The Fleet Report and Daily for Wednesday March 29th, 2023

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

We tried to figure out how many times we've been to Hawaii, and it is at least 10 times.  All but one time, we have rented a car and circled the island  I will try not to duplicate pictures, with maybe the exception of Diamondhead and the Aloha Tower.  Since we have so many pictures, I'll post the ones of Honolulu first.  BTW, we have toured the Arizona, the Missouri and the plane museum, but I'll not duplicate with pictures of the first two.

 

The last time we were in Honolulu was Veterans Day, 2018, and Punchbowl (National Cemetery of the Pacific) was decorated in honor of the day.

 

The view of Honolulu from Punchbowl

 

A few pictures of The Pink Lady, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

 

Another iconic symbol of Honolulu was the original International Market.  Unfortunately my pictures of the original market are pre-digital.  These are pictures of the International Market as it was being rebuilt and after it was rebuilt.  At least, they kept the banyan tree.

 

Some of the vendors from the original market, relocated, and I believe it was across the street from the back of the International Market.

 

Old downtown Honolulu

 

In 2007, we arrived three days before a cruise and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  We lucked out and got an end room   The room had two balconies, one facing the sea and where you could see the Aloha Tower, and the other faced Diamond Head.  We'd have breakfast on the first balcony, and wine and a lite snack for supper on the balcony facing Diamondhead.

 

Views from our room, including a sunset.

 

Modern buildings new Waikiki

 

A couple from our 2018 cruise on Westerdam taken from the ship

 

In 2000, our call into Honolulu on P&O's Oriana was her maiden call.  As we sailed in at sunrise, we were met by fireboats, and a helicopter that dropped small orchids on the ship.  Somehow, we did not get any pictures of the orchid drop.

 

Lenda

[Quartzsite Cruiser]

Here are some pictures from our many drives around the island.

 

The entrance and some pictures in Waimea Valley on the north shore

 

Of course, pictures from Hawaii would not be complete without chickens.

 

We in 2017, we stopped at Sunset Beach on the north shore where the pro surfing was being held.  That day, it was too rough for the surfers to compete.  18 months later, the event had been moved to a more protected area.

 

Just after the turn from the north shore headed back to Honolulu, there are shrimp ponds and several food trucks selling shrimp meals.  We have eaten at this one twice.

 

The shore past Diamondhead is very rough.  

 

In 2013, as we sailed from Honolulu, Kainoa was at the sail away hosting a lei tossing party.  Instead of throwing them in the ocean, we threw them in the Sea View pool.

 

One last look as we sailed toward Ensenada.

 

Lenda

Edited March 29, 2023 by Quartzsite Cruiser

[RMLincoln]

@seagarsmoker Thank you so much for the pictures of the your beautiful Pinnacle Suite!  Very happy for you that you got to enjoy that luxury. I’d love having that private hot tub on the deck!  
 

Many years ago we were invited to a party in a PS on Celebrity Constellation by a CC Roll Call member. So generous of them to host a party one afternoon for the roll call. They had a grand piano in the dining room!  It was quite the experience for us….  we were in an inside cabin in that cruise, but very glad to be aboard!  Just hoping we have another cruise in our future, but  one day at a time. Off to the eye doctor! 🤞  m—

[rafinmd]

One of my favorite destinations in Honolulu is Diamond Head but I'm not sure I could handle it now.  In 2020 I got there on "The Bus" and the trail first takes a tunnel into the crater:

 

 

Diamond head served as an outlook in WW2 but the trail to the top is difficult and there's a hoist to get equipment up to the outlook point:

 

Diamond Head Light from the top:

The view from the summit:

And some of the steps:

 

Roy

[0106]

Good Morning and thank you for all who make the Daily a special place. 

 

I love manatees.  Did you know that many think they are the inspiration for mermaid legends?

 

I believe that in addition to celebrating magicians, Smoke and Mirrors Day is to remind us to be wary of all the deceptive practices in daily life. 

 

 

@dfish  I never thought about cooking ham in a slow cooker.  I might try that for Easter.  The pineapple salsa seems like the perfect compliment.

 

@TiogaCruiser  I love Dulce de Leche, reminds me of caramel.  That was quite a large serving of gelato you were holding!

 

@RMLincoln Thank you for the link to the tour company.

 

@JazzyV  The second eaglet hatched yesterday.  I am addicted to the live feed.  Here is the link for any who are interested.  Hays Eagle Nest

 

Positive thoughts to those on the cares list.  Cheers to those celebrating and cruising.  I will be watching for our friends on the Rotterdam during Sailaway today.

[JazzyV]

Good morning. Thanks for the Fleet Report/Daily.

Sadly there are less and less mom and pop businesses, as many are driven out of business by chain stores. I'll salute manatees. No use for smoke and mirrors. Funny quote. The meal looks ok; I have a ham in the freezer, but told BFF I'm not up to making a big dinner this Easter with all my aches and pains, plus trying to get ready for our trip. Pass on the drink and wine.

I have been to Honolulu, both on a land trip  in 1992 and a Golden Princess cruise in 2012.

 

It's sunny right now and we started out in the 20's. Going to the 50's, but then rain/snow later tonight as the temps drop. Today is injection day, so I won't be doing a lot. I have to premedicate with Benadryl, so I'll be sleepy this afternoon; I'd hoped the injection site reaction would fade away, but I still have to take meds for 2-3 days to avoid itchy hives at the site. 

 

@StLouisCruisers Thank you for starting us up today. Thanks for your Hawaii photos.

@seagarsmoker Thanks for the info about and photos of your cruise; interesting that the PS was too big.

@smitty34877 Bless your cousin for helping with DH's appointments, and I hope you can find a new aide soon.

@GTVCRUISER Nice photos.

@rafinmd I like your meal. Nice sunrise pic and Hawaii photos.

@Vict0riann Bon Voyage! I'm glad you made it to FLL. Sorry to hear about Pat's nosebleeds; I hope the stop soon. Do you know the cause? 

@RMLincoln Prayers for a good report for DH at his eye appointment today.

@ger_77 Great blankets you've made. Very nice of you to do that.

@marshhawk Wonderful news about Jesse's cancer journey! I hope antibiotics clear up the infection quickly. 

@aliaschief Thank you for reminding us it's Vietnam Veteran's Day! Prayers for all who served there. Great memes.

@cruzn single Bon Voyage! Have a great cruise.

@kazu That sunset photo is gorgeous.

@Quartzsite Cruiser Wonderful pictures.

@sailingdutchy Bon Voyage!

 

Prayers for the Care List and a Toast to the Celebration List.

Be well everyone.

 

Diamond Head Crater from Waikiki Beach, 1992.

 

From the cruise in 2012, trying not to duplicate too much

The Aloha tower as we arrive (Crystal Serenity in the background)

 

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl Crater

 

Statue outside the USS Missouri

 

Instrument of Surrender, signed 2Sept1945 by the Japanese on the USS Missouri, and the spot on the ship where it was signed.

 

 

USS Arizona Memorial

 

Sunset in Honolulu

 

[RedneckBob]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

Good morning! March 29 is a special day here in American because it’s Vietnam Veterans Day. There are many ceremonies throughout the country honoring, recognizing and thanking Vietnam Veterans. Special thoughts and prayers for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and to all who served. For those still struggling with the demons of serving there please seek help. Danang 69-70 and 5 TDY’s after.

Well my Sue returns tonight and it will be wonderful having her back. I miss her.

Ordered a pizza last night 10” with four toppings. $34.00 with tip! Cost of things are unreal. We are fortunate but I worry for those who must be really struggling to make ends meet.

So I slept in maybe cause it was back to cool weather. Fifty-five degrees this morning.

Thanks for the Report and postings. 
Bruce

 

Your orange funny reminds me years ago when Richard Dawson hosted Family Feud and at the end of the show during the speed round the question was, “Name a yellow fruit”, and the response was, “Orange”. 😀

 

Unfortunately the cartoon concerning the walkway out reminds me of the Skyway Bridge collapse in Tampa Bay in May 1979 on a very stormy morning. Several passengers from cars tried to stop other traffic including a Greyhound Bus from going off the bridge but could not stop the bus. 

[RedneckBob]

35 minutes ago, Quartzsite Cruiser said:

Here are some pictures from our many drives around the island.

 

The entrance and some pictures in Waimea Valley on the north shore

 

Of course, pictures from Hawaii would not be complete without chickens.

 

We in 2017, we stopped at Sunset Beach on the north shore where the pro surfing was being held.  That day, it was too rough for the surfers to compete.  18 months later, the event had been moved to a more protected area.

 

Just after the turn from the north shore headed back to Honolulu, there are shrimp ponds and several food trucks selling shrimp meals.  We have eaten at this one twice.

 

The shore past Diamondhead is very rough.  

 

In 2013, as we sailed from Honolulu, Kainoa was at the sail away hosting a lei tossing party.  Instead of throwing them in the ocean, we threw them in the Sea View pool.

 

One last look as we sailed toward Ensenada.

 

Lenda

Lenda. You found me. Having shrimp at the North Shore at the picnic table under the tent 😎

[Vict0riann]

We’re now waiting in the priority lounge with other CCers, but we’ll be back in FLL in 5 days and plan a trip to the drugstore then.  

[Overhead Fred]

1 hour ago, Vict0riann said:

A couple of months ago when he had a really bad nosebleed and I took him to emergency, they wouldn’t cauterize, just said use Vaseline regularly, and he does, but I think he put it in his suitcase so has gone without for a few days - naughty!

 

the Holiday Inn has been very nice, and only charged us for the one night.  

 

Has he tried a nasal spray containing oxymetazoline (like over-the-counter Afrin or Neo-Synephrine)? It will constrict the capillaries, it helped Mitzi when she was having nosebleed problems. See - 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-nosebleeds/basics/art-20056683 

 

Editing to add- Neo-synephrine actually has phenylephrine hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Both ingredients are nasal decongestants and are recommended for stopping nosebleeds. 

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21036-managing-nosebleeds-at-home-instructions

Edited March 29, 2023 by Overhead Fred

[JazzyV]

Ugh. Active shooter threat at a local catholic high school, now deemed a hoax. But threats at 5 other schools, thought to be due to "swatting" , the practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address. What is wrong with people???

[sunviking90]

Good Morning to all the Dailyites! Once again I’ve had my morning chuckles at the cartoons and memes posted.

Fran Lebowitz also makes me chuckle. I always appreciate a dry wit.

As kids we wanted to visit Hawaii ever since we saw the Brady Bunch episodes. How lucky I am that I’ve been able to do so now a number of times on cruises and land vacations. A wonderful place to escape a rainy Vancouver winter.

While Kauai is our favorite island (and I’ve thrown a picture in) we are always happy to have the opportunity to spend a day or two in Honolulu. We love visiting the classic Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider. The pictures with Diamond Head in the background are from the Moana in January while on our Royal Princess cruise. We also finally visited Pearl Harbor this time which had been on the bucket list ever since I saw “From Here to Eternity”. What a moving experience. 
 

[aliaschief]

@rafinmd We climbed to the top of Diamond Head years ago for sunrise. I remember my clothes and hands were soiled from the rust on the handrails. Like you, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t attempt that anymore.

 

@Quartzsite CruiserHave stopped to eat shrimp at one of those shrimp food trucks. I ordered the hottest spiced shrimp on the menu and about burned my mouth out.

 

It’s a long travel day for DW. Her flight out of Fort Lauderdale is not til 13:20 and with layover in Atlanta doesn’t get home until 8:00 PM. We hope. We’ll be returning to Fort Lauderdale in ten days to board the Eurodam on Easter Sunday. Our comped we got Covid cruise! 

[luvteaching]

Good morning from a sunny Pacific Northwest!

 

DH got out of the ICU yesterday and moved up a floor to the Intermediate Care Unit. He has a nice room with a view including being able to see Bellingham Bay which sparkled in the sun yesterday. His eyes were open most of the day and he was tracking but no talking or other responses. I okayed a feeding tube (temporary at this point) and an MRI to check his prostate. He was seen by the infectious disease doctor who is a British lady, very well though of by the staff, and I was quite impressed with her. 

 

He will be on an antibiotic for three weeks via IV, the bacteria is a nasty one called pseudomonas and is in his lungs, blood and urine. If he rallies some more and doesn't need this unit he may be moved back to our local hospital which is about 10 minutes closer and an easier drive for me and closer to family. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the prayers and caring thoughts!

 

Karen

[kochleffel]

There are two few mom-and-pop, or even locally owned, businesses remaining here, except for liquor stores. Smoke and mirrors would be OK in their place, which is in a stage magic act. If we see manatees here, we're in serious trouble.

 

Balanced diet? Everyone knows that the four basic food groups are sugar, fat, salt, and preservatives.

 

No ham for me, please. The drink might be OK, the wine probably would. I haven't been to Honolulu.

 

I'm giving a talk at the local college this afternoon, and for the sake of looking ever so slightly less like an old fogey, I'm bringing my notes on an iPad mini instead of on paper. Except for quotations, I could give the talk without notes.

 

My TCM appointment for later in the afternoon was cancelled because the TCM practitioner has covid.

 

 

 

Edited March 29, 2023 by kochleffel

[Cruising-along]

Good morning all!

Interesting collection of days.  I'll pass on the drink, but would probably like the wine.  Not real fond of ham but if someone else made it I'd have it once...

 

We've been to Honolulu twice.  The first time was on DH's R&R from Viet Nam in 1970 (thank you Bruce @aliaschieffor mentioning Viet Nam Veterans' Day.  He left for Viet Nam in November of 1969  after we'd been married only 2 months.  We didn't see each other again for 11 months when he had R&R in Hawaii.  The second time there was in 2010 on a Hawaii Cruise on the Zaandam.  That day we climbed Diamond Head.  We'll be there again next January on the Grand Australia and this time we have a tour to Pearl Harbor.  For some reason it wasn't open to tours the last time we were there.

 

Yesterday was a beautiful day and today promises to be more of the same.  I planted a new rose bush that is supposed to have a strong citrus scent -- can't wait for that!  

 

 

@seagarsmokerThank you for the great photos of your PS!  We've never had one, but have been in one before when a good friend had one.  I'm not surprised you had a hard time finding things, I have that problem in a regular cabin!  I've always said that the only reason I'd want one would be for the private hot tub -- not that we'll ever have one!

 

Ann @Vict0riann Bon Voyage!  I hope Pat's nosebleeds stop soon.

Mary Kay @cruzn single Bon Voyage!

Tony @sailingdutchyBon Voyage!

Gerry @ger_77What gorgeous blankets!

 

Our view of Honolulu from the top of Diamond Head.

 

 

 

 

 

[aliaschief]

5 hours ago, seagarsmoker said:

Thanks for the Daily Report and I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

I am not one for writing cruise reviews anymore. I honestly do not have the time.

Overall, we had a wonderful cruise, met some great people, our meals were good to excellent, and enjoyed staying in the PS for the first time. That being said, the PS was too big for us. We found ourselves looking for things too often as cabin space was overwhelming. The bathroom was the biggest part of the cabin. A huge oval tub, two sinks, a humungous shower, a sit-down desk/mirror, a towel warmer, and even a scale. Just what I need, something that reminds me how much weight I have gained on vacation… 😊 Another ‘private’ sink and toilet. Nice king-size bed, a 55” TV, and a long hallway with tons of closets and storage. A dining room with a large table, a 55” TV, a living room with a 55” TV, and another bathroom. Also, a kitchen and foyer. I won’t even go over all of the phones…   The best perks were special embarkation (walked by an officer to the cabin from the port) and disembarkation (walked to security to assure we were among the first ones off). Louisa was the Neptune Lounge Concierge, and she was absolutely the best we have ever had with HAL (we have been on 10+ Neptune suite cruises). She helped us out a few times and ensured my birthday dinner expectations in the cabin were done correctly. I will say on a personal note, we tipped the highest amount we ever had to date to staff members. 😊    

I have attached some photos of the cabin.

Welcome back and thanks for sharing your cruise and pics. We had the Pinnacle Suite on Nieuw Amsterdam. First night I got up to go to the bathroom and ended up getting lost and blindly feeling my way around in the closet!

[RMLincoln]

15 minutes ago, luvteaching said:

Good morning from a sunny Pacific Northwest!

 

DH got out of the ICU yesterday and moved up a floor to the Intermediate Care Unit. He has a nice room with a view including being able to see Bellingham Bay which sparkled in the sun yesterday. His eyes were open most of the day and he was tracking but no talking or other responses. I okayed a feeding tube (temporary at this point) and an MRI to check his prostate. He was seen by the infectious disease doctor who is a British lady, very well though of by the staff, and I was quite impressed with her. 

 

He will be on an antibiotic for three weeks via IV, the bacteria is a nasty one called pseudomonas and is in his lungs, blood and urine. If he rallies some more and doesn't need this unit he may be moved back to our local hospital which is about 10 minutes closer and an easier drive for me and closer to family. We'll see what happens. Thanks for the prayers and caring thoughts!

 

Karen

Great news that they’ve identified the bacterium and can treat it. Hoping you see improvement soon. 🙏 for you both.

m—

[travelingbums]

Thank you everyone for sharing.

 

Hope and prayers for many.

[XBGuy]

3 hours ago, marshhawk said:

 

 

 

This caused me to wonder about the original quotation.  According to the Google translator, it is "Cogito ergo ham."

 

I guess my day is complete.

[Overhead Fred]

A few pictures from our one (so far!) visit to Honolulu -

 

 

 

 

[cruising sister]

Oh my Karen, so sorry you are dealing with this. It seems one step forward and two steps back at times. He sound like he was very sick.  I am glad he is rallying and out of the ICU. Everyone tells us to rest and take care of ourselves but I know you are running on adrenaline and will rest as needed. 

Prayers for all in need. 

[ocean sounds]

4 hours ago, ger_77 said:

Not much happening here today, but I do have to drop off the blankets I made for children going into foster care.  I set a goal of 10 blankets and finished the last one yesterday; a couple of them are 30" x 30" while the others are 35" x 45".  Here's a picture of them draped along our chesterfield.

@ger_77, you are Wonderful, knitting those blankets for foster care.  What a nice thing to do !

[XBGuy]

Are there any Elks here?  If you never have done so, then when you next visit todays port, Honolulu, you really should visit the Waikiki Elks Club and enjoy cocktails and pupus.

 

In my working days I would visit Honolulu somewhat regularly.  Charles, the local rep was just a terrific guy.  We first met when I first started with the company in 1971 as a junior chipmunk tech, and he was a rep in Los Angeles.  Trips to Honolulu were always busy.  Because of time zones, after driving for an hour to the airport, parking in a remote lot, taking a shuttle to the terminal, checking in, taking off my shoes and putting my shoes back on, grabbing some breakfast, boarding the plane, flying for 5 hours, I would arrive in Honolulu at about 1:00 pm.  So, there was plenty of time to make a call on First Hawaiian Bank or Hawaii National Bank (which, by the way, is about a 10-minut walk from the cruise ship pier at Aloha Tower).  My point is that Charles made sure that he maximized my time in Hawaii.  He always had multiple calls lined up.

 

On the other hand, Charles was also an incredibly gracious host.  At the end of the day, we would often stop for drinks and pupus.  Gordon Biersch, sadly no longer there, was a favorite.  On one of my last trips Charles told me that he'd join the Elks Club and suggested that we drop by.  I was fine with this.  

 

It was amazing.  Picture a 1940s/50s open air cocktail lounge right on the beach.  So pleasant.  So comfortable.

 

After I was retired we decided to take a Los Angeles-Hawaii round trip cruise.  I contacted Charles and suggested that we meet in Honolulu.  He contacted the local field engineers, Danny and Stacy, and we all met at a Dum Sum restaurant in Chinatown.  Afterwards Charles took Mrs. XBGuy and me  to the Elks Club.

 

Here are a couple pics of Mrs, XBGuy and me.

 

 

 

I still have a fair collection of aloha shirts that I accumulated for Hawaii trips in my working days.

[bennybear]

Good morning and thanks all!  We love Hawaii but not Honolulu, after dozens of trips we just go to the islands preferably the big one!   Speaking of big waves and surfers,  the Eddie’s were held this year when we were in Hawaii.  They are only held when the surfing conditions are perfect once every decade or so. And the wonderful news is that a local lifeguard won this most prestigious event.  We’ve seen some pretty crazy waves and have visited Navarra in Portugal,  scary from shore! 

Yesterday I saw that it had been recently the 26 th anniversary of the school shooting in Dunblane Scotland,  and since that time the UK has had zero more school shootings!    
 

I too don’t like smoke and mirrors. 
 

Prayers to those in need!  Beautiful blankets @ger_77

@Cruising-along jealous you can plant, do let us know how it smells.  It sounds so lovely. 

 

 

Edited March 29, 2023 by bennybear