NEUROENDOCRIN/CARCINOID CANCER

Carcinoid A rare form of "slow-growing" neuroendocrine cancer

Susan Anderson - An advocate for Carcinoid and Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness

15-days Hawaii Cruise
April 5 – 20, 2004
by
Susan L. Anderson

 Monday, April 5, 2004

Checked email, no word on memorial service for Stephen Pazan who died March 31 in CA while on waiting list for a liver transplant.  Left home 5:20 a.m., parked and rode shuttle to Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix.  Flew to Los Angeles via America West flt #24 LV Phx 7:30 a.m., AR LAX 8:49 a.m.  Met by representatives of Princess Cruise Line.  Got luggage and sat down to wait for bus, were transferred to Port of San Pedro, embarkation began at 12 noon, and were there among the first to board.  Transfer from LAX to pier at San Pedro via Sunset Tours.  Had photo taken as boarded the ship and then went through registration, passports, credit cards for express check-out (had already filled out all needed paperwork, including emergency contacts), and received our cruise cards for cash-less cruising (ho ho ho, of course you pay at the end)..

To our stateroom B178 mid-ship on deck 10 of 14 decks (really 13 decks as no number 13).  Nice small balcony, wall of glass (window/door), queen size bed, TV, easy chair, desk, huge closet, drawers in night stands, and nine large drawers near the large closet, nice bathroom, and refrigerator with ice bucket that was kept filled.  

The four page Princess Patter: a daily guide to Princess cruise activities for Monday, April 5, 2004 was in our room when we arrived.  After viewing our cabin / stateroom we went to the Palm Court Dining Room on deck 7 for luncheon (open seating).  The Café Del Sol on deck 12 was also open for food then and 24-hours each day plus the Bravo Pizzeria was open almost all of the time, too.  At 4:30 p.m. was the required life boat safety drill, our group met in the Stage Door Lounge on deck 8.  Regal Princes left port at 5 p.m. and headed out to Hawaii via the Pacific Ocean.  No emergencies arose, but if they had our family and neighbors could have reached us by calling 1-900-329-7447.

Before dinner we purchased the unlimited soft drink cards for $35 each and it was well worth it.  We had water, milk and a soft drink with each dinner (15 nights); water, milk and soft drink with most lunches, plus at other times throughout the day / evening.

Activities going on 24-hours each day, plus lots of art work to enjoy, shopping, food, games, music, viewing the ocean, whales, dolphins, flying fish.

We had confirmed first seating at 6 p.m. for dinner at a table for 10 in the Palm Court Dining Room and it worked very well.  Our table companions were: Sam & Jacquie Sugerman from Las Vegas, NV; Rod & Claire Lafond from Derry, NH;  Carl and Mary Ann Lawhon from CA (were married in Maui during the cruise); and Dick & Liz Smith also from CA.  Exchanged email addresses with the Sugerman’s, the Lafond’s and the Lawhon’s.  This was 15th cruise for Rod & Claire (age approx. 55 – 60); the Sugerman’s,

Lawhon’s and Smith’s all had done a number of cruises before.  This was Howard’s second cruise (his first was also 15 days to and from Alaska in 2000), and this was my third as had done the 8 day Mexican Rivera cruise with Leslie Tainsky, Charlie Jo Mikolich and Barbara Rubin in January 2004.

After dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for the 8:15 p.m. Welcome Aboard Showtime starring Donnie Abraham (what a great singing voice), also featuring Mark Martinez and met Chris Nichol the cruise director. 

Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Full day at sea.  At noon the  speed was 20.1 knots, wind was north westerly, gentle breeze; the sea was slight with short/low north westerly swell; sky partly cloudy, temperature 61 degrees. Enjoying our private balcony very much.

From the navigator.  Throughout the day, Regal Princess followed the westerly track that was initially followed yesterday evening.  To enable us to monitor our progress throughout the cruise we had navigational charts posted in the Atrium, Deck 6 starboard side next to the Crown Jewels and Statements (boutiques); Lido Deck aft Deck 12, situated starboard side forward of Café Del Sol on the open decks and Lido Deck forward Deck 12, situated portside adjacent to Characters bar on the open decks.

During the cruise we ate in the Palm Court Dining Room while on ship for breakfast and lunch (open seating) and dinners.  Only once did we go to the buffet in Café Del Sol, as I prefer to have table service and not go from station to station for different foods, drinks and desserts.

We continued to explore the ship and visited various areas including: library, bridge lecture, casino, boutiques, the outer decks and had a nice day.

First of three formal nights.  The Captain’s Welcome Party and Captain’s Welcome Dinner was this evening, and formal portraits were scheduled.  We had pictures taken in two of the three locations. After dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for “Give My Regards” starring Sharon Stanley, Mark Martinez and featuring Amanda Wolcott and Guy Butler, plus the Princess Singers and dancer.

Wednesday, April 7, 2004

At 2 a.m. the ship’s clocks were put back 1 hour.  Full day at sea.  At noon the speed was 19.6 knots, wind south easterly, light breeze, calm seas, clear sky and temperature of 66 degrees.  Continues to explore and enjoy the ship.

10 a.m. Susan attending a meeting of the Red Hat Society in the Adagio Lounge.  Nothing special planned, about 25 of us in attendance.  We took turns standing and telling where we were from, name of our chapter and something about it.  I got the feeling that our Red Chapeau Dames, here in AZ, was among the most organized and doing the most fun things.  Some ONLY go out to lunch and don’t do other things, but a couple had been on Red Hat cruises.

2:15 p.m.  Howard attended the first Scholarship@ Sea Lecture, in the International Show Lounge, with naturalist Tiiu LukkThat She Blows!  Whales and Dolphins of Hawaii”.  Tiiu is a delightful person, came to the USA at age 2, during World War II, with parents, father a physician in Estonia.

After dinner we went to the International Show Lunge for Spotlight Showtime with “Laughter, The Best Medicine” Dick Gold, and he was quite entertaining.

When returning to our stateroom each evening the next days Princess Patter (two copies) would be there for us, plus the good eight page news summary from the New York Times.  For most of the cruise we have many TV stations including CNN Headline news. 

Thursday, April 8, 2004

At 2 a.m. the ship’s clocks were put back 1 hour.  Full day at sea.  At noon the speed was 20.1 knots, wind south easterly, moderate breeze, slight seas, with a long north westerly swell, sky partly cloudy, temperature 72 degrees.

From the Navigator.  Throughout the day, Regal Princess maintained a westerly track navigating in deep waters with an extended depth well below 5000 meters or 16,400 feet.  This afternoon we passed over what is called “fracture zones”.  These zones are characterized by rugged escarpments, great seamounts and very deep trenches and are caused by the friction created when the tectonic plates that comprise the Earth’s crust move against each other.  Occasionally these plates move apart and molten rock is forced up from below the crust thus creating submarine volcanoes.  Interestingly, the Hawaii Islands themselves are exposed peaks of a great chain of dormant or active volcanoes.

The Pacific Ocean was named by Portuguese navigator, Fernando de Magalhaes, better known to the world as Magellan, on his voyage to the New World in 1520.  During his time in the Atlantic he had to deal with extremes of weather, not to mention hunger and mutiny.  Upon entering the new ocean he found this great body of water was placid for many days of sailing and so named it El Pacifico, the peaceful one.  Unknown to him at the time it covered one third of the earth’s surface and was capable of giving birth to terrible storms and waves unequaled in any other body of water.

Each day in the Princess Theater a movie was shown four times (we never did attend any), but the same movie would be on the stateroom TV the next day for those interested.

Another nice day at sea that passed far too rapidly.  At 2:15 p.m. we attended another Scholarship @ Sea Lecture with Naturalist Tiiu Lukk “Diving Into Coral Seas”.  She had great slides and good talk giving everyone a close up look at angelfish, parrotfish and other colorful creatures who inhabit coral seas; those living rainbows within the sea.  Marveled at the beauty that is hidden in tropical waters, and it was a good preview of underwater sights to come when the ship arrived in Hawaii.

Before and after dinner they were taking “romantic portraits” outside the Palm Court Dining Room.  After dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for the Spotlight Showtime starring Donnie Abraham, and what a great voice he has.

Friday, April 9, 2004

Full day at sea.  At noon, speed 17.6 knots, wind south easterly, light breeze, sea calm, sky partly cloudy, air temperature 75 degrees.  Another very nice day, visiting various area of the ship. 

During the morning Susan attended the Princess Captain Circle Seminar to learn more about rewards and recognition for cruising with Princess.  After lunch Susan attended the Future Cruise Presentation on Alaska.  Ramona, the future cruise consultant, presented whales, glaciers, bears and information on new ships and cruises.

At 2:15 p.m. we both attended another Scholarship @ Sea Lecture with naturalist Tiiu Lukk, topic today on “Exploring Ocean Depths”.  There were other Scholarship @ Sea Lectures with another person but none of the topics pricks our interest.

At 3:30 Howard took a ukulele lesson from the Manea Trio in Adagio Lounge (non-smoking), which he enjoyed. 

After dinner we strolled the decks and attended the show in the International Show Lounge “C’est Magnifique” starring Sharon Stanley, Mark Martinez and the princess singers and dancers..

Saturday, April 10, 2004

At 2 a.m. the ship’s clocks were put back 1 hour.  The ship docked at the Kuhio Wharf in Hilo, Hawaii at 8 a.m.  From departure Los Angeles until arrival Hilo, Regal Princess traveled a total distance of 2144 nautical miles at an average speed of 19.4 knots.  At noon wind was light airs, calm in port, sky overcast with passing showers and air temperature of 73 degrees.

Overview of Hilo.  With its varied terrain, diverse climate, lush vegetation and rich array of attractions, many find Hawaii the most interesting of all the islands.  In a single day, you may travel from black-sand beaches to lava flows, from snow-capped mountain peaks to tropical jungles, from tranquil bays to volcanic craters.  More than 4,000 square miles, the “Big Island” is the largest in the archipelago.  In fact, each of Hawaii’s five districts is larger than any other island in the chain.  Its dormant volcano Mauna Kea is the highest point in the entire Pacific Basic.

The island of Hawaii is also home to two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea.  Mauna Loa is the most massive mountain on earth, rising more than 30,000 feet from seabed to its summit; that’s more than 100 times the mass of Mount Everest.  The largest town on the island, Hilo serves as your gateway to Kilauea Volcano.  Kilauea’s most recent series of eruptions started in 1986 and are still underway.

Hilo is an old port town, but much of the port was taken away by a tidal wave in 1960.  The tsunami deluged the waterfront, sweeping an organ console out the stage door of the Palace Theater,  depositing fishing boats in the street like parked cars and taking out totally, many blocks of the business district and dock area.  In its place are some beautiful gardens and green vistas.  Located on the windward side of the island, Hilo has rampant tropical growth, waterfalls, leafy tree ferns, and enough flowers to build a large rainbow.  The rainfall is well over 100 inches annually, making Hilo the wettest city in the USA.

We arranged all of our shore excursions before leaving home, actually as soon as the bookings opened.

We had a full day tour called “Deluxe Hilo”, this included highlights of Hilo and much more, starting at 9 a.m.  After this overview of Hilo our first major stop was the Hawaii Botanical Tropical Garden, a garden in a valley on the ocean, on the scenic route at Onamea Bay, 27-717 Old Mainalahoa Highway, P.O. Box 80, Papaikou, HI 96781, phone: 808-964-5233, email: htbg@ihawaii.net  and web page at:  http://www.htbg.com.  This private non-profit garden featured over 2,000 different species of flowers, fruits and plants, including orchids, palms, bromeliads, heliconias and rare and endangered plant specials.  We had over two hours to explore the various trails including those along Onomea Stream, Onomea Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and enjoyed talking with the parrots, plus taking many many photographs.  This is the only time during the 15 day cruise that we used an umbrella and then only part of the time.

After leaving the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden we returned to Hilo and a very good buffet lunch in ______________.  After lunch we had plenty of time to walk through Liliuokalani Garden a beautiful formal Japanese garden with stone bridges, lanterns, a tea house and with a beautiful view of the bay, this was names for the last Queen of Hawaii.  

Next stop was a visit to the Mauna Los Macadamia Nut Factory, samples of macadamia products.  Susan purchases some nuts and had them shipped home.  Back on the bus and away we went.

Onward and upward through tropical rain forest to Volcanoes National Park and the good Visitors Center with panoramic views of the Halema’uma’ Crater.  The bus then drove 11 miles around the spectacular Crater Rim Drive making photo stops for lava formations and views.  Next stop was at the Thurston Lava Tube for a short walk through wild, Jurassic-like jungle leading to the cave-like tube.  So many photo opportunities during the day, it was breath taking.  Next stop was at Big Island Candies factory for more samples and shopping.

After Big Island Candies we returned to our ship just in time to put things in the cabin, change clothes and arrive for 6 p.m. dinner.  After dinner went to the International Show Lounge for the Spotlight Showtime starring dynamic music and song of Live Wire, electric violin and guitar from England.  Susan had seen them on the cruise to Mexico in January and enjoyed their very high energy performance on that cruise and on this one.

The ship departed Hilo at 6 p.m. and followed a north westerly tract, tracing the coast until the Alenuihaha Channel where we rounded the northern tip of the island then continued south towards Kona.  When lave is flowing into the sea, the ship goes around the southern side of the island so passengers can view the lava.

 Sunday, April 11, 2004 (Easter)

The ship docked at the Kailua Pier in Kona, on the big island of Hawaii at 8 a.m.  Tender required for this port.  From departure Hilo until arrival Kona, Regal Princess traveled a total distance of 136 nautical miles at an average speed of 10.8 knots.  At noon, at anchor in Kona, wind south easterly, light breeze, sea calm, sky overcast with light rain, temperature 79 degrees.

Situated on the western coast of Hawaii, Kona is best known for sport fishing, coffee and, more recently, the Ironman Triathalon.  A charming town, Kona is well worth a visit on its own, and serves as the gateway to some of the best sights on the Big Island.

What is called the Kohala-Kona coastline is a series of bays, covers and small lagoons perfect for every water-related activity imaginable.  You’ll find an array of colorful beaches, from the black sands of Kaimu to the green of Ka Lae.  Intimately connected with Hawaiian history, the Kona Coast is the site of Puuhonua ‘O Honaunau, the Place of Refuge, a sanctuary for ancient Hawaiians.  Here you’ll see some of the most magnificent sunsets in Hawaii.  Locals call it “chicken skin time” because of the goosebumps you get watching these glorious sights.  Ancient Hawaii has also left us the awe inspiring Puuloa petroglyphs, and nearby Kealakekua Bay is where the legendary Captain James Cook, reputedly the first European visitor to Hawaii, lost his life.  Everywhere you wander on this beautiful coast, you’re sure to find vibrant, tropical adventure.

Before leaving the ship the viewed the huge display being assembled in the atrium stairs – large decorated Easter Eggs, and various sculptures of food, lamb, delightful birds and many others.  When returned to the ship in evening viewed the huge ice sculpture and additional Easter Eggs and animal sculptures made of food, chickens, and so on.

We left our ship at 9:15 via tender for the dock in Kona and our Atlantis Submarine Adventure.   We boarded a boat that took us on a seven minute shuttle ride from the Kailua-Kona pier along the scenic coastline of the historic town of Kona.  Next we transferred to the 65 foot, air-conditioned, Atlantis submarine.  The sub holds 48 passengers.  In Kona’s crystal-clear waters, the Atlantis submarine descended down to 115 feet underwater to explore 25 acres of coral reef gardens for over 45 minutes.  The reef was formed on lava, which flowed into the ocean 18,000 years ago.  Inhabited by hundreds of species of tropical fish, corals and other sea life, it has been proclaimed one of the most popular sites to view Hawaiian marine life.  This journey aboard Atlantis’ 48 passenger submarine has been featured in National Geographic specials.  Good view of many colorful fish.  The trip was over all too soon and it was back to the pier.

We walked the waterfront and did a small amount of shopping, then had lunch upstairs in an open area restaurant with great view of the harbor.  Did a bit more shopping, taking it easy.

We next did the Glassbottom Boat Tour.  This was interesting and we saw some interesting fish, but of course it was not as satisfying as the submarine. The boat had shaded cushioned seating, open air breezes, soft Hawaiian music and narration.  After this approximately hour trip seeing the coral reef and fish we took a tender back to our ship.

This was “Island Night” and we went prepared, packed Hawaiian clothing we had purchased when we visited Kauai for two weeks.  Before dinner there were casual photographs taken.  The ship departed Kona at about 5:35 p.m.  Dinner at 6 p.m. afterwards we strolled the decks visiting various areas of the ship but did not attend the Variety Showtime featuring Sharon Stanley.

Monday, April 12, 2004

We enjoyed our arrival in Honolulu, seeing Diamond Head from the ocean, and the Aloha Tower, great to have a private balcony.  Early breakfast, then we arrived and were tied up at the pier by 8 a.m.

Honolulu called “the gathering place” ever since Hawaii’s royalty assembled here; Oahu has drawn visitors with its gentle surf and pristine sands.  Secluded coves and sheltered shores lure swimmers, snorkelers and water lovers of all kinds  Surfers take to Sunset Beach and the North Shore to catch some of the world’s most-perfect waves.  Serious fishermen are rewarded with record-size marlin and yellowfin tuna.

Oahu is home to Waikiki, the most famous beach in the world, as well as infamous Pearl Harbor.  Here you’ll also find the Iolani Palace, America’s only royal palace, as well as the world’s only wholfin, a cross between a killer whale and a dolphin; it’s at Sea Life Park on Makapuu Point.  In between, a glorious island paradise awaits you in every direction.  The capital of the islands, Honolulu is actually the biggest city in the world.  Its municipal boundaries reach across 540,000 square miles of the Pacific, most of which is underwater.

At noon, wind light airs, sea calm in port, sky overcast, air temperature 75 degrees.  Met our tour group about 8:15 a.m. (among first to be allowed to leave the ship).  We boarded our bus for the Polynesian Cultural Center founded by Mormon missionaries in 1864, in the village of Laie, one of Oahu’s popular local attractions. First we viewed some of downtown Honolulu, the  Iolani Palace, State Capital, other state buildings including the state library, Kamehameha Statue, Aloha Tower (by the pier where we were docked).

On the way to the Polynesian Cultural Center we stopped at the Pali Lookout with an elevation of 1,200 feet for a great view of Oahu’s windward side with the jagged Koolau Mountains, emerald fields and blue ocean.  Our next stop was at a Del Monte Pineapple Field.  There were dozens of kinds of pineapple, all marked with name and which country they originated from, good photo opportunities.  Next we visited the Dole Pineapple Pavilion, surrounded by pineapple plantations and a lovely garden and exhibits on the history of pineapple in Hawaii.  They also have the world’s largest maze with 1.7 miles of winding paths bordered by thousands of Hawaiian plants, trees and flowers.  Our next stop was at Sunset Beach, and then drove along the ocean, passing the Mormon Temple built in 1919 until coming to the Polynesian Cultural Center where we enjoyed a large buffet lunch.

After lunch we visited some of the cultural areas to see the villages of Samoa (how to open a coconut, coconut tree climbing, and how to make fire by rubbing two sticks together), Aotearos (New Zealand, “haka” war dance with whirling poi balls), Fiji (how to play their derus or bamboo organ & drumming), Tonga (nose flute demonstrations), and Tahiti (with hip shaking hula demonstration and crowd participation), but not quite time to visit everything.  One of the highlights was “Rainbows of Paradise” – the Pageant of the Long Canoes.  Across the lagoons they glide, the long, beautifully decorated double-hulled canoes of Polynesia.  They carry kings, queens, and chiefs, even gods.  They pass the villages along the shore where brilliantly colored flowers nod in the breezes, fishnets dry in the sun, and ancient deities stand and watch.  They sail under bridges, continuing under a canopy of waving palm trees, and they carry all the colors of the rainbows.  Each canoe carried students from Brigham Young University who attended classes in the mornings and work at the center in the afternoon.  The students danced, sang, chanted and wore dress native to their area of Polynesia.  This parade lasted over 30 minutes and was beautiful. 

On our return to Honolulu and our ship we drove through the suburb cities of Kaneohe and Kailua.  Going and coming together we drove through all three highways tunnels on Oahu.  Honolulu now has a population of around 900,000.

Dinner in the Palm Court Dining Room, then we attended two shows in the International Show Lounge.  First at 8:15 p.m. Halau Hula Olana Folklore Show of Honolulu, award winning children and want a delightful show.  Then at 10:15 p.m. the “Anything Goes!” Comedy Show with cruise director Chris Nichol and other members of the ships staff.

We enjoyed sitting and standing on our balcony as the ship left Honolulu at 11 p.m., and seeing the lights of Diamond Head, Aloha Tower and the city become smaller and smaller as we went out to the ocean.

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

In the early hours of the morning, Regal Princess approached Nawiliwili pilot station where the local harbor pilot boarded, then proceeded into the port where we docked at 8 a.m.   Nawiliwili is the southernmost state in Hawaii, U.S. Hawaii consists of eight main islands which from east to west are: Hawaii, Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai and Nihau and 124 islets, reefs and shoals either uninhabited or sparsely populated by people staffing government facilities.  Kauai is the fourth largest island of the group.

We docked at Nawiliwili, on Kauai at 8 a.m.  We spent two weeks in 1997 on Kauai at Poipu Shores a condo on the sunny south side of Kauai at Poipu and loved every minute of the visit even though Susan had to take pain killers each day.  In 1997 we enjoyed the Na Pali Coast, several boat trips, helicopter tours, the sea turtles, birds, flowers, waterfalls, hikes, Waimea Canyon, Spouting Horn, Smith’s Tropical Paradise and Cultural Gardens with luau and traditional Polynesian songs and dances, Fern Grotto, the Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei, beaches, National Tropical Botanical Gardens,  and on and on then.  After this visit it is still our favorite Hawaiian island.

At noon the wind was north easterly with fresh breeze, sea calm as in port, sky partly cloudy, temperature 75 degrees.

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is what you’ve always envisioned Hawaii to be.  Here are the pristine beaches, peaceful valleys, steep cliffs and lush greenery that lure travelers to the islands year after year.  In the center of Kauai stands the majestic Mt. Waialeale, a remnant of the long extinct volcano that gave birth to this tropical gem.  The fourth largest of the Hawaiian islands, and one of the most isolated, Kauai was never conquered by King Kamehameha and it retains its unspoiled flavor to this very day.

Along the north shore are the spectacular Na Pali cliffs.  Waimea Canyon boasts a desert-like beauty reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and legendary Fern Grotto is one of the most magical spots in all the world.  Hawaii’s contact with western civilization began on Kauai at the mouth of the Waimea River, 25 miles west of the present capital of Lihue.  Here on January 19, 1778, Captain Cook anchored the Resolution and Discovery and exchanged iron nails for live pigs and sweet potatoes.

We met Doug our great driver and tour guide at 8:20 a.m. and were very pleased there were only five of us for this all day Kauai Mountain tour.  We traveled by four wheel drive van for the Kauai Mountain Tour.  We did most of the tour on private roads, lots of stopping to open and close gates.  We stopped and viewed many plants / flowers and scenic views on our way to Kokee State Park. We drove along and among sugar cane, coffee and seed corn plantations.  Mid morning we stopped at __________ a coffee plantation for fresh cream filled donuts and the others sampled coffee.  Beautiful flowers, birds, and views of the rows of coffee plants/bushes going out to the Pacific Ocean.  We saw many guava plants as had on Hawaii.  We visited Waimea Canyon and made a number of stops to view the rich red and green colors plus waterfalls.  The clouds lifted so we drove to the 4,000 foot Kalalau Lookout for views of the Waimea Canyon, the Na Pali coast line and ocean surf, wonderful!  After the Kalalau Lookout we returned to the Kokee State Park, with the many colorful chickens and birds.  We enjoyed a very large, and delicious, picnic lunch in one of the shelters. We visited Kilohana Crater and drove many private, unpaved back roads.  From several locations we were able to view Nihau and its sand beaches and breakers; usually it is not clear enough to view this island.

We drove through Koloa, Hawaii’s oldest plantation town.  After going through Koloa and very near Poipu we stopped at Doug’s home to admire his horses.  Next we were back on private roads closed to the public.  We drove through the Cane Tunnel, which was built between 1947 and 1948 to take miles off the round trip to the mill and harbor for the cane trucks.  We stopped before going through the tunnel to get a really good view, no shoring up or supports of any kind, just a tunnel dug through the mountain.  All too soon it was time to return to the pier and our ship.

After our 6 p.m. dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for Variety Showtime starring the comedy juggler Chuck Gunter.  The Regal Princess left port at approx. 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Maui no ka oi exclaim the locals: Maui is the best.  Needless to say, many visitors agree.  Formed by two massive volcanoes, Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands.  These volcanoes are joined by a rich valley, which gives Maui its nickname, the Valley Isle.  The island’s varied topography accounts for Maui’s scenic and climatic contrasts, culminated by the spectacular Haleakala Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcano, towering 10,032 feet above sea level.

There’s much more to Maui’s natural splendor, including the lush Iao Valley, the magical waterfalls of Hana, and the endless sea of sugarcane and pineapple fields.  With more than 80 beaches, Maui has more miles of swimmable beach than any other island.  Ancient volcanic activity has left sands in a rainbow of colors: white, gold, black, green and garnet.

A popular tourist destination, Maui welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year, second only to Oahu.  A colorful waterfront town, Lahaina is Maui’s most popular resort area and was once the Pacific center for America’s whaling fleet.  Today the town, preserving the spirit and architecture of the 1800s, is designated as  National Historical District.

We arrived in the port of Lahaina (Maui) at 8 a.m., the second of five ports that required a tender.  We had a more leisurely morning and didn’t need to meet our tender until 9:45 a.m.  Tendered in to port and walked along docks to pier 19 for another Atlantis Submarine Adventure.  We boarded a boat that took us from the Lahaina pier to the submarine.  Next we transferred to the 65 foot, air-conditioned, Atlantis submarine.  The sub holds 48 passengers.  In Lahaina’s, the Atlantis submarine descended down to 148 feet underwater to explore acres of coral reef gardens for over 45 minutes, see moray eels and many colorful fish.  There were more varieties of fish than we had seen in the sub leaving from Kona.  This journey aboard Atlantis’ 48 passenger submarine has been featured in National Geographic specials.  Great views of many colorful fish.  The trip was over all too soon and it was back to the pier.

After returning to the Lahaina piers / dock area we enjoyed watching some parrots.  Then we looked at the old fort and visited the historic Court House, their small museum, and viewed the famous Banyan tree, planted in 1873, that shades over ¾ of an acre.  Then we had lunch at an open-air upstairs café.  After lunch we did some shopping for Hawaiian shirt and dress and a few other items.  Howard found the Hawaiian Slack Guitar music he wanted and purchased the two CDs that were available.  We played tourist and had our photograph taken with parrots on our shoulders, head and arms.  Too soon it was time to board a tender for the 30 minute ride back to our ship.

At noon the wind was light airs, sea calm, sky mostly clear and temperature 77 degrees.

The Regal Princess left port at 5:30 p.m.

After 6 p.m. dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for the Variety Showtime featuring vocals of cruise director Chris Nichol AND ventriloquist Willie Tyler and Lester.

Thursday, April 15, 2004

Full day at sea.  At 2 a.m. the ships clocks were advanced one hour.   Although there was another Red Hat Society get together and also a Red Hat Society tea on the return voyage to L.A., I chose not to attend either.

10 a.m. we attended Scholarship@ Sea Lecture in the International Show Lounge with Naturalist Tiiu Lukk, “Sea Turtles: Ancient Nomads in A Modern Sea”.

At noon the ships speed was 19.4 knots, wind easterly, near gale, sea moderate with a short / moderate north easterly swell, sky overcast with passing light showers, temperature 73 degrees.

1:30 p.m. Susan attended Future Cruise Presentation: Exotic Cruises in the Princess Theater.

This was the second of three formal nights.  We had photographs taken in two of the three locations.  After dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for the Spotlight Showtime starring the comedy and magic of Bernard Reid.

Friday, April 16, 2004

Full day at sea.  At noon speed was 18.4 knots, wind north easterly, near gale, sea rough, sky party cloudy, temperature 72 degrees.

Howard and I went to future cruise office and made a deposit for another cruise.  The deposit is good for four years and if decide not to go is refundable.

2:15 p.m. International Show Lounge, Scholarship @ Sea Lecture with naturalist Tiiu Lukk “How to Write Your Memoir”, and Tiiu gave more of her background, working for ABC news in South Africia, doing TV and movie production work and etc.

After dinner we went to a great show in the International Show Lounge, Shake, Rattle and Roll staring Sharon Stanley, Mark Martinez, featuring Amanda Wolcott and Guy Butler and the princess singers and dancer.

Saturday, April 17, 2004

At 2 a.m. ship’s clocks were set forward one hour.  At sea full day.

Talked with Tiiu Lukk naturalists various times and on Friday arranged for us to have lunch with her this day.  We had a table for just the three of us and had a delightful time talking of nature, travel, politics, family and etc.

Culinary demonstration this morning, additional ones later in the day.  Great displays of carved vegetables.

At noon ships speed 19.8 knots, wind north westerly, fresh breeze, slight seas, with an average north westerly swell, sky partly cloudy, temperature 64 degrees.

2 p.m. attended Scholarship @ Sea Lecture with Naturalist Tiiu Lukk “Exploring Ocean Depths” in the International Show Lounge.

3 p.m. also in International Show Lounge attended Bernard Reid’s presentation on “Houdini: The Man, The Myth, The Magic”.  Mr. Reid was having difficulty getting his laptop computer set up, the audio/visual staff on ship couldn’t fix it for him, the cruise director couldn’t get it going, so finally Howard went over and of course very shortly had the problem solved and the presentation began about 15 minutes late.  Bernard Reid asked for Howard’s name and thanked him from the stage several times and said let’s talk after the show.  Several people we met later on Saturday and also Sunday mentioned how Howard had saved the day.  After the good Houdini presentation Bernard Reid, Howard and I went to the Adagio Lounge, we had soft drinks, and continued visiting for around 30 minutes.

After dinner went to International Show Lounge for Spotlight Showtime starring vocalist Mark Martinez and ventriloquist Willie Tyler and Lester.

Sunday, April 18, 2004

At 2 a.m. the ship’s clocks were set forward one hour.  Full day at sea.  At noon the ships speed was 20.9 knots, wind northerly, moderate breeze, sea slight, with a short / low northerly westerly swell, sky partly cloudy, temperature 63 degrees.

2 p.m. in International Show Lounge Scholarship @ Sea Lecture with Naturalist Tiiu Lukk “A Foreign Correspondent’s Experience of South Africa”.  Tiiu Lukk spent two years as a foreign correspondent in South Africa for ABC News during the beginning of the end of apartheid, then returned for a visit 25 years later.  She shared her experiences as a reporter in a turbulent, troubled time, and her observations and reflections on the changes in South Africa after apartheid was dismantled.

Third and final formal night.  We had photographs taken in all three locations before dinner.  After dinner we went to the International Show Lounge for “Curtain Up” starring Sharon Stanley, Mark Martinez, featuring Amanda Wolcott and Guy Butler, plus the princess singers and dancers.

Monday, April 19, 2004

Full day at sea.  Completed the passenger questionnaire.  Loved the cruise and happy about everything except the smoke.  We had a great non-smoking stateroom, but much of the time on our balcony we smelled smoke from those smoking on their balcony.  Some of the lounges were not smoke free and often had to walk through an area of heavy smoke to get to International Show Lounge (the balcony) and other things of interest.

After breakfast we packed our luggage.  While packing we have the TV on and viewed the very funny romantic comedy movie Something’s Gotta Give.  Luggage, except for the carry-on type with clothes and toilet articles, was to be in the hallways from 6 to 10 p.m.  We put ours out at 6 p.m. when we went to dinner.

2:15 p.m. in International Show Lounge attended “Getting To Know You” Chris the cruise director interviewed Sharon Stanley, Mark Martinez, Live Wire, Bernard Reid and Willie Tyler, plus took questions from the audience.  Afterwards outside I spoke with Live Wire and mentioned had seen their high energy show on another ship in Jan.

We viewed the Baja, Mexico, coastline from our balcony.  The ship arrived early before 5 p.m., took on the Mexican official to sign paperwork and then we were off for Los Angeles / San Pedro, CA.

After the final dinner at 6 p.m., will marching waiters carrying flaming Baked Alaska dessert we went to the International Show Lounge for the Farewell Variety Showtime staring Bernard Reid his comedy and magic and Live Wire dynamic musical duo.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

We went to the Palm Dining Room at 6 a.m. for breakfast, we were already in the San Pedro channel, and tied up along berth No. 93, Los Angeles.

We were “Red 2”, so the second group to get off the ship.  All luggage found and accounted for, porter to the bus and then off to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Via Sunset Tours.  Checked four pieces of luggage with America West, kept one carry on bag.  Shopped book stores and then sat and read until our flight was called. America West flt #824  LV LAX at  12:44 p.m., AR Phoenix  2:08 p.m.  Smooth flight to AZ, got luggage, walked to curb and there about two minutes until PCA van came by to take us to the off airport parking lot for our automobile, then a quick stop for milk and home arriving around 3:20 p.m.

Cruise Summary:  Total distances (berth to berth) between ports of call in nautical miles: 1 nautical mile is equal to 1.15 status mile

Los Angeles to Hilo (Hawaii) - 2144 nautical miles

Hilo (Hawaii) to Kona (Hawaii) – 136 nautical miles

Kona (Hawaii) to Honolulu (Oahu) – 155 nautical miles

Honolulu (Oahu) to Nawilwili (Kauia) – 93 nautical miles

Nawiliwili (Kauia) to Lahaina (Maui) – 164 nautical miles

Lahaina (Maui) to Ensenda (Mexico) – 2253 nautical miles

Ensenda (Mexico) to Los Angeles (U.S.A.) 121 nautical miles

Total distance covered 5066 nautical miles

Copyright 2004 and beyond by Susan L. Anderson


Send mail to SunnySusan@cox.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1997-2014 Susan L. Anderson. All Rights Reserved.
Last modified: 07/19/15