There is a naturalist on board for this trip who has spent several hours educating us about animals in Hawaii and volcanos. Her session on whales was timed to coincide with our visit to Maui with its many whale watching tours. The island of Hawaii (the big island) is actually the most massive volcano on our planet because, like ice bergs, the biggest part is below the water, nearly 20,000 feet below the surface. I suppose I really did know this but having it pointed out again reinforced the idea that as we sail across the Pacific Ocean there may be some future island emerge anywhere in this ocean. Don’t worry, it’ll take a few million years. However, it piques my curiosity about the things happening on the ocean floor about which we know very little and sail obliviously across its surface.
There is also a woman on board giving talks on astronomical topics. We attended only one presentation as her presentation technique puts me to sleep and there is nothing I can do about it. There were tentative plans for some astronomical observation on deck but there has been so much cloud cover that no observation has been possible.
There have been a few notable incidents while on board. Some are hearsay and difficult to confirm however, we have spoken directly with several passengers who missed our San Pedro departure because of flight delays. Although they might have been able to board the ship in Ensenada, Princess brought them to Honolulu where they remained until the ship arrived, six days later. What has been more difficult to determine is who paid for the alternate arrangements. That seems to depend upon who booked the flight and what kind of trip interruption insurance was purchased. It is also reasonably certain that the ship departed Nawiliwili, Kauai without a family of four who were able to rejoin in Hilo, Hawaii. There are unconfirmed rumours of more than one passenger leaving the ship early for health reasons. There are always accidents and health conditions that arise and change carefully laid plans.
Monday morning, January 2, 2017 finds us about 700 nautical miles west of Los Angeles sailing at about 18 knots and on schedule for an 06:15 arrival at San Pedro. We were a little surprised to find US Customs declaration cards in our morning mail since we had been visited by Homeland Security folks who we arrived in Honolulu. In retrospect we were not asked to declare goods during that process so I suppose there is sone logic to doing so now.
There have been some very impressive solo performers on this cruise. John Bressler is a husky voiced performer who’s piano stylings of 50s, 60s and other memorable melodies have been no less than spectacular. He mixes his music with personal stories and humour. He occasionally castigates himself for talking too much but it fits his act. The illusionist, Ben Seidman, is a master at slight of hand done close up with video cameras and audience participants within inches of his hands. The most impressive elements of his act is the finale where he reveals details of things that happened during the act by opening envelopes and other containers that have, seemingly, been sealed since before the performance began. One of his credits is a performance on Penn and Teller’s “Fool Me” but, presumably, he did not fool them or that would most certainly have been included in the credits.
Our friends Dave Soref and Leialoha Kini perform variously as Tiki Dave and ELUA focusing on Hawaiian music as well as pop favourites. Dave teaches ukulele classes and Leialoha teaches hula. Together they teach lei making. They are billed, deservedly, as the Hawaiian Cultural Ambassadors.
We have met many interesting people at meals, in lounges and, of course, hot tubs. There are several other excellent dancers including one young gentleman from Calgary who has competed internationally at the highest level.
As we approach Los Angeles the weather remains overcast but the sea is relatively calm. It has been another enjoyable time at sea.
Here are a few final photos. I will push a bunch up to the photo album once at home.
It may be the end of the cruise but definitely not the end of the food.
And the best performance of the cruise, ukulele masters and hula masters.
———————————— 30 ————————————