Luggage Tag Protectors

Luggage Tag Protector for your cruise line luggage.

Read a very favorable review about these today on Cruise Critic message board.  Now you print your luggage tags for the cruise on your home printer.   Many were concerned about ripping/tearing once attached to their luggage.  It saves you some time taping and stapling the printed tag to your suitcase.

Here's the product description from their website:

"Our Cruise Luggage Tag Holders go the distance with no need to reinforce or laminate your luggage tags. The grommet at the top makes them even sturdier and longer lasting.

Includes a 6 1/2" vinyl loop for attaching to the luggage handle.

For thicker luggage handles, we offer a 9" loop at an extra charge.

Just print, fold the tag according to the instructions, put in our holder, attach to your luggage handles and then relax. Perfect for worry-free transportation!

Serving as a dual purpose luggage tag, insert your itinerary (the document will be emailed to you when we process your order), when flying and replace with your cruise luggage tag before getting on the ship. Instructions are printed on the document.

Going to a destination wedding, perhaps taking your loved ones with you on a cruise? Or are you going on a cruise for your honeymoon? Know someone going on a cruise? What a great gift for your fellow cruisers! Do you know that some cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises and Princess Cruises, amongst others seen above, have gone green and are having their passengers print out their own luggage tags? We love that these cruiselines are going green and we love these luggage tag holders because they are reusable.

Not only are they useful – they won't fall apart in transit.

Designed to accomodate 8.5" x 11" folded paper."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Kauai Movie Tour

 Kauai Movie Tour
From their website:

"This unique live narrated tour with specially licensed video scenes from the various movies make this a must do activity on Kauai. You will not only watch scenes from amazing big screen movies; you will actually stand in or view the exact spots of the shoots like you were one of Hollywood’s most famous stars. The aim of the ALL NEW Ali’i Movie Excursion with Scenic Hanalei is to allow people the opportunity to experience both fiction and reality, letting them feel as though were actually a part of the TV show or movie being filmed ultimately bringing them closer to the characters themselves. This tour is equally fantastic for tourists and locals, families and groups of friends."

Check out their fan page on Facebook.

If you are cruising with Carnival to Hawaii, they offer this tour as a ship sponsored excursion and you can book directly thru Carnival.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hike Maui

Are you someone who loves the great outdoors and would enjoy hiking in Hawaii with a guide?  If the answer is yes, then this tour may just be what your are looking for:

Hike Maui
Many hikes to choose from.

From their website:
"Always the top guides in the business, they are reknowned for their knowledge of Hawaiian botany, geology, culture and history. Their mission is to teach people about Hawai`i, and to do so while having a fun adventure. Anyone can walk you through the woods--when you have a great guide, it is a day to remember.

Often described in the press as “walking encyclopedias,” Hike Maui guides receive extensive training, both book learning and on the trails. Most also have life guard certification and Wilderness First Responder (advanced First Aid / rescue training)."


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures in Maui

Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures
"This is the most uniquely Hawaiian eco tour on Maui. Sail into Hawaii’s ancient past aboard the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe ‘Hina’. No where else on Maui can you sail aboard a Hawaiian Sailing Canoe or “wa’apea” with an experienced, knowledgeable crew born and raised right here in Hawaii paddling, sailing, surfing, and fishing."


"Family owned and operated, we can only take up to six passengers at a time so you are guaranteed to have a very personal, intimate, charming Maui ocean activity."


NOTE:  They do have a requirement that you be able to swim if you are booking one of their tours.

Directions: Tours depart from Polo Beach, Wailea.  Polo Beach fronts The Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel.  You will park at The Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel parking and access the beach though the hotel.

Check the map below for directions or call 808-281-9301.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaiian Monk Seals - Critically Endangered

In Hawaii there is a fine for even touching a monk-seal ...

News Article about the fine

The species is considered critically endangered.  They are the only truly tropical seal in the world, and there are less than 100 of them.   To learn more:

Monk Seal Facts


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Wild Side Specialty Tours on Oahu

 I read about this company in a travel magazine.  Thought it was worth passing on:

Wild Side Specialty Tours
This is from their site: "proceeds from your rates are donated to the Wild Dolphin Foundation to help conserve the animals that we encounter (as gently as possible) and their habitats."  Year-round Whale Watching, Swim with Wild Dolphins, Turtle Reef Snorkeling;In Their World, on Their Terms 


They set limits of 6 passengers per boat plus 2 to 3 crew on each boat.   So no overcrowding on a tour.

Looks like they have a good variety of tours from 3 1/2 hours to all day.

FAQ section of their website.
Bananas are considered bad luck on boats all over the world. Please leave them at home!
(I just read about the bananas on their website ... I had no idea).

Be sure to check your ship's arrival time in Oahu to see if these excursions will work for you.

Wild Side Specialty Tours are on Facebook too.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Big Island: Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii

 Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii 
"Where Astronomy Meets Hawaiian Culture"   Located on the Big Island of Hawaii.  

600 Imiloa Place

Hilo, HI 96720

(808) 969-9700

Tuesday – Sunday
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Closed Mondays

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day

 

Prices

The following is from their website:  "Imiloa's digital full-dome planetarium system and 5.1 audio surround sound create a spectacular immersive audio-visual experience! Every presentation includes a live sky lecture featuring the sky as viewed from Maunakea.

One daily Planetarium show is included in the price of a general admission ticket."

They have a planetarium, exhibits, and a native garden.  Looks like fun for the whole family.

They even have a blog.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Packing List - Travel Tips

 I make a list of things I want to be sure to remember when I pack for any trip.   Here's a site that has a packing list you can fill in and print out.

Packing List

They also have a page of links for travel tips.

Travel Tips

There is also a blog type section covering all kinds of things pertaining to travel that is updated every other week:


Traveler's Ed

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Village Burger on the Big Island of Hawaii

 How about choosing a local restaurant that grinds their own burger daily and gets their products all locally from local farms and bakery.  If freshness and quality if what you are looking for, then choose Village Burger on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Village Burger

Their website has their menu and prices posted.

"located in the Parker Ranch Center in Kamuela
Our hours are:
Mon. - Sat. 10:00 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday 10:30 - 6:00"

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Skyline Eco-Adventures Ziplines in Maui & Big Island of Hawaii

On pg 76 of the AARP magazine that arrived today in the mail, there is an article on Ziplines called Let'Er Zip.  At the end of the article, they gave some suggestions for Ziplines in Hawaii and I thought I would pass them on:

Skyline Eco-Adventures has two tours in Maui and one on the Big Island of Hawaii.  The one described in the AARP article is called Haleakala and includes 5 zip crossings.   It goes over gulches and forests.  The Ka'anapali one has eight crossings ... what will you see on these crossings:  waterfalls, Maui coast, and other islands.    Check their website for more details.

Akaka Falls is their zipline on the Big Island and just opened last month.  From their website:
"The Big Island is now home to Skyline Eco-Adventures’ newest zipline tour – Skyline Akaka Falls! Join us on the Big Island’s best zipline adventure, with incredible zips over Big Island waterfalls and lush valleys! Cascading nearly 250 ft., one of the World’s most spectacular waterfalls passes under your feet as you glide effortlessly through the air."


Skyline Eco-Adventures has photos and videos on their website.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaii By Cruise Ship - Book

Hawaii By Cruise Ship, Second Edition (Jan 2011) written by Anne Vipond.   I highly recommend this book.   ISBN is:  978-0-9809573-5-8

Amazon
This is the link to the most current version.  It was just published in January 2011.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Epiphanie Camera Bag

 Are you tired of carrying a clunky looking, boxy shaped camera bag?????

I just came across this site a few minutes ago called Epiphanie.   They carry some beautiful and modern camera bags most women would love to have.   Very stylish.   They are all in the $150+ range, but are so unique I thought the link was worth passing on.

Epiphanie Camera Bags

The bags offer many color choices such as black, turquoise, red, and purple.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Paradise Cove Luau

Thank you John for sending me the link to the Paradise Cove Luau on Oahu.  The area is 12 acres of ocean front property.   The offer buffet as well as table service (difference in cost applies).

From their website:
"With the most spectacular Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop, our award-winning performers will entertain and amaze you with an unforgettable display of songs and dances of Hawai'i and Polynesia at the incomparable Paradise Cove Extravaganza.'

Luau Packages Offered
Complete details and pricing.
At the bottom of the page, be sure to read the fine print about refund policies.

If you would like to read some reviews about the luau:
YELP
Trip Advisor


Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Smoking Policy for Carnival Cruise Lines

This is Carnival's Smoking Policy, more information can be found on their website:

"Effective June 15, 2011, cigarette smoking in public venues will only be permitted in Carnival’s dance clubs as well as in designated areas within the casino and casino bar.

Smoking (including cigars) will be permitted in designated exterior open deck areas (starboard side) of all our ships. Additionally, smoking will also be allowed in the jazz clubs of the following ships: Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom,  and Carnival Splendor.

* All Spa suites and staterooms, inclusive of the balconies, are an entirely smoke-free environment.
* Effective December 1, 2011, smoking will be prohibited in all guest staterooms.  Guests in balcony staterooms may smoke (including cigars) outside on their balcony.  

Guests who smoke in their staterooms will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account.  Information on this fee is included in Carnival’s ticket contract."




Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Smoking Policy Change for Princess Cruise Lines

This is posted on the Princess Web Site:

"Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

Designated Smoking AreasClearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

Stateroom Smoking Policy UpdateFor all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Robert's Hawaii Shore Excursions

If you are going to cruise on the Carnival Spirit to Hawaii December 2, 2011, Roberts has special tours set up for the cruise:

Carnival Spirit Shore Excursions Options

Roberts has other excursions for  others that will be in Hawaii, check out their website for complete information.  They have excursions on all of the islands.

I contacted them via e-mail too about the type of transportation used for their excursions and whether any of the motor coaches had bathrooms on them.  I got an immediate response:

Aloha Mary,

Thank you for your interest in Roberts Hawaii Shore Excursions. Our tour groups vary in size depending on demand. Vehicle capacity varies between

15 passenger, 25 passenger, and 56 passenger motor coaches and no self-contained.

We look forward to making your acquaintance in the islands,

Roberts Hawaii Shore Excursions

I have not used this company before.   They seem to have a good variety of tours, and the prices are very reasonable.  You can also book on-line.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Pearl Harbor & USS Missouri

Cruising Goddess just updated her blog with some wonderful photos and details about Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri.

Be sure to pay special attention to the timing of arrival to the area.  It can make or break your ability to get tickets.  They are limited and run out quickly.  If you are on a cruise, be sure to check what time the ship arrives in port.   I know the Carnival Spirit doesn't get into port until 9 am.   It really might be worthwhile to book a ship excursion for this.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Big Island of Hawaii

Just picked up a copy Woman's World Magazine dated June 20, 2011 at the store today.  They have a 2 page photo layout (pg 48 & 49) of "Experience Big Island Magic".   Here's a bit of what it says about the Big Island of Hawaii:

266 miles of spectacularly diverse coastline

offers striking  scenery, charming rural towns, plunging waterfalls, towering volcanoes and legendary sunsets.

Did you know that in some areas of this island (laid back towns) that the stop signs say "Whoa" instead of STOP.  

Sunny Beaches:  Head to the Kona Coast.
Rainforest Scenery:  Find it on the Hilo side ... many misty waterfalls and lush tropical landscapes.
Volcanoes:  Mauna Kea and Maunaloa volcanoes dominate the center of the island.

Here are the 7 must-sees according to their article:

1.  Hilo - the island's capital. 
.....shopping
.....Lyman Museum
.....teahouse in Liliuoka-lani Park
.....Sig Zane Designs for fashion

2.  The Kona Coast - 60 miles along the west coast.
.....Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
.....seaside town of Kailua-Kona

3.  Hamakua Heritage Corridor - 45 mile route
.....astonishing lookouts, sea cliffs, valleys, farmlands & rainforest.
.....Akaka Falls, the Big Island's most renowned waterfall
.....Hawaii Tropical Garden
.....Laupahoehoe Train Museum

4.  Hapuna Beach State Park - home to the island's longest, widest white-sand beach.
.....good place to swim, bodyboard, snorkel and picnic.
.....Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel overlooks this park

5.  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

6.  Waimea - this is the hub of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country.
.....beautiful pastures
.....world-class restaurants and shops
.....Kahilu Theatre
.....Kahua Ranch for horseback riding
.....North Kohala Coast for zip-lining

7.  Mauna Kea - has a visitor's center with telescopes
.....Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo (planetarium)

Lots more info and photos in the magazine.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Carnival Cruise Lines Dining

I can't thank my friend, Jackie, enough for finding these two links.  If you want information on dining while on board a Carnival cruise ship, I think these two links have about all of it covered.  Wait till you see the photos too, they will make you hungry even if you just ate.

7 Nights of Meals on Carnival

Room Service, Special Diets, and so much more - Carnival

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Seat Guru (Flight Seat Maps) - Great Site

Find seat maps for your flights ... this site is GREAT!!!

http://www.seatguru.com/

• Detailed seatmap graphics
• In-depth comments about seats with limited recline, reduced legroom, and misaligned windows
• Color-coding to help identify superior and substandard seats
• In-seat power port locations
• Galley, lavatory, exit row, and closet locations

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

What Will The Weather Be Like??

When planning a vacation, it is important to know what the weather will be like.   It sure helps with what to pack.   I found a website that gives the weather information as well as the water temperature:

Hawaii Environment

Scroll down on their website to see a month to month forecast.  Did you know that in December the water temperature is 76 degrees.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Oahu - Tours By Locals

Would you rather have a private tour guide while in Oahu?  If yes, Tours By Locals may just be what you are looking for:

Tours By Locals

There are a number of tour guides to choose from plus you can choose a set tour or create your own.  The pricing is by the tour, not by the person. 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

AirCanada: Possible Travel Restrictions Flying between Canada and United States

AirCanada Medical Approval

Here's just a small portion of what was on their site:

"View specific medical approval requirements for itineraries between Canada and the US.
For all other itineraries
You require medical approval before travel if:

• You have an unstable medical condition (physical or psychological).
• You have suffered from a recent major medical incident (e.g. heart attack, heart failure, stroke, respiratory failure)
• You have chronic obstructive lung disease and/or a chronic heart condition.
• You have undergone surgery or have suffered a fracture in the last 2 weeks.
• You have anaemia or leukemia.
• You have a history of seizures.
• You require oxygen or need to use your personal oxygen concentrator (POC). View list of approved POCs for travel on Air Canada flights. Please note that the use of an approved POC for travel requires only 48 hours advance notice, regardless of destination*.
• You require the use of a battery-operated medical device during the flight. View important information on CPAP, sleep apnea and other battery-powered medical equipment.
• You have an infectious or contagious disease that could pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others on your flight (e.g. tuberculosis or SARS)*.
• You require an attendant to travel with you (attendant must be 16 years of age or older and capable of assisting you with your personal and physical needs).
• You have thrombophlebitis (inflamed blood vessels and/or blood clots).
• You have had an incident on board a previous flight or at the airport and may require medical attention.
• You have caused a flight diversion on a previous flight you have taken.
• You are an Unaccompanied Minor and have a medical problem.
• You have an intellectual disability (e.g. Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease). Air Canada offers a Service for Unaccompanied Adult Requiring Assistance.
• You suffer from epilepsy.
• You are travelling with an infant aged 7 days or less or a premature infant or an infant with a medical condition.
• You have a cast on an arm or leg. High altitude may cause increased swelling which may, in turn, affect circulation.

* applies also to flights between Canada and the United States."

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hotels: San Pedro/Los Angeles

If you are leaving from Los Angeles/San Pedro CA for your Hawaii cruise, here is information on a couple of the popular hotels that are nice plus convenient:

Crowne Plaza -   It is just minutes from the pier and walking distance to fisherman's village (shops & restaurants).   The do have lavender mist and eye masks in the rooms, so if you are scent sensitive (like me) I would choose Doubletree.

Doubletree San Pedro -  Right on the marina.  Less than a 10 minute drive to the pier.   Restaurant/bar/gift shop on premises.   Nice hotel.   Not a lot tho within walking distance.  there is a walking path around the marina area.

Both hotels have great reviews.   We've stayed at the Doubletree twice before and liked it, so didn't hesitate to book there again.  
 
I have seen BOTH of these hotels totally booked solid 6 months in advance in the past.  Make your reservations as soon as possible to guarantee the hotel and room type that you want.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.

Hawaii Gold Card

If you are looking for discounts on attractions, shops, restaurants; you might want to check out the  Hawaii Gold Card.

According to their website:  One card is good for up to four people and is non-transferable. If you have more than four people in your group you should consider getting more than one card. 

Check out their website for more information.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. This is a personal blog about information cruising to Hawaii. All opinions posted by me are my personal opinion. This blog is not sponsored or endorsed by any company or individual.