Well we have finally arrived to our last full sea day on the way to the Hawaiian Islands. The weather has not improved at all, we would even say it got worse with deeper swells and very overcast skies with rain on the horizon. It was probably not the best conditions for the 5K On Deck for a Cause walk, although it is not required to take the walk even if you donate. The cause for this cruise was for Maui, specifically for Lahaina and the devasting fire that destroyed the area. Our fondest memory of visiting Lahaina had to be in 2001 when the ship was at anchor in the harbor and was surrounded with humpback whales and their newborn babies. The ship was the Star Princess and the cruise was her inaugural voyage. It is sad to realize that we will never be able to see that sight again….at least not in that part of Maui.
We caught up with Kimberly's talk on Kona, which gave us hints of what to do and see while in Kona. It is a small town, so we will take our usual hike from one end to the other. We see that the produce and souvenir market will be closed. It is not a huge market, but there are a lot of trinkets sold there at much better prices than in the shops. Not that we need any more bowls or carvings, but they are fun to look at.
If we are lucky, we may find a good place for pizza, which we have not enjoyed since leaving home back in December. Since tomorrow we have to clear immigrations, we will not get to shore until well after 10am. We still find it odd that we are not stopping in Hilo first. Our best guess on that one is that other ships may be in port that day, or the shore excursions are more numerous in Hilo on Wednesdays.
Today's theme in the Lido lunch was "shawarma". Does anyone know what that means? Since we never dine in there, we did not remember to check it out.
After our 4:30pm walk, we wandered into the World Stage where a rehearsal was happening. We took in a few songs by Michelle Montuori who belted out some Frank Sinatra favorites. What a voice she has. DJ Bucciarelli was also sharing the stage with her, but we did not hear him at the rehearsal.
Something odd happened before our dinner time. Around 7:45pm, we had just sat down when Kimberly came into the upper dining room and addressed us all. Then she announced the entire culinary team and their workers were on the way with a parade like we may have at the very end of the long voyage. Within seconds the parade began with everyone clapping as the group passed by, followed by all of the wait staff and head waiters. We felt like the cruise was over, but we were told it was for the end of the first segment. Really? It's only been 5 weeks since the trip began. So how many people are actually leaving in Honolulu? Originally we had been told the number of guests leaving was 250. About half that amount would be boarding. Now we asked and the number was over 100 leaving. We shall clarify that number tomorrow with someone who knows for sure. That would be Henk. Even though the parade happened tonight, it was explained that with two days in port, not everyone would be present to watch it.
Anyway, dinner was almost formal cuisine with escargots as appetizers, and surf and turf…..what they should have offered on formal night. Most people around us did order the sliced tenderloin and lobster, but we went for the Hawaiian chicken with grilled pineapple. It had a spicy gravy, but it was good. Then we shared a small slice of Nutella cheesecake just because it was different. Tasted like regular chocolate to us.
It will be great to be on firm land tomorrow after we get off of the tender boat that is.
Bill & Mary Ann
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