Dec 25-26 Hawaii

Dec 25-26 2011

0630 Hawaiian time

(one hour time change today)
Travel Blog

We will be docking in Hilo this morning.

Christmas onboard the Queen Victoria was as close to perfect as could be.  The weather was sunny, with no wind across the decks and we go to soak up that wonderful tropical sun on deck 10 with no responsibilities.  In fact, later in the afternoon, we retreated to the shade of the starboard promenade deck for our relaxing.

There was a minister and priest on board so they held both midnight services on Christmas Eve and morning services. There is also a rabbi on the ship for the Hanukkah celebration each of the eight evening.

John spent an hour attending a class on Microsoft Excel while Donna attended the arrival of Santa, who made to ship a bit later than most places on earth, 11:30 am Christmas Day. After Santa arrived at the ship, he then “came down the funnel” and made his way to the Queen’s Room (ballroom) and spoke to each of the 100 or so children on board. He also presented each child with a nice wrapped gift such as a board game, etc. He was a great Father Christmas and all of 1000+ adults enjoyed his jokes and asides.

Dinner was formal attire.  Donna wore her new green dress and John wore his tux, complete with a red bow tie to mark the season.  Everyone looked so nice.

The evening program was nice Christmas music put on by the ship’s orchestras and dancers.  We then went dancing in the Queen’s Room and turned in relatively early.

We are looking forward to getting our lands legs after five days on board. We rented a car for 3 of the 4 ports so it will be fun to drive around the islands for the day and maybe find some nice beaches.