Dec.
8th - Los Angeles, CAWe left for LA on Dec 8th a day ahead of our cruise departure of Dec. 9th. Even thought our flight left 90 minutes late, our direct flight was smooth. We took Prime Time shuttle that got us to our hotel for a prompt check-in. We had supper with a cruise critic board member (Suzanne and Dan) that will be on our RCCL Holiday cruise in Dec 2007. We had a great time at the Papadakis Taverna. If you are ever in the San Pedro area, I highly recommend this restaurant.
Dec.
9th - Boarding the SummitBefore boarding we had breakfast with Shirley and Marty (our TA) and they gave us a tour of San Pedro before returning to our hotel. Our hotel (Crown Plaza, San Pedro) provided free shuttle to the Cruise Terminal. Our embarkation went seamlessly and we were taken to our cabin. Our suitcases followed shortly thereafter.
We had our usual Lifeboat drill then started sailing around 5PM for Hawaii. We met our fellow CC Board members. We had two tables of 10 reserved for us. It was nice to finally meet the people we have been corresponding with for such a long time, in some cases over 18 months.
Our first night at sea was a little rocky
Dec.
10th - 1st Day at SeaAs for our first day, we had swells up to 15-18 feet. Which made it challenging walking on the ship. All the pools were closed because of the rough seas.
Later that day, we then heard that a passenger had taken sick and needed to be airlifted to the hospital and since we were past 150 miles from shore, we needed to return towards San Diego so that the passenger could be air lifted by the Coast Guard. So the ship change directions to return to San Diego. An hour later, it was decided that the passenger was doing better and would be taken to the hospital once we reach Hilo. So the ship then turned around and started sailing again towards Hawaii. The Captain assured us that we would not be late arriving in Hilo.
We took it easy the first day. Many passengers were sick and it showed at supper time in the dinning room. Many empty seats.
Our entertainment for the evening was by Brooks Aehron, an international Concert Pianist & Entertainer.
Dec.
11th - 2nd Day at SeaThe swells were up to 15 feet, so still pretty rough. I took the Country Line Dancing Class, went to the Culinary Demonstration with our Executive Chef Frederic, then onto Lei Making which we learnt how to make a lei that I will wear for our Hawaii Luau later in the cruise. The Entertainment for this evening was Thoroughly Broadway with he Celebrity Singers and Dancers including the Aerialist Valerie and Bun Song. They had parts of such Broadway shows as Ma Mia, Hair Spray and Lion King and many more.
Dec.
12th - 3rd Day at SeaToday, the ship was pretty smooth compare to the first two days. The temperature is getting warmer as we are approaching Hawaii. We attended Sushi Demonstration, took part in the Hula Lessons. Brook Aehron had another concert "Classics for your Pleasure". We bought one of his CDs and got his autograph. If you ever have the chance to see him in concert, he gives a whole new meaning to classical music. Later on, we enjoyed the Afternoon Melodies with Guitarist Art Michaud, he plays all old classics that we can all sign to. Our evening entertainment was "A Taste of Cirque du Soleil". It is amazing what they can do with five acrobats.
Dec.
13th - 4th Day at SeaIt is sunny and the temperature should reach 83˚F. Attended the line and hula dancing. The Captain had a get-together on the Heli Pad where we could have our pictures taken with the Senior Staff. It is very interesting to be at the most forward part of the ship.
Dec.
14th - Hilo, HawaiiToday we are docked, the weather is raining/sunny with 83˚F. We started our tour with a visit to the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory. Then we drove to the Volcano National Park. The park is located 4,300 feet above sea level We visited the Kilauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater before driving on the 11-mile Crater Rime that circles Kilauea's summit caldera and craters. We saw smooth and jagged lava, sulphur banks and bleak desert areas. Then we took a short walk through a rain forest path leading to the famed Thurston Lava Tube, a natural wonder unique to Hawaii.
Stephen opted for the Kilauae Lava Viewing Hike. They ascended 4,000-feet from Hilo to the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park then back down to sea level where they had the best chance to see lava and walk on the newest land on earth. His hike started where the lava has recently covered the Chain of Craters Road. Kilauea Volcano has been erupting for years with lava moving slowing along the coastline as it enters the sea.
Dec.
15th - Lahaina, MauiToday was another perfect weather day, sunny with 85˚F. Lahaina is a tender port, so it took some time to get ashore as the waves were pretty high. Once ashore, we started our walking tour through Lahaina's past exploring both the prominent and lesser-known corners of historic Lahaina town. Our guide Kaa welcomes us with a chant at the sacred Hauola birthing stone, a place of healing and creation. We visited Baldwin House Museum, a symbol of the missionaries who flocked to Hawaii, and was the home to immigrants who toiled in the can fields. Then we walked up to the old prison before we travelled down Luakini Street. Our walk continued down Waineâ??e Street to Waiola Church and Cemetery, where our guide shared the significance of the surrounding mountain views to Hawaiian Chiefs following a Chanter to Mokuâ??ula, the home and final resting place of Hawaiiâ??s monarchs. Once our tour finished we walked down the main street were all the tourist shops are located.
Stephen took a Rainforest and Waterfall hiking adventure where they drove along a portion of the historic Hana Highway, a road famous for its tropical scenery and dramatic coastline. Their destination was the Garden of Eden, a tropical botanical garden that is manicured nature with an abundance of palms, tropical trees and flowering plants including several elevated areas with lookouts to view waterfalls and an expanse of ocean. Then they descended into wilderness hiking down 300 feet on a private switchback trail carved out of the hillside. At the end of the trail he hiked upstream to 30 and 40-foot waterfalls and pools - an ideal spot for a rest stop and a healthy swim.
Dec.
16th - Honolulu, OahuThe weather is still perfect, sunny in the mid 80's. We chose the Little Circle Island Tour that departed Honolulu Harbor, and drove along Ala Moana Boulevard en route to Waikiki, viewing two dormant volcanoes: diamond head and Koko Head. The view from Hanauma Bay which was formed during Oahu's last eruption and has since been declared a marine preserve due to its clarity and extensive underwater life. We travelled up a winding road through a series of stratified cliffs viewing some of the island's most spectacular scenery. We were able to view Sandy Beach, drive through Waimanalo and along the Pali Highway.
Stephen rented a bicycle and did an Island tour on his own.
Dec.
17th - Honolulu, OahuAnother perfect day, sunny in the mid 80's. Today we visited the Arizona Memorial and a City Sightseeing. We relived a moment in history with the visit to Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial where we watch a film depicting the events of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. After the film we boarded a Navy launch for the short ride to the Memorial itself, which was an unforgettable experience. Once finished at the Memorial we boarded our bus for a sightseeing tour of the city. We passed by the Aloha Stadium, home of the Pro Bowl and Hula Bowl and where the flea market is held in the parking lot. We toured downtown Honolulu and its authentic Chinatown district. We stopped at the Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on American soil), Kawaiahao Church, the impressive King Kamehameha Statue, Honolulu City Hall decorated with Santa and Mrs. Claus, The Governor's Mansion and some quaint homes of the early missionaries. At Punchbowl Crater we experienced the serenity of the Punchbowl National Cemetery.
Stephen went Parasailing.
Dec.
18th Kailua Kona, HawaiiToday is another tender port, the weather is still great sunny and mid 80's. This is the rainy season so we lucked out with the sunny weather. The waives are too high and recommended that wheelchairs do not go ashore, so Norman stayed on the ship. I took a walk into town. The waves on the beach were very high as you will see by the photos.
Stephen went Parasailing again. He even took a picture of a sea turtle while up in the air.
We left Kona around 2:30PM and cruised around the Big Island getting ready for our trip back to Los Angeles.
Dec.
19th At SeaAnother perfect weather day, again in the mid 80's. Just a relaxing day. Tonight's entertainment is a movie "Polar Express".
Dec.
20th At SeaAnother perfect day but a little cooler, high today is 73˚F with seas relatively calm. Tonight's entertainment is New Recording Artist Delisco who won the Mr. Entertainment contest hosted by Wayne Newton.
Dec.
21st At SeaStill another perfect weather day but getting cooler, high today is 63˚F and the seas are very calm. Tonight's entertainment is "Encore! with the Celebrity Singers & Dancers" after our Captain's farewell toast. This is our last formal night for this cruise.
Dec.
22nd At Sea/EnsenadaToday the seas are rough. The Celebrity Singers & Dancers put on a Christmas Show for us. We said our final goodbyes to all our new CC friends and hope that one day we meet again at high seas.
Dec.
23rd Los AngelesWe are back in LA. De-embarkation was a little slow as we had to pass by Immigration. We left the ship around 10AM. We checked into our hotel and quickly proceeded to do our washing in preparation for tomorrow's cruise to the Mexican Riviera.
