Live from the Crown Princess–r/t LA-Hawai’i–March 2-17, 2023

[travelin.sisters]

Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8

Wrap Up & Random Thoughts

 

We were sad to miss Kauai, but glad they made the decision early enough that they could arrange for us to stay an extra day in Honolulu. It is especially sad for the first time Hawai’i cruisers, those who came very long distances for this adventure & those who planned to meet friends &/family in Kauai.

 

I still didn’t get my sissy to Waikiki, we decided to head back to the ship & save energy for Maui…she has made five trips to Honolulu without having been there….maybe next year...tomorrow Maui!...Maui no ka 'oi...

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7:  exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7:  wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

Edited March 16, 2023 by travelin.sisters

[cr8tiv1]

7 minutes ago, travelin.sisters said:

Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8

Wrap Up & Random Thoughts

 

We were sad to miss Kauai, but glad they made the decision early enough that they could arrange for us to stay an extra day in Honolulu. It is especially sad for the first time Hawai’i cruisers, those who came very long distances for this adventure & those who planned to meet friends &/family in Kauai.

 

I still didn’t get my sissy to Waikiki, we decided to head back to the ship & save energy for Maui…she has made five trips to Honolulu without having been there….maybe next year...tomorrow Maui!...Maui no ka 'oi...

 

You are not missing much in Waikiki.  I actually did a "staycation" in Waikiki since I had a free Marriott room.  First time I've been back to the area in DECADES.  I've driven through.  I've gone to specific events.  I've never spent any time "walking the streets" in a really long time.  

 

Sad to see the International Market Place "re-invented". 

[travelin.sisters]

1 minute ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

You are not missing much in Waikiki.  I actually did a "staycation" in Waikiki since I had a free Marriott room.  First time I've been back to the area in DECADES.  I've driven through.  I've gone to specific events.  I've never spent any time "walking the streets" in a really long time.  

 

Sad to see the International Market Place "re-invented". 

she's not even a beach person, we live 3 blocks from the ocean & love watching the waves & the whales, but rarely go to the beach...I think it is from listening to stories of our grandma sailing to the territory of Hawai'i on the Matson ships in her childhood (& looking at photos & the gorgeous menus cruise ships used to have)...she was supposed to get to go with her when she turned 16, but sometimes that grandma would come up with "better" ideas without asking if we thought they were better, so she didn't cruise to the state of Hawai'i until she turned 65...so she just thinks she would like to say she has been there (& then go on to something else)...I am sure it is so very different from 50 years ago when it was already not like the pristine beaches of yore

[cr8tiv1]

59 minutes ago, travelin.sisters said:

she's not even a beach person, we live 3 blocks from the ocean & love watching the waves & the whales, but rarely go to the beach...I think it is from listening to stories of our grandma sailing to the territory of Hawai'i on the Matson ships in her childhood (& looking at photos & the gorgeous menus cruise ships used to have)...she was supposed to get to go with her when she turned 16, but sometimes that grandma would come up with "better" ideas without asking if we thought they were better, so she didn't cruise to the state of Hawai'i until she turned 65...so she just thinks she would like to say she has been there (& then go on to something else)...I am sure it is so very different from 50 years ago when it was already not like the pristine beaches of yore

 

Yes, gone are:  Kodak Hula Show, International Market Place/Don Ho's, The Pavilion, etc.  Waikiki Sand is trucked in since the currents take the beach sand out.  If you want to do Waikiki on your next trip, let me know and I will "find" evening entertainment for you.  

 

I can so identify with your sister.  I don't do beach, sun, ocean, coconuts, and pineapple.  

[travelin.sisters]

…& Not Maui~March 9

Early Morning Sail In & Whales

 

I was up quite early as we sailed in toward Lahaina. There were whales out to entertain us & whale watching boars out to see them. We tied up & the lifeboats/water shuttles were lowered into the water. It looked pretty calm to me & I thought: ‘OK the boats are in the water, it's not very rough we will be going ashore soon!’ Our plan was to let the first rush get off the ship & then head down to leisurely wander Lahaina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s usually not good when the Captain’s voice is broadcast into the staterooms with his apologies. He was not announcing that tender operations were beginning. Instead, he announced that there were 6-foot swells & in consultation with the harbormaster, our Lahaina adventures had been canceled. He said that there was a yacht aground in the entry to the harbor. We later heard from various sources that the dock had sustained damage during the storm the night before & at least two decent sized boats had broken their moorings, been pulled out to sea & capsized. So, about half an hour after they went into the water, we watched the boats pulled back into their stations.

 

 

 

We went up to the buffet breakfast…it was pretty crowded with all the people who had gotten up early to go to Maui. There were more whales to watch as we ate. When we came back to our room our toilet looked like it was full of ashes…our steward told us (when we asked about it later) that it was because they had flushed the system with chlorine (it ended up lasting for a several days).

 

 

 

It seemed like we floated in the same place for a while, turning with the wind as we watched the whales! It was nice to at least be able to enjoy their antics even though they were too far away for cell phone photos. The bears changed into their grass skirts so they could  play ‘ukulele & dance the hula for the whales to thank them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

[travelin.sisters]

…& Not Maui~March 9

Patters, Weather, Progress & Photo of the Day

 

Having missed ports & have them changed to sudden sea days before, I was really impressed with the way the cruise staff handeled this change. It took a couple of hours but they added a lot of activities & events & printed a new patter. The MDR was also opened for lunch which was very nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

• …& Not Maui~March 9: early morning sail in & whales~post 280

[cr8tiv1]

https://www.kitv.com/news/local/powerful-winds-send-boats-adrift-in-maui-harbor-grounding-one/article_a60a3a34-bdfc-11ed-8ee2-472c62203df8.html

 

This was a disappointment considering all of last year's docking was in Kahului.  But I understand that just a few voyages before you, Lahaina was also missed.  

 

I was hoping you would head over to Hilo for the night.  Wonder why he stayed at sea.

Edited March 16, 2023 by cr8tiv1

[8 Westies Mom]

I have been following along on your adventure because we are going on the Emerald Princess, May 4th to Hawaii. I have gotten so much joy out of your three bears. 🙂 You must have a separate suitcase for all of their outfits and accessories. I love the way you take them around the ship with you and display them.  One other thing the Polynesian Cultural Center was the highlight of our trip in 2017.  We booked directly with the PCC and had our own tour guide for my husband and I.  They picked us up right at the pier by bus and we got there about 10am.  We had the entire day to see all of the villages and the hula show on the water.  We had the Luau in the evening and then we were back on the ship in plenty of time.  The tour with the Luau was called the "Breath of Life".  It was not cheap but worth every penny.  And our tour guide was a delightful young student who was so knowledgeable about everything. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!  Smooth Sailing! 🙂 

[travelin.sisters]

On 3/13/2023 at 5:05 PM, gottagoacruzn said:

Yes, the pictures are beautiful. How about a picture of the drink Dirty Banana? Please.

this is the best I can do for you...sitting in the theater looking for the drink BIL wanted & found this

 

[travelin.sisters]

…& Not Maui~March 9

Unexpected Day at Sea

 

Since I was up & around, I decided to see if the Future Cruise department was open. They were & I booked BIL on our next cruise, I had booked sissy & I, but he was somehow out of FCDs so we waited until we were onboard to book his room. I also, while I was there, got us all FCDs in case something comes up before our cruise in December.This cruise (& apparently all ships now) they have whole future cruise team.

 

Since the MDR was now open, we decided that we would eat there as it would be less crowded. Sometimes when a port is canceled the ship gets very full feeling with people not knowing what to do, although redoing the schedule helped a lot with that.

 

 

 

 

Entrees: eggs benedict (without extra sauce…good but the sauce was almost invisible…sorry for the blurry photo, but wanted to show the difference), baja fish tacos (they were quite tasty, but not at all spicy & the tortillas were so wet that I had to eat them with a fork!)

 

 

 

Dessert: baked apple in puff pastry (ok,but nothing worth ordering again…the pastry was really thick & not much apple…I couldn’t identify what spice they put in there…it was not cinnamon or nutmeg) 

 

 

I stopped by the cruise staff's crafting session to see what it was. They had quilling. I felt so bad for Noemi who was trying to lead it. There were maybe 60 to 80 people wanting to craft & so spread out in the dining room that she couldn't be heard when she was giving instructions & there were only two cruise staff to go around helping. Fortunately our table had several people who were experienced at quilling & helped others. I picked a design from her examples with a bunch of flowers, but only got a few coils made & only one flower center glued to my paper before time was up. Maybe I will finish it someday...

 

 

the sample

 

mine:

 

At ‘ukulele class, I came to the conclusion that this cruise, my hands were not going to manage playing any longer. So I worked on my lei. This was no reflection on Tiki Dave's skill as an instructor…he is superb & the class is so good…the aching joints were just not up to it. 

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

• …& Not Maui~March 9: early morning sail in & whales~post 280

• …& Not Maui~March 9: patters, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 281

Edited March 17, 2023 by travelin.sisters

[travelin.sisters]

…& Not Maui~March 9

DaVinci Dinner

 

Finally, our table seems to be consistently ready when we arrive!

 

 

 

Starters:  coconut shrimp (just ok), chilled Russian borscht (my sissy decided it tasted like a like a pickled beet smoothie), Mexican albondigas soup (tasty with the cutest tiny meatballs), ravioli di ricotta con crema di noci (good) 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrees: Austrian specialty - wiener zwiebel rostbraten, Piemontese-style veal scaloppine, seared salmon with mango chutney (all were good) 

 

 

 

 

Dessers: crusty banana tart with hazelnut streusel (very good), chocolate ice cream with caramel sauce (Princess has excellent ice cream, except they have storage issues, there are always ice chunks in it), pineapple brulee (very good…we did laugh at my sissy’s ‘family sized’ serving, it was twice as big as any brulee on this or any other Princess ship we have been on)

 

 

 

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

• …& Not Maui~March 9: early morning sail in & whales~post 280

• …& Not Maui~March 9: patters, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 281

• …& Not Maui~March 9: unexpected day at sea~post 285

Edited March 17, 2023 by travelin.sisters
photos

[travelin.sisters]

safely home & starting to unpack will continue the cruise stories in the breaks

[Happiest when cruising]

40 minutes ago, travelin.sisters said:

safely home & starting to unpack will continue the cruise stories in the breaks

Thanks so much for your great report. I look forward to reading the rest when you have time. Maybe l will get to read it while I’m onboard the Crown going to Hawaii in mid April. I believe I’ll have plenty of time for reading then. 

[travelin.sisters]

19 minutes ago, Happiest when cruising said:

Thanks so much for your great report. I look forward to reading the rest when you have time. Maybe l will get to read it while I’m onboard the Crown going to Hawaii in mid April. I believe I’ll have plenty of time for reading then. 

I hope you have a wonderful cruise; she is a good ship with a good crew (nothing the best ever, but everything well better than average)...sea days you can be as busy or as laidback as you want to be & the islands are, of course, lovely

[Nolafan]

Glad you made it safely back @travelin.sisters- Adjusting back to reality after a vacation can be rough.

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your cruise report as you get to it. 

[gottagoacruzn]

18 hours ago, travelin.sisters said:

this is the best I can do for you...sitting in the theater looking for the drink BIL wanted & found this

 

Oh, that sure does look tasty!!!!😁

[travelin.sisters]

…& Not Maui~March 9

Wrap Up & Random Thoughts

 

Missing Maui was a big disappointment, but the crew did such a great job regrouping & making the day as much fun as possible. Surprisingly, the overall spirit among passengers on the ship has been remarkably positive considering. Hopefully tomorrow will be Hilo & maybe not too much rain…

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

• …& Not Maui~March 9: early morning sail in & whales~post 280

• …& Not Maui~March 9: patters, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 281

• …& Not Maui~March 9: unexpected day at sea~post 285

• …& Not Maui~March 9: DaVinci dinner~post 286

[Treasure]

7 hours ago, travelin.sisters said:

safely home & starting to unpack will continue the cruise stories in the breaks

Thanks for such a play by play of your trip Kathy, really enjoyed your posts and thank you so much for answering my questions. Your info really was appreciated. Can't wait to read more of your stories of your adventures once you have settled in back at home.

[cr8tiv1]

I wonder if the kitchen has a rainy day menu?  With only a few hours the menus were printed and food served.  

 

I witnessed CD Cole pull together a patter when the Grand was "detoured".  Creative genius to pull this off.  

[travelin.sisters]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I wonder if the kitchen has a rainy day menu?  With only a few hours the menus were printed and food served.  

 

I witnessed CD Cole pull together a patter when the Grand was "detoured".  Creative genius to pull this off.  

Yes...I guess they must have something on standby...the brunch part of the lunch menu & burgers are always the same from day to day, but they still have to pull together entrees & desserts...I know I saw supervisors informing dining crew of their new duties for the day...our waiter had stayed up very late & planned to sleep while we were ashore but came to dinner dragging because he had to work all day.

 

I think Olivia has a real good team because this was her first cruise back after several months vacation & they pulled together a ton of activities. We didn't take part of much of the offerings, but they really managed the whole range...exercise, music, the silly games (like elevator roulette, egg drop), crafts, tons of trivia & game shows they did a great job.

[travelin.sisters]

Hilo~March 10

Early Morning, Internet Info, Disembarkation in Hilo

 

Since we did not have an excursion planned for Hilo, my sissy & BIL decided to stay onboard & I planned to explore the town. I got up early for buffet breakfast & to enjoy the view from the other side (since Tiki Dave had recommended watching sail into Hilo from the starboard side).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, down to deck 5 to wait for them to let us off the ship. There was a line waiting, but disembarkation had not yet started so I thought I’d sit in the Internet Cafe until it started moving. The internet person was there & asked if he could help so I asked about internet pricing. 

 

He said that there is no longer a pre-cruise discount, that the prices are the same if you book on the cruise as if you book before. Looking at the prices he told me I am not sure about them, at the time I just wrote down what he was telling me & didn’t really think about it. Here is what he said; cruise long price = 1 device: $15/day or 4 devices: $$30/day. Internet by the day is available for 1 device: $20/day or 4 devices $40. All prices are discounted 50% for platinum/elite members. (I actually paid what was supposed to be the half price of $300 for 15 days, but then received $150 OBC which made it still $10/day for 4 devices…so I don’t think they are sure what they are charging). He also said that Princess is working on a contract with StarLink as they are really over the capacity of their current provider.

 

They had started debarking & the line extended into the art gallery, but about the time I got to the end of the line, they opened the forward gangway also, so we turned around & were off the ship in no time. 

 

Hilo has a really nice terminal with lots of benches inside & tables of very helpful people. I first came to the table for the farmer’s market van & told her I had found a walking tour online. She knew exactly what I meant & gave me a printed flyer for it. She said the shuttle from the visitor center group would leave before hers so to try that but if not I could come back. This started the biggest theme of my day in Hilo…everyone was so friendly & helpful, one of the most aloha-y (ok not an actual word, but hopefully you know what I mean) places I have been.

 

 

 

 

I next went to the table she suggested which was staffed by 4 or 5 people who were giving out shuttle tickets, brochures & excellent advice. The Hilo Greetings Program has information about many things you can do & locals to provide their advice & suggestions, it is wonderful. They have a printed handout with a grid map showing various things in town & the locations & times of various transportation options back to the ship.

 

 

 

I sat on one of the many benches & waited just a few minutes for the shuttle. The shuttle ‘guide’ (there was also a driver) pointed out some things we passed, told us a little about Hilo & where to shop (I did appreciate the suggestion to go to the grocery store, KTA, for snacks etc.) & told us about the tour they had that afternoon. 

 

 

List of my posts in this LIVE: 

• Introduction~post 1

• Pre-cruise: packing~post 10

• Pre-cruise:  booking & trip prep~post 29

• Pre-cruise: last day stuff & weather~ post 43

• Embarkation Day~March 2: good morning, looking forward to boarding~post 67

• Embarkation. Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Star (19), Sky (18) & Sport (17) decks aft~post 69

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Sun Deck (16) with Sports & Sky Decks midship & forward~post 70

• Embarkation Day~March 2: exploring the Crown Princess~Lido Deck (15)~post 75

• Embarkation Day~March 2: back to the cabin~Aloha Deck (12)~post 78

• Embarkation Day~March 2:  the papers & the patter~post 89

• Embarkation Day~March 2: DaVinci dinner~post 104

• Embarkation Day~March 2: wrap up & random thoughts~post 114

• Sea Day~March 3: good (very early) morning~post 142

• Sea Day~March 3: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 147

• Sea Day~March 3: mid-morning adventures~post 148

• Sea Day~March 3: lunch & a (mostly) lazy afternoon~post 149

• Sea Day~March 3: DaVinci dinner~post 150

• Sea Day~March 3: wrap up & random thoughts~post 151

• Sea Day~March 4: a (not so early) morning & DaVinci breakfast~post 167

• Sea Day~March 4 buffet lunch & afternoon adventures~post 172

• Sea Day~March 4: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 173

• Sea Day~March 4: DaVinci dinner & evening~post 175

• Sea Day~March 4: wrap up & random thoughts~post 176

• Sea Day~March 5: another relaxing day & Salty Dog Grill lunch~post 204

• Sea Day~March 5: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 205

• Sea Day~March 5: formal night, DaVinci dinner & a show~post 206

• Sea Day~March 5: wrap up & random thoughts~post 208

• Sea Day~March 6: another beautiful morning~post 216

• Sea Day~March 6: pub lunch & elite tea, oh my!~post 221

• Sea Day~March 6: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 224

• Sea Day~March 6: DaVinci dinner~post 225

• Sea Day~March 6: wrap up & random thoughts~post 226

• Honolulu~March 7: good morning, Honolulu~post 228

• Honolulu~March 7: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 229

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting there~post 230

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~getting in~post 231

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~islands of polynesia~post 233

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~exploring the islands of polynesia~post 239

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~spending time in Samoa~post 240

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~enjoying the beauty~post 241

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Gateway Buffet~post 249

• Honolulu~March 7: Polynesian Cultural Center~Ha Breath of Life show, maps & flyers, thoughts~post 252

• Honolulu~March 7: onboard the Crown~post 253

• Honolulu~March 7: exploring the Crown Princess~Gala Deck (4)~post 254

• Honolulu~March 7: wrap up & random thoughts~post 261

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: adventures in Honolulu~post 263 

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: patter, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 266

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: leaving for Maui~post 271

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: DaVinci dinner & a show~post 273

• Not Kauai; More Honolulu~March 8: wrap up & random thoughts~post 267

• …& Not Maui~March 9: early morning sail in & whales~post 280

• …& Not Maui~March 9: patters, weather, progress & photo of the day~post 281

• …& Not Maui~March 9: unexpected day at sea~post 285

• …& Not Maui~March 9: DaVinci dinner~post 286

• …& Not Maui~March 9: wrap up & random thoughts~post 291

 

[cr8tiv1]

And this is why Hilo is my favorite town in all Hawaii-nei.  The people are so friendly.  Small town with huge heart!

 

Not much has changed since 1959 when Kilauea Iki erupted.  Entire town showed up, directed traffic, shared viewing spaces, and just exhibited the true aloha spirit.  

[dave_k58]

On 3/5/2023 at 4:30 PM, OccasionalSanta said:

Day 3 - March 4

 

Mrs OS and I celebrated our 40th anniversary onboard.

 

I took in an enrichment talk in the morning (Why we love opera) while Mrs. OS opted to walk on the treadmill. We partook in progressive trivia and pop choir rehearsal.

 

Capped the day off with the Ultimate Balcony Dinner

I also love opera - what was the enrichment thing like?

[travelin.sisters]

5 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

And this is why Hilo is my favorite town in all Hawaii-nei.  The people are so friendly.  Small town with huge heart!

 

Not much has changed since 1959 when Kilauea Iki erupted.  Entire town showed up, directed traffic, shared viewing spaces, and just exhibited the true aloha spirit.  

I absolutely can believe that

[dave_k58]

On 3/6/2023 at 12:33 PM, XBGuy said:

@OccasionalSanta  Congratulations.  I hope you enjoyed your 40th anniversary UBD.  It looks like you were actually able to have it on your balcony while at sea--very cool.  Terrific pictures of you and, especially, Mrs. OS.

 

Now, can you share why you love opera?  This question is from the guy who is listening to "Lakme" as he is typing.  

 

😃

I am listening to Marriage of Figaro for about the 20th time - I can't help it that I love it so much