatre on the topic: Destination Lecture: Nawiliwili Port Talk "Kauai -- the Garden Isle."
Fantasy Island, Jurassic Park, Mighty Joe Young and Alvis movies
were filmed in the natural beauty of the Island.
For lunch afterwards we had a healthy snack at the Horizon Court
After lunch we watched an introduction to Hula Auana
taught by Lokwkina in the Vista Lounge
The Atrium featured an international hair show with all the latest styles and fashions.
At 730 pm a Martini Demonstration was given in the Piazza (Atrium),
but first we had to have our coffee to prepare ourselves.
On the way back to our room we passed through the art gallery
with displays of art to be auctioned off later in the cruise.
Showtime at 7 pm: musical comedy of John Bressler.
Then at 7:45 the cruise director introduced the Vocal Impressionist Michael Wilson
He did impressions of Barney Fife, John Travola and Jack Nicholason....
Breakfast at the Di Vinci: Omelette and ham steak
Naturalist Gary Shahan presented Oahu -- the Gathering Place at 10 am
Movie Hawaii set the tone.
Movie Hawaii set the tone.
Queen Liliokalani, last of the royal rulers
At 11 am the lecturer turned to December 7, 1941 and Pearl Harbor
Battleship Row
USS Arizona
We headed for the Di Vinci Dinning Room, Fred took photos
of reproductions of Di Vinci that lined the walls.
More fish.
Dinner that night in the Di Vinci included duck breast and cranberry sauce.
And fish steak
Our cruise director introduced the Comedy of Kevin Highes.
Fred ordered the drink of the day special -- with lime
We stopped at the Crooner's Bar for piano entertainer and singer Funch.
Day 4 At Sea Monday, October 7
Healthy breakfast
Steak and eggs
Gary Shahan presented Destination Lecture: Lahaina "Maui -- the Magic Isle"
at 10 am in the Princess Theatre.
At 11 am he gave Enrichment Lecture: Volcanoes -- Nature's Fireworks Show.
As we did so often, we stopped at the International Cafe
for our coffee, capichino, red eye or latte.
Dinner started with chilled shrimp in sauce
and ended with rich desserts
Show Time Entertainment: David Klinkenberg and John Bressler.
Then back to the International Cafe for a coffee break.
Our last Show Time was held in the Vista Lounge:
Vocal Impressionist Michael Wilson
Introduction by cruise director
This was followed with Mo Town music.
No photography.
We slept in this morning, but made it for lunch
at the Piazza Bar that served vegetarian pizza.
We were impressed with the Italian paintings that graced the walls.
Dessert was saved for the International Cafe in the Atrium.
Where we listened to music of a quartet.
And Hawaiian singers
Dinner at the Di Vinci started off healthy.
Cruise Director introduced Comedy of Kevin Hughes
Day 6 Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii Wednesday, October 9 8:00 AM---5:00 PM
Early hearty breakfast at the Horizon Court
We were approaching the first of our Islands visits -- Kauai.
Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii
The fourth largest island in the Hawaiian group, Kaua'i is known as the "Garden Island." The terrain ranges from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Waialeale and the desert-like beauty of Waimea Canyon to the Wailua River's lush Fern Grotto. Ironically this once isolated island was the site of the first meeting between Europeans and Hawaiians. On January 19, 1778, Captain James Cook anchored his ships off the mouth of the Waimea River, becoming the first in a long line of enthusiastic visitors.
Kaua'i was never conquered by the great warrior King Kamehameha.
On Kauai’s South Shore we found the spectacular Spouting Horn blowhole, one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. The Poipu surf channels into a natural lava tube here and releases a huge spout of water during large swells. We could hear a hiss and a roar -- the basis of a Hawaiian legend. Ancient Hawaiians believed this coastline was once guarded by a giant moo (lizard) named Kaikapu. Everyone was afraid of the moo because it would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim in the area. One day, a young boy named Liko entered the ocean to outwit the lizard. Kaikapu attacked him, but Liko thrust a sharp stick into her mouth, swam under the lava shelf, and escaped through a small hole to the surface. The moo followed Liko and got stuck in the lava tube. To this day, one can hear the lizard’s roar and see her breath spraying from the blowhole.
Located on the south shore west of Koloa, Hanapepe Town once flourished as one of Kauai's largest communities. From World War I to the early 1950s, West Side Hanapepe was also one of Kauai's busiest towns, alive with G.I.’s and sailors training in the Pacific Theater. Today, “Kauai’s biggest little town” hasn’t changed much over the last century at first look. Its historic buildings are so authentic that the town has become a location for films like “The Thorn-birds,” “Flight of the Intruder,” and were even the model for the Disney film “Lilo and Stitch.” But now those plantation style buildings are home to charming shops, local eateries and more art galleries than any other spot on Kauai.
Kuki light house, stationed at the harbor entrance.
A pilot boated guided the Grand Princess.
The scenery to our left announced the exotic scenery ahead.
Margaret took this tour with Fred in a specialbus with a scooter lift.
We docked at Nawiliwili.
The bus took us westward and then northward to the Canyon.
Stretches of road took us through tunnels of trees.
We entered historic Old Koloa Town
with Old Koloa Church
On Kauai’s South Shore we found the spectacular Spouting Horn blowhole, one of the most photographed spots on Kauai. The Poipu surf channels into a natural lava tube here and releases a huge spout of water during large swells. We could hear a hiss and a roar -- the basis of a Hawaiian legend. Ancient Hawaiians believed this coastline was once guarded by a giant moo (lizard) named Kaikapu. Everyone was afraid of the moo because it would eat anyone who tried to fish or swim in the area. One day, a young boy named Liko entered the ocean to outwit the lizard. Kaikapu attacked him, but Liko thrust a sharp stick into her mouth, swam under the lava shelf, and escaped through a small hole to the surface. The moo followed Liko and got stuck in the lava tube. To this day, one can hear the lizard’s roar and see her breath spraying from the blowhole.
Chickens (protected by law) all over the place
Scenic roadside stop
The Hawaiian bus driver continued onward
Hanapepe Town, (The Old Sugar Mill of Koloa was the first major sugar plantation in Hawaii in 1835.[5] Missionary Daniel Dole and his family opened a boarding school for English language speaking children sometimes called the Koloa Academy in 1855.)
Finally we reached Waimea Canyon,
hailed by Mark Twain as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Some adventurous souls ventured to the very edge.
Enjoyable ride back along a winding road and a seashore drive.
Old Russian Fort
Land of Mighty Joe Young and King Kong
Entertainment back on the ship was provided by the famous David Klinkenberg.
He invited anyone from the audience who had memorized a recital piece to perform
with him. He picked up on their music and played a duet.
Island of Oahu; Honolulu is on the south shore
]
The tour we originally were scheduled for was of Pearl Harbor on a scooter accessible bus, but it was cancelled by a do-nothing Congress. Only regular tours were available so Fred signed up for the Hop On Hop Off bus of Honolulu.
My journey required taking the red line to the terminal to transfer to the green line.
I took the first morning double decker bus by the pier
located by the Aloha Tower landmark.
Historic ship at the harbor
Hilton Hawaiian Village
Waikiki Beach
Diamond Head Bluff Lookout
I had to use the zoom to turn little dots into surfers
We headed to the entrance of the Diamond Head crater.
Exterior of Diamond Head
Tunnel leading into Diamond Head
Cactus by the entrance
Inside the Crater
Defense stations on top of Diamond Head
Flowers at Queen Kapiolani Garden
International Market Place
I switched from the green line back to the red line.
Waikiki Beach again
Homeless in the city on a street corner
State Capital (built to represent a volcano)
Back on the ship for an Austrian style sirloin steak
Local hula girls performed aboard ship in the Princess Theatre
Day 8 Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii Friday, October 11 7:00 AM---6:00 PM
Early breakfast
Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii
Maui has always occupied a special place in the hearts of Hawaiians. The great warrior King Kamehameha, who united the islands under his rule, chose to make Lahaina his capital and Ka'anapali was once the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty. And no wonder - Maui boasts stunning landscapes and superb beaches. Mt. Haleakala, a dormant volcano, rises 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Once hailed as "The Valley of the Kings," Maui's Iao Valley is a tropical paradise dominated by the Needle, a volcanic monolith towering over the valley floor. Then there is Lahaina, once home to a royal court and a raucous port-of-call enjoyed by 19th-century Yankee whalers.
Haleakala means "The House of the Sun." To the Hawaiians, it appeared that the sun both rose from and set in the depths of its massive crater. Today, the centerpiece of Haleakala National Park, it is one of Maui's major attractions.
Lahaina is an anchorage port.
Transportation from ship to shore is via the ship's tender service.
Historic Pioneer Inn
Cannons to defend the port
The Fort
My tour would take me along the coast southward to the Ocean Aquarium.
Frogfish
Area that allows one to handle sea life
Jellyfish
Upside-down Jellyfish
The Underwater Tunnel
Drive back to the port
Missionary Baldwin House
Another Missionary House
Court House with old fort in foreground
Remains of the old fort
The Court House
Healthy lunch back on the ship
Show Time entertainment
Day 9 Hilo, Hawaii Saturday, October 12 8:00 AM---5:00 PM
Hilo, Hawaii
Welcome to the Big Island of Hawaii - a paradise of black-sand beaches, tropical rainforest and volcanic mountains. Because of the government shutdown over the budget, the Volcano National Park here was closed and our tour of the volcano was cancelled. Mauna Loa, the largest mountain on the planet, soars above the bleak lava fields of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the heart of the Big Island's lush rainforest lies the remote and stunning Wai'po Valley (Valley of the Kings). Hawaii's history matches its incomparable landscape - it is a saga of mighty Polynesian kings, sugar barons, war and treachery.
The landscape of the Big Island ranges from black-sand beaches to tropical rain forest to the alpine terrain of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific basin. Fred chose to visit the waterfalls.
Weather in Hilo is usually rainy,
but we had only early clouds that turned to a sunny sky.
Our tour van passed through Queen Liliokalani Gardens.
Rainbow Falls
Mission Church
Scenic Route
Heading to Pepeekeo and the Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls
Vegetation along trail to/from Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls
Bottled water awaited me at the end of the walk
Small town of Pepeekeo
Comedy of Tim Walkoe
Day 10 At Sea Sunday, October 13
Church Service
Lunch at Horizon Court
Melon Carvings
Ship Orchestra at the Atrium: New Orleans Music
Coffee waitress from Ukraine at the Atrium
Hawaiian Music by Lokelina and Kimo
Vista Longe and Mentalist Guy Bavil
Showtime (no photography)
Day 11 At Sea Monday, October 14
Origami class and instructor
Naturalist Lecture: Sting rays (below) sharks and whales
Gary Shahan
Lunch table mates: the Potts
Atrium: Horse races
Competitive pool volleyball
Desserts for German night (Black Forest Cake)
Show Time with Lovena B. Fox
Acrobat Comedy: Uber Rossi
Comedy: Tim Walkoe
Day 12 At Sea Tuesday, October 15
Naturalist Lecture by Gary Shahan
Lunch in the Horizon Court (brocoli fritters in foreground)
Acrobat Comedy: Uber Rossi
Mentalist Guy Bacil
The Marriage Game
Day 13 At Sea Wednesday, October 16
Naturalist Lecture by Gary Shahan
Forensic Lecture: What happened to the son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette:
Buried in prison or in exile in the Netherlands
Another health lunch
Showtime: "British Invasion"
Two on Tao in the Visa Lounge
Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano
Steel Pan Sounds with Opus in the Atrium
Our coffee headquarters (International Cafe) in the Atrium
Art in the Art Galley
Day 14 Ensenada, Mexico Thursday, October 17 4:00 PM---8:00 PM
Princess official explained technology of the ship
Naturalist Gary Shahan presenter
Ship Cruise Director
Explanation of entertainment set-up and tour backstage
Mealtime
Afternoon docking at Esenada, Mexico
Pier reception and our tour guide
City of Eenenada
Reception at the Cultural Center
Included Margarita
Evening dinner (pork and fish)
On the Movies Under the Stars screen: NLF football
Captain's Farewell Party
Talents of the Princess Crew
Day 15 Thursday, October 17 4:00 PM---8:00 PM
Naturalist Gary Shahan presentation in the Princess Theatre
In the Atrium: Pianist Sviatoslav Parfionov performed Margaret's requests
Forensics and History By Hal Tinberg
Jesse James
Copernicus was buried with many others in a cathedral. Remains were unearthed to find the skull of an elderly man with a scar. From that skull this composite below was drawn. For proof they looked for hairs in his book for DNA. Now identified with certainty he was re-buried in special site of honor.
First Vietnam vet casualty was identified from material located by locals.
Margaret and her new friend aboard ship
Talent Show (from among the passengers)
Evening meal: Alpha and omega
Last Show Time Ms Fox
Day 16 San Francisco, California Saturday, October 19 7:00 AM
Shuttle to airport. Delta flight to MSP. Margaret Delta flight to St. Louis after connection.
