Silver Sweethearts

Do remember that the tours are only offered November through April.

Good advice. Maui - as with all of Hawaii actually - is expensive and tours costly. If you don't have some activities in mind already, don't feel that exploring every island in depth is a must. We have often enjoyed the relative peace and quiet of the ship while the other guests were ashore.

We are fortunate enough to sail with high end lines when we travel, and many times it is the staff who solicits us about what we would like from on or off the menu and not us soliciting them. We are truly interested in their suggestions, and being on smaller ships allows us not to be rushed and to listen to what the staff has to say. Then, too, we have to be honest enough to certainly realize being in a named suite helps.

If you are on a luxury line, this is one of those things that you have your butler handle.

Perhaps we are missing something here, as it sounds like you had no intention of having dinner with them but felt is was OK to lead them on.

Don't you think "Dinner is mandatory" sounds a bit demanding and doesn't exactly set the tone for a relaxing meal?

To be honest, nothing decent in that area that we would recommend. You would be best to look at areas such as Wailea and Kihei on Maui's south side. Rent a car and make your own personal itinerary!

First of all, what are your interests - and will you be renting a car? Do know that Kahului is a commercial/industrial area that is not set up for tourists, nor does it solicit them. It would be best to have your activities set up before you get there.

You might also try Home Maid Bakery on Lower Main Street in Wailuku on Maui. Off the beaten path and a real local place, but close to the POA. No advertising out front. You can google it. Their malasadas are very popular. They were said to be closing, but they are not - at least for now.

"Pride of America" (your ship).

While you are at it, check out the short (about 2 minute) video entitled "Walking Back to Pride of America - Maui Port.

Do try your source once again, as we show them open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Worth checking.

When the Explorer was new we were invited to dine in The Study twice. The tables at that time were for four, but we had no trouble requesting a two-top. Yes, we were in a suite, but it wasn't the Regent Suite. Since there was only one other table occupied, we figured perhaps we were chosen as very fortunate guinea pigs for this new Regent endeavor. In any event, the room and staff do provide a quiet and pleasant venue for dinner. (Boy, do you get stared at though when you walk through the supposed hidden doors in Prime & and Chartreuse to reach The Study).

Quite right. Don't know what we were (or weren't) thinking.

- And the nice beaches and shops to visit are not located where you will dock in Maui (Kahului). It is a commercial/industrial area that really has nothing to offer visitors. Your best bet is to rent a car and make your own tour