The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 7, Kaua'i

We made it a point to get up early so we could watch the Star enter Nawiliwili Harbor. This is an amazing display of seamanship, and anyone who knows anything about ship handling should consider this a "must" during this cruise. Fortunately, the winds had died down so there wasn't that additional challenge.

As with our June cruise, the skipper brought her in without a problem, made it look easy he did! Before long we were alongside the pier, and the people started streaming off the ship heading for their day's adventures. As is our wont, we stayed aboard, enjoying a late and quiet breakfast, and then relaxed in the spa followed by a leisurely day of eating, reading, snoozing, and relaxing.

This is a daylight-only harbor, meaning the Star will sail before dusk regardless. Some passengers didn't get the message and were in for a rude surprise when the returned to the harbor and saw water where the Star once was. As with the entry, leaving Nawiliwili was a joy to behold. Soon we were clear of the breakwalls watching the sun set behind Kaua`i.

Tonight we formally celebrated our silver anniversary, and the Wood's were celebrating their tenth. Tony Lockett arranged for an anniversary dinner at The Ginza, which was unforgettably special. The service was superb and, as always, the food ono (Hawaiian for delicious). The highlight was when the entire staff stood around our table and sang Let Me Call You Sweetheart.

Following dinner we went down to Gatsby's to hear Hawaiian Musician Charles Nahale play and sing. He was joined by Ginger, Wei, Dennis, and many of the professional dancers from the Polynesian Review. Charles played, people sang, danced, and just enjoyed the music. It was very special when Charles dedicated his unique and beautiful rendition of I Love You to us. All too soon it was time to head off for our last night's sleep aboard the Star.

NOTE that these photographs are Copyright©1998-2019 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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Another beautiful sunrise, this time from the bow of the Star looking aft past her electronics mast -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Approaching Kaua`i -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Light marking entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Threading the needle, with a 960' ship. Our path is highlighted in red. -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Inside the harbor, heading for the pier -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

The excursion and tour firms are waiting... -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise -- We shared the harbor with the c. Columbus. She's a German ship, on a round-the-world cruise.

Sunrays through the clouds on the West Kaua`i mountains -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

A spectacular Kaua`i sunset -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Anniversary dinner, Swanson's (left), 25 years and Wood's (right) 10 -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Chris and David Woods (Moonlight Dancer) -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Charles Nahale playing with a member of the Polynesian Review cast dancing hula -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Charles Nahale -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

A member of the Polynesian Review cast dancing hula -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Ginger shares aloha by dancing hula -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

Dennis dancing hula -- December 2003 Norwegian Star Cruise

The Swanson's Norwegian Star Cruise -- Day 7, Kaua'i

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