Day 22 of 111. Leaving Hilo… on to Honolulu

While we waited for Elizabeth just outside Port Hilo, we saw a cute little gecko. The man who ran the Tour Depot where we were waiting said they make messes everywhere and he has to clean it up… but the little creature was still cute to see with his bright coloring. As we left Hilo, the scenery around us was beautiful to see. With the weather constantly changing, the light accented one place then another.

I took another picture of the ship to show that they painted 2017 Grand World Voyage on the front of the ship. I am finding out that this trip is much more special than other cruises put on by Holland America. A special effort is made in every department to make this cruise special. There are special teachers brought on board to run the various classes that are offered. The culinary staff is hand-picked since the menus are more varied (and amazingly delicious). We come back to our rooms and find gifts from time to time such as special post cards, bags, hats, etc.

At each port, we have a Sail Away Party as we leave the port. For some reason, tonight’s party had free drinks (we usually have to pay), so even WE attended this one to get our free Pina Coladas. We donned our new Walmart Hawaiian shirts and mingled. After three weeks of cruising, we know a few people and had opportunities to stop and chat. We took a picture with the Culinary Arts host, Jessica and the guest chef, Denise Vivaldo (and one of the waiters photo bombed us). Pretty cute.