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My Portrait
Photography
My Nature Photography
Board Ship at 1:45 PM
Sail Away 8:00 PM
Woke up early to watch the Star sail by at about 6:30 AM. Click the photo below to enjoy the view
We decided to spend the morning on the beach and doing some last minute shopping.
Bags were packed and ready to go. Bell service was within 2 minutes of scheduled pick-up. We followed a few minutes later and our car was waiting.
We left our hotel for the Aloha Tower at about 1:00 PM and arrived at the pier at about 1:20. A porter took our luggage (we over packed and had 7 suitcases) to the baggage area. Bags checked and gone by 1:30. Did the security screening and then we went over to the check-in line. Only one person ahead of us in the suite line, although some people we know were in the standard line and were only about 5 to 10 minutes behind us.
We had our pre-filled in forms, passports, and credit card ready. Whole process took about 5 minutes and then up the stairs to the ship. Our key cards were scanned and Id's checked. We were then escorted to our cabin. The woman even took our carry-on bag from us to our cabin.
When we walked in all I can say is wow! Our cabin was beyond great, and probably more than we needed, but what the heck, you only live once. Our suite was beautiful. It even had a name - Pearl (detailed cabin information).
We were greeted in our cabin by a bottle of wine from our travel agent - Thanks Tina! We also had some welcome gifts: a bowl of fruit, floral display, excursion tickets, and snacks.
While we unpacked our concierge, Anne, paid us a visit to explain the services that came with our cabin.
We went straight to the lunch buffet in the Market Cafe. It was pretty good for buffet food. We found that it is much easier to get a table on the vegetarian side of the cafe. This was our first experience with the food service staff and they were great. My seven year old was just getting out of line with her tray of food and one of the staff quickly came over and carried her tray for her to the table - that was an unexpected pleasure.
While we enjoyed our food we did get asked to buy a drink, we did not. We also got asked to buy a teen drink coupon book for our kids for $30. It contained 20 coupons. We did and it turned out to be a good investment. The one book was shared by the two girls under parental control. The only drinks we let them get with it were virgin pina coladas and strawberry daiquiris. Sodas we just paid for as they were the "cheap" drinks. We used them at the topsides bar and in the restaurants.
Next it was off to the Kids Crew to register. A very quick process and allowed us to avoid the group meeting that evening.
Then we went everywhere. I took most of my pictures then, as their were almost no people to be seen. The kids thought I was a little crazy taking pictures of every empty room, but they did get to seen most of the ship, including areas where they would not ordinarily be welcome such as the bars.
Safety drill was the last thing before we ate. We were lucky as we got to sit in the theater in air conditioned comfort. The drill was very short. (Photo)
Went back to the room to relax and decided on dinner. We chose Aqua and were pleased with our meals.
Walked thru the sail away party and everyone got their free leis. Flowers for the ladies and shell for the men. Then off to sleep.
| Our Trip | Pre-Cruise | Sun-Board | Mon-Hilo | Tue-Sea | Wed-Fanning |
| Thu-Sea | Fri-Maui | Sat-Kauai | Sun-Leave | Ship Tour | Home |
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