Trip to Hawaii - Day 1 Thurs Dec 1

We head for the airport around 10 am. We have no delays and make it to the airport in tons of time. We make our connecting flight but it’s a little close for comfort. Just what is the protocol when you have a number in the A row and they’ve started boarding B? We jumped in at the beginning of the B line. Hope we didn’t tick too many people off.

The plane’s still on the ground ½ hour past take off time. Apparently they picked up some ice coming in from Ft. Lauderdale. So they have to de-ice.

We arrive in Los Angeles about a ½ hour later than expected. Our car arrives pretty quickly and we’re on the road.

The Doubletree by Hilton St Pedro is gorgeous. The rooms are clean and comfortable. We have dinner in the hotel and although a tad pricey, the food was good, the service excellent and everyone was friendly. They even hand delivered cookies that were still warm! (I know… I’m a cheap date…)

The view from our room is awesome. We can see most of the marina. Some of the boats are decorated with lights for Christmas.

Although it’s only 9 pm here, we’re beat. It’s about midnight our time so we hit the sack.

Dolphin Excursions is Booked!

I signed up for the Dolphin Excursions! Can't wait. It was SUCH a good time last time. And they are picking us up - so no rental car required. I think we'll just taxi or bus it to Waikiki Beach. We have to at least walk on it.

Rental cars are also booked. If you're going to Hawaii, make sure that you book rental cars BEFORE you go. The last time we went we heard the rental car agencies complaining about the tourists who assumed you could just get off the ship and a rental car would be available. Lots of people had to go without.

It's Official!

I just finished booking the Hawaii cruise. Carnival Spirit Dec 2, 2011 for 15 heavenly days. Only problem is the wait now.

I found a great deal with all fees in for just under 3000. For a 4K interior room (obstructed view). Thanks to Reggie!

Now time to get into the heavy duty research.

Scrapbook updates

Sad news: Kona Scrapbooks has closed.

Good news: Island Paperie is open. Google maps is showing 2 addresses for Island Paperie. I confirmed with the store that the correct address is 395 Dairy Road, Unit A Kahului.

The store in Hilo is called Island Scrapbooking (and they seem to carry stamps.) Their location is at 223A kilauea Ave in Hilo, Hi.

A must do for Sue

Carnival had a sale last week, but I wasn't quite ready to book yet. However, the price has risen a little bit. 3261.86 for 2 people when you've cruised before with Carnival. Or 3381.86 if you haven't.


Still not bad for a 15 night cruise. At 113 per person per night, it's not too far from our usual under 100 per night. I'm hoping that we'll see it fall a bit more. It's still a year away.

Also found the link from the dolphin encounter I experienced last time in Honolulu:

http://www.dolphinexcursions.com/learn.html


Hotel pickups between 8:45 and 9 am. (the boat is scheduled to get in at 9) Last time we qualified for this and were able to meet up with them by the Hawaiian girl statue - but there were several, so we found the one closest to the debark point and that turned out to be the right spot.


Limited to 20 people and lasts about 3 hours. They provide bottled water and juice, cheese, yogurt and granola bars. All included in the 115 per adult, 85 for child (4-12 yrs). There's a 10% discount if we meet them at the Waianae Boat Harbor located on the west shore of Oahu, off Hwy 93. But we'd have to get there by 10:15 am. And according to google it's a 45 minute drive.


A little pricy, but well worth it. One of the most amazing experiences of my life. And winter (November to March) means we'll also get to see humpback whales with calves. We didn't get to see this last time as we were there in October.

WANTED! Fun Loving People for Cruise to Hawaii

I've finally found a cruise that will do a round trip from Los Angeles to Hawaii and back! And I know it's early, but we'd like to try to get at least a few people to go before we book it. At this point we'll wait until closer to June/July before actually booking it unless Carnival offers a sale. So right now we're trying to find out who might like to come along.

Why cruise? Why not just fly?
Have you looked at the cost and the logistics of getting to and/or from Hawaii! (minimum 12 hr flight) Personally, I'd rather spend 5 days at sea - where there's a bed, food and entertainment, then spend 12+ hours on an airplane and airport! The cost...around $900 return. Plus then you've got to pay for your accomodations and food. The cruise throws in some entertainment to keep you occupied too. Plus flying from island to island, it appears you'd lose a day just moving to the next island.

But, if you've never cruised before, this cruise may not be for you. There's 5 days at sea, 5 days on the islands and another 5 days at sea.

We're looking for some people who'd like to join us. The last time we did this cruise with 6 couples, and that helped pass the time on the 5 days at sea. We didn't always hang out with each other, but we often bumped into each other and joined in on some of the ships competitions, played cards, played mini golf, or some of us did the rock wall.

Carnival is currently offering a cruise from Los Angeles to Hawaii and back on the Carnival Spirit. There's 2 cost structures that are applicable until 5 months before the cruise date.

Option 1. Early Saver:

1. Cost: 3162 with taxes for 2 people


2. This price will apply if you book more than 5 months in advance (before July 2). This is the current list price for Early saver, it could vary depending on when we book it.


3. Rooms are midship on the 4th level


4. The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE - so you have to be sure if you're going to book this way


5. There's a price guarantee - if the price drops, we fill out some paperwork and get a refund for the difference!

Option 2. Fun Select:

1. 3222 with taxes for 2 people - gratuities and alcohol not included.


2. This is the current price and may vary up until you book it.


3. Rooms are on the lowest level (2) cost to upgrade to the 4th is 4.40 per person per day. ( add 132 to get you to the 4th level.) - you can go higher but the cost per person will be higher as well.


4. The deposit IS refundable up to 76 days before the cruise.


5. No price guarantee on this one.

These prices are for inside cabins. There's also ocean view and balconies, but, again the prices are higher.

The itinerary and things to do at each island can be seen at the top of this blog.

Send me an email if you're interested. The address is suzcruz@hotmail.ca

Wow, It's been over a year since I posted on this. Sigh. We had a blast on the girls cruise in Feb.

here's a couple of shots from Prickley Pear island taken in Feb 2009.

It's Not a huge place, but the waters great and the snorkeling is pretty good too.

We had lawn chairs, and, of course, rum punch.

for more details see http://www.pricklypearisland.com/

We've got 4 people interested but we're looking for 2 more.