Another Cruise

Hello Again, we are off on another cruise.  We leave Fort Lauderdale on April 28 for a 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal.  We are going East to West which will make a different trip than the last time.  Also, we are taking Princess this time rather than Holland American.  We are traveling with friends, Janet and Mark, and we will be flying down the day before, leaving SeaTac on April 27. 

Jim and I are going to West Seattle on April 25 to meet up with our daughter Libby to celebrate my birthday and get an early start on the cruise.  For my birthday we are going to Lola's, a Tom Douglas restaurant in Seattle, and then to the 5th Avenue Theater for A Room With a View, a Broadway musical.  That's a pretty fancy birthday party. We can have rustic Mediterranean cuisine at Lola, another in the Tom Douglas family of exceptional downtown restaurants. We are told not to miss the ouzo sizzling kebabs, steaming savory tagines or the grilled to order pita bread, brought  fresh from their own Dahlia bread bakery right across the street. 

We are very excited about the dinner, and the theater after.  I hope Jim enjoys the play; I know I will.  This multifaceted love story is set in Florence, Italy, in 1908 and tells the tale of the romance between Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson in Edwardian English society. I love Downton Abby, and this will be a great beginning to our cruise.  

We have a balcony this time, on the port side, so we are looking out to see as we sail up the west coast, but we should see amazing sunsets from our cabin.  We have stops in Cartagena, Columbia, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Los Angeles, Victoria and Vancouver, BC.  Of course, we have lots of sea days, too.  (10 days at sea)  We like those quiet sea days because we aren't tempted to go ashore and really relax on board.  

I hope to post almost every day, depending on the availability for internet.  We should be great on port days and the Panama Canal area.  Sea days may not be so easy.  Looking forward to another blog.  Good Day!

This multifaceted love story is set in Florence, Italy, in 1908 and tells the tale of the romance between Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson in Edwardian English society.

Lucy is a beautiful young woman who travels to Florence with her cousin, where they both meet George and his father. Despite her cousin's best wishes, Lucy finds herself falling in love with the boyish George but tries to shut her feelings out by instead accepting the marriage proposal of a much esteemed gentleman. - See more at: http://www.seattle-theatre.com/theaters/5th-avenue-theater/a-room-with-a-view.php#sthash.GnX4io7w.dpuf

This multifaceted love story is set in Florence, Italy, in 1908 and tells the tale of the romance between Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson in Edwardian English society.

Lucy is a beautiful young woman who travels to Florence with her cousin, where they both meet George and his father. Despite her cousin's best wishes, Lucy finds herself falling in love with the boyish George but tries to shut her feelings out by instead accepting the marriage proposal of a much esteemed gentleman. - See more at: http://www.seattle-theatre.com/theaters/5th-avenue-theater/a-room-with-a-view.php#sthash.GnX4io7w.dpuf

This multifaceted love story is set in Florence, Italy, in 1908 and tells the tale of the romance between Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson in Edwardian English society.

Lucy is a beautiful young woman who travels to Florence with her cousin, where they both meet George and his father. Despite her cousin's best wishes, Lucy finds herself falling in love with the boyish George but tries to shut her feelings out by instead accepting the marriage proposal of a much esteemed gentleman. - See more at: http://www.seattle-theatre.com/theaters/5th-avenue-theater/a-room-with-a-view.php#sthash.GnX4io7w.dpuf

On Land Again

Back to the real world, but more notes on cruising. Our third day in the islands was in Maui, and we not too impressed. We were anchored in the harbor at Lahaina and tendered in to a sleepy one street town with lots of little shops. We opted for a walking tour which gave us way too much info about the missionaries who settled the island. We were impressed with the stories of how one of them saved nearly all the island inhabitants by vaccinating them with smallpox vaccine even though he had not finished his medical degree.  I guess Harvard gave him an honorary degree later on. He was pretty smart, and made his own vaccine when he ran out. The other islands were devastated by the disease but his island was saved most deaths because of his actions. Along with that,of course, he made me women get dressed and the everyone be converted. Interesting history. Janet madeittohilo Hattie's but Jim Audi went back to the ship. That was the warmest day we had on the whole trip and it was only around 80 degrees,but the humidity was a killer for me!
The last day do our  island  tour we were in Hilo, where it rains all the time, I guess. I was there in the 90's but it was sunny and wrm so I can' t agree with the weather report. We took a volcano tour, stopping t the volcanoes national park center and then a lava flow where we got up close to see the different kinds of lava. Too cool!  We also got to stop at the Maona Loa macadamia nut farm where we bought all kinds of fatty nut treats. It was too easy when they handed out samples. The Maui onion flavored ones were my fav, but the chocolate toffee ones are to die for, so we bought several bags and cans of those to use as temptation for friends.
There were lots of activities on board the ship since we had so many sea days. There were lectures, one man was a specialist on the Hawaiian islands and talked about everything from floral, fauna, geology and ocean mammals. He was a retired college prof. The other speaker was a sweet woman who had sailed over 30000 miles in s,all boats and who had instructed the navy some how,but primarily ishe was a history teacher.  We specialized in old time sailing stories, including the mutiny on the Bounty and Admiral Halsey's  typhoon which sank ships during WW2. Se also spoke about the women who sailed on sailing vessels in the 19th century, like whaling ships, etc. they often became. They often became very accomplished navigators, making themselves important to their sailing husbands. I would sit in the theater knitting while she talked,occasionally checking out the power point photos.
Speaking of knitting, we brought our knitting along with Kindles, and often went out to find a quiet spot ( very hard to do on a boat the size of the Golden). Whenever I brought out my knitting women would come up and ask me what I was doing, and Janet got good at telling the I would share the pattern for my potato chip scarf.  It is a fun pattern and very easy to memorize, so it is perfect for a trip. I brought way too much yarn but I wanted to be prepared.  Other than knitting and reading, any
other off hours were busy with shopping.  Those cruise people know what to do to distract the women on the ship. You could see those tables outside the shops with a bunch of men hanging around the edges while the women were busy turning over the goodies. We were the next to last trip to e islands so they wanted to unload all the Hawaiian tees they could before they set off for Alaska. We boug tees, jackets, lotions, makeup, earrings, charm bracelets, luggage totes, hats, exercise clothes, bracelets and other gifts. Big spending on ships!
Today is my birthday, a big one, 70 years old. I am in a hotel in chino hills where we are visiting our daughter, missy, granddaughter Meghan, and son unlawful Scott. They are making me carne asana for dinner on their grill,one of my favorite meals. For lunch I am having fish tacos, another favorite. This evening I am soaking in their hot tub.  Wow, what a great day. Libby called yesterday and told me she got us six, yes, six tickets to the 5th avenue theater for next year's Broadway series. That is another Wow!  Jim's ready for breakfast, so off we go. More later about our trip. The Whidbey Wagners

Our Final Day at Sea

OK, I have to hurry and catch up since we are almost home.  The interent cafe is full of people printing out their tickets to get home to Milwaukee or Iowa or Florida.  They are getting off the boat so fast in the morning, but we are lucky and have a leisurely 9AM depature and a ride back to the hotel where we left our car.  We loved staying at the Crowne Plaza, with a dining room, shuttle to the ship and parking deal.  It was the best!  If we ever do this again, we will stay there.  I plan to go on Cruise Critic and tell everyone about the easy on and off if you stay there.
After our fun day tubing the ditch in Kuaia, (sp?) we went to Hil Hattie's again.  They had a promotion giving you $50 if you went to all four.  Janet was going for it, so every island had a quick stop for the same stuff over and over.  She did get to all four; I missed one.  She will order a shirt or something after we get home.  We went back to the ship and planned our next visit to the dining room.  More later on that.  The next day we were in Maui, and we went on a walking tour or the small town.  It was a little disappointing and we left the group after an hour to do our own walking around.  Lots of little shops and history of the missionaries there in the downtown, and a huge banyon tree.  The next day we were in Hilo and we took a tour of the volcanoes national park.  It was a good one, and we learned lots about the volcano, as well as the area which has been washed away at least three times by tsunamis.  In fact, we saw the demarkation line where people have to move in order to be safe.  It didn't look safe to me, and the airport and all the port district with lots of gas and petrol areas all in the path.  If a big tsnuami comes to Hilo, all transportation is lost.  It rained the entire day in Hilo, and our guide told us it gets some amazing amount like 150 inches a year!  We were not upset since it was warm, although we got a little wet.  Our Tilly hats are amazing, wet or dry.  I plan to get two more when we get home. Jim has worn his in the Galapagos and here and loves his, also.

Food---We introduced Janet and Mark to the dining room and created a monster.  Now they know how nice it is to have someone serve you all your meals.  Also, it is so civilized to have a table set for you and waiters on hand to get you whatever you request.  We had Anytime dining, so we went in around 6 each evening and most often we had company at tables for 8.  The people were interesting, and some have continued to say hello as we pass them in the hallways.  We have had breakfast lunch and dinner in almost every dining room.  One evening the main dining room was full and we had a 30 minute wait, so we went to Sabatinis, an Italian restaurant at $25 a person.  It is amazing, with great appetisers, and entress, all with an Italian flair.  The pasta course comes to you during the meal, and the chef has specially prepared that dish, changing it each night.  Another night we celebrated mty birthday in the Crown Grill, a steak house which also costs $25 a person, BUT it is the real deal with the most tender steak I have ever had.  We also ate on  the Crown Grill in the Med and it was the same.  What a steak.  We had the filet, which was 8 oz, and cooked to perfection.  Aong with that we had lobster and sides of scalloped potatoes, mashed red potatoes, asparagus, French fries, creamed corn, sauteed mushrooms and rolls and I can't remember what else.  Oh, the black and blue onion soup is to die for!  French onion soup with Blue cheese on top the crouton and then broiled.  Oh, Wow!  The dining room has been delightful with lots of options, and on Formal nights when we did not dress, we went to the buffet which has been great, also.  One hightlight on every cruise is the bread served at every meal.  The dining room and buffet have the most wonderful fresh rolls, French and whole wheat with seeds on top.  They also serve breadsticks, and amazing sweet rolls.  Mark and Jim sample every morning and know they are not getting the same thing when we get home.  More later.  Wine, drinks, snacks and dominoes.

Catching Up

My Bad!  The days went by so fast, and yes we had four days at sea on the way over, but you have never traveled with Janet. She never s stops, and we had so many things to do and see and buy. I fell in the bed at night. I will try to catch all the exciting bits up to date now. 

We were at sea in the big Pacific Ocean for four days. It is huge. I can' remember the Atlantic looking this big. Te first few days we had almost gale force winds and we rocked and rolled. Not too bad but I guess some people were seasick. We ate great meals and I stayed on my diet, feeling pretty good about everything. We have't dressed for dinner, no jackets and ties, and we have not been to a performance in the theater. Nothing seems that exciting. The ship reminds me of the Crown, with things located in the someplace. The third day out, we discovered the warm weather and the Sanctuary, an adults only area where you pay to have the guy wrap your lounge in a towel and bring you forenoon tea with sandwiches and sweets. They also offer cucumber water or fruit water to keep you cooled off. I got a little sun and so did the others but we got in the pool and hot tub and exercised for fun. The fourth day at sea, other people had discovered our wonderful place, but it still is not crowded. We have heard on a Caribbean cruise you must make reservations before the ship leaves if you want a place or you have to wait for a chair each day. 

We finally arrived in Honolulu and went off for our first tour to the Arizona memorial. The guys also got to visit the Missouri where they signed the surrender for the end of WWII.  Janet Andy rushed to shop at the Hilo Hattie's on Honolulu before we sailed. It was so much fun and we bought Hawaiian shirts and earrings and other gifts. On the way out I bought macadamia nut treats for people at home. We have now decided we 're shipping a suitcase home since we 're already full in the car and we have bought so much.  More about that later. 

We brought the right kind of clothes. Our shorts and crops and t shirts have been perfect.  The weather has been hot a few days but not unbearable. The second day in the islands we went to Kauai. Before we left home, we had discussed going on a tubing trip on a ditch in the cane fields. The fields no longer have sugar cane but the irrigation ditches still remain. We were making the decision and before I knew it we had booked it. Off we went to meet our guides to get in big fat inner tubes and float down the ditch, and go through at least 5 miles of tubes or tunnels and over a few rapids, little but fun.  Everything was running down hill, so we kept going; although I did bounce off the walls back and forth in the tunnels. We wore helmets with lanterns so we could see in the dark tunnels. More later. 

We Are At Sea!

It is 5:30 PM and we are at sea, sailing south towards Ensenada.  The weather is perfect, around 75 degrees, and full sunshine.  We had our Muster for Lifeboat station drill and unpacked our bags.  Let me say right away, I like our balcony room.  The balcony is the smallest, and we are up fairly high on the Baja deck, but we are able to sit out in chairs, and have the slider open.  And, the room seems so much bigger than the inside room we had on the Crown Princess.  We are probably going to have a balcony again since I think this is the way to go from now on.  We moved around and unpacked and Jim even noticed we have more room. We have a small easy chair and a desk chair, so I am happy.  That gives me some place to knit and read and watch the TV other than the bed.  Also, this boat is much smaller than the Crown, and I like that.  We loved the really small Prinsendam with HAL; this boat isn't that small but it is smaller and easier to get around.  We went down to lunch after we got on board and I was thinking we would have to walk way aft, but we soon arrived at the Lido Buffet, and much quicker than other bigger ships.  I really like small boats.
We also took a tour of the spa, Janet's favorite place.  She has already gone to have her nail polish changed!!  We have been on the boat for 3 hours, and her plans are set.  We did discover a stretch class for the morning, and I will try it out, but not if it is too rigorous and if it hurts.  Besides, it starts at 7AM, and I may not want to do it every morning.  Janet is seeing this as an opportunity to spa  ( massage, body scrubs, etc.) exercise and have somebody cook for her.  I am looking forward to resting some and trying to stay fit, but not exhausted. So I think her spa bill will be bigger than mine, but I will probably buy more in the gift shop.  The jewelry is calling me.  I was happy to see the pool and hot tub in the spa area which is for adults only.  Also, I may partake of the acupuncture lady since I am sure I could use something to help my knees.  I have never done acupuncture, so here is the opportunity.

There is a piano playing in the atrium, Jim is taking a nap, and I guess we'll go to dinner around 6, so off we go for another wonderful cruise.  I'm already thinking about the next one and we just started this one.  Poor Jim!  More later from Virginia on board the Golden Princess on route to Hawaii.  Aloha!

Rain, Rain Rain!

We left Whidbey Island at 8:45 on the Pt Townsend Ferry, and the drive down the Hood Canal wa slow and rainy, just like all the other driving we did today.  Oregon had one squall after another pushing across the state, and we got to be under all of them.  Thank goodness our day was short.  By 4:30 we were in Springfield and checked in to our hotel. 

Our lunch was a good one, but it was only the second time since Karen died that we have stopped in Longview.  We ate at the Red Lobster.  That was a challenge to stay on my diet, but we had good fish (sole) and one of those cheddar biscuits that I will have to pay for.  It was a bittersweet moment for Jim and me, but Janet and Mark helped us get through the visit.  Now we can have a good memory of the start of our Hawaii cruise. 

We plan to be well down into California tommorrow and in LA/San Pedro on Tuesday.  We are planning a slow drive that third day and then a leisurely morning before we embark on Wednesday.  In fact, Jim and Mark are going on a tour of the USS Iowa which is very close to our cruise ship. The ship leaves San Pedro and because of the rules, we have to check in to a foreign port, so Ensenada it is!  Both Janet and I have agreed we will sit on our balconies and wave at the people going ashore.  It will be a short sail since Ensenada is very close, but they plan to spend the whole day there and many people will get off to take wine tours and beer tours and margarita tours!! 

We'll be heading out in the morning and hope to find better weather in California.  Jim will catch the news tonight to see the weather.  We've been hearing about great weather in the San Pedro area, and my wardrobe is ready for sail away clothes which does not include long pants and sweaters. 

More later.  The Whidbey Wagners

Going on a new trip and catching up

We are getting ready for another cruise, and we are excited to be going for two weeks to Hawaii.  Warm weather will be welcome!

I left the last blog entry when we got into Galveston; we flew to SoCal for Christmas and then right home after two days with Missy and family.  That was great except I got sick at the end of that visit and have been recovering ever since then.  My goal now is to get better so I can really enjoy this cruise and the other summer plans we have to cruise on our own boat.  We will be returning on April 24, one day before my birthday which I will then celebrate with Missy and family.  How fun is that.

We are packing for the current cruise, on the Golden Princess out of LA.  This time we are going very casual, and I'm leaving the dress up clothes at home.  Jim won't even take a jacket: we'll do casual evenings with Hawaiian shirts for him and a little blingy T for me, and we'll eat in the Buffet for formal nights.  Packing has been very easy and even with two weeks of clothes, I am getting things into a smaller suitcase.  I'm taking a pair of jeans, and four other pants in cotton or linen.  Also, my wardrobe includes several different kinds of crop pants, jean, linen and cotton.  My most exciting purchase is a new bathing suit and two new pairs of flip flops!   I have plans to wash out under things and hang them to dry.  

We are traveling with Janet and Mark, driving to LA so we don't have to worry with flights or luggage fees.  Also, we will be in our first ever balcony cabin.  This may cause all sorts of problems later because I may want to have a balcony every time, and they cost more money.  I have read lots of arguments for and against.  One guy said his door didn't close properly, and he had a whistle in his room all the time!  That would be annoying.  Our cabin is forward on the starboard side, so we'll be on the north side going over and the south side coming home.  I have visions of sitting out there and watching the ocean go by, but in reality it may be rolly poly and I may have to stay inside.  We have four days at sea, and I love those, so we'll hope for calm seas. 

I am on Cruise Critic again and we'll go to the Meet and Greet on April 12 at 11AM.  They've had some good discussions about the cruise and other cruises like this.  The Golden has a good reputation so we'll see how it compares to the Crown Princess from the TA last November.  My wish is I maintain my weight by eating sensibly except for the occasional blast of calories in rewards like pizza and a real hamburger.

Look forward to comparison shopping: for cabin prices, balcony versus window.  Specialty restaurants. Entertainment.   Overall service. People on this cruise.  Cruising Hawaii.  (I keep thinking I will want to return to some cruise again and again, but so far, I haven't been that enchanted to do it one more time.  Even two weeks in the Caribbean was OK, but not again.  Europe, maybe but not Greece or Italy (except for Florence which I missed).  More later as we get closer to leaving.  The Whidbey Wagners