Sunday 10th June 2018
Cruise from Long Beach to Hawai'i and Mexico booked on the Emerald Princess.
Flights booked to Los Angeles USA and back.
Three out of five hotels booked.
Wednesday 26th December 2018
Up at 05:30 and secure the house then drive to Heathrow through light traffic. Well it's early Boxing day morning so we didn’t expect too much. Parking in the long term carpark and jumping the shuttle bus was easy. Getting in to the terminal we bumped into our first "Jobsworth" . We couldn't go to the bag drop where our passports and boarding passes would be checked until he had checked our passports and boarding passes. When we got past him he stopped checking anybody else. Bags dropped and through security it was time for breakfast.
Boarding our 747 for the ten hour flight to Los Angeles we settled in. After a couple of hours dinner was served. Yep turkey. Roast potatoes, sprouts and carrots. Also a mince pie for afters. Sprouts in a plane are not a good idea. After a nap and a couple of films it was time for pizza before landing at LAX.
We arrived half an hour early and hoped to arrive at our hotel in good time. Oh foolish idea. Two hours later we were still queueing to get through border security. Finally clearing we found our cases and jumped on tbe hire car shuttle bus. Then we had to queue to get our car. With the paperwork in hand we walked out to the garage. Looking at the paper we couldn't find a registration number. Asking a member of staff we were told to just pick a car in the compact line and take it. We could have taken a pickup but decided to have the small car we booked.
Driving out of the compound we headed north towards Oceana and our hotel. With the sun setting the veiw was beautiful until full dark. The traffic was horrendous and it took us four hours to arrive at our hotel. Due to roadworks we couldn’t find the entrance and had to park and walk around. We eventually found reception just as it was closing. With 24 hours of travelling we were too tired to find dinner and just made do with a coffee and bed.
Thursday 27th December 2018
Checking out of the Pacific Plaza Suites in Oceana we continued north on highway 1. After half an hour we stopped for a coffee at Cayucos. As we continued north we were suprised by the heavy traffic heading south. We tried not to talk about it in case we jinxed ourselves.
Driving along we spotted a sign for Elephant seals. Stopping we saw large elephant seals on the beach and in the water. Moving on we turned off on to the road to Pfeiffer beach where we had been told they have purple sand. Paying the National Park fee of ten dollars we parked and walked on to the beach and found - yep purple sand.
As we drove back up the narrow two mile road. We battled the ttaffic coming down. None of them knew the width of their cars so passing took forever. Finally back at the main road we found a road block stopping any more cars going in.
Stopping in Watsonville for lunch in Applebee's. Then we finally drove in to Daly City and found our hotel. Checking in to the Hampton Daly City we found our room and settled in. We are here for three nights.
Friday 28th December 2018
After a light breakfast we drove out of the hotel to Daly City BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Parking in the station carpark for $3 all day we walked into the station. Buying two return tickets to Powel Street where the BART meets the cablecar system. Twenty minutes later we emerged into downtown San Francisco. Joining the massive queue that wound a block up the street and halfway back down we waited our turn. We got a little cold in the shadow of the highrise buildings and then the queue would move forward and we would be warm in the sun for a while. After an hour we boarded a cablecar. With Martin hanging on the outside we made our way down to the piers. Ducking in as we passed other traffic and cablecars.
Walking around we found Pier 39 and spent some time watching the sealions. After a coffee and a walk up Lombard Street (The zigzag one) we joined tbe queue for the cablecar back to the BART. We got a seat and stand at the front and enjoyed the veiw during the return trip.
Back on the BART we were soon back at the car for the short drive back to the hotel.
Saturday 29th December 2018
For our last full day in San Francisco we decided to tour by car. Driving out of the hotel we headed up the pacific coast to Baker Beach for a veiw of the Golden Gate Bridge from outside the bay. Walking on the beach was nice and it's very popular with dog walkers. Having snapped a few photos we moved to an overlook and got shots straight down the road across the bridge.
Moving on we drove across the bridge and slipped into the Bridge Vista on the north shore just before the work crews shut it. We got parked and started the walk across the bridge. As we passed the entrance it was coned off and no one else got in. Walking out onto the bridge we enjoyed the veiw and took a load of photos.
Returning to our car we continued north and across the Richmond Bridge. Stopping in at the Ford plant for Rosie the Riveter didn't work as it was shut due to the government shut down. Crossing the Bay Bridge back into town we dropped down onto The Embarcadero and found a carpark near Peir 39 and dropped in to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch.
After a long lunch we drove back out to Daly City and our hotel for the night.
Sunday 30th December 2018
Travelling day today. After breakfast we left San Francisco and drove south. With a five hour drive to Bakersfield we fueled up the car. We had planned to break the journey halfway for lunch. Unfortunately at the halfway point there were only fields and orchards.
With three and a half hours of battling US traffic completed we found a resteraunt for lunch. Then it was time for the last hour and a half to our hotel for the night. Checking in we walked to the local shopping centre and stocked up on food and drinks.
Monday 31st December 2018
Waking up this morning, the weather had changed to overcast and damp. Filling the car with petrol we were back on the road heading towards Los Angeles. After a few miles we started climbing up Tejon Pass which topped out at 4141 feet. With twenty feet visibility and snow on the ground we started down again. Rolling into LA the sun came out again.
Pulling off of the freeway we found our way into Hollywood Lake where finding a parking spot we got out for the view of the Hollywood Sign. Moving on we dropped down to Venice Beach and wandered along the seafront checking out the stalls selling cannabis, herbal remedies and artworks. Dodging the guys giving away/selling CDs we enjoyed the atmosphere.
After a couple of hours we drove in to Long Beach and parking at the dock, checked in to the Queen Mary for three nights. Dropping our cases in the stateroom we explored the ship for a couple of hours before retiring to our room to get changed for tonights party.
Joining the party at eight o'clock we listened to two piano players doing a medley of old hits. Then it was time for "Hells Belles" a burlesque troop. Just a little provocative. Walking around the ship we dropped in to all the venues, to see what was going on. Even the engine rooms had a bar set up. At midnight we used our VIP wristbands to get a front row view of the fireworks. Seeing in the new year in style. Then after a short while it was time for bed.
Oh No. At two o'clock in the morning we were woken by "Woop Woop" and a young lady's voice saying "A fire has been reported on your floor, please evacuate immediately". So we got dressed and left the ship. After ten minutes stood out on the cold jetty, we found out that it was a false alarm and we could go back to bed.
Tuesday 1st January 2019
After a chilly night we had a chat at guest services and asked about the heating in our stateroom. They said that an engineer would come in within a half an hour. An hour later no engineer so we went back. This time they offered us a new stateroom. Moving rooms didn't take long and our new one was warm. Coffee and cake for lunch and an afternoon exploring the ship. While we were at the stern a pod of dolphin came by and we stood at the rail and watched for a while. Driving into Long Beach we found an Outback restaurant for dinner then watched the sun set behind the Queen Mary.
Wednesday 2nd January 2019
Waking up for our last full day on the Queen Mary. We had breakfast in the Promenade Cafe before strolling ashore. After checking out the rental car return at Long Beach Airport for tomorrow, we found a shop for a couple of bottles of wine before driving to Long Beach Aquarium. Once we parked we spent time in the outlet centre and marina shopping vilage.
Then we walked out along the breakwater for a view of the ship. When we left our stateroom we put a bright bag in the scuttle (ships window - not a porthole). Now ashore we could find out which room was ours.
Sitting in the sun drinking coffee and enjoying people watching was nice. Even better when the police turned up mob handed. Still don't know what was going on but it was exciting.
Returning to the ship the sun was over the yardarm so we dropped into the observation bar for a sneaky drink. Refreshed we found the last few public rooms on the ship that we hadn't already visited.
Thursday 3rd January 2019
Waking up for the last morning on the Queen Mary we packed our case for the transfer to the Emerald Princess. Checking out we drove into town to the Long Beach Cafe for breakfast pancakes and coffee.
After breakfast we drove to the sea front and watched the sea birds for a while. When we drove to the dock to drop off our cases it was very busy so we decided to take our cases with us to the airport.
Arriving at Long Beach Airport we refueled and returned the hire car. Grabbing a taxi we were back at the dock an hour early but were able to check-in as we had priority boarding. Once on board we dropped our rucksacks in our cabin and went up to the Horizon Court for a glass of water and a small icecream. Then dropping down to tbe atrium we purchased two coffee cards. Returning to our cabin our cases hadn't arrived yet. So as we only had an hour before Emergency Stations we chilled in our room.
After the emergency drill we went up on deck for the "Sail away party". With our cases unpacked and all our clothes hanging in the wardrobe we went for an early dinner. Then it was time for bed after a long day.
Friday 4th January 2019
Laundry done before breakfast. We got in early and got two machine loads running simultaneously. We had a lot of washing as we have been travelling for over a week. After breakfast we went to the Princess Theatre for a talk about Hawaii. Stopping in at the International Cafe for a posh coffee. We entered into the paper plane competition. The object of the task was to fly your paper plane through a hulahoop about four metres away and one deck down. Jackie's plane floated in serene circles and Martin's nosedived into the floor so neither of us won. Moving on to the Fusion Lounge for trivia and stayed for "Who/Where am I". We did OK in the trivia but not so well in who/where as the questions were mostly American.
A bit of lunch and then relaxing in the Crooners Bar, reading and doing puzzles. It's a little cool outside so we are staying inside mostly. We had pianists and a violinist playing in the atrium while we chillaxed.
After dinner we went to see the comedian in the theatre but most of the seats were taken and those that weren't were being saved. Although you are not supposed to save seats we didn’t fancy fighting for them. So we went to a "Lord of the Rings" trivia quiz. We didn’t win but got over fifty percent right. That was followed by an Adele tribute act so we stayed for that.
Later we checked out the second performance of the comedian and managed to get seats. He was very good and the first American comic that Martin actually found funny. When that finished it was time for bed and we had to put our clocks back an hour, so we had en extra hour in bed.
Sunday 6th January 2019
Sea day and Martin caught man flu.
Man down !
We spent the day relaxing around the ship and doing trivia competitions.
The seas got quite rough in the evening and sleeping was hard as the panels in the cabin were creaking and cracking all night.
Monday 7th January 2019
With not much sleep we had another relaxing day around the ship. Martin's temperature was back to normal so we spent the day people watching.
Tuesday 8th January 2019
Our first port of call at O'ahu docking at Honolulu. We were up at six o'clock and down in the International Cafe when the gangway opened. Straight ashore we found a bus stop. We had decided to use the bus to get to the car rental shop in Waikiki. The islands bus company is imaginatively named "The Bus". At the rental shop Martin realised he had left his driving licence on board. So Jackie had to rent the car as she had her licence with her. This also meant Jackie had to drive the car away from the rental shop. Thw first time Jackie has driven in nine years, an automatic on the wrong side of the road. Around the corner we changed seats and Martin took over the wheel. Taking the car back to the ship to collect Martin's licence we were soon sorted out.
Driving through Honolulu to Pearl Harbour we parked the car and walked in. Going to the ticket office we got two tickets for the tour at 12:45. With two hours to wait we spent the time investigating the museums and exhibits. When it was our time we watched a twenty minute film about the attack and then boarded the navy launch for the trip out to the USS Arizona. At the memorial we couldn’t land as the boat dock had been damaged but the launch crew span the boat so everyone got a good veiw of the memorial. Returning to the dock we walked back to the car.
Driving back past Waikiki we arrived at Diamond Head which is an extinct volcanic caldera. Driving through the tunnel that had been cut through the caldera wall we parked and explored. Later we drove on up the coast until we found the "From here to eternity" beach where we spent some time relaxing on the sand. Then cutting back across the island we stopped at a view point high in the hills behind Honolulu to take some photos. Then back in town we filled the car with petrol, returned it to the hire company and jumped the shuttle back to the ship.
Back on board we were just in time to get seats in the theatre for the evenings hula dance show. The dancers were good and especially the little girls. Then we walked upstairs afor dinner. Oh Austrian night tonight, don't mind if I do. With bulging stomachs it was time for bed.
Wednesday 9th January 2019
Today Kauai Island and a small port called Nawiliwili. Walking ashore we took the shuttle bus to Anchor Cove. Getting off we realised we had only gone about 300 yards and could have walked. Looking atound the shops we whiled away a couple of hours and then walked down to the beach.
Walking back to the ship for lunch and a laundry session whilst it was quiet. Then dinner and bed. Still tired after Honolulu.
Thursday 10th January 2019
We were woken this morning by the sound of the anchor being dropped. Guess we have arrived in Lahaina Maui then. After that lazy start and a quick shower we went down to the Michaelangelo dining room to collect our tender tickets as we are anchored off the coast because we are too large to get alongside. After a twenty minute wait we were sent down to board the tender. A ten minute trip got us to the harbour but it was busy so we had to wait ten more minutes before we could get alongside and finally get ashore.
The local elders were doing the welcoming hula. Similar to the show the young ladies put on the other night but a bit slower. Still a nice welcome. Checking out the very large Banyan tree, it's shade covers an acre. It looks like there are many trunks but each is a root that grows down from the canopy and teahing the ground starts growing.
As we dashed ashore without breakfast we stopped in the "Pioneer Inn" for coffee and pancakes for breakfast. Having eaten we walked along the seafront and saw the crabs scuttling and jumping from rock to rock. Continuing on we arrived at the temple and large Buddha. Cutting down onto the beach we took off oir shoes and socks and walked back along the beach in the surf line.
Getting a "Shaved Ice" at what is reckoned to be the best in the islands we sat on the seafront and enjoyed the refreshing treat. Walking back to the dock we caught the next tender to the ship. After a coffee in the plaza we sat on our balcony watching the whales. In the evening we went up onto the Sun Deck for movies under the stars. Only it rained for the last five minutes of the film. So we left our recliners and huddled under the pool surround. Then bed.
Friday 11th January 2019
Visiting Hilo on the island of Hawai'i today. Also known locally as The Big Island. As we had a car booked we were up at half six and up at breakfast early. The Emerald was alongside at eight o'clock, so we were down at the gangway and joined the queue of early departures. Once we got ashore we found the hire car courtesy shuttle. We were on the bus and away very quickly and the nice lady driving the bus gave us a lot of useful information as she dodged the traffic and roadworks. Arriving at the airport everyone made a dash for the rental counters. The queue for Dollar and Budget were quite long but Martin had booked with Avis for an extra £1.50 and there was no queue at all.
In our car we drove out of the airport and headed north towards Akaka Falls state park. A few miles before the park turn-off there was a scenic drive that swung off of the main road. This was the old coast road and was very twisty with single lane bridges. With the rain falling it was an interesting drive. Back on the main road we found the falls turn-off. As we pulled into the carpark the sun came out. We took the short stepped walk around the waterfalls. Back at the car we headed back into the rain and south back past Hilo to the Volcano National Park.
After an hour we arrived at the park entrance and an empty booth. Government shut down so free entry. Parking at the visitor centre we walked through the sulphur beds and steam vents before arriving at the caldera rim of Kilauea. Following the eruption three months ago the crater is ten times the size it used to be and as it's still active most areas are closed for safety reasons. Walking back along the rim we returned to the car.
Driving back into Hilo we found a coast road and stopping to explore found some turtles. We spent time watching the turtles before moving on to "The Big Island Candies" to pick up some cookies. Then after filling the car with fuel we returned it and hopped a lift back to the ship.
Saturday 12th January 2019
First sea day after four busy port days. Breakfast ordered for delivery to our stateroom at eight o'clock. So a nice lazy start then into cruise mode. Walking downstairs to the International Cafe we got a coffee to go and took seats in the theatre. We were going to have an audience with the Captain. It was interesting and some of the questions from the audience were strange. One person got very stressed that on a five day sea journey we would be out of range of helicopter evacuation in a medical emergency.
After the captain we dropped back down to the International Cafe for a frothy coffee. We found seats much to the disgust of an oriental family who arrived just after us. While we were there a game show started. This was trivia passengers versus the officers. Jackie decided to take part and did well, answering quite a few questions for her team. They won beating the officers 24/22. As the oriental family were glaring daggers at us we decided to stay for a while longer.
Eventually we left giving our seats to a couple that just arrived and went up for some fresh air. Sitting in the shade at the back of the ship we chilled until it was time to change for dinner.
As it was formal night we put on our best clothes and went for the Captain's cocktail party for us regular cruisers. After cocktails and canopies we went for dinner then bed as the clocks go forward an hour tonight.
Sunday 13th January 2019
With the clocks going forward an hour last night we woke at aboit eight and got up for breakfast. Climbing the stairs to deck 15 we sat and ate before going up to Skywalkers Nightclub on deck 18. We were hoping for some quiet time but somebody had booked it for a private event. We dropped back down to 16 and Adagio bar which being closed was quiet.
After lunch we sat out on the Promenade Deck enjoying the fresh air before stopping in at Club Fusion for a "What the Heck" Trivia. Well blow me if we didn't go and win it. Then it was back to the room to get cleaned up for dinner.
Up on the sun deck for movies under the stars and dinner before bed.
Monday 14th January 2019
Lazy sea day. Chilling and trivia whilst enjoying the view of the sea. In the evening we went along to the elite passengers lounge for drinks and canopies. We have a standing invite but this was the first time we have been. Steak tartare, pretzles, melba toast etc. Then dinner and a stage show before bed.
Tuesday 15th January 2019
With the clocks going forward an hour last night it was half nine when we woke and dragged ourselves up for breakfast. Whilst we were eating a fellow passenger became ill and the medical team were called. As he was being taken to sickbay we went up to find a place to chill. With the Skywalkers Nightclub booked for a private event we ended up in Adagio.
Dropping back down for lunch and a Harry Potter Trivia. Martin knew none but Jackie knew/guessed 11/25. Then grabbing a cup of coffee on the way we shot back up to Adagio. With the weather being rain squalls seating is at a premium as nobody wants to sit outside.
After afternoon trivia we went back to our room to get cleaned up for dinner. After dinner we were waiting for the nine o'clock performance so decided to attend the music connections trivia. We didn't win but we were the only people in the room to get the Eurovision link. Then we watched an American comic and only got ten percent of his jokes. Then it was time for bed.
Wednesday 16th January 2019
Another day relaxing at sea before the last formal night of the cruise. Dressed up we had an early dinner before attending the Captain's farewell cocktail party. We got seats early in the Crooners Bar overlooking the atrium. With free drinks flowing the Captain gave his speech telling us how far we had travelled and how much fuel, water and food we had used.
Then we stopped in at Explorers for a pianist / vocalist doing a medly of popular music. Then going up to our room we changed into comfortable clothes we got seats in the theatre for the stage show.
After the show we walked up stairs to the lido deck for a hot dog before bed.
Thursday 17th January 2019
Room service delivered breakfast as we docked in Ensenada Mexico. We watched the dock workers shoeing the seals off of the dock so they could hook the ships lines onto the bollards. The seals were not impressed and were very vocal about it. With breakfast on the balcony done we walked ashore for a look around.
There isn't much to see in Ensenada. With only one shop recommended by the ship and a blowhole a twenty minute bus ride away there wasn't much to see. We walked around town and found ourselves walking past the local courthouse. The days cases were queueing to get in so we squeezed through the queue.
With most things and shops closed as it out of season we headed back on board for lunch and a quiz.
In the evening after dinner we went and got seats in the theatre for the final of "The Voice - Of The Ocean" a singing contest for passengers based on TV The Voice. There were seven contestants and they were all quite good. A lady from Woolangong in Australia won with her rendition of Simply the best. Then it was back to the room to finish packing.
Friday 18th January 2019
Awoken by the bow thrusters pushing us on to the jetty we had arrived back in Long Beach. Clearing the room before leaving we said goodbye to our room steward Mhark and made our way upstairs for breakfast. We sat next to a couple from Odiham. What a small world. Having chatted over breakfast we dropped down to the International Cafe for our last posh coffee. Finding seats was a bonus and we settled in for an hour and a half until it was time to go to our departure lounge. While we were waiting the Captain came past and stopped for a chat. Then instead of going to the theatre with the others leaving with us we went to the Explorers Lounge where coffee and nibbles were available for Platinum passengers. After twenty minutes our group was called for the transfer to LAX. Leaving the ship for the last time we were soon outside and on the transfer bus.
After a short bus ride we arrived at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). Inside the terminal, we had an hour before check in opened so we found a seat and waited. An hour later we stood in the queue and after 15 minutes a member of staff came and told us it would be another hour before the desks opened so we went back to sitting. When the desks finally opened we checked in and found our way through security. Finding comfortable seating we got a coffee and a sandwich. Then it was a three hour wait for our boarding time.
Boarding the plane for the eleven hour flight back to Heathrow went smoothly and our bags arrived on the baggage carousel on time. So back at our car we drove home. The end of another epic adventure and time to start planning the next one.