The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise - Day 2, Hilo and At Sea

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 2, Hilo and At Sea

Charles Nahale entertaining onboard the Norwegian Star

Arrived at Hilo just after sunup. Waited a bit before attempting to get breakfast as the folks who were going ashore had the restaurants pretty crowded. Once the ship docked, and the folks started going ashore, we had the ship to ourselves and enjoyed a very leisurely breakfast.

After breakfast we tried out the spa. The steam, sauna, whirlpools, lap pool, and other amenities are available at no cost, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time. In fact, "doing the spa" became a daily post-breakfast ritual for the balance of the cruise.

Hilo was wet and rainy, so we stayed aboard and enjoyed the quiet of a mostly deserted ship. Folks started returning about lunchtime, and we sailed shortly after 1 P.M. Once clear of the harbor we headed for Fanning Island, some 900+ nautical miles south by southwest. (We must go to Fanning, because of the Jones Act, look it up...)

Shortly before five we headed for the Bier Garden for some libations and to await the Cruise Critic meeting. The sun was starting to set, and the horizon was clear. Perfect conditions for seeing a Green Flash. Sure enough, we got to see a real beauty—one of two we saw on this trip. Sadly, no pictures, they are notorious for the difficulty in getting a shot.

Here's one from a much later cruise:

At six we were joined by Chris & Dave (Moonlight Dancer) and Anne (Avlski). Tony Lockett, the Star's convivial Food and Beverage Director joined us, followed by the Hotel Director, Frank Hasenwinkel, and his assistant (sorry, we didn't make a note of her name). We enjoyed our meeting, and lingered for a while. We'd met Tony during our June cruise, so it was good to "catch up".

Dinner at The Ginza, which was superb. Following dinner we moved up to the Las Rambles to enjoy the sweet music of Hawaiian Musician Charles Nahale. It was so good that this too became a ritual each evening for the balance of the cruise.

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©1998-2020 Robert and Sandra Swanson. I greatly appreciate people viewing the photos, but not stealing them. If someone is interested from a commercial point of view, please contact me.

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A civilized pot of tea in the stateroom as we approach Hilo -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Departing Hilo Harbor -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Sunset at sea as viewed from the Bier Garden. We saw the Green Flash! -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Cruise Critic meeting -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Dinner at The Ginza -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Charles Nahale playing at Las Rambles -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Charles and the Swansons -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Charles and an old friend, Ginger Fortin -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 2, Hilo and At Sea

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