Vacation

We had a wonderful time. After leaving San Diego we had four sea days on the way to Hilo, Hawaii. I spent my mornings in the Spa;

taking steam baths, aromic showers, whirlpools and relaxing on the heated tile tables (man is that a relaxing experience.)

At Hilo we toured the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut plantation and then spent some time in the rain-forest.

That night on the way to Kona we past and were rewarded with a close magnificent view on the active volcano flow entering the ocean. Conditions were perfect and we were rewarded with a spectacular show from our balcony.

While in Hilo we crossed back across the island for a volcano tour. It was a long bus ride, three hours each way but we stoped at the Kona coffee outlet on the way and a Portagese Bakery returning, it was the souther most bakery in the U.S. 120 miles south of Key West, Florida.

The crater was six miles long and 3 miles across. We could not go all the way around and it is active and a sulfer emitter. We crossed may lava beds on the journey and learned a lot of how the islands are formed. We also traversed through one of the tunnels created by an old lava flow.

From Kona we sailed to Honolulu. We spent the morning shopping and to Dena's dismay and my pleasure we had lunch at Hooter's. That night we went to a Luau. Great intertainment, good food but too many people. We can say we have been there and done that.

That night we sailed to Kuawi but to my great disappointment were not able to port due to high winds and rough seas, so we got a extra sea day before docking at Lanai, Maui.

On Maui we toured the Aquarium one of the best we have seen and toured a plantation that grew all exotic flowers, fruits, nuts and trees.

We then had four sea days back to San Diego via Insinada, Mexico so the shipboard purchases Could be duty free. We had a couple from Canada as table mates, they were delightful and good companions. Fifteen days, a fifth of Jack Daniels and six bottles of wine combined with the Spa and I only gained 4 pounds. Dena and I recommend Holland America's Dam ships to all who seek a great cruise experience.