Duncan and I left September 10th for a Hawaiian free style cruise on Norwiegian Cruise Line's "Pride of America". Before sailing on the 12th we were joined by friends and business associates (this was the 15th annual Pinnacle Benefits Group incentive trip for partners and agents). So a little bit of business and a lot of pleasure as we helped host a week of cruising the Hawaiian Islands. While on Honolulu we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary at "La Mer"-my new most favorite restuarant. If ever on Oahu, don't miss it-especially the lililoku souffle (passion fruit)! We spent a somber day at Pearl Harbor, made more poignant by visiting on September 11th.; four surviving veterans of the 1941 attack were there that day to share stories and photos.
WE SAIL ! After a round of golf Saturday morning at the Hawaiian Prince Golf Club with our friends, Lynne & David-we were off to the ship. We boarded to settle into an elegant cabin for the crusie-very spacious with a lovely balcony. I loved the week on board-more food than one should actually need-the posted sign stating that the average weight gain on board is 5 to 10 pounds did not stop the afternoon ritual of chocolate milkshakes! Free style cruising gives you dining options and we were able to have dinner with friends at every venue during the week. The Jefferson Bistro (pictured with friends Lynne, David, Janis & Jerry) was my favorite. Each night we sailed and by morning were docked at a different Island. We played many rounds of golf: Wailea Emerald Course and The Dunes on Kahului, Maui.....Mauna Lani North Course on Kona, Hawaii....Poipu Bay Golf Course on Kauai. All courses were spectacular in their own way but my favorite was the golfing "experience" at Mauna Lani-built on volcanic rock so there were fairways bordered by volcanic rock throughout the course. Just amazing! While docked in Hilo, Hawaii our group visited the Volcanoes National Park that was spectaculor. And then there was dancing-the ship had a great nightclub "Mardi Gras" that provided several evenings of dancing fun. A great whirlwind of activities and fun on land and sea!