It was time to say good bye to Oahu and make our way south to the Big Island via Hawaiian Airlines flight 358 on a Boeing 717 (née McDonald Douglas MD-80).We enjoyed our time on Oahu but we are ready for new adventures. One piece of advice, if renting a car or considering buying one,… Continue reading Kona here we come
North Shore drive and more
Another early morning awaited us with blue skies and almost no wind. The perfect setting to climb diamond head. It has been 22 years since I did that last and the entire experience has changed. There is now a visitor center with a huge parking lot in the crater. Concrete paths take you up the… Continue reading North Shore drive and more
The day that changed the world – 07 Dec 1941
Another early morning awaited us as we made our way to Pearl Harbor for a must see visit of the memorial sites. Thankfully our friends Kurt and Jim know the logistics of this National Park site and were able to secure us tickets for the USS Arizona visit at 1245. That left us with 31/2… Continue reading The day that changed the world – 07 Dec 1941
A Royal day in Honolulu
This morning's getting up was worth it as we were the first group to enter the only royal palace in the U.S. located in the city center of Honolulu. Our docent Joanne introduced us to the beauty, artistry, and history of the Hawaiian Royal Family. The tour took 90 minutes and took us from the… Continue reading A Royal day in Honolulu
Waikiki continued…
Nothing beats a local guide when visiting a new place! Jim had grown up here and he toured us around in expert fashion. Thanks Jim! From dinner at a food truck to dancers at the international market place to scenic vistas on Round Top Drive, we got it all in one afternoon. Fantastic first day… Continue reading Waikiki continued…
Aloha from Waikiki
After an early start from home, we made it to SFO by BART for our flight to Honolulu on United. By the way, if you have not tried it before, purchase the economy plus seats for more legroom and a power outlet it is totally worth it. We locked out as we had the seat… Continue reading Aloha from Waikiki
HAWAII here we come…
Pardon my silence for the past few weeks. I was busy adjusting to my new job at Direct Travel and planning our upcoming trip to Hawaii. Yes, after 22 years, it is time to return to the islands for a much more in-depth immersion. We will be joined by our friends Kurt & Jim for… Continue reading HAWAII here we come…
Bonus Blog – The “slow travel” movement
With time running away and the world speeding up, it is sometimes hard to find a moment to experience things they way the once were. For example, I am a big fan of Europe's high-speed trains which have brought Europe's capitals much closer together, but there is something to be said for the scenic routes… Continue reading Bonus Blog – The “slow travel” movement
Allure of the Seas-final reflections
It's early Sunday morning and we just disembarked the ship. Overall the process was smooth and efficient. Kudos to Royal Caribbean for mastering this process in a positive and expeditious manner. Looking back at the week on board, I see many positives and a few drawbacks to consider when selecting Royal's Oasis class of ships.… Continue reading Allure of the Seas-final reflections
Allure of the Seas- last day
How fast a week goes by - when one is having fun! Our voyage will come to an end in very short order but that does not stop us from enjoying all the ship has to offer. All dressed up, Jerry and I joined 11 other guests for the very exclusive Chef's Table on deck… Continue reading Allure of the Seas- last day
Allure of the Seas – day at sea
After two port filled days, we enjoyed the ship at sea. Getting up late after our AAA Member benefit dinner at Chops Grill, we relaxed and the made our way to the gym. I had tuna tartare and a filet amd Jerry had colossal shrimp with a bone-in ribeye. Both were exceptional. To round out… Continue reading Allure of the Seas – day at sea
Allure of the Seas – San Juan Puerto Rico
After a leisurely morning with a 5 mile brisk walk behind us, the Allure approached San Juan Puerto Rico for our 2nd stop of the voyage. A first port of call for both Jerry and me. Safely docked, we walked off around 1230 for a discovery walk of old town San Juan including a visit… Continue reading Allure of the Seas – San Juan Puerto Rico
Allure of the Seas – St Thomas for the day
We thought we had seen the best show already #mammamia but then the twice postponed Oceanaria show took place. What a thrill! This underwater world with acrobats, divers and comedians took our breath away. I would love to share more images but I adhered to the crew request not to film or take pictures. Crowning… Continue reading Allure of the Seas – St Thomas for the day
Allure of the Seas – day at sea
What a ship...! So much to do and see. We walked 4 miles on deck 5, enjoyed light breakfast at the Solarium Cafe (deck 15 adults only) and then went zip lining. Afte that adrenaline rush, we watched guest on the flowrider. To no one's surprise, this is not an activity I will partake in… Continue reading Allure of the Seas – day at sea
Allure of the Seas – first night
Settled I. Our ocean view balcony, we explored this amazing ship from bow to stern. Following instructions of the crew, we reported to muster station B3 and once the drill was successfully completed, we climbed to deck 16 for the very windy sail away party. As the biggest ship got to go last, we saw… Continue reading Allure of the Seas – first night
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