…Perfect For…

There may be some who can relax or de-stress whenever or wherever but others may need to extract from their normal lives. We find cruising to be that opportunity to do nothing, guilt free.

At the moment we are in the Pacific Ocean west of California.

The view from our room reminds us of nothing that must be accomplished today. Perfect for a stressless day.

Dr. Sharon Faff, our on board naturalist, and Dave Soref, known as “Tiki Dave”, Hawaiian cultural entertainer, both of whom we have met before, make interesting daily presentations. Both offer insight into historical, cultural and geological aspects of the islands.

Gail is once again taking hula lessons from Leialoha along with at least 50 other passengers. I decided not to participate, I may later explain why.

The evening entertainment is turning out to be quite to our liking. Elua, the Hawaiian cultural duo, is performing and usually packs any venue they play. The Janos quartet has been great and able to play most dance styles well.

We finished the evening with the comedian who is a good value. He is one who plays almost entirely off the audience. He enjoys enlisting the help of his audience to help harass late arrivals.

We were delighted by the floral arrangement that found its way into our room while we were out.

Thanks Ian and Abi.

Tomorrow’s another day.

…And The Time Was…

The time was way too early but we were awake anyway. Diurnal cycles and time zones must be mortal enemies.

By check out time (11AM) we had coffee, watched the news, twice at least, a couple of episodes of one TV show or another, showered, had breakfast and more coffee, taken two walks, picked up snacks, had a snack, took another snack, checked out, ate a quick lunch with more coffee then sat down in the hotel lobby to await transportation to the port.

Marriott has been renovating this property. Looks like the style is to be “trendy”. I suppose the target is millennials but the view in the lobby today suggests geriatrics.

By 1PM we were on board the Star Princess.

The process was smooth and quick. We found the ice cream shop while on our walk about.

Our luggage arrived later than on past cruises but we were settled in by 5 PM.

The evening began. Wine and dinner with a couple of friends from this cruise last year. First we listened to our friend “Tiki Dave” perform with his steel guitar, eventually we managed to find a quartet that was truly danceable.

All things considered, it was a great day.

…There Was Time…

Because of the flight delay there was time for a leisurely breakfast. Because of the balky luggage tag issuing computer and the jammed up automated luggage check in conveyor we were glad for the extra time. Because of Nexus we have time to relax a bit before climbing into my airplane straight jacket.

Boarding was completed right on schedule, seating and luggage storage took a while. The next 45 minutes were spent in getting to the other side of the airport and de-icing. The next 30 going from 18th in line to actual take off through the freezing rain.

After that the flight was great. Even the food was decent. Arrived at 1:15 Pacific time and our luggage was among the first onto the carousel.

By 2:15 PM we in our room at the Marriott then off to pick up wine and snacks. The snacks may help with the confusion. The clock says 3 o’clock but the body says 6 o’clock.

Boarding tomorrow.

In The Beginning…

Any of you who have followed our previous ventures may recall that pretrip dental work was my hallmark. Gail has taken my place for this trip. On Friday she got the crown. Today, yes Sunday, she was in the chair again. Hopefully, the antibiotics will be the last of it.

We arrived at the airport Hilton just before dinner time. Our room was upgraded to a small suite and after checking in I took the car to the ParkNfly adjacent. After drinks and a light dinner we settled in for the evening, set alarms for 5 AM and sat down in front of one of the two TVs.

My phone pinged with the arrival of an email. The subject read “Air Canada: FLIGHT CANCELLED (booking ref: S6V6WE)”. After restarting my heart I read the remainder and we both sighed in relief. The flight was changed from an 8:15 departure to a 10:20 departure. So, with new boarding passes in hand I guess I can change the wake up time and relax.

Until tomorrow.