LIVE from the Star Princess; RT SFO to Hawaii - Oct. 6th to 21st

[CanadacruiseRN]

Hi Pia,

 

I am just dropping in to say "Hello" from all of us travelling along with you (in spirit) to Hawaii, and actually on the Coral through the Canal.

 

It sounds like you are enjoying the islands, and I really enjoy your information about each location. There is no place like Hawaii, it is so lush and beautiful, but also rugged and very unique. We are looking forward to returning for a longer visit someday.

 

We have a good group set to get together a couple of times on the Coral. A little meet up at sail away, as there are some of us who have not sailed from San Pedro, and another one the next day in the Wheelhouse at 10am.

 

Looking forward to meet you! Have fun in Sin City!

 

Laurel

[nicster]

Pia~

 

I have been following along, and really appreciate your insights on the cruise and its ports. We will be embarking as you disembark. I do have a question, if you don't mind. In reading the members cruise reviews from the Mexico run there was Norovirus mentioned. Have you noticed anything that would indicate a concern in this regard? :eek: Thanks

 

Happy cruising

[Pia1913]

Lahaina, which means merciless sun, was once the whaling capital of the world, with the first whaling vessel arriving here in 1819. During the winter months you are able to see humpback whales migrating to the waters of Maui. Lahaina is on the western part of Maui, which is the 2nd largest of the Hawaiian islands. Maui was formed millions of years ago by the separation of two volcanic masses. One volcano is now extinct; the other now dormant. Haleakala, which last erupted in 1790, is the largest dormant volcano in the world. Now then, with this short preface…………..

　

WELCOME to Maui. It’s a beautiful Sunday morning and the weather remains perfect. After our two hour very good dinner at the Crown Grill, we did not feel like seeing a show. We did manage to hear the opening song by singer Mark Preston and immediately knew we were making the right decision. This is a tender port and we’re meeting someone from CC at 11:00. Therefore, we have lots of time for breakfast and to leisurely get off after the crowds disappear. Not exactly sure I want food now anyway, since something I ate yesterday seems to have disagreed with me. The only thing I can think of that we both didn’t eat would be marinated veggies and shrimp at the IC.

　

On board today is lots of football on MUTS. Right now you can see the game between Cowboys and the Ravens. Afterwards there will be the Giants vs. the 49ers, and following that the Packers vs. the Texans. The movie The Amazing Spider-man will be shown in the theater at 2:30 and at 4:30 we can learn how to make leis in the Vista Lounge.

　

　

Tonight MUTS will show The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, while the movie Prometheus will be shown in Vista. In the theater we can see Kevin Hughes, a comedian. We’ve seen Kevin previously, and will most likely go to his show again. It’s also Country and Western night in Explorer’s, so Yee Haw……….we won’t be there.

　

Gym was absolutely empty. All 12 treadmills just for us. HC is busy, but not crowded; easy getting a table. However, AC in here seems too low, but perhaps it’s just me and the fact that we just finished a workout.

Nicster: no sign of noro or anything bad on here. When salt and pepper shakers disappear, that's the first sign. All is well.

Feeding time. :D

[TracieABD]

Hey Pia,

Enjoy your day on Maui!

 

TL

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Have a great Day!!

 

[Kentchikan]

Pia~

 

I have been following along, and really appreciate your insights on the cruise and its ports. We will be embarking as you disembark. I do have a question, if you don't mind. In reading the members cruise reviews from the Mexico run there was Norovirus mentioned. Have you noticed anything that would indicate a concern in this regard? :eek: Thanks

 

Happy cruising

 

Hi Nicci,

We once boarded a ship that came into port with Noro on it. They thoroughly cleaned the ship before we boarded. For the first day or two staff served passengers at the buffets. They were wearing gloves. I thought Princess was outstanding in responding to any issues. When someone was ill in the restroom they closed it and sanitized it. If someone was ill in their cabin they sanitized that as well. We didn't get sick or even think about it much after the first day but were extra alert to disinfect our hands before eating, wash them after, spray Lysol on everyone else in the bar, theater, casino, etc. ;)

However I did get it on a different line and I'm here to tell you it was a most unpleasant experience.

[wineforhealth]

Pia

 

I'm sure you will tell us about your day, a visit to Hilo Hattie's maybe, a ride down the volcano, visit up to Kapalua.

 

Hope you had a great day

[CruzinNoony]

Hi Pia,

 

I'm continuing to enjoy your updates and look forward to them. Thanks so much for taking the time to do them. Hi to Mike!! Looking forward to seeing you in a week or so. :)

[C1nnabar]

Pia,

 

I'll be taking this cruise in November, and I've never been to Hawaii before, so I'm most grateful for your reports. Keep on having a wonderful time!

[Pia1913]

WOW, is it hot! Hottest day thus far. The sun is very strong and even though we were really not exposed that long, I have a distinct watch mark on my wrist. We tendered over at about 9:30; tender boarding was a bit difficult. Not for me, but definitely for others. We walked around town a bit and then met Helena at 10:40. For those who don’t know, Helena is Frank’s wife (Astro Flyer) and they have a getaway house here on Maui. Our own personal meet and greet, albeit piecemeal. On the 25th we look forward to meeting Frank in LA. Hey Cugino, you have a really nice wife.

　

Anyhow, we drove out to Ka’anapali Beach which to a shopping center; Whalers Village. Lots of upscale stores as well as reasonable ones too. We had a yummy lunch at a restaurant right on the beach; Hula Grill. Sitting under palapas in the shade, drinking Diet Coke (come on, it’s midday;)) and feeling the ocean breeze. We also enjoyed live entertainment which I understand they have every day from 11AM to 1:00 PM. Our table was set into the sand, so off came my sandals and I dined with toes in the sand. This seems to be a very popular place; quite busy. Don’t know if it’s because it’s Sunday, or just popular because of good food and ambience. In any event, we loved it.

　

Another challenge boarding the return tender which barely made it close to the dock. We literally had to stand on the platform step and jump on. And now we look forward to a week of sea days. Only one more stop and that’s Ensenada on Friday. We get in at 4:00 PM and stay for four hours. I doubt we will get off at all.

　

We start giving back those hours tonight. Clocks go ahead one, so this is now going to be a 23 hour day.

Hi David: thanks for being here.

Hi Jim: No Hilo Hattie today. :D Had to get back for wine time.

See y'all tomorrow.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Hi David: thanks for being here.

 

 

Hi Pia ..You are very welcome. Its always great tracking where in the world you are:D

 

Your experience with tendering could also relate to this tale .....

Not sure if you have had time to read the rest of board, but Sea Princess had some fun tendering this weekend . Anchored in Akaroa, tendered ashore but sudden storm hit. It was a weather bomb. Tendering was suspended and 700 pax and 50 crew spent the night ashore.They were picked up again next afternoon. Dunedin and Fiords cancelled and they are now heading direct to Sydney to finish their LA/Syd cruise.

 

 

[Astro Flyer]

WOW, is it hot! Hottest day thus far. The sun is very strong and even though we were really not exposed that long, I have a distinct watch mark on my wrist. We tendered over at about 9:30; tender boarding was a bit difficult. Not for me, but definitely for others. We walked around town a bit and then met Helena at 10:40. For those who don’t know, Helena is Frank’s wife (Astro Flyer) and they have a getaway house here on Maui. Our own personal meet and greet, albeit piecemeal. On the 25th we look forward to meeting Frank in LA. Hey Cugino, you have a really nice wife.

 

　

Anyhow, we drove out to Ka’anapali Beach which to a shopping center; Whalers Village. Lots of upscale stores as well as reasonable ones too. We had a yummy lunch at a restaurant right on the beach; Hula Grill. Sitting under palapas in the shade, drinking Diet Coke (come on, it’s midday;)) and feeling the ocean breeze. We also enjoyed live entertainment which I understand they have every day from 11AM to 1:00 PM. Our table was set into the sand, so off came my sandals and I dined with toes in the sand. This seems to be a very popular place; quite busy. Don’t know if it’s because it’s Sunday, or just popular because of good food and ambience. In any event, we loved it.

 

　

Another challenge boarding the return tender which barely made it close to the dock. We literally had to stand on the platform step and jump on. And now we look forward to a week of sea days. Only one more stop and that’s Ensenada on Friday. We get in at 4:00 PM and stay for four hours. I doubt we will get off at all.

 

Aloha cugina...glad that you had a good time & looking forward to meeting you & Mike on the 25th. Helena had a good time & glad that you were able to enjoy lunch with her. Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar is a fun place to have a casual relaxed lunch & has always been busy whenever we go there. Helena was happy to meet such a nice couple...mahalo! :D

 

As they say in our Island home...Aloha 'Oe...Farewell to thee...until we meet again! I'm a Hawaiian at heart & the image that I use on my CC posts is of a Maui sunset over the Golden Princess as we headed back to the Mainland. :)

[wineforhealth]

Pia & Mike

 

Glad you had a great time on Maui with Helena

 

Have spent many hours at the Hula Grill, great spot for people watch and frosty drinks (glad you made it back for wine time) :D

[Kentchikan]

Aloha cugina...glad that you had a good time & looking forward to meeting you & Mike on the 25th. Helena had a good time & glad that you were able to enjoy lunch with her. Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar is a fun place to have a casual relaxed lunch & has always been busy whenever we go there. Helena was happy to meet such a nice couple...mahalo! :D

 

As they say in our Island home...Aloha 'Oe...Farewell to thee...until we meet again! I'm a Hawaiian at heart & the image that I use on my CC posts is of a Maui sunset over the Golden Princess as we headed back to the Mainland. :)

 

Well they do say that Maui no ka oi. ;)

[nicster]

Hi Nicci,

We once boarded a ship that came into port with Noro on it. They thoroughly cleaned the ship before we boarded. For the first day or two staff served passengers at the buffets. They were wearing gloves. I thought Princess was outstanding in responding to any issues. When someone was ill in the restroom they closed it and sanitized it. If someone was ill in their cabin they sanitized that as well. We didn't get sick or even think about it much after the first day but were extra alert to disinfect our hands before eating, wash them after, spray Lysol on everyone else in the bar, theater, casino, etc. ;)

However I did get it on a different line and I'm here to tell you it was a most unpleasant experience.

 

Thanks Pia & Kentskie for addressing my concerns. When we got off of the Crown in January we were reading that Noro was a big problem, yet we were unawares :rolleyes: So glad things are going well for Pia &, If I'm not mistaken, we should get to meet Kentskie on the Star at the M&G...

 

Healthy Happy cruising to all~

[Oahucruiser]

Hula Grill is also in Waikiki on the second floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, overlooking the beach. Fabulous food, views, and service just like on Maui.

[Astro Flyer]

Well they do say that Maui no ka oi. ;)

And from what I've read that saying goes back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy when Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Islands for awhile.

Hula Grill is also in Waikiki on the second floor of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, overlooking the beach. Fabulous food, views, and service just like on Maui.

Any place in Hawaii is wonderful including all of the TS restaurants...Hula Grill, Kimo's, Leilani's, Duke's, Keoki's...but it's hard to beat this view from Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar restaurant in Ka'anapali while listening to live Hawaiian mele. :D

 

[jrobinso]

I have been to Maui in October many times and it can be horribly hot. I thought I was going to pass out in a bookstore in Lahaina...no AC, it was awful. Hopefully the trade winds pick up before we get there. Hula Gril.....excellent choice. Love the updates. Thank you for taking the time out of your vacation to let us enjoy Hawaii with you.

[TracieABD]

And from what I've read that saying goes back to the days of the Hawaiian monarchy when Lahaina was the capital of the Hawaiian Islands for awhile.

 

Any place in Hawaii is wonderful including all of the TS restaurants...Hula Grill, Kimo's, Leilani's, Duke's, Keoki's...but it's hard to beat this view from Hula Grill's Barefoot Bar restaurant in Ka'anapali while listening to live Hawaiian mele. :D

 

 

Perfectly lovely...

...wish I were there!:)

[Kentchikan]

Thanks Pia & Kentskie for addressing my concerns. When we got off of the Crown in January we were reading that Noro was a big problem, yet we were unawares :rolleyes: So glad things are going well for Pia &, If I'm not mistaken, we should get to meet Kentskie on the Star at the M&G...

 

Healthy Happy cruising to all~

 

You're correct we're booked on the same sailing on the Star

[cruiselvr1]

I have read that the two year expiration can be extended with a simple contact with Princess, before the end of the two years. I will be checking with an actual Princess future cruise rep before making any hasty decisions.

Thank you. We will.

[Pia1913]

Good Morning at sea; Monday October 15th. Yawn Yawn; could have used another hour of sleep. But if I had taken it, the gym just would have been more crowded. It’s a tradeoff. Temp is warm; skies are sunny, but ship is rocking. Saw comic Kevin Hughes last night; pretty funny. Some stuff a bit too deep for the audience, but he’s diversified and versatile.

　

　

The Lotus Spa is on overkill today. Everywhere you look in the Patter is a major spa offering. You can reverse the signs of aging, you can have a life changing experience with acupuncture, you can find out the secrets to a flatter stomach and just imagine……….. You can lose 1 to 8 inches in just one hour. There’s lots more, but I’m just limiting the list to a few.

　

　

At 10:00 there will be registration for a lei making workshop. There will be two sessions held today and tomorrow and you need a ticket to partake in one or the other. Workshop one will be at 11:15 and Workshop two will be at 1:45. Lei making will take place in Sabatini’s. Also this morning is a documentary Whales on MUTS and a lecture; “Whales - Largest Animals on the Planet.” Also this morning there will be a Pop Choir signup. I’m going to check it out and see if they’ve changed the songs. If it’s still the same, I won’t partake in it.

　

　

Afternoon offerings are the Art Auction, a lecture “Constellations of the Zodiac,” a ukulele workshop for which you had to have pre-registered a few days ago, the movie “To Rome with Love” in the theater and the Broncos vs. the Chargers on MUTS.

　

　

　

　

Tonight is formal night, so the Vista Lounge has Captain

Circle parties and afterwards just dancing with the Princess orchestra. In the theater will be the production show “Destination Anywhere” and on MUTS - Men in Black 3. We’re going to try for MUTS, providing the weather holds. Explorer’s as usual has nothing but trivia followed by music. Or vice versa. Later though, there’s Liar’s Club at 10:00 PM.

　

Not hungry, but will eat anyway. Bye for now.

P.S. Tried to post this. Seems that Cruise Critic boards are down right now. Will copy and paste later.

P.S. again. Written at 8:00 AM and will post now. I hope. It's 9:15 my time,

David: What a mess! :eek:

[RMLincoln]

Pia, Thanks so much for your insights and reports. We are booked on Star Nov 20th. We may need to really limit luggage due to a medical procedure scheduled for Nov 9th, OY!! So I'm wondering how many men do not wear jackets in MDR on formal nights? DH has always brought a suit but maybe not this time.... Glad you and DH are enjoying! m--

[TracieABD]

Hi Pia,

Are you taking the a lei class? I bet it smells lovely.

 

Have a wonderful day!

TL

[Cruisin' Chick]

If it's the orchid leis, you can put yours in the fridge to make it last longer. Doesn't matter if it's a ribbon lei.:p