The Cruise Finish Line

We are anchored off Lahaina on the Celebrity Eclipse and today is the last full day of the cruise. Tomorrow we dock in Honolulu and this part of our mammoth vacation ends. It has been a great cruise and it will be hard to leave, but we will disembark with lots of great memories.

It's a good thing we are at cruise end as my waist is beginning to expand dramatically. Back to reality!

Just got called to our balcony where a pair of whales just swam by! Pretty cool!

So after hearing about the latest storm crisis in Mozambique I came up with this novel idea. Send a cruise ship like ours over there to feed thousands of the storm victims. I'll bet a bout like this could easily crank out 10,000 meals in a day. A good way to extend our influence and offer help to needy people.

 My Birthday dinner #70 at Murano, our favorite onboard rest.

 Lahaina

Routine

On the 11th day of our cruise I seem to be falling into a nice routine. It involves a great deal of exercise, good food and drink, and fun with my family.

Today is my birthday which makes it just a little more special. That would be #70!! Speaking of special, we are headed to a specialty restaurant tonight named Murano to celebrate. It is the best on board and we are sure to have a great evening.

It will probably begin with some cards played in Joanna's fort. <-----This is a comfortable place where she hangs out during the day, and where we often meet. Ivan our server will be ready to prepare us the proper drinks to support our game with Rich and Robin.

 Shots of Kona

 The pool area at night

 My friend, Sam, who immigrated from Jordan in 1972 and lives in Poughkeepsie. An immigrant story to be proud of.

 The line to catch the bus to Walmart. (Are you kidding me?)

It has been a great cruise and I will be sad to give it up on Monday. The good news is that more adventures lie ahead! Honolulu, then Kauai for a week with Rich and Robin.

Hilo

After approximately a week at sea, we arrived in Hilo, Hawaii. We did not get off the ship today. Instead we enjoyed the piece and quiet and did some exercising. I have been getting acupuncture treatments and they seem to be working well as I am pain free. Rich is also getting treatments and we really like our little doctor from India!!!

The pictures below are animations from the digital rest. Q-Sine which we enjoyed the other night.

having a great time and hoping it will not end! I am thinking about getting a more modern swimsuit. Whaddya all think of one of these?

Somewhere in the Pacific Ocean!

Well here we are steaming along on a fine, sunny day with calm seas. We had a great time in Vancouver and shoved off last Wednesday. The seas were a little rocky the first few days out and Joanna had a touch of the Mal De Mer. Eventually she settled in and all is well. It has been an excellent experience so far with lots fo fun with Rich and Robin. Food is good but I have eaten way too much!

This is the only way to go to Hawaii and I will be sad when our journey ends. The specialty restaurants have been a "don't miss" and I even one a few bucks at the casino. Life is goo here as we approach the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii!)

Vancouver:

 Here is our ship, the Celebrity Eclipse.

 Granville Island Market in Vancouver

 Views from Stanley Park

 My hotel view

Many more pictures and thoughts to follow on this very special vacation. Joanna and I are walking and of course, eating, and laughing and drinking lots of quality booze!!!!
I hope all of you are blessed on this Easter weekend and in the days ahead! Love you all!