Do All Princess Cruises To Hawaii Have Hawaiian Specialists On Board?

[mlbcruiser]

Two Princess ships (Grand P. & Star P) will do RT cruises from CA to HI early in 2017. I've seen posts on roll calls in which someone mentions how great a particular couple (called Eula or something?) is on the Star. They conduct various classes and cultural events on board and apparently a lot of those who have cruised w/Princess to HI sing their praises.

 

I'm wondering if this Hawaiian specialist couple offers something truly distinct from the cultural enrichment programs and/or hosts found on any other Princess cruise to HI, or if what they do is done by others on other ships who are equally talented and liked?

 

Thanks for any info.

[ar1950]

Elua is the couple on the Star. BTW, Elua is the Hawaiian word for two (eula is an acronym for "end user license agreement" found for computer software). Leialoha is a native Hawaiian lady and Dave, her husband, is a musician and transplant from Boston and they live in Hilo. They do a lot of Hawaiian music sets during the cruise, Lei making classes, Hula classes, Ukulele playing classes and port talks. We have sailed twice with them on board and are going again this fall. There is, or has been, another couple but we don't know much about them other than people who have sailed with them and Elua say Elua is much better. Hope this is of some help.

[JF - retired RRT]

Our first HI cruise (4 years ago?), we had Dave Cole as the CD (no longer with Princess) and Elua. They originated the program and they were a great team.:D

Elua wass all over the ship at all hours, playing music, singing, dancing hula. In between all that, they attended our M&G, gave ukulele & hula lessons. Dave did the Hawaii enrichment lectures and assisted with the ukulele lessons, in addition to his CD duties.

Our most recent HI cruise, we had Brian & Rowena. Night & day difference from Elua. They weren't as active around the ship. The only time we saw them was for the lectures and some music here & there.

The format has changed some time in the last year or so and the port lectures are done by the Hawaiian Ambassadors. Rowena did the lectures and it was embarrassing. She seemed surprised at some of the information that was on the slides. Hopefully, she's more familiar with the material now.

We're on the Star in November with Elua...can't wait.;)

[Pam in CA]

Err... we’re way past “early 2017.” Princess has sailed round-trip Hawaiian cruises out of LA and SF for several years with Hawaiian entertainers/contractors onboard.

[Thrak]

We sail on the 8th. 28 days to Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, and Moorea. We will have Brian and Rowena onboard and many folks have said they are great. I'll go with that assessment for now. Elua has a great reputation but they don't sail out of SF so all of the Grand Princess Hawaii cruises don't get them. We are sailing out of LA but this is a long cruise and Elua won't be on it. I'm sure we will "manage" just fine with Brian and Rowena. Heck, the last time I sailed to Hawaii I don't know who did the Hawaiian ambassador stuff as it was mostly non-existent. Our CD was the absolute worst of the worst and there was almost no way to even tell it was a cruise to Hawaii. If you ever have a chance to sail with J J Ulrich as your CD... Don't do it. Book a different cruise.

[Elua]

Two Princess ships (Grand P. & Star P) will do RT cruises from CA to HI early in 2017. I've seen posts on roll calls in which someone mentions how great a particular couple (called Eula or something?) is on the Star. They conduct various classes and cultural events on board and apparently a lot of those who have cruised w/Princess to HI sing their praises.

 

I'm wondering if this Hawaiian specialist couple offers something truly distinct from the cultural enrichment programs and/or hosts found on any other Princess cruise to HI, or if what they do is done by others on other ships who are equally talented and liked?

 

Thanks for any info.

 

Aloha,

This is Tiki Dave, from Elua. I thought I might chime in on this topic.

 

While Leialoha and I are the couple that originated and developed the Hawaiian enrichment program, (sometimes called the Aloha Spirit Program) onboard Princess ships, (along with David Cole, who was a long time CD for Princess), Princess has made a concerted effort and commitment to have a couple onboard each ship that includes Hawai’i in its itinerary. Also, in many cases the non-Hawaiian, Polynesian itineraries will also have a couple onboard, even if it is only for a portion of the entire cruise.

 

Each of us adheres fairly closely to the program, and it will almost always include ukulele classes, hula classes, port talks, some form of presentation on language/local cuisine, music performances and lei making/Hawaiian crafting. We each put our own spin on things, for instance, Leialoha and I do a much more involved and expansive Hawaiian crafting class then the other couples. I have “tweaked” the issued port talks to more reflect my personality/knowledge and deliver it in a different style then the others might. Leialoha teaches different hulas then some of the other couples...you get the idea I’m sure. But, the idea is that no matter which couple you get, the experience should be complimentary to the itinerary and enhance your time onboard.

 

There has been a lot of discussion on these boards as to who is someone’s “favorite” or who is the “better” couple to have. While Leialoha and I are blessed and thankful to have many people who have commented favorably on our work throughout our history with Princess, (this past July was 12 years with the company) , I can say that no matter who is assigned to your particular ship, you can certainly enhance your trip and hopefully experience something new by attending the performances, presentations, lectures and classes. I think I can speak for all of the couples when I say that the primary focus of all the cultural ambassadors and the Princess enrichment programs is to share our love and “mana’o” (knowledge) of our islands with as many people as possible.

 

Lastly, I want to mention that besides the couples onboard, we are more often then not blessed with wonderful people who come onboard to give lectures and talks during these cruises. Many have Hawai’i specific topics, whether it is on Pearl Harbor, the voyages of Captain Cook, formation of the islands, volcanos, animals of Hawai’i, whales...there are many topics that have been covered in the past.

 

I know I have gone on a bit, but Leialoha and I are very passionate about this program, and always like to make sure people are aware of it, and have the correct information about. I know it may be redundant to say, but I truly believe that no matter which ship you choose, you will have an incredible time. After all, it’s Hawai’i...IMHO, one of the most amazing places in all of the world. Mahalo for your time.

 

Aloha No,

Tiki Dave

(Of Elua)

Www.facebook.com/eluamusic

Www.facebook.com/tikidavemusic

[paul929207]

Brian and Rowena were on the South Pacific cruise in the fall of 2015 & 2016. They are scheduled to be back next week.

[cr8tiv1]

Although Tiki Dave is not a "Kanaka Moli" (native of the islands), he is a true Kama'aina (resident) of Hilo, Hawaii Island. This is why (most) everyone books a cruise on the ship they will be on. Dave and Leialoha have such a passion for the islands and you will be the recipient of their passion for the culture and aloha.

[EastBay Cruisers]

Aloha,

This is Tiki Dave, from Elua. I thought I might chime in on this topic.

 

While Leialoha and I are the couple that originated and developed the Hawaiian enrichment program, (sometimes called the Aloha Spirit Program) onboard Princess ships, (along with David Cole, who was a long time CD for Princess), Princess has made a concerted effort and commitment to have a couple onboard each ship that includes Hawai’i in its itinerary. Also, in many cases the non-Hawaiian, Polynesian itineraries will also have a couple onboard, even if it is only for a portion of the entire cruise.

 

Each of us adheres fairly closely to the program, and it will almost always include ukulele classes, hula classes, port talks, some form of presentation on language/local cuisine, music performances and lei making/Hawaiian crafting. We each put our own spin on things, for instance, Leialoha and I do a much more involved and expansive Hawaiian crafting class then the other couples. I have “tweaked” the issued port talks to more reflect my personality/knowledge and deliver it in a different style then the others might. Leialoha teaches different hulas then some of the other couples...you get the idea I’m sure. But, the idea is that no matter which couple you get, the experience should be complimentary to the itinerary and enhance your time onboard.

 

There has been a lot of discussion on these boards as to who is someone’s “favorite” or who is the “better” couple to have. While Leialoha and I are blessed and thankful to have many people who have commented favorably on our work throughout our history with Princess, (this past July was 12 years with the company) , I can say that no matter who is assigned to your particular ship, you can certainly enhance your trip and hopefully experience something new by attending the performances, presentations, lectures and classes. I think I can speak for all of the couples when I say that the primary focus of all the cultural ambassadors and the Princess enrichment programs is to share our love and “mana’o” (knowledge) of our islands with as many people as possible.

 

Lastly, I want to mention that besides the couples onboard, we are more often then not blessed with wonderful people who come onboard to give lectures and talks during these cruises. Many have Hawai’i specific topics, whether it is on Pearl Harbor, the voyages of Captain Cook, formation of the islands, volcanos, animals of Hawai’i, whales...there are many topics that have been covered in the past.

 

I know I have gone on a bit, but Leialoha and I are very passionate about this program, and always like to make sure people are aware of it, and have the correct information about. I know it may be redundant to say, but I truly believe that no matter which ship you choose, you will have an incredible time. After all, it’s Hawai’i...IMHO, one of the most amazing places in all of the world. Mahalo for your time.

 

Aloha No,

Tiki Dave

(Of Elua)

Www.facebook.com/eluamusic

Www.facebook.com/tikidavemusic

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to post !! You're well-loved and very popular ! Thank you for all your diligent work ! - EBC

[mlbcruiser]

Tiki Dave, no need to apologize for your comprehensive answer. It couldn't have covered what I wanted to know any better. It's clear you love your work and Hawaii and are no doubt excellent at sharing that with others. Mahalo nui loa.

 

Pam in CA, woops! My bad. Just types 2017 out of this year's habit. I meant 2018, of course.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied and clarified this issue for me. I appreciate it.

[renee222]

We had Rowena and Brian on a recent cruise. We did not enter act much with Brian, but we did with Rowena. She did most of the presentations on the islands. I will just say that if you have a liberal political viewpoint you will probably like her, but if you are more conservative in your political views she will make you feel not welcome on visiting "her" islands.

[mlbcruiser]

Thanks for the input.

I'd love to see a Princess Patter from a RT CA to HI cruise. Think I'll do a search.

[Thrak]

We had Rowena and Brian on a recent cruise. We did not enter act much with Brian, but we did with Rowena. She did most of the presentations on the islands. I will just say that if you have a liberal political viewpoint you will probably like her, but if you are more conservative in your political views she will make you feel not welcome on visiting "her" islands.

 

Politics don't belong in presentations of this sort. Hopefully this won't be the case on our upcoming cruise. I don't like politics at any time actually.

[Astro Flyer]

Although Tiki Dave is not a "Kanaka Moli" (native of the islands), he is a true Kama'aina (resident) of Hilo, Hawaii Island. This is why (most) everyone books a cruise on the ship they will be on. Dave and Leialoha have such a passion for the islands and you will be the recipient of their passion for the culture and aloha.

And as Bruddah Iz said on a music CD...there are many Hawaiians at heart such as Dave.

[Astro Flyer]

Thanks for the input.

I'd love to see a Princess Patter from a RT CA to HI cruise. Think I'll do a search.

On the first day of our Star Princess cruise in January 2017 with Elua the Patter listed a summary of the Cruise's Entertainment Highlights. That included the "King Kamehameha Festival" highlights.

 

 

• Destination Expert: Tiki Dave
  
• Hawaiian Ambassadors: Elua Duo
  
• Naturalist: Sharon Faff
  
• Hula Dance Classes
  
• Ukulele Classes
  
• Fresh Flower Lei Making
  
• King Kamehameha Festival
  
• Aloha O'e Show
  
• Folkloric Show: Halau Hula Olana
  

If you're onboard during the late evening in Honolulu, the Halau Hula Olana is performed twice in the Princess Theater. It's a wonderful performance by keiki (children) accompanied by adult musicians who board the ship on that evening only.

 

If you haven't viewed the Princess website's description of their Aloha Spirit Program here's the link.

 

https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/hawaii-cruises/things-to-do/

 

We sailed the LA/Hawaii itinerary on the previous Regal Princess in 2004 & was very disappointed to have nothing Hawaiian-style. That was the year before Elua was employed by Princess & they've created a wonderful Hawaiian-style experience. Even the music on the ship's speakers play the music of many of my favorite Hawaiian performers (as does Elua) who I've had the great pleasure to have seen live. While the food isn't truly the typical Hawaiian food, Princess makes the effort to have some Hawaiian inspired food.

[Jasperdo]

Thanks for the input.

I'd love to see a Princess Patter from a RT CA to HI cruise. Think I'll do a search.

It's a few years old now, but I have scanned the Patters for the 15 day Hawaii cruise on the Star Princess out of Los Angeles. Elua were on that sailing, so much of what they did on my sailing would still be relevant. You'll find a link to that Patter below in my signature.

[Cabernetlover]

Does anyone know who the Hawaiian ambassadors are for the Grand Princess RT Hawaii cruise beginning Oct. 29, 2017?

[durangokid]

It's a few years old now, but I have scanned the Patters for the 15 day Hawaii cruise on the Star Princess out of Los Angeles. Elua were on that sailing, so much of what they did on my sailing would still be relevant. You'll find a link to that Patter below in my signature.

 

Thank you! We will be on the Star October 25 and I am voraciously studying/reading everything I can!

 

Mary in NC

[hpeabody]

Does anyone know who the Hawaiian ambassadors are for the Grand Princess RT Hawaii cruise beginning Oct. 29, 2017?

 

Maybe

https://brianandrowena.com/event/2048613/455332303/cruising-with-brian-and-rowena

[cr8tiv1]

Thank you! We will be on the Star October 25 and I am voraciously studying/reading everything I can!

 

Mary in NC

 

May I suggest a couple of books:

 

By Gavin Daws (he was my history professor at the University of Hawaii)

Shoals of Time (History of the Islands)

Holy Man (about Father Damien)

 

I can't recommend any of these books, but reading about all of the gods and Hawaiian lore...is most interesting (you can do most on the internet).

 

Follow the Hokule'a (voyaging canoe) on their website

http://www.hokulea.com

 

Rent a car for each island. That's really the best way to get around to seeing most things on your own time. It's an island. You won't get lost, but there will be traffic to deal with.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Happy Planning....

Displaced Local Girl

[jwattle]

Maybe

https://brianandrowena.com/event/2048613/455332303/cruising-with-brian-and-rowena

Thank you for posting this! They will be on our November cruise, and it was great to see their site!!!:D

[Gimer]

Cabernetlover, yes it will be Brian and Rowena as the Hawaiian Ambassadors on Grand Princess. They are getting off Emerald Princess at Papeete on Oct. 26, 2017 and joining us on the 29th. Come to our the Meet & Greet on Oct. 31, 2017, at 10 a.m. up in the One5 Lounge/Nightclub and later in the cruise, we'll be doing a Hawaiian Novelty Gift Exchange. They will be on Grand Princess for the next 7 Hawaiian Cruises out of San Francisco.

[Rose20]

Politics don't belong in presentations of this sort. Hopefully this won't be the case on our upcoming cruise. I don't like politics at any time actually.

 

 

 

I have to agree with you...vacation and sporting events are no place for politics

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[Gimer]

During her Historical, Cultural and Monarchy lectures, her mention on the Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement and how the US Capitalist and Missionaries ended up owning all the Islands. Then about the joint US Congressional Resolution in 1993, acknowledges the over throw of the Kingdom of Hawaii and signed by President Clinton. Sorry about all the politics. Being informed is enlightening.

[Thrak]

May I suggest a couple of books:

 

By Gavin Daws (he was my history professor at the University of Hawaii)

Shoals of Time (History of the Islands)

Holy Man (about Father Damien)

 

I can't recommend any of these books, but reading about all of the gods and Hawaiian lore...is most interesting (you can do most on the internet).

 

Follow the Hokule'a (voyaging canoe) on their website

http://www.hokulea.com

 

Rent a car for each island. That's really the best way to get around to seeing most things on your own time. It's an island. You won't get lost, but there will be traffic to deal with.

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Happy Planning....

Displaced Local Girl

 

The last time we visited Hawaii on a cruise we rented a car in each port. Other than the total fiasco of waiting more than 3 hours to get the car we had booked 2 months in advance it worked out well. In that one case some clown had given all the cars to folks who came in on the airline in the morning and there was a large group of very angry people who had reserved cars that were no longer available. They finally got us a vehicle from a different agency but it wasn't what we had booked and wasn't suitable for transferring our grown son from his wheelchair to the stupid mini van they gave us. It was a complete fiasco from beginning to end. I hope they fired the person who screwed up so many peoples limited time on shore.