Hawaii, French Polynesia, Tahiti, the Marquesas -- 35-Day Cruise -- 27 February thru 04 April 2022

Yes, all things must come to an end, but with a sad parting comes the realization that we'll be doing this again, and again, now that the pandemic is behind us.  As we said in the previous blog post, Cruising is back, and this voyage proved to CDC that you can make extended length cruise safely! We saw a wonderful presentation this morning detailing the 150 year history of Holland America Lines.  FANTASTIC DOCUMENTARY!!  In fact, one of the cruise ships slated for demolition, the Volldam, is being used to house 4,000 Ukranian refugees. Then we heard short speech by the Captain reiterating the trip and all the work behind the scenes and negotiations with the French Polynesian Goverrnment, CDC, etc. to make it all come together.  From special fuel to extra compliment of staff and medical team services, all to make it a reality.  Unbelievable to hear what went on, well in advance, before we ever were allowed to board! The final tribute was all the staff --- waiters...

  It was a fun day with the waiters and waitresses changing name tags, dispalying some upside down, just having fun, giggling, etc..  Mats in the elevators had the wrong days on them.  Statues had eyes and smiles pasted on them that weren't theirs  Maps showing the ship's location had us all over the world in different locations at the same time. The highlight, as it always is on HAL ships, is the performance by staff members.  It was super to see a lot of the people that we've come to know performing on stage.  Great talent! Also a bit of fact that we didn't know. This is the first cruise ship since the COVID pandemic to make a voyage of this length -- 35 days.   Every other had been held to under 21 days!  Cruising is back!! Robbi changed her appearance for April Fool's Day -- HA! HA! PENGUIN W/ LEI