Princess Cruises, Diamond Princess, Hawaii

15th Feb to 2nd March 2008-03-15 From Los Angeles it’s a 4 days at sea trek when the weather is not great this can seen a little too long. Hilo was the first stop and if you have not booked a tour or gone out early the public transport is few and far between except for the free bus that goes to Hilo Hatties and Wallmark supermarket. This transport theme followed us about please take note if you want to go under your own steam. Kona Lahaina and Nawiliwili were similar to each other being Americanised. Orchids were in abundance and very cheap. Honolulu was a bit of a shock as the sky scrappers hit you as the boat pulls in. There was a warm welcome from a local Hawaiian band and the local children came on board at night to do the local dances. We took a trip to Pearl Harbour which after a 2 hours wait to see the movie and manorial was well worth it. On the way back to the ship we were surprised to see a freeway the island seemed too small for it. Then 4 more sea days. Under Jones law you have to call at a foreign port and we pulled into Ensenada in Mexico. Wont get of a boat there again. You have to go past beggars de lousing their children and the rest is not worth the sadness. Life on board was fine and the days had plenty of things to do from pool games to making cards for the troops. Friends of Dr Bob were on board for the British, that a meeting of the AA. Plenty of fish on the menu, also themed lunches by the pool. The spa was good with free seminars each day on a variety of subjects from weight loss to eye care. Over all I was expecting a trip to Paradise I think I came too late but I am glad I went and now I can tick it off my places to see.