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Friday – Kahului, Maui

1:00 PM thru 10:00 PM

Freestyle Daily

Maui-Kahului Information Sheet

Maui-Lahaina Information Sheet

Slept In

Beginning to sound like a broken record, off to Versailles (menu) for a leisure breakfast and a dose of Jose.  Today another couple joined us for our meal.  It was nice to meet some others.

When got back to the room we could see Lanai thru the haze (barely).

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As we all needed to clear customs here, we slowed down to let them board.  Maui was the prettiest island so far.  The idea of clearing customs while we sailed around to port sounded like a good idea.

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We were given the VIP treatment, which meant we got to be first to clear customs.  We went down to the Aqua where we were to meet at 10:30.  We were told they were running a little late and come back at 11:00.  At 11:00 we went in and sat down to wait.  Still running late, so we ended up waiting another 40 minutes.  Then we were escorted to customs, and within a few minutes we were done.  Those who had regular numbers were enjoying themselves waiting for their number to be announced.  Being first wasn't really a benefit in this case.

Let's Go Ashore

We made port on schedule and then it was time to get off.  As it was the middle of the day, everyone wanted off at once.  With no numbers given to manage the crowds, the lines were huge.  We waited on the stairs for a good 30 minutes.  When we got off we were welcomed by some performers on shore.

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I would have liked to have seen them use numbers like when we were tendering.  The stress would have been less, even though we would have been off at the same time.  If you want to try to bypass lines, go to deck 12 and request an elevator going up.  Then when it gets to 13, ride it all the way back down to 4.  Should save you about 20 mintues.

Rented car from Avis a few days before we departed.  They were at the pier when we got there.  A few minutes to check-in and we got our reserved convertible.  They did have cars available if needed.  We drove the road to Haleakala summit.  We had a little rain on the way up, but once we broke through the clouds it was fine.  It is very cold at the summit.

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The view was amazing.  It was almost spiritual looking down on the clouds.  It was easy to see why the observatory was built here.  The way down was cool as we drove through the clouds, at sometimes we could only see a few feet in front of the car. 

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We saw the biking tour headed down the mountain.  They were very well equipped and safety was obviously very important.

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We got back down at sunset and took the car back to Avis.  Once again we got right on the shuttle, perfect timing on our part.  When we got to the pier the line to get back on board was the worst we had seen.

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Back on Board

Betcha can't guess where we had dinner - Versailles.  We actually went to Aqua first, but tonight they weren't serving until 7:00 PM.  Once again we were not disappointed.  Good food and good service.

Once again we had snacks waiting for us back at the room.  Another day where they doubled.  Life is good.

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Laundry service was always available (prices).  Tonight they ran a special - all the laundry you can stuff in one bag for $25.  This was so you could bring your clothes home cleaned and pressed.

The show tonight was "Cirque Asia", the Chinese acrobats.  It was an entertaining show that was good for both kids and adults.  After the main show they did a "Thank You for Cruising with NCL".  It was kind of fun to see all those who work behind the scenes.

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Chocolate Buffet Night

I went to watch the Comedy show while they set up the buffet.  He was funny and a good way to pass some time.  Next it was to watch the karaoke singers - note how I said watch.  Only a few singers as many were still on shore at luaus .

Finally  they opened the doors for photos.  The smell of chocolate was everywhere.  Plenty of variety.  The chocolate welcome sign was a nice touch.  Unfortunately I was too tired to wait the last 45 minutes until we could eat it.

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Our Trip Pre-Cruise Sun-Board Mon-Hilo Tue-Sea Wed-Fanning
Thu-Sea Fri-Maui Sat-Kauai Sun-Leave  Ship Tour Home
Google

My Portrait Photography
My Nature Photography

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com