| |
Hawaiian Islands |
| Reviewed By: cole, devon on 25th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Princess Cruises |
Times cruised before: 1-2 |
| Cruise Ship: Diamond Princess |
Sailed:
February,
2007 |
| Destination: Hawaii |
Age: 46-55 |
|
A long flight from Heathrow with an overnight stay in a hotel in Los Angleses forming part of the 16 night holiday. Next morning we joined another couple to take a 3 hour taxi sightseeing tour incorporating Sunset Strip, Beverley HIlls na dHollywood. A walk around Hollywood was very interesting visiting the chapel and seeing all the celebrities named on the pavement. The Hollywood displayed across the hills was nice to see bearing in mind that we often see it in magazines and on television.
Back to the hotel for coach to join Diamond Princess for evening sailing to Hilo.
After 4 days at sea arrived early at Hilo which is the largest of the Hawaiian islands. Very varied land features with snow on the top of the mountains and black colcanic beaches. It was interesting to see the Konas Coffee carnvial floats travelling the streets with the various marching bands in all their glorious uniforms. We see the Miss Kona beauty queen on her float .
Evening departure for Honolulu.
Next day arrival early at Honolulu an island of Oahu where we caught the bus to Pearl Harbour viewing location of bombing by the Japanese and taking a boat to the monument built over the sunken ships of the American navy, the Arizona.
It was particularly moving as it was Sunday 11th November at 11:00am when we disembarked onto the monument and when the flag was lowered to half mast. Many relatives of these who were killed at the time of the bombing were there. A List of those killed in action and those who have subsequently passed away, was enscribed on plaques on the monument. There was even oil still seeping after all the years which the Americans say symbolises the tears.
A bus ride to Waikiki Beach followed in the afternoon and was a complete contrast to the sombre mood of the morning Waikiki Beach was packed with surfers and swimmers and it was very difficult to find a spot to settle onthe beach.
Late sailing that evening to Nawiliwili an island of Kauai.
Was very rocky and volcanic with forest vegitation in places. We managed to do some walking and swimming as well as visit a large shopping mall which had been created from a fishing packing factory.
Early sailing for Lahaina of the island of Maui.
Beautiful beach with town shops and beach. Lovely hotels on Ka'anapali beach with sand and snorkelling and lovely gardens.
Early sailing to Ensenada.
After 4 days at sea a short stop at Ensenada which was due to law and American Custom Regulations to visit a non USA port during the the cruise. A walk around the shops followed by an early departure for Los Angeles.
Next day arrived early at Los Angeles and transported to a courtesy hotel to await evening flight back to Heathrow. Food and drink provided free at the hotel.
Diamond Princess
a large modern ship with all luxouries
lovely cabin
beautiful food all the time
lovely spectactular atrium
Excellant shows and entertainment
Very good service
small library
gret gym and plenty of swimming pools
a very enjoyable holiday with the highlight being the visit to Pearl Harbour.
|
| Quality of Food | n/a |
| | Entertainment | n/a |
| | Shore Excursions | n/a |
| | Staff | n/a |
| | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | n/a |
| | Cabins | n/a |
|
|
|
