“F” is For Fern Grotto-Our Hawaiian Adventure

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Debbie

Today marks the 8th day of our 55 days of world exploration. Since leaving home on January 17, 2023, we have already played in Los Angeles and on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Alan and I would begin the day early again, so we started the morning with a breakfast on our balcony. The sunrise was beautiful as we arrived in our second port of Hawaii, the island of Kauai. We were Malahini, or newcomers to these lands and we were once again refreshed and ready to explore.

Kauai is a small island at just 33 miles wide by 55 miles long. There is only a single road which only accesses about 1/3 of the small island. After much studying I had learned that the best ways to view this island was by boat or plane, so I had booked tours for us to do both. Our first stop would be the Fern Grotto.

A grotto is a cave which occurs naturally or is man-made. The pictures which I had seen of the Fern Grotto were spectacular and I was very excited to see it. The tour was touted as a visit to a geological wonder of Kauai promising an ampitheater, where ferns grow upside down from the roof of a grotto, which had formed millions of years ago.

There is only one way to get to the Grotto and that is via boat! In fact, The Wailua River is known as “the only navigable river” in all Hawaii, which would make the adventure even more exciting. I felt as if we were discovering hidden places.

There are a couple companies which offer tours on the 22.5 mile long river. We would be traveling with the Smith family for just two of those miles. This family has been navigating the river since 1946. Our boat for the day was called the Whitney K. She was one of several on the river that day.

Besides the few boat companies, the only other way to get to the grotto (which is owned by the Smith family) is by kayak. These could be rented or one could take the half hour journey up the river in their own kayak. Except for the rain which was falling off and on, I think we would have preferred this mode of travel.

Instead we had chosen what I affectionately refer to as a cruise ship “Granny tour”. These are the kinds of trips which are sedate and slow. perfect for the elderly, which we are not yet quite there. This was a float trip down a winding river, while relaxing, it was boring. Don’t get me wrong, the river is pretty enough but the view doesn’t vary much and powering under our own efforts would have at least given us something to do.

The saving grace to our boredom was that we were treated to a pretty spectacular rainbow, which spread across the river as the sun peaked out for a moment after one of the many showers on this day. It was a short lived reprieve from the gloomy day and we soon found ourselves back in our soggy conditions. Thankfully we could remain under cover on our boat while being regaled with the history of the river, as we made our way to the Fern Grotto.

We learned that the water which feeds the river comes from Mt. Wai‘ale‘ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet receiving about 465″ of rain a year! Kauai is the forth oldest of the Hawaiian islands. I was interested to learn that lands along the river were the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of the island’s ali‘i, or royalty.

After about half an hour we reached the dock to disembark for the short walk to the grotto. Normally there would be a performance of The Wedding Song and a hula dancer at the Fern Grotto where they would perform The Wedding Song at the amphitheater, but the rains were preventing it on this day, so the musicians performed on the boat, as we waited out yet another shower.

I had seen spectacular images of the Fern Grotto, so it was disappointing once we finally arrived. There was a lot of greenery but I was very disappointed to realize much of the old grotto had collapsed leaving only a fraction of the original glory. A little creative photography and I was able to capture a piece of the former glory.

In fact, the decline of the Fern Grotto’s began when it was hit by Hurricane Iwa in 1982. It was then nearly destroyed as Kauai was hit by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Most of the ferns hanging from the grotto were torn from the rocks, With nothing to hold the ground together, the roof of the spectacular amphitheater began collapsing. In 2006 a woman sued the Smith family after being injured by falling rocks. The grotto is no longer accessible by foot and may only be viewed from a distant wooden platform. Although much of the plant life has rebounded, the grotto has had a difficult time recovering as new plant life has sprung up with increased light which now floods the gully.

All was not lost on this tour. After viewing the gully we were able to return to the boat via a flower lined walking path. My camera clicked from one flower to the other, as I attempted to capture the beauty of the native Hawaiian plants which surrounded us. Walking among the colorful exotic tropical plants sproting from the floor of this rain forest I realize I am in my most perfect element of serene peace. It was in this way that I would come to continue recommending this tour for others to enjoy. Perhaps the float trip had been more fabulous than even I had imagined it could be. Perhaps “Granny trips” are exactly what my soul needs as I learn to relax into this sixth decade of my life.

“E” is for Eternal Flame-Our Hawaiian Adventures

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Debbie

While on our Pacific Island Tour, our first stop after departing Los Angeles was the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The cruise ship docked at Pier 2. We would be in port until 11pm. Our first tour wasn’t scheduled until noon, where we had a 10 1/2 hour exploration at the Polynesian Cultural Center planned to fill our afternoon and evening hours. Never ones to waste time, this meant we still had a couple of hours available to explore the capital city of Waikiki, before the tour began.

A scout around the internet had given me a historical/architectural walking tour, which I figured we could complete in a couple of hours. After being at sea for four days, we were more than ready to explore. Waving over our shoulders to the ships camera, with the hope of our family seeing us, Alan and I were off the ship by 9am. With the time changes, we had already been up for several hours as we had watched the ship pull in.

Hand in hand we began walking, our goal was to see any of the 8 historical landmarks in Hawaii. Many of these are Heritage Sites. These locations provide cultural explanations and the history behind them. Today we had a goal of seeing the Kawaiahao church, the Capitol Building, the beautiful Iolani Palace, the Parliament building and the King Kamehameha Statue and finally the Eternal Flame monument. This is how the Eternal Flame Memorial became our letter “E”. It was a 30 minute walk and we had a lot to see before getting there, so we stepped up our pace. The flame is located directly across from the Capitol Building at 420 So. Beretania St.

The original Eternal flame has burned since 1944, in memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but this sculpture was re-dedicated in 1972 to all the men and women of Hawaii who have bravely served. A palm lined path gently guides the visitor past the homeless population which often hangs out in the area. It makes sense that they find the area inviting as this area overlooks the beautiful land which is Hawaii. With the capitol of Waikiki behind us, the Eternal Flame lends a quiet, contemplative air in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

The flame is protected from the elements by an interesting metal sculpture which shields it from the wind, ensuring that it burns non-stop. Perhaps this is the same embrace we should offer to all our vets.

Many of the homeless here are former vets. As they huddle beneath the statue, I can’t help but be honored to be in the presence of those who have protected us. After all, isn’t awareness the real reason that this flame burns endlessly?

“D” is for the Do’s and Don’t of Visiting Dubai-Our Middle East Adventure

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Debbie

Our cruise came to an end in the city of Dubai. As we left the ship, we were happy to have completed two of the five legs along the 2023 Island Princess World Cruise. After 55 days on board, this was actually the halfway point of the 110 day cruise and nearly double the length of time we had originally planned on being on board.

It was before 7am as our ship pulled into the port. The day began with a spectacular orange sunrise. Normally a red sky in the morning would be a warning for rain or stormy weather ahead, but Dubai sits in the middle of the Arabian Desert. With an annual rainfall of just 4 inches a year, there was little chance of seeing any moisture on this day. The sunrise was more likely being affected from the permanent haze caused by the blowing sands.

As we sailed past the “Atlantis Dubai”, an all inclusive resort and waterpark reflecting the “Lost City of Atlantis”, it quickly became apparent that we had arrived in a country of opulence. It is difficult to imagine that this city started as little more than a fishing village. It has now grown to be the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates Republic (UAE).

Most would assume that Dubai’s wealth was the result of oil. In fact oil and gas only account for about 2% of all exports! Real estate and construction are the largest contributors to the economic growth of the country. When 85% of the population is made from expats, it is easy to see why this is one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

Truth be told, I was a little nervous about visiting this city. This is a country with deep traditions and customs, many of which are quite different from our Western way of life. Mostly my concerns stemmed from my own ignorance about what to expect. A little research solved that problem. Perhaps by sharing our observations, we can help to dispel any concerns about visiting this amazing location.

1. The majority of the population is Muslim. This is a deeply rooted religion with different rules than those of Christianity. The most important “do” is to respect this. Part of being a world traveler is to immerse yourself in new cultures. Each new location presents an opportunity to learn, embrace it.

2. Muslims pause to pray 5 times a day. Prayers are before dawn (Fajr), afternoon (Dhuhr), late afternoon (Asr), after sunset (Maghrib) and evening (Isha). There are loud speakers throughout the city which call worshippers to prayer at regular intervals throughout the day. Don’t be alarmed when you hear the calls. Unlike in Christianity Holy day is Friday. This means many businesses offer limited hours on Fridays, if they open at all. Do plan accordingly.

3. Do take public transportation or use a taxi. We rented a car to explore the city and stressed ourselves out completely. Traffic on the seven lane highways is fast and a bit difficult. Our GPS had trouble distinguishing from when we were on a highway verses a frontage road, meaning we were often off course, which cost us precious time. Since we were only in the city for a little over 24 hours, we couldn’t spare any. The city is beautiful and there is much to see. Traffic is so busy you will not want to take your eyes off the road which means you will miss some of these spectacular sights. Take a taxi or take the Metro. If you choose to ride the train, it will be busy during rush hour. There are a few cars for women only. if you are male, don’t ride in these female only cars or you will be fined. Speaking of fines, do not eat or drink on the Metro, it is prohibited.

4. Dubai is spread out with several distinct districts. Some are more difficult to access without transportation. Do know the district your hotel and/or desired activities are in.

5. With the exception of smoking cessation gum, you will not find gum for sale in Dubai so do bring your own if you need it. Don’t spit or throw your gum on the sidewalk, both are punishable crimes.

6. You are going to be hot, so do dress accordingly. Dubai is warm year around. The most comfortable time to visit is during “winter” months of December, January and February. You can still expect temperatures to be in the high 70’s (25C). At the opposite end of this spectrum it is up to 113F (45C) during the summer months! Light, loose clothing will keep you comfortable. Speaking about clothing, do remember you are a guest in these lands. Different from the western world it is expected that men and women both dress modestly to observe Islamic traditions, Knees and shoulders should be covered by both sexes. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

7. Do exchange some money. When using cash, only local currency (Emirati durham) will be accepted.

8. The best don’t is don’t worry about your safety (within reason of course). Dubai has an incredibly low crime rate.

9. Do not miss visiting the popular tourist spots! Be sure to see the Burj Khalifa, The tallest building in the world is an architectural wonder. The views from the 124th floor are slightly nauseating and completely awe inspiring. Do expect the lines to be long. If time is limited most of the tourist hot spots offer a “skip the line pass”. As an added bonus, the Burj is attached to the Dubai Mall which is another one of the must see locations in Dubai. We also suggest a visit to the Gold and Spice Souks, Old Dubai and the Miracle Gardens (which we completed all in one day).

10. Alan and I are very affectionate with each other, There is rarely a time when we aren’t holding hands. Public displays of affection are frowned upon in Dubai. In fact, if you are not married, even holding hands is frowned upon. It was a tough don’t for Alan and I to remember. Along these same lines, unmarried couples should not plan on staying in the same hotel room. Doing so, could lead to fines and/or deportation.

11. As a traveler it is fun to photograph different cultures. People can be so different but do be polite and ask permission before taking someones photo. Alternately you could take photos of other things and just happen yo capture the environment.

12. Don’t take pictures of Government Buildings. As we were cruising down the above waterway, there was a cool bridge just before our boat turned around to return us to our starting point. Shortly after taking this picture there were also numerous signs warning no photography beyond a certain point. I am not sure what lay beyond that bridge but if the Emirates might consider your photo an issue of national security, you really don’t want to be in trouble with the law in foreign lands. Do follow the rules, punishments may be strict for seemingly minor (and perhaps innocent) infractions.

13. Speaking about laws, Alcohol is available in most hotels, licensed restaurants and clubs. One thing is certain, the U.A,E does not tolerate public inebriation. Do not ever drink and drive, the legal limit is zero.

14. Finally, do not try to carry prohibited items. It is especially important to remember that you packed a pen knife in your carry on luggage before you pass through security at the airport. Failing to do so might bring a search of your bags and a very serious security agent to your side! Thankfully I wasn’t carted off to any back rooms. Do expect that you will be questioned and asked to surrender your “weapons”, if you forget.

Dubai is one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East. With the large expat community there is a tolerance for most differences. With these few simple guidelines you should have enough familiarity to feel comfortable in this amazing country.

“K” is For Korean Friendship Bell-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Debbie

Arriving two days before we would set sail on our partial World Cruise Adventure, afforded us the opportunity to explore the Los Angeles area. With an eye toward nature, scenery, history and culture in all of our research, I had feared we would have to spend the day by the hotel pool. How very wrong I had been! My sleuthing had uncovered a plethora of activities which would meet our desires and keep us busy from morning until night. Our first stop on Day 2 of our trip, would be the Korean Friendship Bell.

We were momentarily lost as we looked for the entrance to the bell. Indeed, we soon discovered that many locals have never even been to this beautiful location. The GPS had given us the location only as far as old military barracks. As we looked out over the San Pedro harbor, we realized that the Korean Friendship Bell was actually the next entrance over and up a steep roadway which lead to the most beautiful open park and stunning views of any area that I have seen.

A plaque at the entrance describes how the US had acquired such a gift. The pavilion took ten months to be built by Korean craftsmen “to celebrate the bicentennial of the U.S. independence, honor veterans of the Korean War, and to consolidate traditional friendship between the two countries”. From the tree which had been planted by the Korean President himself, to the carefully curated landscaping, and the concrete circles which once held cannons, I wanted to explore everything.

I also felt the spiritual connection of this special place and the friendships which had been born between two nations. This seemed to be a location for quiet contemplation. I witnessed a quiet reverence as many approached the bell.

Build atop old bunkers and resting peacefully on a high knoll, overlooking the sea gate from which U.S. troops once sailed into the Pacific, the bell site affords an unsurpassed view of the Los Angeles harbor, the Catalina Channel and the sea terraces of San Pedro hill.

The 17 ton bell sits inside a beautifully painted pavilion.

Also known as an Emille Bell, the bell is patterned after the Bronze Bell of King Songdok, which was cast in 771 A.D. and is still on view in South Korea today. This bell remains among the largest of its kind in the world.

With a height of twelve feet and a diameter of 7-1/2 feet, the bell is made of copper and tin, with gold, nickel, lead and phosphorous added for tone quality.

Four pairs of figures, each pair consisting of the Goddess of Liberty holding a torch, and a Korean spirit , are engraved in relief on the body of the bell. Each of the Korean spirits holds up a different symbol: a symbolic design of the Korean flag; a branch of the rose of Sharon, Korea’s national flower; a branch of laurel, symbol of victory; and a dove of peace.

The bell is rung each year on: Independence day, July 4, National Liberation Day of Korea, August 15, 9:00a.m.-12 Noon and New Year’s Eve, September 17 to coincide with bell ringings around the country to celebrate Constitution week, also on January 13 for Korean-American Day. The Bell is also rung 13 times on the 1st Saturday of the month at 11:30 a.m. There is no clapper inside the giant bell, instead a large wooden log is pulled back and allowed to strike the bell’s side.

The bell is set in a magnificent pagoda-like structure which was constructed on the site by thirty craftsmen flown in from Korea. It took them ten months and costs $569,680. Everything about the pavilion is symbolic. There are twelve columns representing the twelve designs of the Oriental zodiac. Animals stand guard at the base of each set of stairs leading to the pavilion.

Bring a picnic, revel in the beauty of the open ocean and plan to spend some time exploring the walking paths which surround the pavilion. Be warned though, it is always windy at this location.

Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion
Angels Gate Park
3601 S Gaffey Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7705

“C” is For Crown Plaza-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on March 4, 2023 by Debbie

We originally booked a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for our cruise departure. After reading extensive reviews, I switched our hotel booking to the Crown Plaza,

Once I realized that we were due to sail out of San Pedro, about 30 minutes south of the airport, it seemed easier to get ourselves there for our two night stay.

We arrived later in the evening on the first of a two night stay, too tired to explore the amenities but a fresh room awaited our exhausted bodies. Forgive the photo of our room, I forgot to take the picture when it was all put together.

We wouldn’t realize how very close to the cruise terminal we were, until the light of the next morning. Many of the upcoming World Cruise passengers were also staying there. It was a great way to meet them before setting sail.

We chose to rent a car so we could do some sightseeing on the way to the hotel. There was a drop off point just outside the hotel, which made it easy for us to have a one way car rental. It is also possible to get an Uber or Lyft from the airport for about $35 USD.

The main draw of this hotel is the approximation to the cruise terminal. We could walk a mile to get there if we chose, but handling 6 pieces of luggage across several roads might have been a challenge.

Even though the cruise terminal is within view and walking distance, it is far easier to take the shuttle. I knew that we ourselves had 6 suitcases to handle for the trip, so I imagined how challenging luggage was going to be for the many passengers who were doing the entire world tour!

When cruises are in, it is highly recommended to book your time slot the evening before or as soon as you check in. You will be given a departure time if the shuttles are very busy. The cost of the shuttle is $5 a person and runs every 15 minutes.

When I asked about handling all of the luggage, I was told the 35 passenger busses had had 10 seats taken out to accommodate the extra bags. There was plenty of room for all of us and since the cruise terminal is only 1 mile away, the shuttles make quick delivery of passengers to the terminal.

There are many amenities within walking distance, including a great restaurant called the Green Onion. How could I say no to some of the best Mexican food ever? Especially when it was only 350 feet from the door of the hotel! The area appears safe both day and night. Of course for those guests who don’t want to venture out, there is also on-site dining in the elegant hotel restaurant if you so choose.

All in all, this was an adequate hotel for our needs for the couple nights before we set sail.

If you are interested in this location, I would suggest booking through booking.com. We were able to get our room for under $200/night (including taxes).

“B” is for Blimp-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Debbie

Blimps, they are the most fascinating feats of air travel! In its most simplistic explanation, blimps are helium filled balloons, with a basket attached to the bottom. They carry over 100 gallons of water to weigh them down since helium is literally lighter than air! They are navigated by a pilot.

As the Goodyear blimp hovered over our heads while visiting Los Angeles, we were racing against the clock to catch a photo. We had to find a parking place near Redondo beach and hope that the sun wouldn’t cast the last rays of light before I could spring from the car all while while whipping out my camera. No my photo isn’t perfect but that isn’t the entire purpose of playing the alphabet game is it? We were having an adventure!

Knowing there are only about 10 blimps remaining in the world, I knew we were very lucky to be seeing this one so close to us! To put it in perspective, there are more astronauts than blimp pilots! The ones flying this craft tonight seem to be toying with me as they hovered overhead, then looking out to the Pacific ocean, that we would soon be embarking on for our upcoming cruise.

With such a fascination for the blimps, it is a wonder we don’t see more of them but then the most notable blimp in history was the Hindenburg and most of us still remember that tragedy which happened in 1937. After about 60 flights that one eventually caught fire, killing 35 people and dooming the entire industry for future development.

Today the most iconic blimp remains the Goodyear blimps. Originally developed over 100 years ago, the blimps continue to be one of the most interesting branding mediums for the company. Goodyear has cornered the market with their blimps. Mostly they are brought out to hover over major sporting events and offer the spectators a birds eye view as the event is broadcast from overhead.

Seating only 10 people at a time, riding in a Goodyear blimp is by invitation only and is usually reserved for charities. Seats are auctioned off for a cost of $14,000 for 2 people! With a 10 year waiting list, It is the rare person who will ever have an opportunity to ride in one.

The last true blimp to fly was decommissioned in 2017, Goodyear has replaced their fleet with semi-rigid dirigible though they still refer to them as blimps since they are powered in much the same way and the term is much easier to say.

The new blimps are quieter and more easily navigated meaning they can be more readily used at major sporting events such as golf championships ensuring the Goodyear legacy will continue;

On this cool winter evening, I will revel in keeping my feet on the ground while still being close enough to this icon to see the pilots!

“A” is for Averill Park-Our Los Angeles, California Adventure

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Debbie

We would have only 1 1/2 days to explore the Los Angeles area as we waited to embark on the first leg of our World Cruise Adventure, set to depart from San Pedro, California on January 19, 2023. We had arrived two days before we were due to set sail, to ensure there were no last minute challenges.

We chose the Crown Plaza for our accommodations since it would be easy to get to the ship and also offered a nearby drop off for our rental car.

I am not generally a fan of big cities and prefer the quiet of the countryside and nature. It was in this way that I had come to discover a hidden gem known as Averill Park, as I sought some refuge from the concrete jungle and traffic of the city of Los Angeles.

San Pedro is best known as a busy cruise and container port. Located about 30 minutes south of Los Angeles airport, on first appearances, San Pedro doesn’t appear to have much to offer but since we had the rental car, getting around was fairly simple. I was determined to find the beauty.

After arriving by plane, we had spent the first day stopping at the beaches which dot the coast between the airport and San Pedro. Today our adventures would carry us from the hotel, to the Korean Friendship Bell, then to Averill Park and all around the Palo Verde area.

I chose Averill Park as our letter “A” because it had been described as offering spectacular views of the city and harbor. It sounded like a delightful place to practice with my camera.

The neighborhood park was created by Herbert Averill an early developer of the Vista del Oro area of San Pedro, and was deeded to the city of Los Angeles in 1920. It has remained a peaceful oasis for local residents ever since.

Parking for our hike through the park was a little interesting. The 10 acre park is set among steeply rolling hills and the paths challenging. We tried to guess which would offer the least resistance. It was futile. Since this is just a neighborhood green-space, there are no fees to park.

As we set out on our walk, I enjoyed seeing families perching their children in the gnarled wood of the amazing trees. I imagined the memories which have been made in this over 100 year old park.

Holding the hand of my love, Alan and I enter the park along the rose lined path. The roses were not in bloom this time of year but I could visualize the amazing colors which lead to the gazebo at the end. In the summer, this is considered one of the top wedding venues. I can feel the love here.

San Pedro is a neighborhood of Los Angeles, not a separate city. With a population of over twelve and a half million, green space is at a premium. Word has been getting out about this special place. Today is a weekday but the park is still alive with activity as people breath the fresh air and escape the hustle of the nearby city. I can only imagine the droves of people who make their way here during the summer.

As we make our way down the steep hillside we round a bend in the path and I pause to take yet another photo of the amazing trees. Arriving at the babbling brook, I breath in the newly sprouting greens of spring and gaze into the small stream which meanders through the valley. I think of the countless reflections of the people who have been photographed on the little stone bridge which crosses over to the other side. Today a turtle is the only thing I see in the water.

My ears follow the sound of rushing water to the little waterfall cascading down the hillside. This is a reminder that the path back to the car, is all uphill!

It is time for us to move to our next location. As the sun shines bright upon my face and the turtles rest quietly on the rocks of the stream, it is hard to tear myself away from the tranquility but our adventures for the day have only just begun. There is still much to explore, so we begin the trudge upwards.

If you would like to discover this quiet neighborhood park for yourself, it is located at:

1300 Dodson Avenue San Pedro, CA 90732

Los Angeles-An ABC List of Adventures

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Debbie

ABC EXPLORATION OF LOS ANGELES AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Use this list to spark ideas of places to visit, experiences to create and photographs to take. Keep building your own word list. Check back often to see if we complete a whole alphabet!

Missing J, X, Y

Abalone Cove (San Pedro Area)
Abandoned LA Zoo (Griffith Park)
Accomodations
Afternoon Tea ( Millennium Biltmore DTLA)
Amoeba (Large independent record store)
Angels Flight Railway
Annenberg Space For Photography
Animal-Hipster restaurant with an extensive menu and unique dishes.
Aquarium (Manhattan Beach, Aquarium of the Pacific, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium)
Arclight Cinemas
Art Walk
Averill Park

Beach (Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach)
Betegga Louie-pizza and macarons are always popular at this busy restaurant.
Bergamot Station
Betty B Dearing Trail Hike
Blimp
Bluff Cove (Palo Verde area)
Boardwalk (Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica Beach)
Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater-oldest children’s theater company in LA.
Book Soup
Brennan’s Pub Turtle Race

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
California Science Center
California sign
Capital Records Building
Cargo containers
Carousel
Castle Peak Hike
Cave of Munits
Chorizo
Chinese Theater
Chateau Marmont Hotel-Popular amongst celebrities. Loosely resembles the Chateau d’Amboise in France’s Loire Valley.
Coast
Cove
Crown Plaza (hotel)

Dodger Stadium/
Disney Hall
Disneyland
Downtown LA
Descanso Gardens
Donut Snob-With flavors like Blueberry Earl Gray Tea and Pistachio Orange, there is something for everyone.
Donut Man

Exposition Park Rose Garden
Exposition Park
El Capitan Theater
Eaton Canyon Waterfall
Echo Park Lake

Father’s Office Burger (at In and Out Burgers)-don’t dare to ask for ketchup!
Ferris Wheel
Fishermen
Food

Getty Villa
Griffith Observatory
Grand Central Market
Gibbon Conservation Center

Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Sign Hike
Hollywood Forever Cemetary
Huntington Library
Hike
Hermosa Beach

Inspiration Point
In and Out Burgers
Ice cream (Manhattan Beach Creamery)

Kites
Kite surfers
Korean Friendship Bell (Abalone Cove-San Pedro Area)

Lakers Game
LA Lakers
LA Waterfront cruise (cargo ships, containers, Vincent Thomas Bridge, USS Iowa and sea lions)
LA Zoo
Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art
Lost Sunken City-aka the “Atlantis of California”
Leo Carrillo State Beach
LA County Fair
Lighthouse (Point Vincent-Palo Verde area)
Lucha Vovoom Burlesque Show-
Lookout Point Park (Palo Verde area)

Muscle Beach (Venice boardwalk)
Magic Castle
Mugu State Park
Melrose Trading Post Flea Market-Sunday open-air market where you’ll find antiques, vintage goods and collectibles.
Museum of Jurassic Technology
Mulholland Drive
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Manhattan Beach
Mahhattan Beach Creamery (Ice cream)-try the signature ice cream sandwich made with artisan cookies
Malaga Cove (Palo Verde area)

Nightlife
Night Gallery

Outdoor Concert

Pacific Ocean
Pier
Pelicans
Pelican Cove
Portuguese Point
Point Vincente Lighthouse-not open to the public but can be seen from the shore. (Palo Verde area)
Palo Verdes

Queen Mary

Rodeo Dr.
Red Car Line (trolly system)
Runyon Canyon Hike
Rodeo Drive
Redondo Beach

Starfish
Sacred Cove
Santa Monica Camera Obscura-self guided walking art tour of galleries and exhibits.
Santa Monica Pier
Sea lions
Ships
Show Taping (Conan, Ellen Show, Jimmy Kimmel)
Shopping (The Grove, Rodeo Drive)
Silver Lake Meadow
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Space Shuttle Endeavor at California Science Center
South Coast Botanical Garden
The Strand (Manhattan Beach)- is a 22-mile paved path extending from Pacific Palisades (close to Santa Monica) to Torrance. Keep in mind some people refer to The Stand as the “Manhattan Beach Boardwalk.”
Staples Center-where the LA Lakers play

Tide pools
Third Street Promenade
Traffic
Trolley cars (red car line)
“The Rainforest”-Betty B Dearing Trail Hike
The Last Bookstore-check out their amazing tunnel of books.
The Grove-Tons of stores, dining and pop-up shops.
The Grammy Museum
Traffic

Under
Union Station
Up
USS Iowa Battleship
Universal Studios Hollywood
Upright Citizens Brigade Theater

Venice Beach Boardwalk-outdoor skate park, BoHo boutiques and trendy restaurants
Venice Canals-Man made canals built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney.
Vincent Thomas Bridge
Vineland Drive-In Theater

White Point Beach
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Waterfront
Wayfarers Chapel
Wacko Soap Plant
Wildlife Learning Center
Watch the Room (Don’t forget your plastic spoons)
Watts Towers Arts-Public art sculpture that is a California Historical Landmark and National Historic Landmark.
Whisky a Go-go
Whale watching

Zuma Beach

“I” is For Island Princess-A Cruise Ship Review

Posted on January 26, 2023 by Debbie

One of the most important things about cruising is choosing the right ship for your personal needs. From amenities to cabins, itineraries and passenger capacity, knowing what your ship offers can have a big impact on how you enjoy your vacation.

Every cruise line has a brand. Some are party boats, others offer upscale luxury. Some ships specialize in their food, others focus on entertainment. Some cruises cater to families, others to retirees. Princess is an American-British company, owned by Carnival Corporation, which is the second largest agency by net revenue. Carnival owns 10 different sub agencies, Princess is one of them. They are an experienced cruise line and cater to a middle to upper income crowd.

Princess is a classic line, offering an Old English/European feel. I have consistently found the brand to be slightly elevated and catering to an older clientele. There is less emphasis on poolside parties and more on educational lectures and cultural experiences. With this cruise line we can expect nice staterooms, decent food, great entertainment and amazing itineraries.

It is important to define what you are seeking before shopping for a cruise. If you are looking for a party boat, Princess is likely not your brand (however Carnival does offer several other companies which would meet your needs). While there are enough poolside activities and bars to keep the ship interesting, the focus tends to be on providing an upscale resort-like experience.

Princess offers 16 ships ranging from 2,000 passengers up to 3660, so there are a nice variety of size options. Island Princess was one of the first. She is a relatively small vessel. In general, smaller ships are able to navigate to more destinations but larger ships may offer additional amenities and activities.

When we chose to embark on the Island Princess, it was the itinerary, size and price which attracted us the most.

Princess ships sail to over 700 ports. The Island Princess is one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet. With a capacity of 2200 passengers it is a very intimate ship. She has a twin sister called the Coral Princess.

Island Princess is narrower than many other cruise ships and her small size allows her to explore the fjords of Norway and Alaska (which is how we discovered the cruise line). She is also able to dock at smaller ports. Of late Island Princess has been doing mostly world tours. Of interest might be that she is one of the few cruise ships which can sail through the old Panama Canal locks, larger ships must use the new ones.

Perhaps one drawback to the smaller ship would be that passengers should expect to feel more wave action, so if you are prone to seasickness, the Island Princess may be less appealing than one of the newer (larger) ships in the fleet.

Having been built in 2003, Island Princess is one of the oldest ships in the Princess line. She was completely remodeled in 2017 and put back into service with a brand new itinerary. Our Pacific Island Adventure is one leg of a 111 day around the world cruise. This feature in itself is unique, since Princess allows passengers to purchase various segments along the itinerary, if they are unable to commit to the entire trip.

World cruises can mean a lot of days at sea. From bow to stern, Princess put a lot of effort into creating a luxurious environment. The European flare is represented in the Italian styled Piazza located at the center of the ship and the beautiful Sabatinni restaurant. Polished brass and rich wood work brings an Old World style to many of the bars and lounges including the Wheelhouse Bar and a New Orleans styled Bayou Steakhouse.

The entire ship is always a hub of activity, but with a nice variety of spaces, it is able to be as active or as serene as you need. By day there are a variety of shops and plenty of lounges and gathering places for activities such as trivia challenges and guest lecturers. There are numerous options of where to eat including the above mentioned restaurants, two main dining rooms, a grill, a pizzeria and a buffet. We might pass the time with a wine tasting, pub lunches and/or afternoon tea. When we need a quieter pace we could choose to visit the adults only sanctuary at the top of the ship, a well appointed library or indulge in pampering in a small spa. We might lounge by one of several (freshwater) pools situated both indoor and out, or we might decide to walk around the promenade deck or exercise in the fitness center.

By night Princess continues to entertain with a variety of Broadway style shows, magicians, comedians, piano bars, jazz bands, a casino and more. Unique to the Princess brand is the Champagne Waterfall, offered on one of the formal evenings. This is yet another nod to the elevated luxury we find aboard this ship. We also find people dress up more on these evenings than they do on other cruise lines. When we seek quieter activities, we might choose to snuggle under provided blankets, while eating popcorn or cookies and milk and taking in a Movie Under the Stars. This is one of our favorite ways to unwind when we are on the seas.

After all of this activity we are often ready to retreat to our stateroom. The entire Princess line offers some of the most comfortable mattresses and linens of any cruise line.

We always book a balcony cabin. For us, this little piece of heaven offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the ship. Being able to step out into fresh air and watch icebergs, sunrises/sunsets, whales and scenery from the privacy of our balcony offers the unique luxury that we equate with cruising. We often order room service and enjoy a private picnic from this space.

Other people may not be that bothered about their stateroom, especially if they are only using it to sleep. Interior cabins can offer deep discounts and Ocean view cabins may offer a similar views without the fresh air. We have been spoiled by our balconies and this is now one feature our ships must always have.

One of my few complaints about the Island Princess is that she has some of the smallest showers ever, but you will always find good water pressure and hot water on demand, so it is (almost) something which can be overlooked.

This is our fourth cruise with this company (and its former company, P &O). My favorite things about cruising with Princess are the consistency across the ships, the all inclusive options and the amazing itineraries. Being a little older, I also appreciate that the ships cater to (mostly) adults.

The Island Princess may be old, by ship standards, but she is well equipped to navigate the world and provide an outstanding and immersive adventure. In the coming days we will continue to explore in depth, some of what this stately Princess has to offer.

ABC Explorers

Author: Debbie