LAHAINA

The sun was shining this morning as we sailed into Lahaina, a city on the island of Maui. As the pier in Lahaina is not able to accommodate a vessel as large as the Queen Elizabeth, we had to tender in.

The waters surrounding Maui is known to be full of whales and as we ate breakfast at the Lido Buffet, we saw spurts of water on the surface of the sea; whales, attracted by the rumblings of our ship, coming to investigate. It was truly amazing to see them all around us, and appartently, sea turtles have often been spotted as well, although we did not see any today.

We started off our journey in Lahaina by discovering the little port village. Basically a street full of tourist traps, souvenir shops and tour operators offering ‘The best deal in town’. Not going to lie, my first purchase was made about 3 minutes after we step foot on land. When Clair went to Hawai’i for her honeymoon last summer, she brought back some amazing cookies from The Honolulu Cookie Company. These little pineapple shaped shortbread cookies are soooo good, I had to buy a large assorted box and a mini sampler bag to snack on.

Just off to the side of the pier, across the street, were some enormous Banyan trees. These trees look as though their many thick and thin trunks were braided and woven together for years to result in an amazing piece of natural art. Beautiful.

We made our way around the village, stopped to take a picture on the Forrest Gump bench by The Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, picked up some sunscreen and managed to find a Starbucks for some free wi fi to finally update my Facebook status. We decided to take a free shuttle to The Whaler’s Village to have a look around. The Whaler’s Village, an outdoor shopping center, is located near the Marriot Resort Hotel, a golf course and a gorgeous beach. We had a quick look around, watched a Chinese New Year martial arts demonstration and decided to have a bite to eat. We sat on a patio by the beach and relaxed. Before we left, I wadded in crystal blue water; so cold!!!

We headed back to the ship as Efisio had to go back to work and we had to beat the crowd for the tenders, and since everyone had to be back on board by 5:30pm at the latest, it was better that we got back sooner than later.

I ended my day by taking some beautiful sunset shoots and reading on the balcony with a refreshing drink.

I better rest up as we are off to Honolulu tomorrow!!

YVR TO LAX

The flight from YVR could not have been earlier... 5:30AM and already at the airport! Despite the early wakeup call, checking in, checking my one (very heavy) luggage and going through US customs (a customs agent that was actually smiling!) could not have gone better.

The flight to LA was awesome; no one next to me on an otherwise full flight, I slept like a baby from takeoff to landing. Efisio had arranged a spot on the Cunard shuttle for me to take me to the ship. Thank goodness, because it was a far ride from the airport to Port San Pedro. According to my research on line, it would have been a $150+ cab ride!

Upon arriving to the port and after some formalities, I was finally on board! The ship is HUGE!!! It features a 2 level library, several restaurants, internet cafe, an art gallery, countless shops, pools, spa, gym and of course; shuffle boards J.

There will be 4 sea days between LA and Lahaina (Maui), Hawaii. Let’s hope I survive and get my sea legs ASAP, but don’t worry, I have Gravol to come to my rescue!