Hawaii Cruise Jan 3rd to Jan 17th, 2010

The Golden Princess

We left Wellton, AZ at 6AM on the morning of our cruise. We had rented a car from AVIS Rental for the journey over to Lang Beach, CA. We were well ahead of schedule for time, so stopped in a Costco and walked around the store.
After arriving at the pier and our bags were checked in, we registered at the counter for checkins. We got on the boat about 2PM and after dropping a few things in our room we headed off to the Lido Deck (14th level) to check out the buffet. Had some lunch then back to our room as our bags had arrived and we hung up our clothes, filled the drawers with socks & shirts etc. Explored the ship some to get our bearings.
Supper was at 6PM, so off we go, Bob, Cathy, Marge & I to the Donatelli Dining Room. Each night we sat with different people at at table for eight. Met some interesting people.
Each night you get a new information sheet as to what is taking place the next day. This is printed on a sheet called the “Princess Patter”.
To give you a little info on the ships size: It is 950 feet long, 120 feet wide, 210 feet from the keel to the top, weight 50000 metric tons, total of 17 decks, 6 pools, 3 hottubs, many many bars and lounges, holds 3100 passengers and 1060 staff. Built in 2001 and has a cruising speed of 21 knots.

We were on our way about 4 pm from the Long Beach Port. There are many activities to keep you entertained while at sea. From musical performances in the many lounges, to trivia games, to playing Wii games, to bingo to a casino. Or just sitting in a quiet alcove reading a book, knitting, playing cards and games with friends.

The Souvenir Trio playing in the Piazzia Lounge

We were at sea for 3 days and had some heavy swells in the ocean ranging between 25 to 30 feet in height. The main pool on the 14th deck was emptied to about half (by staff) as it was sloshing and when it hit the ends of the pool it would spray up about 30 - 40 feet. A net was strung over the pool to keep the passengers out and from falling in..

Pool sloshing 30-40 feet high!

We cruised for about 4 and a half days with our first port being Hilo, Hawai'i . Our friends Bob & Cathy had booked a helicopter tour of the volcano so we rented a car and proceeded to tour the island ourselves. We went up to the Kilauea Caldera volcano. Although not active it was steaming and hissing with the smell of sulphuric acid in the air. The road had been closed over by the more active volcano because of the high content in the air of sulphuric acid. We enjoyed the trip up and took several photos of the area. From there we drove over to the Macadamia Nut farm. The farm consisted of 2500 acres and 250,000 trees. Once finished there we headed back to the ship after turning in the car.

Our next port of call was Honolulu, Oaha. Jan 9th. Our first stop was at the Aloha Stadium. There is a swap meet that circles the oval track around the stadium. This swap meet takes place whenever the University of Hawaii is not using the stadium.

Olaha Stadium Swap Meet

Our next stop was up island where we had lunch at Jameson's by the Sea at Sunset Beach, north up the island along the coast.

Truck used as Advertisement

Our next island stop was on the Island of Kauai. We picked up the rental car and proceeded to travel to the Waimea Canyon. We had travelled about 25 miles north on the island before we reached our turnoff. From this point on we travelled through some nice farmland and picturesque areas. Slowly we were climbing in elevation and our first stop was about 1500 feet above sea leave. We stopped several times to look at the canyon and take pictures which was always breath taking.Our last stop was at the PUU Lookout which was about 3600 feet above sea level. We did drive to the last lookout but were unable to see anything because of the low cloud cover. Thus we turned around and headed back down to where we had picked up the rental car. Waimea Canyon

We had lunch at Keoki's Paradise Restaurant in Koloa on Kauai Island. Inside the restaurant was an open concept with no windows. You looked out over a pond & grassy area with many scrubs and trees planted, that was relaxing.

Keoki's Restaurant

From here we next cruised over to the Island of Maui. We had been here before, but still found it interesting. We went to Kihei,, and found that the area has been expanded with many more hotels and condos since we were here. Still we were able to find the condo that we last stayed at and it brought back pleasant memories. We tried to locate the business that sold "donies on a stick" (donuts & very fresh). This business was located in the rural part of Maui. We stopped at the Mambo Cafe in Paia. We did find a lady who knew what we were talking about and would have directed us there. It was late afternoon and we knew there wouldn't have been any left as you had to have been one of their early customers -- like a 7am customer, to get one. Very popular and very.... very ...mmmm delicious. Our next stop was at the Launiupoko Beach Park that takes you back to Lahaina. After a brief stop there we headed back to Lahaina. Once there we returned the rental car and visited the Old Courthouse, which in now an information/tourist center. Behind the building is a Banyan tree that according to the information provided, shades 2/3rds of an acre, measures 1/4 mile in circumference and reaches 60 feet high. Many of the aeriel roots that have reached the ground, now are thick trunks themselves. I counted 12 such root formations. The tree was planted 1n 1873 by William Owen Smith, Sheriff of Lahaina. This Banyan Tree is the largest in Hawaii.

Banyan Tree with about 12 root structures

After reboarding and saying our final goodbyes to Hawaii we set sail for Ensenada Mexico. We arrive after cruising 4 and a half days arriving in Ensenada at 1pm on Saturday the 16th. While here we went to the same restaurant we had previously visited in early December 2009. There once again we sampled the food and the margaritas, and found that they were just as good as the last time. The waiter - Hector - that served us the last time recognized us and greeted us with a hug(kiss for the ladies).

Ensenada Marina

While we were on the ship we discovered that they were playing Texas Hold Em, a card game that both Marge & I were interested in learning. I jumped right in and on the first tournament I entered I didn't win, but I got to play and hold my own till eliminated after 5 people had bowed out. We entered a couple of more tournaments and Marge was successful in winning one, and I won a tournament a couple of days later. This allowed us to play in the evenings with a group that quickly became friends. We shared many stories and many laughs.

Ian & Marge

Russell, Duane, Stacey and Elias

The core group of players were
Marge, Ginger, Roger, Burt, Rudy, Steve, Duane, Stacey, Ian & Elias

We left around 8pm and cruised back to Long Beach, CA. We arrived back about 8am on the 17th and after homeland security checked the ship, we were allowed off in an orderly manner, called by your deck location. We disembarked around 10:15am am, had cleared customs & immigration by 10:45am. We then took a cab to AVIS car rental, picked up the car, stowed our luggage & headed back to Wellton, AZ. The trip was over.

To view more photos of our Hawaii trip click this link: http://good-times.webshots.com/album/576433067nQkUCJ