The ship arrived at 7:00 AM, but before we could get off, we needed to go through US Customs and Immigration which was in the World Stage theatre. We were called by deck so our time was ~9:00 AM and we were slowly walking there when they announced our deck could go. At this point, Alison took off quickly and hopped over the stanchion. I followed, but the stanchion police were on high alert following Alison, so they shouted at me to stop. At least I think that what they said since I’m conveniently deaf. The process went smoothly with a stamp in the passport and a sticker on our key card.
The next challenge going ashore was getting a tender ticket at the opposite end of the ship in the dining room. Then with our tickets in hand, we waited to be called
We have a tradition of walking to the Royal Kona Resort Hotel. Alison stayed there with her parents in ~1970 and we stayed there in ~1995 so we like to relive our memories. It hasn’t changed much, other than the parrots have gone.
We walked slowly back along the waterfront checking the shops along the way. Then went into the Catholic church, which was refreshing with a breeze blowing through. Back at the pier we checked in for our tour and waited for the transportation to arrive.
Conveniently, I was able to sit in the front seat of the 12-seater van next to our driver, Marcus. Our first stop was a beach where we watched the turtles. Next, we proceeded up the side of the volcano to a coffee farm where we sampled the extremely expensive Kona coffee. Our final stop was a walk through a cloud forest, except there was no cloud today. The forest was privately owned and planted by a University Professor, who took on the project after retiring. In a period of 40 years, it had grown into a jungle of diverse trees. On our way back to the ship, our driver distributed snacks which were welcome since we had not eaten lunch and was hungry.
We arrived back in time for the last few tenders back and these were loaded to the maximum which was a little uncomfortable. A man sitting opposite did not look well and was take into the ship on a wheelchair. His family then caused a commotion since none of them appeared to have the correct cards and had somehow swapped with others. I suspect they had been drinking heavily.
Dinner was in the exclusive Pinnacle Grill which was pleasant. We were hungry from skipping lunch, but I could not eat the 8 oz salmon steak they provided. They also provided and extra starter and dessert so we were well fed by the time we had finished. With all that food, all I could do was go to bed.
Chris's Wanderings 