The Crossing from San Diego to Honolulu

Five days and six nights from San Diego to Honolulu may seem like a long time with nothing to do to some people – but not to us!  Sea days are wonderful – you can do nothing, read, relax, or stay busy from morning until night.  Whatever you want!

So far, this cruise has more activities than any cruise we have been on and we have been on Holland America nearly 300 nights and on other cruise lines for about 30. 

There are several lecturers on board.  One is an anthropologist who is presenting the cultures of the South Pacific – he has also lectured on WWII.  There is a “science” professor from England who has presented flora and fauna lectures. He also spoke on the voyage of the Beagle and the life of Charles Darwin. As a follow up, he discussed the “evolution” of Evolution Theory. 

There is a cultural group on board from Hawaii and Tahiti.  Marie-Elisabeth has been to Hawaiian language classes and one on lei making.  She is also taking classes on hula and ukulele daily!  The entertainment has been good too.  Even though we saw them on the Amsterdam last April, we again enjoyed the tribute groups for the Beach Boys and Beatles.  The cast show was Bob Mackie’s Broadway. 

The fabulous location guide, Kainoa, is a native Hawaiian.  He has presented useful information on activities you can do on your own – does not “push” ship tours and shopping.  There are separate staff talks on the tours and shopping.    He also has done a lecture on Polynesian migration and Kingdom to Statehood on Hawaii.  Kainoa also told some moving family stories about the attack on Pearl Harbor as well as his own experiences as a guide to the Arizona Memorial.   

Even though we have not set foot on land yet, this is a great vacation!