 |
| Diana at KCC Farmer's Market |
Diana loves the Hawaiian Islands and so do many others which is why the Hawaiian Islands are bombarded with over 8 million visitors a year. With only a day in port, one cannot have it all so what is it that one, should do?
Well first I would pick what you “enjoy” and then “balance your excursion choices” between the ports you will be visiting. Perhaps a little sightseeing, participatory interactive activity, a bit of memorable cultural enlightenment and perhaps a bit of sun and fun? Whatever it is, planning ahead will make it a far more pleasurable time.
So to assist those who might still be wondering “What shore excursions should I pick?” Here’s my paradise island picks, if I were signing up for shore excursions on Ruby Princess....
Hawaii, Hawaii - Port of call: Hilo
BIG ISLAND or ORCHID ISLE
VOLCANOES-VOLCANOES-VOLCANOES....The Big Island is about active volcanoes and I would take this opportunity to add this to my travel adventures visiting this World Heritage Site, Volcanoes National Park. I would take a bus tour verses a helicopter tour as I am saving my helicopter excursion adventure for another island port. There are a number of Volcanoes tours that will meet your specific interests.You can go on-line now and check out some potential options before the actual excursions are posted for our cruise.
Oahu, Hawaii - Port of Call: Honolulu, Hawaii
GATHERING PLACE
Lucky for us Honolulu will be the longest port stay for our ship. And my Oahu shore
Then for your late afternoon evening experience, head to Waikiki for a waterfront sunset cocktail and some last minute shopping or make it easy and sign up for a luau or a sunset cruise. Honolulu with its aloha energy and gorgeous skyline lights are some incredible photo opportunity and heck an umbrella drink with some Hawaiian music to enjoy will embed your memories for a lifetime. Oahu certainly touched my heart in more ways then one can imagine!
Kauai, Hawaii - Port of Call: Nawiliwilil
GARDEN ISLE
On the island of Kauai there are fabulous natural wonders, some of my favorites are the the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Wailua River with the Fern Grotto, and Na Pali Coast. For those who love the high adventures this is the port where you want to shoot for those activities so check out the zipline, tubing the Hanamaulu Ditch, Off- Roads, Trekking, Kayaking and the Zodiac Ride & Snorkel.
My favorite? Do the longest helicopter ride possible! I will always treasure
my memory of having Kenny G playing through my headphones as I was flying through the arch of the Waimea Canyon and then tipping from the red, rust and orange sedimentary layers of the canyon walls to the steep drop emerald green mountains of Na Pali to the Blue Ocean floors of the Pacific...simply breath-taking!
Not thrilled about the heights of the helicopter or the adventures of the great outdoor. Well then, I would check and see if Princess Cruise is offering the Hollywood Movie Tour of Kauai might be a fun excursion as I recall there have been over 50 movie productions
that have been filmed on this island. Now which have you seen?
Maui, Hawaii - Port of Call: Lahaina
VALLEY ISLE
As with many and I am not an exception, Maui is often noted for being everyone’s favorite
My alternate shore excursion is to simply take the tender off the ship and savor and explore this historic whaling village of Lahaina. This West Maui hot spot has an quaint waterfront town with numerous art galleries, restaurants, bars and shops. I guess I feel very much at home here because it reminds me of my Southern California hometown of Laguna Beach. Last call for souvenirs to take home...wonder where I can find a coconut
postcard...you know where you write your message on a coconut and mail the whole coconut, yes really, not kidding!!!
Ensenada , Mexico
BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
If I were to pick a shore excursion it would be to visit Ensenada’s Guadalupe Valley Wine Country which is located just northeast of Ensenada. This wine country is in the forefront of the Baja wine movement and is home to over 50 wineries. Check out an excursion that will allow you to “sip & savor” of course!
However for Roger and I, our favorite Ensenada excursion is to take the ship’s shuttle into downtown Ensenada and head to “See, Shop & Savor” on Avenida de Matteo Lopez..okay so it's SAVOR-SEE-SHOP! This is the main street for Ensenada and the cobblestone street is a place to see & explore, shop AND barter. Of course drink and eat to savor mexican culinary delights abound if you are willing. I also recommend you head to the fish market by the water and see all of the daily catch.Great photo opportunity! Roger and I personally, enjoy getting off the ship as soon as we can to have a fish taco for breakfast and a mexican seafood cocktail to follow. We then walk around and explore the various shops and then plan to have fresh handmade tortillas with fire roasted chicken for lunch., did you get that Peggy & Rocky?! And for others...there is Hussong’s Cantina, Papas & Beers and Senor Frogs, oh my youthful days, best to “keep my mouth shut” of some crazy memories! Let's say... "What happens in Ensenada, Stays in Ensenada" ... don't ask & don't tell!!
Photos by Princess Cruise Shore Excursions
No comments:
Post a Comment