Homer88

Our in laws had an 11:15 flight. We drove their luggage home, so they walked off with carry-ons only. We lined up at 0645 and we’re in Rock n Roll. (Took turns sitting in chairs while someone stood our place in line). And my husband had their carry on luggage, as you cannot go thru customs with anything but a purse. Took a taxi - waiting and ready vs waiting for a van to fill. Definitely do not take the HAL transfer- can’t wait that long. relaxing for an extra day in San Diego is the best idea!

I love reliving the adventure thru your pics. Thanks so much!!

@SonuvaBeach Wow- Thank you for sharing!!!

@BermudaBound2014Thanks! And have a marvelous time in Maui! Say Hi to Jules from us.

@BermudaBound2014when you are answering questions, no rush- we are on the April 2025, RT Vancouver- Hawaii trip. Loved the whale watch in Maui last month, but I think April will be too late for another. Where would you recommend for a day of snorkeling on Maui? Thanks for all you did for this cruise! Loved all the pictures and organization!

@canadianbear we made it to daughter’s in Vancouver. Rained from northern CA to now, but looking forward to a pretty weekend and seeing the cherry blossoms. This is such a beautiful area! Glad you made it home safe too. Our other daughter flies in on Friday, and we’ll head to Colorado on Monday. Our fun is continuing!

We had a RT Mexico cruise in November 23, sharing the day and terminal with a Disney ship. Our embarkation alone in Feb on this trip was a breeze compared to Nov- where we stood in line, outside in the sun, for an hour at 2 pm. Debarkation was the same- customs on board in Main stage, because once you’re off the ship from where we dock, they can’t funnel people thru customs in the terminal. In Nov, customs didn’t start till 0730. I was disappointed yesterday was 0805- but it does move quickly once started. Customs told us they had a problem with internet- that’s why he looked at my passport picture, looked at me, and said, good to go. if possible, I will not use San Diego again- they really need a new port terminal!

Someone posted on Facebook. If you leave something for the crew or whomever can use it- you must label it Crew or by name, otherwise they save it at lost and found, thinking maybe you want it back.

@crystalspin for games- definitely worth reserving Hudson 1 now. We had 12 people first couple days, then down to dedicated 6 Hand & Foot players for 2/3 of the trip. An increase of 4-6 on some days in last leg- but nice to have the option. The coffee, tea and water were nice, but not utilized fully and stopped when the Noro virus became significant around Hawaii time. They offered it back for last 6 days, but I declined. I had 70+ names, but I think Covid/Noro virus/ and other activities kept people concerned and occupied. I don’t think anyone caught anything in the Hudson room. I like to play bridge and ended-Up playing/attending the classes 10-1130 and 2-4 after the first 5 days. Thanks to Kathy for bringing the games (H&F, Sequence & Rummikub) that I brought to share. Lani handled the crafters, and doesn’t have internet- I’ll ask her to comment after she gets home. I think we only need Hudson 1. Easy to request, no charge. We offered to give up Hudson 2, HAL didn’t need it, I guess.

Also, the 30 minute time change is to match the actual time on Nuka Hiva- their choice. Just as for Newfoundland. I never knew before this cruise. interesting.

I was told they can’t record presenters for copyright reasons. Port talks- not an issue, I think. Agree those would be nice on video. I’m disappointed that on a 35 day cruise the Step One dancers had 3 shows- and I saw 2 of the 3, 2 years ago in first postCovid cruise. But I love sea days, and good food, and still love the cruise.

An early request, for sure, but wondering if anyone would like to share a taxi back to Best Western Yacht Harbor in San Diego- if you can walk off as soon as possible? I plan to take my carry on suitcase, grab a taxi and then come back with the car to pick up DH and all the luggage (taking luggage home for our travel mates, MIL and SIL, so they have easy airline commute). Thanks!

@danoggTahiti by Boat is not HAL- search internet. We did a sunset cruise with them first night in Tahiti. Small boat, just the 4 of us (room for others). Water, wine, beer, juice with small quiches. Luckily an awesome sunset. The next morning, my DH and SIL were on the first morning snorkel, which some folks missed. Their boat is not marked. I had to call to find them for the sunset cruise- they came right to the pier by the ship. DH told me they went back to the dock a couple times and asked numerous strangers looking for the folks who missed the snorkel the next morning. Responsive by email, but I would call when you are on the dock. Don’t wait out by the tour buses- but on the dock. We enjoyed their tours.

First day in Moorea- we have 4 reservations for a 4 hour tour of the island from Torea Nui transports in an AC van, starting at noon for $85, (so you don’t need to worry about timing the tender so much). Only need 2. Would anyone like to join us? Room 4116 or Mary Bean on chat https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g13322514-d19512865-Reviews-TOREA_NUI_TRANSPORTS_ACTIVITES_MOOREA-Paopao_Moorea_Society_Islands.html

We have decided that the 6 hour snorkel, lunch on a motu, will be too much for MIL, so have 2 seats now for Sunday, March 10 in Moorea. Looks like a wonderful boat with padded seats, shade, water slide. From 9-3 (meeting at 0830). E-mail direct to akivailagoonadventures@gmail.com. Internet pics at akivailagoonadventures.com Passenger list is from our boat right now. Our cost last April 2023 when we booked was 130euro per person. Not sure what her coast is now.

Game room update- Thanks to Oregonian17, Lani, for help organizing the room, and Thanks to EmsMom, Kathy & John, for taking my bag of games back & forth for possible players. I have Rummikub, Sequence, and a new format Hand & Foot available. I’m playing duplicate bridge with my husband most afternoons. The room is cool and has more tables available. Refreshments not there now till GI stuff settles down. Enjoy! If you’d like. Thanks, Mary Pat (homer88)

For future planning- we strongly recommend Beachin’ Rides Maui for your visit to Maui. They were our private transport to the PAC Whale excursion, and it was a very safe, comfortable, professional transport. While riding with Jim and Jules, we learned Jim also does tours around the island. We are planning to see them again on the April 2025 Hawaii cruise RT Vancouver.

@NCTribeFannothing in the Hudson 1 room, except what we bring. There are Dominoes in the Crows Nest- first come first serve.

Aloha! I posted on our regular site too. HAL told me they could not support for coffee, etc in the game room till all our symptoms settle down. We had the GI stuff and missed Kauai completely. Mine for just 18 hours, but Arthur for 48 and Jewel for 72 + recovery time now for her- so our excursions in Honolulu were short. We have a connecting door, and all we really here is their coughing- they’ve been suffering for 5 days now. Anyway, probably best not to be sharing cards and games right now with different groups. I do have brand new Rummikub and Sequence games that have not been played, and 5 Crowns game not played on this cruise yet, if anyone wants to borrow same. Just call me at 0-4116, and we can agree to meet. Maybe back in business after a few days, or hopefully by the return stretch to San Diego. I’ve but a couple books down in the library for exchange. Mahalo! And stay well! (Love that Meclizine!)

Went to the cooking demo today. They served 2,000+ lobster last night between MDR and Lido. And said lobster is on the regular menu twice more on this cruise! Demo was fun too. unfortunately, we missed the 8pm show last night. We were there at 7:35- packed already. Have to go about 45 minutes early for popular shows.

Thanks to Rhonda and Keith for running the slot pull! I haven’t done that before- it was fun! I also have Rummikub.

Thanks to Rhonda and Keith for running the slot pull! I haven’t done that before- it was fun!

Game room update: I will be at the 1pm Hawaii presentation today, so not to the game room until about 2. I have cribbage, Sequence, Hand & foot, pinochle and 4 packs of regular cards. I asked at Guest services today for more decks of cards- they were out of HAL cards. Suggested I buy some in Hilo, hmmm… We had 16 people on the 18th, 5 yesterday on 19th. There’s a lot going on in the afternoons, and I don’t plan to be there everyday- we like to play Duplicate bridge too. if you’d like one of the games, you can coordinate ahead- I’m in 4116. Or bring your own. Nice room with coffee, tea, water, apples and cookies. thanks! Mary Pat

First day in the game room had euchre, train dominoes- thank you Rhonda & Keith for teaching some newbies, Hand & foot, also with newbies, Cribbage and Pinochle. Crafters next to us had mountains of yarn, thanks to Elizabeth. Thanks to Lani for following up with catering and housekeeping. Nice afternoon. Very easy to reserve the room- for future cruisers- free and very accommodating. come join us!

I asked when I was on the K-dam in November- waitress said it was for Covid precautions- and not in use anymore. Don't know why they didn't remove it during dry dock in March 2023.