Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Cruise Day #9 - Nawiliwili, Kauai

Last night, we started the evening in the Observation Bar—though I’ve been calling it a lounge, that’s its official name. We spent some time chatting with several of our friends and also met a new couple, C & K from Australia. We really hit it off and are already planning to have dinner together later this week.

I should also mention that each evening the bar offers a nice selection of self-serve appetizers, in addition to the usual potato chips and peanuts—a small but much-appreciated touch.

Earlier in the day we had decided on the Colonnade for dinner, as they were featuring a Singaporean menu that looked especially tempting. When we arrived, we were offered a table inside or out on the terrace, and of course we chose al fresco. The covered terrace at the rear of the ship has unobstructed views and is a fantastic spot when the weather cooperates. Dinner here is entirely tableside service—no buffet.

The meal was outstanding. We both started with the seared sashimi of yellowtail tuna with soba noodles.

I followed that with the hot and sour soup, which was absolutely delicious. 

For our main course, we both chose the seared hake—Debbie had hers with rice noodles and stir-fried vegetables, while I swapped the noodles for steamed rice. My Cuban heritage kicks in whenever I see rice on a menu! 


We finished by sharing a coconut rice pudding. Wow. What a meal! And once again, the service was flawless.

After dinner, we made our way to The Club, where we met up with C & T and the band. Along with several other couples, we danced our way through their entire set.

Next up was the guest celebrity show in the Grand Salon. Jake Shimabukuro, the world-renowned ukulele virtuoso, was absolutely amazing. 


We had no idea a ukulele could be played the way he plays it—an incredibly entertaining and impressive performance! 🎶 

This morning we had breakfast in the Colonnade and opted for table service. Debbie ordered the Swedish pancakes—she managed to eat one before I could even take a photo! 😄 

She absolutely loved them. I went with the blueberry pancakes again because they are sooo good. My cappuccino even came with a little friend in the cup!

After breakfast, we walked into Anchor Cove and explored the Marriott Royal Sonesta Hotel. 




The last time we wandered through this property was about ten years ago. It hasn’t changed much and remains a beautiful hotel. The weather was in the mid-70s with a nice breeze—absolutely perfect.





Once Debbie completed her required shopping inspection of the stores, we headed back to the ship and straight to the pool.

For lunch today in the Colonnade, they had grilled Wahoo! Delicioso!

Tonight’s dinner will be at The Restaurant, and if the weather cooperates, there will be a caviar sailaway party on the pool deck. Full report in tomorrow’s blog post! 🥂🛳️







Cruise Day #47 - Sea Day 3 of 4

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