Jim_Iain

Iain was worn out after our 10 mile marathon walk. It is about 2x his normal walk so is taking a nap. I've spent my time getting my electronics set up. It has been really easy as the TV's on non-revolutionized ships have easily accessible HDMI ports. Took less than 5 minutes. I still have to do the Bedroom TV once Iain gets up. Not sure how well he will nap as they keep coming on the PA with reminders to complete the Safety Muster CheckIn. Really not sure why as I overnight in HNL again tonight.

We are really looking forward to it. Not as a comparison to Celebrity but as a experience back in times to the Era of the Ocean Liners.

At 9:00 we took off for Waikiki. New crew were being processed and they were busy getting ready for general boarding.

We wad a light breakfast on Michael’s before being processed aboard in the Sky Lounge. The ship was really empty

Turn around days are always an early morning with announcements beginning at 6:45. Walk offs began at 7:00 followed by suites 7:15.

Will be interesting to see how it works out on QM2

I'll post a pix later but we are in 1615 and has a deck 2x that of our Royal Suite. It is the diagonal deck with the extra space. They have a lounger out there in addition to all the other ones.

Hate to say it but didn't eat while ashore. We came back to Solstice for a Day 1 Lobster Roll.

Joan, Hope you are having a wonderful cruise. We know so many on your cruise. It has been beautiful in Honolulu but a bit windy today. You will love the terminal at Honolulu. Beautiful done and very efficient - except for the final guard who was insisting on a Transit Card in addition to our SeaPass and our Photo ID. We had specifically been told you only needed the Transit Card if going ashore prior to getting our new room key. Oh well... we made it.

Kelley, Today was like going back in time. We walked to Queen’s Surf Beach, with a walk through the Halekulani, Royal Hawaiian, and Sheraton Waikiki. So many fond memories

Bill - I was also watching the beautiful Rainbows. We must have captured at the same time. Moana Valley sure put on a treat for us tonight.

Finally time to hit the park

I am sure it is delicious but memories of times past and income lacking - Baloney and Spam were a regular part of my life. College life was both a joy and a struggle....

Even thought Ala Moana Park begins here --- I diverted to the Shopping Center. Incredible shopping with a Rack, Macy, Walmart, Target, Nordstrom, Marshall as well as lots of food places and a beautiful mall.

When I reached Ala Moana Blvd I turned right and off to explore. Ala Moana is a major street with lots to see and hear. Behind high shrubs is the Na Kupuna Malala’s Center - It is an hidden secret- Na Kupuna Makamae Center provides innovative, quality services and programs dedicated to our seniors, their families, and community that will empower, educate, enlighten, and entertain. At the entrance to Kewalo Basin Harbor they have a Farmers Market on weekend and it a beautiful place to just relax and grab a snack at the many food trucks.

Hope everyone is ready to go with a wandering with destination in mine. After breakfast we had to clear immigration. The retreat crew made it totally painless and actully saw very small lines by the time we went around 9:30. We are docked at Cruise Pier 2 which is the closest to Waikiki. Last time we were here was about 10 years ago and not sure if it even existed back then. We previously sailed out of Pier 11 which is at the base of the Aloha Tower. It is a very modern terminal and one can tell how much went into planning it for both comfort ease of checkin. Passengers joining tomorrow will really enjoy it. Beautiful checkinnarea With plenty of seating if required. For the comfort of passengers excursion meeting places are inside. Lots of cabs available just outside the door. And off I go

Thanks for the warm words. I have a feeling that this is a a journey I will have to travel alone. I decided to take the day to myself as Iain wanted to stay on the ship and get things packed up. Can you tell who the organized one is. While I didn't make it into Waikik I walked down to Ala Moana Park and spent the day just releasing the energy of the past. I'm not sure if any of you have been to this lovely mostly neglected spot of beauty. I ended up walking 10 miles and finished my day by taking a plug in the beautiful azule waters.

There is so much to do in Honolulu. Today is picture perfect. We won't be doing much as we have been to Honolulu many times. I would agree that the Visit to USS Arizona is very moving and will always stay with me. It makes us so grateful to those who have served our country.

I can definitely understand and they don't want to visit to be voyeurs but to help support some of the local restaurants that are struggling to survive. The one that Reggi Aqui on KGO was recommending is Mala Ocean Tavern which is one of the first to reopen.

I'm sitting here chuckling - wondering if I have ever been on Kaimana Beach. As you might have guessed we spent most of our beach time at Queen Surf. I know I've been on the grounds and the edge as that is where I use to sit to watch the sunset. I'm sitting here chuckling to myself. When I spoke to my daughter she reminded me about Queen Surf Beach. She was about 15-16 at the time and strutting her stuff at the beach - she looked at me and said.... Dad is this a Gay Beach?? All the guys are looking at you and not me. I laughed and said of course i don't want all those old lecherous men googling at you on Waikiki beach.

Kelly - that sounds like so much fun. With an overnight they will have plenty of time. Are there any good restaurant's re-opened in Lehina area? Our news forecaster at KPIX San Francisco gave us the name of one place (he's Hawaiian) and pushing for people to help support the area. We have some friends on the cruise that are leaving tomorrow and will be staying a month down near Kehei

We haven't been back since our last TP in 2012. Yikes --can't believe it has been a decade. The biggest disappointment and probably gotten worse is all the small mom and pop restaurants we once frequented have been bulldozed and replaced with Rodeo Drive type shops and expensive restaurants. I'm sure we will find all of the local foods in Downtown Honolulu and the Ala Moana Mall area. I have to admit I was never a fan of SPAM.