Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[ellie1145]

 

We make our way along the edge of the beach as the tide is high and there is little sand exposed. The sea is rough today, and we can see the surf crashing onto the rocks. Even the normally sheltered bay is full of waves.

 

 

 

 

 

We reach a sheltered cove where I pick up a handful of the black sand. It’s quite unique as it is a mixture of green olivine crystals and black lava. The green olivine is made of magnesium iron silicate. I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s beautiful and sparkles in my hand. 

 

 

The waves crash onto the rocks and the spray is thrown high into the air. 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Luckily there is a lifeguard on duty. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On a sunny day this would be a perfect place to swim but sadly our tour is nearly over and we must make our way back to the van for our journey to the ship.

 

I have been so engrosssed in this beautiful beach that I have forgotten the time. I can hardly drag myself away, but DH reminds me that it’s time to go. We dash back to the van and embarrassingly, we are the last to return. I manage a last few photos as we run. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astonishingly, by some miracle, the clouds are clearing and the sun is desperately trying to shine. We can even see a little blue sky emerging. 

 

 

Edited December 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

We apologise for keeping everyone waiting. There’s nothing more annoying than those people who don’t keep to time but we seem to be forgiven, as we weren’t too late.

 

The sun has suddenly come out and we seem some beautiful houses opposite which must have stunning views of the ocean. We notice that some of them are raised up on piles, and we understand that from time to time high winter surf and tsunamis can cause flooding of the area, so this aims to protect the houses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

Back to the Ship

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We drive along the coastal road and soon see Ruby Princess waiting patiently for us. It’s been a fantastic day, despite the weather, and we’ve managed to see a lot of the island. 

 

But it’s always nice to return to the ship. 

 

And there she is!

 

 

The terminal is now pretty empty as everyone returns to the ship. 

Edited December 6, 2020 by ellie1145

[Roger88]

This place looks so deserted. I still remember the times when there were lots of people, it was quite a noisy and dirty place in a way. I wonder how will it be next year. Probably as deserted as it is now. Its so sad thinking about it. I cant wait for the things to be back as they were before pandemic 

[ellie1145]

Time for tea! 

Jam first or cream first?

 

Ne would she scorn the

simple shepherd swain,

For she would call him often heam,

And give him curds and clouted cream.

Edmund Spencer 1579

 

“Its orient tinge, like spring-time morn,

Or baby-buttercups newly born:

Its balmy perfume, delicate pulp,

One longs to swallow it all at a gulp,

Sure man had ne’er such gifts or theme

As your melt-in-the mouthy Devonshire cream.”

William Barry Peacock 1853

 

After a fantastic tour we arrive at the ship in time for Afternoon Tea in the Dining Room. We drop our bits and pieces off at our cabin, have a quick wash, and then dash down to the Da Vinci Dining Room. We hadn’t realised how hungry we are, so it’s great to find there are the usual sandwiches, cakes, cookies and of course, scones, jam and cream.

 

Now did you know that here in the UK, and in Devon and Cornwall in particular, there is a lot of debate about whether it’s jam or cream first?

 

Of course, you must cut the scone in half before doing anything. It is a tradition that those who live in Devon spread clotted cream on the scone first and then a dollop of jam on top. However, those who live in Cornwall do the reverse, jam on first with cream on the top.

 

I can tell you that I am a jam first person, so obviously have some long lost ancestors from Cornwall, somewhere in my DNA.

 

 

I do notice that the eating of scones can cause some confusion to those not brought up with the habit of eating these delicacies. I have observed them being eaten whole with a knife and fork, with the jam and cream piled up on the top of the scone without it being cut in half, and every possible combination of cream and jam you can think of. 🙈😲

 

Now I am afraid that I have to tell you something. The cream you enjoy onboard ships is not clotted cream.... delicious though it is (having said that, we did experience a disaster on a Caribbean Princess cruise when the chef had added SUGAR to the cream. Way too sweet and entirely unnecessary!)

 

In case you don’t know how clotted cream is made (and please forgive me if you do!) it is quite a palaver. Full cream cow’s milk has to be heated indirectly using a water bath or steam. It is then left in a shallow pan to cool slowly and during this time the cream rises to the surface and forms ‘clots.’

 

 

It should have a golden crusty top with soft paler cream underneath. Clotted cream has a fat content of around 64 percent, whilst single cream has only 18 percent. Utterly divine and very decadent! 

 

 

If you ever travel to the UK, clotted cream really is a must, and don’t be palmed off with anything less. It really does make a difference.

 

The biggest producer of clotted cream is Rodda’s of Redruth, Cornwall, who have been making it since 1890. They produce up to 25 tons of clotted cream a day, and it can be found in British supermarkets and the best cream tea shops. Incidentally, it can also be used to make the most amazing shortbread....

 

 

 

Of course, scones should be accompanied by a cup of tea - no mugs please! And no sticking your little pinkie out when you hold the handle of the cup.

 

We enjoy a delicious repast which includes a cup of the best tea onboard, served from a silver teapot. We are just in time to run up to the Explorers Lounge for Trivia at 4.15 pm.

 

See you there!

 

 

 

[ellie1145]

1 hour ago, Roger88 said:

This place looks so deserted. I still remember the times when there were lots of people, it was quite a noisy and dirty place in a way. I wonder how will it be next year. Probably as deserted as it is now. Its so sad thinking about it. I cant wait for the things to be back as they were before pandemic 

 

Yes, it was pretty deserted by the time we got back but maybe the weather meant people returned earlier than normal.

 

I agree with you, I can’t wait until things return to normal. But I also think we cannot ‘jump the gun’ because of our desperation. We may have to wait a long time for cruising to restart because if it does so too early, and there is a big outbreak onboard, it could sign the death knell for some of the companies. 

 

But it’s so difficult being patient! 😩

[cr8tiv1]

Those are mynah birds.

 https://sciencing.com/problems-myna-birds-hawaii-8236754.html

We have no seagulls!

 

The Hawaiian name for our owl is Pueo.  Sometimes it is considered to be someone's "aumakua" or guardian.  Mine happens to be the honu (turtle).

 

Love your photos of the black sand beach.  I must visit this one the next time I'm in Hilo.

[ellie1145]

13 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Those are mynah birds.

 https://sciencing.com/problems-myna-birds-hawaii-8236754.html

We have no seagulls!

 

The Hawaiian name for our owl is Pueo.  Sometimes it is considered to be someone's "aumakua" or guardian.  Mine happens to be the honu (turtle).

 

Love your photos of the black sand beach.  I must visit this one the next time I'm in Hilo.

 

Thank you cr8tiv1, I had hoped someone would know what the bird was. Thank you for the link, too. By the sound of it these birds are becoming a bit of a nuisance.

 

The black sand beach is certainly worth a visit. The photos don’t really do it justice, but the sand is beautiful with sparkling green crystals. So pretty and so unusual. 

[ellie1145]

Time for a little trivia!

 

Now, we manage to make it to the Trivia in time, so after a long day of exploration I think it’s time to give our brains a workout. These questions came from a Trivia which we actually won! 

 

Of course, there are prizes to be won - and I can now offer my hand-made, unique and exotic Christmas themed orchid leis! 😉🥀

 

So here is the first question - fastest finger first!

 

1.  What rock makes the cheapest and softest form of sandpaper?

 

2.  What is the first group in Billboard history to replace itself on the top of the charts?

 

3.  Which electronics and car company name means ‘three diamonds?’

 

4.  How long is the course used for events staged by the World Organisation of Racing Maggots?

 

Hope you have some fun with these questions. And feel free to use any help you need from Mr G. It’s fastest finger first of course! 

[AF-1]

I can try to answer two of your trivia questions.

1. The Beatles replaced their selves on billboard

2. Chrysler is the three diamond company

[ellie1145]

A fond farewell to Hilo, we hope to return to the Big Island one day!

 

Once trivia is over we make our way to the Promenade Deck to watch our sailaway. Unfortunately, we only have an obscured outside cabin so must go onto the open deck to see out.

 

 

The dock is empty and just one rope remains, before Ruby Princess gets underway. We must navigate past the breakwater and out into the channel. 

 

 

 

We stand and watch the power of the waves as they crash over the breakwater, sending plumes of spray into the air. 

 

 

 

Then, astonished, we spy a couple wandering down the breakwater.

 

 

 

It seems a pretty hazardous and foolhardy thing to do but these two lovebirds seem completely oblivious to the dangers facing them.

 

 

We hold our breath as they stroll along the top of the breakwater, ever nearer to the crashing waves. It would only take one unexpectedly tall wave to send them hurtling into the sea!

 

 

 

 

They say love is blind, but can't they see the huge waves crashing over the rocks just a few feet away? 🙈 

 

 

 

 

We can't watch anymore so we leave them to their romantic, if a little dangerous, walk and look back at Hilo as we move slowly away from the dock.

[ellie1145]

26 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

I can try to answer two of your trivia questions.

1. The Beatles replaced their selves on billboard

2. Chrysler is the three diamond company

 

Well done, AF-1, the first answer is correct. It is, indeed, the Beatles, who are the only act to notch up three consecutive number 1s in 1964, with ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand,’ followed immediately by ‘She Loves You,’ and finally ‘Can’t Buy Me Love.’

 

Number 2 is not Chrysler I’m afraid. It is an electronics AND motor company whose name means 3 diamonds, and whose logo is three diamonds. Have another try!

 

Your Christmas lei is winging its way to you, together with an orchid to sit jauntily on your cap! 🤣

[JF - retired RRT]

1 minute ago, ellie1145 said:

Number 2 is not Chrysler I’m afraid. It is an electronics AND motor company whose name means 3 diamonds, and whose logo is three diamonds. Have another try!

 

Pure guess...Mitsubishi?

[voljeep]

2 minutes ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Well done, AF-1, the first answer is correct. It is, indeed, the Beatles, who are the only act to notch up three consecutive number 1s in 1964, with ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand,’ followed immediately by ‘She Loves You,’ and finally ‘Can’t Buy Me Love.’

 

Number 2 is not Chrysler I’m afraid. It is an electronics AND motor company whose name means 3 diamonds, and whose logo is three diamonds. Have another try!

 

Your Christmas lei is winging its way to you, together with an orchid to sit jauntily on your cap! 🤣

Mitsubitchi (sp)

[ellie1145]

Just now, JF - retired RRT said:

Pure guess...Mitsubishi?

 

Correct! Well done!

 

Your exotic hand made Christmas lei will be with you momentarily! 😉

[ellie1145]

1 minute ago, voljeep said:

Mitsubitchi (sp)

 

You are also correct, voljeep, but I’m afraid JR - Retired RRT was just a second or two faster. 

 

Still, there are 2 questions left to try. Good luck!

[ellie1145]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 7, 2020 by ellie1145

[dickinson]

According to Mr. Google: answer to #1 is flint and #4 is one foot long.

[JF - retired RRT]

1 hour ago, ellie1145 said:

 

 

Is that grass growing in the middle of nowhere on a lava flow?

If it is, the island will soon be bigger.😁

[ellie1145]

4 hours ago, dickinson said:

According to Mr. Google: answer to #1 is flint and #4 is one foot long.

 

You are correct, Dickinson! Well done (and to Mr G as well!).

 

Your choice of prize will be winging its way to you - and includes my new exotic and unique Christmas lei..... 

[ellie1145]

4 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Is that grass growing in the middle of nowhere on a lava flow?

If it is, the island will soon be bigger.😁

 

Yes, it is. I noticed this as we began our sail out of the harbour. It appeared to be just sitting there in the middle of the sea. Could be difficult to mow......🤣

Edited December 7, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

What did you do today?

 

While we have been enjoying ourselves on the island there have been lots to keep everyone occupied onboard ship, so here’s a run down.

 

We miss Morning Trivia at 9.45 am but manage the Afternoon Trivia Challenge at 4.15 pm, and the ‘Where in the World Am I?‘ Quiz in Explorers at 6.45 pm.

 

There were several activities today, including:

Speedy Suduku Challenge at 9.15 am in Crooners

Giant Gena Challenge in the Piazza at 11.30 am Piazza

Taboo at 12.30 pm in Club Fusion

Darts Challenge in the Wheelhouse Bar at 1.00 pm

Goofy Golf Putting Challenge in the Piazza at 2.00 pm

Carpet Bowls Challenge at 3.30 pm in the Photo Gallery

Musical Bingo in the Explorers Lounge at 7.30 pm.

 

MUTS included:

The Morning Movie: ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ at 10.00 am

The Afternoon Movie: ‘Mamma Mia’ at 2.00 pm

Concerts@Sea:’Crowded House - Farewell to the World’ at 5.45pm

‘Mama Mia! Here We Go Again!’ at 7.00 pm and 9.30 pm.

 

There is, of course, plenty of live music around the ship starting with:

Afternoon Melodies - Souvenir Duo in the Piazza at 4.00 pm

Piano Favourites - Richard Sulek at 5.00 pm in the Piazza

Poolside Grooves - The Main Offenders at 5.00 pm

Evening Melodies - Souvenir Duo at 6.00 pm in the Piazza

Guitar and Vocal Entertainer Mary Simon in the Wheelhouse Bar at 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm

Hawaiian Music and Dancing - Wheelhouse Bar at 7.00 pm Evening Melodies - Souvenir Duo at 8.00 pm Wheelhouse Bar

Tommy McPhee in Crooners at 8.20 pm - late

Walker Black Presents the Music of Neil Diamond at 8.30 pm in Explorers Lounge followed by Music and Dancing at 9.30 - late.

 

There is music from DJ 11 who plays your favourite dance music in Club Fusion at 7.00 - 8.00 pm, and Motown Hits at 10.00 - 11.00 pm in Skywalkers, and finally, Dance the Night Away from 11.00 - late.

 

But if you think you can do better, there is Karaoke Fun in Club Fusion at 8.00 pm.

 

Now for those brave enough to venture outside there is a Hawaiian Deck Party Warm Up at 8.45 pm, followed by the Hawaiian Deck Party at 9.30 pm. I’m not sure how many people braved the elements (the sea was pretty rough as we left Hilo) but I’m sure a good time was had by all.

 

 

Tonight’s Production Show is ‘Stardust’ which is described as ‘an elegant tribute to a bygone era’ and features classics from Doris Day , Nat King Cole and Perry Como, to name a few. It is at 6.30 pm and 9.30 pm.

[ellie1145]

Guess who’s coming to dinner....

 

After the 6.45 pm Trivia we make our way down to dinner.

It is so lovely that Princess still put flowers on the table.

 

 

 

 

Tonight there is Poke, which I now know is raw fish.

 

We decide to skip the starters.

 

 

I decide on the Grilled Sirloin Steak, adding fries and steamed vegetables for a change, DH chooses the Blackened Rockfish.

 

 

 

For dessert, DH chooses the Crusty Banana Tart with Hazelnut Streusel, whilst I opt for the Creme Brûlée, which is delicious as usual.

 

 

 

 

 

We decide to return to our cabin to get ready for our arrival tomorrow in Honolulu. We have a very full day as we are doing the Pearl Harbour Tour followed by the Luau in the evening. 

 

We are very excited. 

 

 

Edited December 7, 2020 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

So, dear Cruising Adventurers, our visit to Hawai’i, the Big Island, is at an end.

 

I hope you have enjoyed seeing it for the first time, or simply enjoyed memories of past visits. For the time being, that is all we can experience. 

 

Thank you for all your extra information, I’ve enjoyed all your inputs and photos. 

 

Tomorrow will be a very busy day and I hope you enjoy our next adventure.

 

You will need to be up early, fed and watered, and ready on the dockside to visit Pearl Harbour.

 

Until then, goodnight, sleep tight, see you in the morning. 😴