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My Portrait
Photography
My Nature Photography
9:00 AM thru 3:00 PM
Shortly after we got out of bed, Fanning Island was in view. One big wave and this place would be gone as it is barely above sea level - ten feet is often quoted. Let's hope for the residents that it doesn't happen. As we approached the island some dolphins decided to pay us a visit visible in the second picture.
The tendering process consists of both a larger tender from the island, and a bunch of lifeboats/tenders from the ship. From our cabin we got to watch the lowering of the boats.
Better get a move on, so once again we head to Versailles for some breakfast. (Menu) Of course Jose was there to make the girls smile. Good meal to start the day.
Anne got has VIP tender tickets so we could go at our leisure (We also had tender one tickets from James). As they were calling by number, the lines were very short. We rode in one of the life boat tenders. The good is that you are in the shade while you wait for boarding to finish, the bad is it is enclosed and gets a bit hot and stuffy. The there is one bench seat up above main floor next to the captain's seat. If you have kids, it is a lot of fun.
We got on the island and were greeted by some locals singing some traditional songs. The water was beautiful and the crowds were not too bad.
Rented bikes @ $10 per bike per hour at spent an hour touring the island It had just rained on island recently so there were lots of puddles. We got to see much more of the island than we could have on foot. Saw the school, many homes, locals traveling about and some livestock (chickens and pigs). Once you got away from the main crowds, it was pretty easy going. Highly recommended if you want to see the more remote areas.
I went to the post office to get some stamps and mailed a postcard home. The girls did some shopping for trinkets. The island is already starting to show the effects of the Star's visits, as few vendors were re-selling items that were pre-made such as neckties with the ship on them. And of course we had to pose with the sign showing we were far from everywhere.
People were friendly everywhere on the island. Having been in the Bahamas and Mexico, it was quite nice to see that they have not yet learned to beg or pester you to buy items.
Lunch on shore was buffet style. There were several areas serving the food which kept the lines short. Even after we got our food we saw very few flies. I am sure that I had to shoo a fly less than 3 times during my meal. The buffet had burgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs, coleslaw, pizza (separate line) and fresh fruits (separate line). No free drinks at all on island (not even water or ice tea) with lunch. We enjoyed dancers while we ate our lunch.
We decided to head back a little early. Return tender line was short and we were on board fairly quickly on the open air tender. We sat outside in the front and had a great view. Of course the seats started to look not so good as we watched a storm slowly begin to cover the island. The ride back was a good chance to get some pictures of the Star.
We beat the incoming storm by just minutes. Shortly after we got on board, the storm reach the ship. It was raining really hard. The next tender group was soaked. Glad it we made it back.
Kids Crew could have been a big benefit here on the island, as items for us did not interest kids. It would have been nice if they had some kids activities on shore so the parents could see more of the island. We could have spent more time shopping, however our kids are not really into shopping yet.
Took a short break and cleaned up a little and off to make Paniolo Beaded Bandanas. The girls really like this and was something I am sure they will do again at home. June the instructor was also taught Hula and several styles of Lei Making. The girls got several complements on their scarves as they wore them during the cruise.
Before we could leave the room it was time for country line dancing. Now was that two steps left then one forward or one left then two forward. Oh well, it was fun in any case.
Then it was off to the pool again as the rain had stopped. Slides, waves and hot tub time. We never did have a problem getting into a hot tub. Often there was at least one completely empty.
Anne had gotten our requested reservations at Endless Summer (menu). The ribs were very good. It is actually one rib with a large hunk of meat - quite tasty. When dessert time came around we all place our orders. Our server informed us that she was bring us a special desert to sample in addition to our order. It was off the Presidents menu for the evening and called Floating Islands. We liked it, but not as much as our ordered desserts. As the Endless Summer is open to the Grand Atrium below, we could hear the music being performed on the stage.
The kids went to Kids Crew after dinner. Whereas we got invited to a VIP cocktail party with Captain. We suspect it was a party for suite guests. In any case it was nice. A nice variety snacks and free drinks were provided. Met the senior staff on the ship, and of course the Captain who remember us from before. The party was held in the Star Bar as was well attended.
Another pleasant evening which ended with a nice cheese snack and a desert. The desert was good, as it got eaten before I could get a picture.
| 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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