CaribbeanBound

The mystery is "Who stole all the paintings?". Netflix tackled this question recently in a worthwhile movie entitled, "This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist,"

You can often get free parking with an AirBnB rental. Many are available in Waikiki.

"we never expect a great burger at the grill or good pizza at the buffet" But is it too much to ask? Both are easy to do well, and I'll bet they could if they bothered to try. I won't eat somewhere if I can prepare it easily, and better, at home. Why bother?

Oh for Pete's sake. Can they really not cruise if they can't pay for a larger, more expensive, cabin? Book any available cabin and then go visit you all day in your Family Verana. 😁

Celebrity is my preferred cruiseline. Interestingly, the bad burgers are something I choose to forget about when I think about Celebrity cruising. Unfortunately, it's true. The burgers have been bad for years. They are very much prefab prefrozen burgers that don't appeal to anyone who wants a "good" burger. Very disappointing. I gave up even visiting the mast grill on any Celebrity ship. If I really want a burger, I might buy it in port or wait until I get back home. "Good Burgers" are not something anyone thinks of when they talk about Celebrity. On the other hand, I sailed once on Carnival for a family reunion. The ONLY really memorable meals I ate on Carnival were the burgers from "Guy's Burger Joint" (their version of the mast grill) that I ate at lunch time. OMG, the burgers taste fresh and juicy and they have a huge toppings bar to fix them just the way you want them. Why Celebrity hasn't upped their game is anyone's guess. It's a shame that burgers are a "FAIL" on Celebrity.

@Kelownadon Not much to explain. Each small poster simply reminds anyone looking at it (including me) what day it is and where we are that day. I post one for each day of the voyage. This is an example for 4 days... If today is Tuesday, we must be in Quebec. If today is Wednesday, we must be at Sea If today is Thursday, it must in Charlottetown If today is Friday, join us in Boston @dlh015 Very good! yes, this is a takeoff of the old movie 'If This is Tuesday, It Must be Belgium'.

Go for it. Everyone enjoys a well decorated door. It helps you (and all around you) locate their cabin. As for me, I post a daily sheet that reads something like "If it's Tuesday, we must be in Quebec" with a suitable picture. Always garners nice comments.

"canceled due to operational needs" That says nothing at all and could mean almost anything.

For what it's worth there is also a business hotel (all studios and 1 BR's) in Downtown Honolulu. I stay there because my office is downtown. I like the location a lot. It's right on the main bus line. No depot there, but with dozens of buses coming through there every hour, it's the next best thing. Lots of historic places to visit in downtown. No, don't post about the homeless folks. Yes, they are there. No, they won't bother you and yes, I feel safe.

Correct ABC does not reload. I didn't say they had a surcharge. I said there might be a $2-$3 charge for the Holo card, which is what the city charges.

That's because the pier is not near Waikiki.

Getting a card in advance in not easy either, if by advance you mean "Before you get to Hawaii". You will need a Holo Card. It's the new bus pass that can be reloaded. We had to get ours at a satellite city hall by appointment but you can now buy them at retail stores in Hawaii. See this chart: Where to Buy a Card (holocard.net) A day pass can only be purchased at ABC Stores (there are a lot of them) in Waikiki. Cost is probably $7.50 which is the max charged per day of Bus riding with a Holo Card. (Though they might charge you $2 or $3 for the card itself). Once you own a Holo Card you can keep it and reload it online (or at some of the retail locations). I reload mine online.

Why not just buy them in NZ and bring them with you?

@lissie The last time I filled a prescription, I picked it up at drug a store like CVS and Walgreens.

Scopoderm is available in the USA (or was the last time I cruised anyway). I typically use half a patch at a time.

ebay33: great post and update. Very helpful posts.

There are a number of nice beaches a short ride north and south of Kona. Explore historic sites in Kona on foot: Visit the Kona Historical Sites in Downtown Kailua-Kona | Big Island Guide Rent a car and drive to a few historic places: Top 5 Kona Historical Sites Could also go deep sea fishing. "Deep-sea fishing in Kailua-Kona can be excellent year-round, but the most consistent fishing is usually between April and September. Blue Marlin of over 1,000 pounds have been caught every month of the year, and multiple blue marlin caught in a day is not uncommon if the conditions are right."

Have been enjoying your travelog. Thank you for posting.

Honestly, this is because a lot of people still don't know Hawaii is a state --- and even if it is a state, it's still considered international by many (including Verizon as recent as 20 years ago). Some folks are not as well traveled as we are on this thread, or are products of poor education systems.

You should not have to take your passport off the ship at each port. Keep it locked in safe onboard. You'll need it when first boarding and after departing at the end of your cruise when you reenter customs. Just take a copy with you along with some real ID like Drivers License. There wouldn't typically be any need for it unless you travel between countries on shore (rather than just staying in each port's country) --- even then you might not need it. I don't recall any border stops between Villefranche and Monaco for example. You "can" carry it if you want it stamped. You might find some locations that will stamp it upon request.

Agree, it's totally crazy. However, Arizona Wildcat has a valid and reasonable solution.

You can do a smaller tour. Just google it.

You can currently go online to your booking to buy the basic-to-premium upgrade voucher. Price is $10.99. This includes a 10% precruise discount off the $13.00 upgrade rate. I'll need to call captains club to see if I can add the 30% elite discount to this, per keesar's post. "Staying connected to family and friends just got easier. Upgrade pre-cruise from Basic to Premium Wi-Fi and save. With Premium Wi-Fi be able to share photos or videos on social media, use streaming apps, make video calls, and email large files. This offer is only available online. To redeem this voucher, visit the Celebrity iLounge once you’re on the ship." Highlights The Wi-Fi Upgrade Voucher is only valid for guests who have already purchased the Basic Wi-Fi package prior to sailing. Guests who do not have a Wi-Fi package or have already purchased a Premium Wi-Fi package are not eligible for this Upgrade Voucher.

Like any government project, I'm willing to bet on the "over".

The wiki wiki bus that will take you from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 is on the roof, but you'll still need to walk to the gate so it's not a big savings of time. If you walk, don't exit the terminal buildings to the street or you'll need to reenter through TSA. I think your best bet is to contact Hawaiian Airlines and/or airport to arrange for their golf-cart type shuttle service from one gate to your next gate. It's usually provided to folks of advanced age and disability.