Could You Cope With a 28-Day Cruise to Hawaii & French Polynesia? -Lucy Williams Global

Now you have probably just read the title of this blog post and thought what a silly question! Of course, I could cope with a 28-day cruise to Hawaii & French Polynesia! It sounds a dream.

A long cruise to Hawaii and French Polynesia are dream locations, but are you ready to go on a 28-day cruise? It sounds fantastic, but the reality can be a lot different.

You have probably been on 7 – 10 cruises and loved them and now think you are ready for the dream cruise to Hawaii and French Polynesia. Here are the things to really need to know!

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What you need to know before you book a Hawaii & French Polynesia Cruise

I loved this 28-day cruise, but it does have a lot of days at sea. The itinerary we did had 18 days at sea and 9 ports (not including the embarkation day).

We embarked in Los Angeles, sailed for four days, spent four days in Hawaii. We went to the islands Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai (one day in each).

After the port days in Hawaii, we had four more days at sea before arriving in Pago Pago, American Samoa.

After two more days at sea we arrived in French Polynesia and went to Bora Bora for two days, then one day in Tahiti and one day in Moorea.

The ports were fantastic, but after visiting all the paradise islands, it was eight days sailing back to Los Angeles.

For some people, this is just too many days at sea! For others, it is a dream! I sit on the fence, I like four sea days in a row, but eight days feels like forever.

This is something you must be prepared for as if you easily get bored these eight days will feel like hell! If you love keeping busy with the ship activities or lying by the pool the days go by.

Cruise Lines that go to the South Pacific:

From Los Angeles, USA

From Fort Lauderdale, USA

From Vancouver, Canada

From Sydney, Australia

Top Tips for a Long Cruise

  • My tips for booking a long cruise is book second seating (doors opening 7.30 – 8 pm) in the dining room, as most people want to eat on first sitting (doors opening 5 – 5.30pm). Even if you book any time dining, it doesn’t mean you can really eat at any time. My advice is to book second seating then you always know you have a table when you want it, otherwise you may be either waiting a while.
  • Pre-book your tours online through the cruise line or privately (allow lots of time to get back to the ship) so you get the tour you would like to go especially for American Samoa and French Polynesia, as they get booked up quickly. My great Polynesian friend runs Maohi Nui Tours in Tahiti.
  • Go to the late shows as most people go to the early shows or the show before dinner if that is an option.
  • The weather is tropical, so you may get rain and it is always hot and humid. Bring a small umbrella and a lightweight raincoat or jacket.


 

  • Bring comfortable shoes to walk around and no-slip soles, flip-flops are fine for the beach, but not walking around all day long.


  • Download lots of books on your tablet as you will have the time to read them.


  • WIFI is not free onboard so remember to download any books, magazines, music, podcasts or games.  Some apps will not work when not connected to the internet. You may enjoy reading my ‘How to Use Your iPhone on a Cruise Ship’, for top tips!

Could you handle a 28-Day Cruise?

Do you think this is the cruise for you?  Long cruises are very relaxing and if you are mentally prepared for how long it is you will enjoy it.

When I went on a world cruise for 111 days, I knew how long it was going to be and I was prepared, and I did not get bored. On this 28-day cruise, I enjoyed it, just a little fed up on the last few days at sea, but I kept busy!

You may also enjoy reading:

FRENCH POLYNESIA IS WHERE TO FIND PARADISE!

WHAT TO SEE IN PAGO PAGO AMERICAN SAMOA

WHY YOU MUST VISIT PEARL HARBOUR IN HONOLULU HAWAII USA

Have you been on this cruise? What is the longest cruise you have been on?

I hope you enjoyed reading about could you handle a 28-day cruise. Please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Happy Cruising!

Love Lucy x

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Why You Must Visit Pearl Harbour in Honolulu Hawaii USA - Lucy Williams Global

 

Pearl Harbour is one of those places you must visit while on a Hawaiian cruise or vacationing in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA).

I was on a cruise that went to Honolulu and I didn’t make it to Pearl Harbour when I had been there previously. This time I went and it was a great day. I went on a ship’s tour and Pearl Harbour is short coach ride from the cruise ship terminal.

Why Must You Visit Pearl Harbour?

On the 7th December 1941, Pearl Harbour was bombed by the Japanese and World War II hit the USA. Most of us know the history and have seen the film, but to go there is completely different.

Seeing the harbour with your own eyes and being able to pay your respects to the men and women that died there that fateful day. The US Military has made the visitors centre a fascinating place to visit and give lots of history in the museums.

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial is a chilling insight that can still be seen today, of what happened in the historic harbour which is the sunken USS Arizona.

The ship was hit by surprise and ship overturned completely. 1102 crewmen were trapped inside the ship and lost their lives. To this day, this is the grave of these brave men that lost their lives during the Japanese attack.

On the tour of the memorial, they show a short film that takes you back to Honolulu in 1941. After the film, you board a boat that takes you to the memorial site.

The memorial is a viewing deck over the top of the USS Arizona and you can see the hull of the ship. Also, there is a lot of oil that they call the black tears of all the men that died there.

It is very sad and unbelievable what happened when you are viewing it for yourself. Inside the memorial is a wall with all the names of the men that died.

USS Missouri Memorial

The second part of our tour was to board the USS Missouri Memorial also called the ‘Mighty Mo’. This was the battleship that ended World War II. It was very interesting to visit this ship and see how the ship worked.

I like to see inside a ship and what it looks like and how the crew lived and worked onboard. I think that is because I have spent most of my life onboard cruise ships. From working onboard to now travelling alongside my husband.

It was interesting walking below deck in the crew mess and bars and then up to the officer mess and bars. Not much has changed in the way a cruise ship is below deck today. Apart from the cabins have improved a lot!

The ship is huge and walking around on deck the seeing the giant battery turrets and all the areas below deck were amazing to see.

You can walk around the ship on your own and follow the arrows or go on a guided tour for more information about the ship.

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What to See at Pearl Harbour

I just saw the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri Memorial when I went to Pearl Harbour. If you have more time you can also visit the USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Oklahoma Memorial and the Aviation Museum. The visitor centre is open between 7.00am – 5.00pm.

Why You Must Visit Pearl Harbour in Honolulu Hawaii USA

 

Limited Items Can Only Be Brought into Pearl Harbour

The U.S. Navy rules that all bags, handbags, backpacks are prohibited from the area. Basically, you cannot have a bag that can conceal a weapon. There is a storage area before you enter to store your belongings for a small charge.

You can bring inside a bag the size of a hand-held radio, which is the size of a glasses case. Wallets, bottled water, cameras (no case), umbrellas and cell phones are allowed inside, but you must either must carry them or be able to put them in your pocket.

You can purchase something in the gift shop and you can carry that around the visitor’s centre though. Also, if you are taking a tour bus, nothing can be left on the bus as the military do not allow that either. So, travel light when going to visit Pearl Harbour.

Essential Info

  • Weather: 20*C – 28*C
  • Currency: US Dollars
  • Language: American English
  • Top Tip: Bring an umbrella or lightweight waterproof coat/poncho, as when it rains it pours as I found out! Always check the weather before, I brought my little umbrella and I am so pleased I did. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking.

You may enjoy reading more about Hawaii:

WHAT TO SEE OUTSIDE OF HONOLULU HAWAII IN ONE DAY

WHAT TO SEE IN HILO HAWAII

WHAT YOU MUST SEE IN ONE DAY IN MAUI HAWAII

THE SIGHTS TO SEE IN KAUAI HAWAII IN ONE DAY

I hope you enjoyed reading about Pearl Harbour. Please share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Happy Travels

Love Lucy x

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Why You Must Visit Pearl Harbour in Honolulu Hawaii USA - Lucy Williams Global

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Back to Reality Returning Home After Travelling - Lucy Williams Global

I have returned home after three months of travelling around Alaska, the Californian Coast, Mexico, Hawaii and French Polynesia and reality has hit me!

Real life after travelling is nice but overwhelming!

If you have been following my travels you will know I travel with my husband that works onboard a cruise ship. Hence my blog tagline ‘The Travelling Wife Cruising Around the World’.

Alaska

This has been another long trip, but it was lovely to see Alaska properly. I have worked many Alaska seasons when I was still working onboard, but I never really saw much.

This time I made the most of my 4 weeks there and visited glaciers up close from a small boat to landing on top of one in a helicopter. I saw wildlife up close and totem poles.

Glacier Bay | Juneau | Ketchikan | Skagway

Californian Coast

After sailing around Alaska, we sailed south to the California coast and on the way we stopped in Astoria, Oregon. This was a new port for me and I enjoyed a lovely tour of the Oregon coast.

We then sailed to San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. The weather was great whilst in these port so I saw the Golden Gate Bridge in its full glory.

Santa Barbara was a food and drink day on an amazing food tour and LA was spent in Long Beach catching up with friends.

Oregon Coast | San Francisco | Santa Barbara

Hawaii & French French Polynesia

I went back to Hawaii and French Polynesia. It was fantastic to go back to Hawaii and French Polynesia as they are my favourites! Especially Bora Bora in French Polynesia, pure paradise.

It took a long time to get down there, only 8 days at sea! But it is worth it in the end when you get there. I got to see another new port; Pago Pago in American Samoa on the way down to French Polynesia. It is a beautiful little lush tropical island.

Hawaii | Oahu | Kauai | Maui | French Polynesia

Mexico

We spent a lot of time in Mexico on seven cruises to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. They were nice for the margaritas!

Also, short mini cruises of 4/5 days either just to Cabo San Lucas or to Ensenada and Catalina Island, California. Catalina Island was another new port for me and it was a nice new place to go, a really pretty island across the water from Los Angeles.

Mexico | Catalina Island

Back Home

Since I have been back home my feet have not touched the ground. After a 14 hour flight, I have been suffering from jet lag. I wish my body would just understand and sleep at night-time!

Within two days of being at home, we have been to Lake Como, lovely but I would have preferred a week at home to recover!

Now, it is time to get ready for Christmas, our tree is up, the turkey is ordered and the Christmas shopping is done. If you need a helping hand with your Christmas shopping check out my gift guides for travellers and cruisers.

Traveller Gift Guide | Cruiser Gift Guide | Travel Beauty Gift Guide | Christmas Decorations

It’s Not the End!

I love to travel so, even though I am home there will be lots of travel blog posts from around Italy and the UK and you will be reading them very soon!

Happy Holidays

Love Lucy x

Back to Reality Returning Home After Travelling - Lucy Williams Global

 

The Sights to See in Kauai Hawaii in One Day

What are the sights to see on the Hawaiian island of Kauai? What can you see in one day?

Lots! The spectacular Waimea Canyon, the Spouting Horn, Opaekaa Falls, the Wailua River and the Fern Grotto.

Kauai was the fourth port of call on the Hawaiian and French Polynesian cruise. We docked in the town of Nawiliwili. Which is very pretty with bars, restaurants, hotels and a beach very close to the cruise terminal.  I wanted to see more than the beach, so I went on an all day tour.

During the day we had sun and rain and when it rained it poured, so I recommend bringing an umbrella!

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon is called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ and it is spectacular to see. It does take just under two hours to arrive from Nawiliwili, but once you get there it is worth it and the drive is scenic.

The lookout viewpoint is 3400 feet above the canyons floor and the view is a stunning green over an earthy red tones of the volcano slopes. You realise how small you are compared to these giant mountains!

IMG_5995

Spouting Horn

The Spouting Horn is a blow-hole that water sprays out of. It is fun to watch the tide come in and the water spurting water up high!

After the water excitement we headed for a delicious traditional Hawaiian lunch of fish, chicken, pork, rice and salad. Followed by pineapple and coconut cake.

Opaekaa Falls

On the way to the Wailua River we stopped to see the Opaekaa Falls, a 40-foot waterfall coming from the Makaleha Mountains.

IMG_6089

Wailua River and Fern Grotto

The last part of the tour was a riverboat ride up the Wailua River to get to the beautiful Fern Grotto. On the riverboat we were entertained with live traditional Hawaiian singing and hula dancing.

To get to the Fern Grotto you have to walk through tropical forest, it has paths so it is an easy walk. The Fern Grotto was a beautiful cave with fern leaves and a water fall and was very tropical. The singers from the river boat sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song there for all you romantics!

What to Wear

It is always warm in Kauai so shorts and t-shirt and comfortable walking shoes as there is quite a bit of walking at the Canyon and Fern Grotto. Also, sunglasses, a hat, umbrella and a light weight rain jacket and a small backpack. This is what I wore the day I was visiting.

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Essential Info

  • Weather: Year round 18*C – 29*C
  • Language: English and Hawaiian
  • Currency: US Dollars
  • Recommendations: Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.

  • Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella for the rain showers. This umbrella is an ultra mini umbrella, folding down to 7 inches, also it is anti UV umbrella. The high-tech nano polymer compound in the outermost coating layer is there to prevent 95% of the UV rays.

           

  • Bring your camera or smart phone and portable phone charger and selfie stick!

           

  • Drink lots of water, so bring your own water bottle to refill.

All the recommended products are available from Amazon. If you would like to take advantage of free delivery on many of their products, sign up for an Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial!

Also, today is Cyber Monday so there are lots of great deals on Amazon.co.uk so hurry and check it out! To see all the great deals click here.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about what to see in Kauai in Hawaii, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to Kauai? What would you recommend doing?

Happy Travels

Love Lucy x

The Sights to See in Kauai Hawaii in One Day

(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).

What You Must See in One Day in Maui Hawaii

What must you see in in Maui, Hawaii in one day? Visit Front Street, the Maui Ocean Centre and the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Maui was our third port of call on the Hawaiian and French Polynesian cruise and we were there for just one day, so here are my suggestions of what you can do with your time apart from going to the beach and drinking cocktail!

There is no dock in Maui so we dropped the anchor and tendered off Lahaina (boats from ship to shore). Lahaina is beautiful town with lovely beaches, shops, bars and restaurants. When you get off the tender you are right in town so can shop, drink, eat or go to the beach.

I had a walk down Front Street and I had a look around the shops and got a coconut water before I headed off for my afternoon tour of the Maui Ocean Centre and the Maui Tropical Plantation.

IMG_5885

Maui Ocean Centre

The Maui Ocean Centre is an aquarium set inside and outside beside the ocean in Ma’alaea Bay. There were many different species of fish from the reef and marine animals that are only found in Hawaii including species of sea turtles, sharks and stingrays.

Each tank was beautiful and the highlight was walking through a 54-foot underwater tunnel where you could get up close to the sharks, stingrays, turtles and many different species of fish.

There are no whales or dolphins there as they like to leave them in their natural habitat. But there was an exhibition of the types of dolphins and whales that are found in the Hawaiian waters.

My favourite part of the aquarium was the jelly fish tank. The Maui Ocean centre is great for kids and adults and has good air conditioning and there was also Wi-Fi there too.

Maui Tropical Plantation

The Maui Tropical Plantation is a 60-acre working farm. They grow sugar cane, pineapples, macadamia nuts, avocados, bananas, star fruit, coconuts, coffee, mangoes and more. It was interesting to see these tropical fruits growing in their natural habitat.

They also grow lots of different types and colours of flowers to make lays with. It was very pretty to see.

We were taken around the farm on a little train to see all the trees and plants. In the middle of the tour we were given a coconut-husking demonstration of how to open a coconut to get the water out and they showed us how they use the whole coconut for other things like using the outer part for fires and the shell to make cups, bowls and tools.

There is a huge gift shop to buy all your Maui souvenirs from Hawaiian shirts to coffee. Also, there is an ice-cream, fresh fruit shop and a restaurant on site.

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What to Wear

It is warm all year round so shorts and a T-shirt are perfect. I would not wear a dress, skirt or loose top to the ocean centre as it is very windy! Flip flops or trainers for comfort and sunglasses and a hat.

    

Essential Info

  • Weather: Year round 21*C – 38*C (Very Windy by the Maui Ocean Centre)
  • Language: English and Hawaiian
  • Currency: US Dollars
  • Recommendations: Wear sunscreen and insect repellent. Bring your camera or smart phone and portable phone charger and selfie stick! Drink lots of water, so bring your own water bottle to refill.

                  

All the recommended products are available from Amazon. If you would like to take advantage of free delivery on many of their products, sign up for an Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial!

Also, today is Cyber Monday so there are lots of great deals on Amazon.co.uk so hurry and check it out! To see all the great deals click here.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about what to see in Maui, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!

Have you been to Maui? What would you recommend doing?

Happy Travels

Love Lucy x

What You Must See in One Day in Maui Hawaii

(L. Williams is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, at no extra cost, to you).