We're off on a 28-day cruise on the Crown Princess to the
islands of Hawaii, Samoa and French Polynesia to celebrate our anniversaries.
And the couples were:
Janet & Allan...celebrating their 45th,
Karen & Daryl...celebrating their 11th,
and, Mitzi & Mike...celebrating their 40th.
Sunrises were spectacular!
HAWAII
Sailing into Hilo...our first island stop.
Off to Richardson Beach for some snorkeling.
The waters were clear and the coral...beautiful.
The troupe afterwards.
Couldn't pass up a stop at a local bar for a brew, too.
Our sail-away party...
Caught him.
Next stop...island of Oahu
...sailing into Honolulu
Off to snorkel at Hanauma Bay...
took the $1 bus from the port out & back...
an all-day experience.
But was worth it!
Next stop...Kauai...and a visit with Jim & Esther.
Allan heading into the water.
...and the girls at the boat ramp for snorkeling.
After our 2nd snorkel at Poipu Beach...we were ready for lunch at Duke's.
Jim & Allan and their Hulu pies....
Thanks to Jim & Esther for spending the day with us!
We'll be back.
Another sail away...
...enjoying the views and the drinks.
Next island...Maui...tendering in.
Greeted with Hawaiian dancers.
Waiting for a cab....
...to take us to Black Rock, our next snorkeling site...
lots of fish and huge sea turtles...yeah!
Wonder if they'll accept this wet money?
Afterwards...Mike & Mitzi.....................................Karen & Daryl
Then onto "Cool Cat Café" for some more brews.
A great day in Maui, as always!
Showing off our purchases on Maui.
AT SEA DAYS
Now we're at sea for 4 days before landing in Apia, Western Samoa.
How do we keep busy?
Stretch & abs class @ 7 a.m., our daily routine.
No sleeping in for us!
Dressing up for formal night....
Celebrating Karen & Daryl's anniversary...
Making orchid leis...
Showing off our finished products...at Happy Hour.
The guys admiring our leis?
Enjoying lots of Happy Hours on those sea days...
And, more Happy Hours before dinner...
Participating in the "Crossing the Equator" ceremony...
Attending island lectures...(that's a theatre full)
Sneaking off to have some gelato...
And, playing Mexican train...
that's what we do on all of those sea days.
APIA, WESTERN SAMOA
Another sunrise as we arrive in Apia.
Off the ship to explore Apia...
Local Samoans...greeting us.
Passed some beautiful churches on the way into town.
Visitor's Center
Preparing a traditional family feast.
We're fascinated by their tattoos.
We bought local...the Samoans are always smiling.
Karen using the outside "john".
After our morning walk into town, we spent the afternoon snorkeling at "Blue Hole"...
only a short walk from the ship.
All the beaches on Samoa are family owned...just a $4 fee to get in.
Here are some of the bathing beauties from the ship.
Then...couldn't pass up a beach bar as we headed back to the ship...
for a local brew.
The variety of coral was amazing...and the colors...wow!
All the beaches on Samoa are family owned...just a $4 fee to get in.
Here are some of the bathing beauties from the ship.
Then...couldn't pass up a beach bar as we headed back to the ship...
for a local brew.
Halloween Evening!
And, Mitzi was prepared for the celebration.
PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA
Sailing into American Samoa...
passing Flower Pot...a great snorkeling site.
Typical dress for the Samoans...
police officer on the left, tour guide on right.
Karen & I were off the ship...
to shop,
...to explore,
...to check out the beaches (it rained, so didn't snorkel)
...to learn about the oceans at NOAA's Oceanography Center
Such happy, friendly people!
PART II. French Polynesia
(coming soon)
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