Teechur

You didn't mention a Roomba. I bring that as well.

Paia Fish Market is also our favorite place for casual dining. Unfortunately, the Lahaina location burned in the fire so now we have to drive all the way to Paia for that treat. We also lost Kimo's which was my favorite fine dining location. Fortunately, we still have Duke's, which is a sister restaurant and #1-rated Mama's Fish House, but it is stupid-expensive. 😬 We usually only go there once a year.

Especially scooped ice cream. 👍

We were across from a laundry room on the Island Princess. No noise at all. The annoying noise was from the crew doors nearby. There was banging and talking late at night. I would take a laundry room over a crew door any day.

Now, there's a picture. 😵‍💫

I visited Leningrad, Moscow and Uzbekistan in 1984 and returned to L & M in 1986 (Sputnik Tours). Sold lots of cheap electronics to local hustlers and lived large on the proceeds. Great times and made some good friends. An amazingly strange and primitive place compared to the U.S. Visited St. Petersburg (again) in 2017 on the Regal Princess. Much improvement but still strange.

They have both types at the desk.

No one is likely to disagree with you here. I called and got a rep. in the Philippines and after about 5 minutes of him asking me questions, instead of the other way around, it seemed like he was creating a biography of me. He went over my entire itinerary, my various shore excursions, past cruises, and more. When he started to go over my future bookings I told him to stop. I only wanted the phone number for EZ Air. He wanted to sell me stuff.

On the Island last September with no IC, I asked for almond croissants in the main dining room for breakfast. They told me that it would take some time, and then the chef made some fresh for me. They were amazing and actually hot, right out of the oven. 🥰

We will do the same. I noticed that the hotels in Yokohama appear to be nicer, newer, larger rooms, and cheaper. For example: Hyatt Regency Yokohama | A Luxury Hotel in Yokohama, a port town We will probably hire a vehicle with driver and guide for an all-day loop around Tokyo. For example: 2024 Tokyo Private Driving Tour by Car or Van with Chauffeur (tripadvisor.com) Two of us have been to most of these places in the past, but Taiwan and Vietnam will be new for all four of us. ⚓

We wanted the same cruise as you. I keep checking but am not on the waitlist. The Discovery is mostly full for the first leg from Alaska to Tokyo, as well as Tokyo to Singapore. (A suite is now $34k per person.😬) I don't believe Princess will offer any more cabins for less than the entire 29-day cruise. We booked a 12-day Southeast Asia cruise on the Diamond Princess instead. It begins in Tokyo November 25, 2025, and ends in Singapore on Dec. 7th, 2025. Fewer ports/more sea days but visits the same countries. Check it out. Cruise # M535. Good luck!

Many of their cabin photos still picture barrel chairs. How long have they been gone, fleetwide?

That is disappointing, and no mention of it at their website. Not sure if we will go there after all... 😢

When life gives you lemons, add vodka!🍹 There is a lot to see and do in Kona. Two fun places to visit are the Kona Brewing Co. brewpub in Kona and the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook. It is the oldest restaurant in all of Hawaii. Last time I was there, we did the Keauhou Manta Ray snorkel trip. It was awesome. If your ship stays late or overnight, this is highly recommended. Some suggestions: THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kailua-Kona - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor I agree with your post, but it's going to be a long time before anyone can stop in Lahaina again.

On the Big Island, you can find this type of chips at "Kona Chips" in the village of Captain Cook, just outside of Kona. Crunchy and greasy. We always stock up when they are open. Home | Kona Chips KONA CHIPS, Captain Cook - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor Also, not to be missed, is the historic Manago Hotel nearby. It's an old Japanese boarding house/restaurant. Their dining room serves meals that are cheap, delicious, and famous. (Walk-ins welcome.) Pork chops are their biggest seller, and food is served "family style". They are closed Sun, Mon, & Tuesday. I just extended my upcoming trip to Kona by a day so we can go there. Comfort food in a cool environment. Restaurant – Manago Hotel MANAGO HOTEL & RESTAURANT, Captain Cook - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor If your cruise ship stops in Kona, this would be a fun adventure by Uber or rental car. I think you can also get there on the island's free bus system, although it might be slow. Bon Appetit!