April 29, 2012 ~ Aloha! ~ Inagural Wonder to Hawaii-Part 3

[JLSE50]

Well, after a couple close calls I managed to keep the cruise a secret from Candida for alomost 6 months. She finally found out tonight when Mickey called to tell her.

Thanks to Angie and Dennis for helping out.

Jon

How did Candida react?

 

[Pixiegran]

Well, after a couple close calls I managed to keep the cruise a secret from Candida for alomost 6 months. She finally found out tonight when Mickey called to tell her.

Thanks to Angie and Dennis for helping out.

Jon

Reaction? Surprise..happy ???? After all these months of telling us it was a secret share the news please Amazing job of keeping a secret!

 

[Pixiegran]

The 787 will put the A380 to shame. Oh and let's not talk about how the A380 is just one ugly plane. From the front it looks like a Beluga Whale. All in all, all planes will have a problem. That's what happens when something has over a million moving parts. Things stop working. It is the nature of the beast. My problem with Airbus is the pilot is redundant. The onboard computer does everything. I don't like that at all. There is a reason that there are two people in the cockpit. When there is a problem, the computer does not have the human instinct. Sorry, if it ain't Boeing, I ain't going.

Sure you don't live up here in Seattle? " if it ain't Boeing, I ain't going." is the motto and phrase for most of the PNW. Wonder if you'd have better luck with overtime here? Huge wind storm early afternoon with the loss of power for hours - us 4+ - others like my son still in dark 8 hrs later.

 

[MrsMork]

Well, after a couple close calls I managed to keep the cruise a secret from Candida for alomost 6 months. She finally found out tonight when Mickey called to tell her.

Thanks to Angie and Dennis for helping out.

Jon

Candida, when you get over here to the Boards.....WELCOME ABOARD!!!

 

[dolphingirl47]

Well, after a couple close calls I managed to keep the cruise a secret from Candida for alomost 6 months. She finally found out tonight when Mickey called to tell her.

Thanks to Angie and Dennis for helping out.

Jon

Is she looking forward to the cruise?

Corinna

 

[aan1701]

Sure you don't live up here in Seattle? " if it ain't Boeing, I ain't going." is the motto and phrase for most of the PNW. Wonder if you'd have better luck with overtime here? Huge wind storm early afternoon with the loss of power for hours - us 4+ - others like my son still in dark 8 hrs later.

I have a few blue round stickers with that saying on it when I toured the Pane Feild plant to see the heavies being built. That was cool.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Have to catchup here (DD was in the hospital last week and have not kept up to date here) but has anyone seen or posted the possible times for the excursions?

There are a couple that we are hoping to squeeze in two but have not found the times yet.

Hope everyone had a marvelous holiday and looking forward to a healthier and happier New Year for all!

 

[pilk]

How did Candida react?

Reaction? Surprise..happy ???? After all these months of telling us it was a secret share the news please Amazing job of keeping a secret!

Candida, when you get over here to the Boards.....WELCOME ABOARD!!!

Is she looking forward to the cruise?

Corinna

I'll try to give the Reader's Digest version of the past few months. I blame it all on Candida. Back in June she surprised me with a trip to New York City for my birthday, so as "pay back" I surprised her with a road trip to spend her birthday weekend with our tablemates from the Alaskan in TN. She had kept saying that she wished we could do this cruise but we had said that it would have been to much with doing the Fantasy in March and then a short time later doing this one. But, before leaving for TN in August I was able to grab a cabin and decided to go for it.

The first close call: When we arrived in TN our tablemates had a Hawaiian themed shirt that they had and gave it to me as a gift. They don't know about the cruise either. I almost said that I would have to wear it in Hawaii.

Building to the reveal: Candida has a great time with Stitch on the cruises. So I enlisted the help of Angie and Dennis to have a picture taken of Stitch with a sign welcoming Candida to Hawaii. (Angie and Dennis, I'll pay you back on the cruise for you help). Candida likes scrapbooking so I decided to start one for this cruise for her.

Close call 2: Getting Candida to try on the shirt I was given to make sure I had the right size for the cruise shirts. Without her wondering to much why she was trying on a Hawaiian style shirt.

Close calls 3 to 9: While Candida is looking around at the various craft stores and scrapbooking places I am checking out the various travel and Hawaiian related embellishments and paper.

Close calls 10 to 21: Almost getting confused as to which cruise we are talking about and who is on one or the other or both. Trying to keep one cruise a secret when you have two cruises just a few weeks apart can get fun. Especially, when you get to know people, both travellers and crew members, that are on board.

Phase II of the reveal: Try my hand at scrapbooking by creating a title page using the picture from Angie and Dennis. The actual creation wasn't to hard, but trying to do it without Candida catching me was fun. Page together, in a scrapbook with several other papers to use. Phase II done.

Close call 22: At my team Christmas party a group of us started talking about vacations and travel. Someone mentions Hawaii, one of the guys says "we have been there". Almost say "you'll have to give us some ideas for the excusions"

Phase III of the reveal: Schedule the phone call from Mickey.

Close call: I am sure there were more in there somewhere but can't remember them all.

Christmas Day: Turned into a slow take your time day. On Christmas eve I got called into work a 4:15am and was there until 11:00am. By the time I got home and we did some last minute running around it was time for Christmas diner with my dad and sister. Then after that worked again from 10pm to 3am Christmas morning. So by the time I was home and sleep we got up late. Didn't open gifts until evening. 7:45pm the phone rings, it's Mickey saying that we are going on a cruise, but not which one. So, she a little confused. Give her the gift bag with the scrapbook in it. She reads the title page and doesn't give much reaction, it was a good thing though it was a surprise reaction. now she can't wait to go. She is excited.

So this will be our gift to each other for our Anniversary as well. It falls on May 2nd.

See everyone soon,
Jon

 

[JLSE50]

I'll try to give the Reader's Digest version of the past few months. I blame it all on Candida. Back in June she surprised me with a trip to New York City for my birthday, so as "pay back" I surprised her with a road trip to spend her birthday weekend with our tablemates from the Alaskan in TN. She had kept saying that she wished we could do this cruise but we had said that it would have been to much with doing the Fantasy in March and then a short time later doing this one. But, before leaving for TN in August I was able to grab a cabin and decided to go for it.

The first close call: When we arrived in TN our tablemates had a Hawaiian themed shirt that they had and gave it to me as a gift. They don't know about the cruise either. I almost said that I would have to wear it in Hawaii.

Building to the reveal: Candida has a great time with Stitch on the cruises. So I enlisted the help of Angie and Dennis to have a picture taken of Stitch with a sign welcoming Candida to Hawaii. (Angie and Dennis, I'll pay you back on the cruise for you help). Candida likes scrapbooking so I decided to start one for this cruise for her.

Close call 2: Getting Candida to try on the shirt I was given to make sure I had the right size for the cruise shirts. Without her wondering to much why she was trying on a Hawaiian style shirt.

Close calls 3 to 9: While Candida is looking around at the various craft stores and scrapbooking places I am checking out the various travel and Hawaiian related embellishments and paper.

Close calls 10 to 21: Almost getting confused as to which cruise we are talking about and who is on one or the other or both. Trying to keep one cruise a secret when you have two cruises just a few weeks apart can get fun. Especially, when you get to know people, both travellers and crew members, that are on board.

Phase II of the reveal: Try my hand at scrapbooking by creating a title page using the picture from Angie and Dennis. The actual creation wasn't to hard, but trying to do it without Candida catching me was fun. Page together, in a scrapbook with several other papers to use. Phase II done.

Close call 22: At my team Christmas party a group of us started talking about vacations and travel. Someone mentions Hawaii, one of the guys says "we have been there". Almost say "you'll have to give us some ideas for the excusions"

Phase III of the reveal: Schedule the phone call from Mickey.

Close call: I am sure there were more in there somewhere but can't remember them all.

Christmas Day: Turned into a slow take your time day. On Christmas eve I got called into work a 4:15am and was there until 11:00am. By the time I got home and we did some last minute running around it was time for Christmas diner with my dad and sister. Then after that worked again from 10pm to 3am Christmas morning. So by the time I was home and sleep we got up late. Didn't open gifts until evening. 7:45pm the phone rings, it's Mickey saying that we are going on a cruise, but not which one. So, she a little confused. Give her the gift bag with the scrapbook in it. She reads the title page and doesn't give much reaction, it was a good thing though it was a surprise reaction. now she can't wait to go. She is excited.

So this will be our gift to each other for our Anniversary as well. It falls on May 2nd.

See everyone soon,
Jon

Great report, although Reader's Digest report was not necessary--we would have loved the full account too!

Glad it went well!!
Does she know about the shirts?

 

[scubadiver]

As I am unsure of where the Wonder will dock in Honolulu, could someone confirm or disprove my assumption? It appears from the dock to Iolani Palace will be about a 10 minute walk. We would like to do the Pearl Harbor excursion, if there is space available for us lonely silver members. But how can you pass up a look at the only palace in the US? We thought after an excursion, a self guided walk to the palace could be accomplished, as the ship does not leave until 10:30 pm. Is this possible?????????????????

 

[ImprovGal]

Have to catchup here (DD was in the hospital last week and have not kept up to date here) but has anyone seen or posted the possible times for the excursions?

There are a couple that we are hoping to squeeze in two but have not found the times yet.

I don't think we get to see the available times until we actually try to book the excursions. The first booking window (Plat/Concierge) opens up at 12:01am on Dec 31.

I'm hoping to be able to book a couple of b2b excursions as well.

 

[BoosGram]

Have to catchup here (DD was in the hospital last week and have not kept up to date here) but has anyone seen or posted the possible times for the excursions?

There are a couple that we are hoping to squeeze in two but have not found the times yet.

Hope everyone had a marvelous holiday and looking forward to a healthier and happier New Year for all!

I hope your daughter is recovering and doing well, and I totally second your wish for a healthier new year. Please, Lord?

 

[pilk]

Great report, although Reader's Digest report was not necessary--we would have loved the full account too!

Glad it went well!!
Does she know about the shirts?

Yes, she does know about the shirts. I figured it was hard enough to intercept a package sent by Angie that trying to intercept the shirt package was going to be risky.

Jon

 

[auntlynne]

As I am unsure of where the Wonder will dock in Honolulu, could someone confirm or disprove my assumption? It appears from the dock to Iolani Palace will be about a 10 minute walk. We would like to do the Pearl Harbor excursion, if there is space available for us lonely silver members. But how can you pass up a look at the only palace in the US? We thought after an excursion, a self guided walk to the palace could be accomplished, as the ship does not leave until 10:30 pm. Is this possible?????????????????

Greetings from October's Hawai'i cruise:

I don't see 'Iolani Palace listed as a shore excursion, so it will be do-it-yourself. The palace is usually closed on Sundays, except for Kama'aina (locals) Sundays. They seem to be the first Sunday of the month, which is the day y'all will be in port.

Here's what the 'Iolani Palace website says about this special day:

"Once a month, usually on the first Sunday of the month (but subject to change), we offer complimentary tickets to kama`aina guests. Both the Palace Galleries and docent-guided tours of the first and second floors are free of charge for Hawai`i residents. Palace guided tours are offered every 15 minutes between the hours of 9:00am - 2:00pm. Audio tours are offered every 10 minutes from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and the ticket office closes at promptly 3:30 pm.

We take reservation for groups of 10 or more, tour times offered from 1:00pm, 1:15pm, 1:30pm, 1:45pm and 2:00pm." Then they say that non-residents pay usual prices.

We did a guided tour last year and enjoyed it. Aunty Gladys was our docent (luck of the draw).

As far as the walk goes, it should not be a problem. At this point, it is on sidewalks, with very little incline (if any). if you look at the Google map of O'ahu, the ship should dock just a little below the Aloha tower. You can walk up Richards Street - the entrance to the Palace is on that side of the property, anyway (not the front gate on S. King Street).

As long as you get going with Pearl Harbor in the morning, you should have sufficient time to fully enjoy both of these sites (and still have time for something else in the evening). Waikiki is not far - it can be reached by TheBus ($2.50 pp each way).

aloha and have a good trip,
Lynne

 

[katypop]

MERRY CHRISTMAS! or HAPPY HOLIDAYS! whichever applies

Hi Gydell! Hope you and your family have enjoyed the festive season as well!

We are great lap counters while sitting on deck 4 loungers!! Let us know if you need our help.
We are so happy we will get to see you again!
:

Angie, looking forward to seeing you and Dennis again as well. I am excited to be meeting up with so many of the thieves again...and looking forward to meeting and sailing with all my new friends too! Can you believe it is only 4 short months away?

I am hoping to walk a few laps around deck 4 every sea day...did this on the EBTA and really enjoyed it....needed it too with all the extra eating and drinking every day If you save an extra chair I might be persuaded to help you count laps for a while too though

 

[Lynn G]

Jon, great story of the surprise for Candida!

 

[Happy Goofy]

We surprised our grandchildren with a Disney cruise from NY this summer-we saved on airfare -its just a two hr ride from our home- For Christmas we gave them a lot of Disney related things and the final thing was a video( kind of corny but cute) giving them clues as to what we could get them. The last part we took at Port Canaveral with the Disney ship in the background where we shouted " You are going on g Disney Cruise". They were so excited. It is going to be a long wait until July.

Anyone here going on the July 28 or August 5 out of NY?

 

[MrsMork]

Hi Gydell! Hope you and your family have enjoyed the festive season as well!



Angie, looking forward to seeing you and Dennis again as well. I am excited to be meeting up with so many of the thieves again...and looking forward to meeting and sailing with all my new friends too! Can you believe it is only 4 short months away?

I am hoping to walk a few laps around deck 4 every sea day...did this on the EBTA and really enjoyed it....needed it too with all the extra eating and drinking every day If you save an extra chair I might be persuaded to help you count laps for a while too though

Of course we will save you a chair!!

We surprised our grandchildren with a Disney cruise from NY this summer-we saved on airfare -its just a two hr ride from our home- For Christmas we gave them a lot of Disney related things and the final thing was a video( kind of corny but cute) giving them clues as to what we could get them. The last part we took at Port Canaveral with the Disney ship in the background where we shouted " You are going on g Disney Cruise". They were so excited. It is going to be a long wait until July.

Anyone here going on the July 28 or August 5 out of NY?

What a fun gift and a really fun way of giving it to them!!

 

[CarolAnnC]

I just happened to be looking at the spreadsheet from post #1 and found that my name and DH's name were removed!?!

I added us back in on the bottom of the list..very strange. Everyone might want to check as there were some missing names it seems throughout the list..blank lines.

 

[MousseauMob]

I don't think we get to see the available times until we actually try to book the excursions. The first booking window (Plat/Concierge) opens up at 12:01am on Dec 31.

I'm hoping to be able to book a couple of b2b excursions as well.

This leads me to a request of the Platinum/Concierge group - is it possible to post some of the times on here for us silver's and newbies?