Hawaii to Sydney October 2025
28 September to 1 October 2025
4 hour train journey for stay at Crown Plaza, Heathrow, taxi next time!
Woke at 6am to drop bags off for our 10.5 hr Virgin flight to Los Angeles, 4.5 hour stopover in LA before ongoing 5.25 hr flight into Honolulu. The customer service on the Delta flight was poor, nothing I could eat and the corn crisps Rick was given were not good. Also, although we took off about 6pm the flight was in darkness for most of the time with everyone apart from me sleeping. First time ever the transfer to hotel went like a dream. The taxi driver Whatsapped us clear instructions with photos. First impressions were there were lots of high rise buildings which is not surprising as Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. We are staying at The Outrigger on Waikiki beach, enjoyed a cocktail and salad at the beach bar.
It is thought that the earliest settlement of Hawaii was around 1100. It has been ruled by Russia, Britain and the French before being returned to King Kamehameha lll. The Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in 1893 and Hawaii was then annexed by the US in 1898. Honolulu flourished as a base for sandlewood traders and whalers.
The next morning we took the Blue Line Bus tour from east to west coast, the mains stops being the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Honolulu Zoo, Aquarium, Halona Blow Hole and Sea Life Centre.
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Designer shops and ABC convenience stores everywhere. As there are no ferries you have to fly between islands at a cost of about $50 each way. We are staying here for 3 nights, nice vibe in hotel but our room could do with a refurb. The sandy beach is wonderful, full of surfers. We paid $86 plus taxes each day to have access to the Club Room for breakfast and afternoon drinks and snacks. Met a couple from Leicester, he had worked in LA since the early 70’s and is now divorced, retired and living with his 80 year old mother on the Big Island. They led us astray and we had far too much to drink, fell asleep and didn’t make supper. Rick has bad jet lag and we both have colds. We had prebooked a Pearl Harbour tour and were very disappointed when it was cancelled because of the Federal Government closure. We were unlucky as it was to be the highlight of our Honolulu visit and they actually managed to get private funding to open again fairly quickly, unfortunately not quick enough for our visit.
2 October Celebrity Solstice
This will be our third Celebrity cruise and we are impressed with the embarkation procedure, it went like a dream. Today is followed by 5 days at sea when we can enjoy all the facilities and entertainment the ship has to offer. We paid for the Drinks Package which entitles us to drinks up to the value of $12. We soon found that it was $19 plus for premium brands. Rick paid another $342 to upgrade which seemed mad. Celia and Jamie who are Aqua Class persuaded us that it was well worth it as you can also use it for the specialty coffees and cocktails. If you pay for your drinks as you go there is a 20% service charge added.
Approximate number of passagers 1200 Australians, 800 Americans, 600 Canadians and 250 Brits. The ship doesn’t seem crowded, there is no problem finding sunbeds or finding a good seat in the theatre. We have been sitting under a covered area by the pool and opposite the entertainment stage. Late afternoons to get a bit of sun we move into beds overlooking the pools. Our French Canadian friends, Frank and Lynn who have been sitting opposite us each day saved our places today, they hate Trump. We’ve spent the days reading, doing puzzles, line dancing, water aerobics and having a go at the quizzes. A lot of people are great at recognizing music. Everyone is very friendly especially the staff.
The first two days we ate in the main restaurant and although we have our own table it’s so close to the next one that we might as well be on a big table. We are now eating in the cafeteria as there is so much more choice and flexibility.
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Crossing the Equator Ceremony
The weather has been fine but we did have one day of sunshine and heavy showers, there is always a breeze. Not much excitement apart from what we thought were whales in the distance. Everyone rushed over but it turned out to be a boat. One of the main water pipes burst and we were without water for a couple of hours. No showering or flushing the loos, we had visions of The Poo ship where they were given plastic bags for their No 2’s.
We’ve been to the theatre each evening seen Saxophonist Tommy Proulx, Celebrity Showtime - Broken Strings, Magician - Norbert Jansenson, Michael Washington’s Ray Charles and Cheeza’s Whitney tributes. Jet lag and colds have meant that we have only managed to stay up after 10pm once when we enjoyed the 70s disco.
Wednesday 8 October – Papeete Tahiti
Breakfasted with psycho American Susan who won’t come to the UK because of our antigun laws. She has loads of guns and uses them, she also has 5 Great Pyreneans as guard dogs. She buys a knife for protection in every country she visits and reckons she can kill a man with a stick that you stir tea with, very frightening!
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Papeete is the capital of French Polynesian and is located on the largest of its islands, Tahiti. Papeete was first settled by British missionary William Crook and was retained as Tahiti’s capital after France took control of the Tahitian Islands and made them a protectorate in 1842. This area is now referred to as the Polynesian Triangle and includes Hawaii to the north, Easter Island to the southeast and New Zealand to the southwest. Papeete is a busy town with lots of traffic, lots of people and chickens everywhere. This is because it’s the main port and airport and the centre for administration and industry for French Polynesia. It’s very French with lots of tabacs and cafes. Strange to see locals clutching their baguettes. We’ve been here before but I don’t remember much about the town apart from buying a straw skirt and hat. While waiting for our bus tour we had a walk around and looked at the market. The chickens are wandering freely everywhere as there are no predators. The toilets are very French, no toilet seats and absolutely disgusting. Our tour guide was quite old, uninterested and spoke limited English. He was useless, everyone was annoyed as he didn’t tell us much of interest or what to expect at the next stop. Chatted to some girls from Melbourne and Tasmania, they were in hysterics at the guide especially when he kept wanting us to stop at the supermarkets. It all passed in a bit of a haze for Rick as he slept most of the time. Tahiti is a beautiful island, lush so green and tropical.
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Gaugin paintings are very representative of the Polynesian women who tend to be a little on the plump side but homely looking. They mostly wear bright coloured dresses and some have flowers in their hair, on the left if you are taken and on the right if you are free. Tattoos or tribal markings are very popular with the men, they are a spiritual thing.
Decided to go back to the main dining room and discovered Purnata a fantastic head waiter who has been on ships for 25 years and knows all the patter. Rick fell asleep during the Folkloric Show - Mana, featuring “O Hinahere”.
Thursday 9 October - Raiatea
It is Raiatea, the Sacred Island from where navigators set out from to discover the islands of the South Pacific. Similar landscape to Tahiti but lower mountains and it’s not yet been spoilt by tourism.
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We took an Outrigger and got absolutely soaked on our visit to a Black Pearl factory where the complicated procedure of cultivating the pearls was explained. Rick slept through it all. This was followed by a lovely trip through the lagoon that was created in a volcanic crater.
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We hadn’t quite dried out before we got another soaking as we made our way to a small island where Rick had a swim. Absolutely everything got soaked even our bags and our room now looks like a Chinese laundry. This island really is paradise.
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Martini Bar still is tops. Rick slept through Nyerere Huyser’s Celine show . Great time at The Moon Party, lots of line dancing.
Friday 10 October
Moorea is a holiday paradise you dream of, clear lagoons, sandy beaches, lush vegetation and a slow pace of life. It’s known for its jagged volcanic mountains. Took a boat trip to one of tiny islands with a private beach by the reef where you could swim with stingrays, baby sharks and tropical fish.
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We arrived late to the theatre and somehow managed to be seated next to Psycho Susan at the brilliant “Ultimate Joel Show” with Jimmy Mann. As we came out she said she had had too much to drink and needed to get some pills to calm herself down.
Saturday 11 October - 16 October - At Sea
To be aligned with our next New Zealand port call that is on the other side of the International Dateline after going to bed on Sunday 12th we woke up on Tuesday 14th morning, no 13th on the ships calendar.
These are the days that Rick loves the best, sitting by the pool doing puzzles, reading, trying to participate in the quizzes while listening to music and sipping cocktails. We’ve now both read Red Star Down by D B John, he’s got Trump and Putin’s narcissistic characteristics spot on. We’ve looked at the gym but not used it but have occasionally done a few laps of the deck track. I’ve also been enjoying the water aerobics, but not in the water and love the line dancing.
We hadn’t prebooked any Speciality Restaurants but Rick was persuaded to book two. We had a very good meal in Morano, perhaps they were a bit over attentive which always makes me feel uncomfortable but the food and the ambiance was good. The Tuscan Grille was disappointing as it was almost empty and we seated at a small table where it was so dark that it was difficult to read the menu. The waiter was difficult to understand and the food was nothing special, Rick left his desert.
The Martini Bar is still tops followed by a meals in the main restaurant with our friendly waiter Punarta. We have a table for two and have chatted to lots of interesting people. The Premium Drinks packages is paying benefits, cocktails and champagne at the Martini Bar and our restaurant wine waiter is keen to serve us the best wines. After dinner I watch the theatre entertainment while Rick always nods off, and it’s been varied and very enjoyable. We both don’t seem to be able to keep awake much after 10pm so are missing out on loads of evening entertainment also there is only so much one can drink. We are getting old and a bit boring.
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The weather is now changeable, a bit colder, windy and we have had a few heavy showers. The other day when it was too windy or wet to sit by the pool we discovered the spa. It’s a place we’ve always avoided as no fresh air and we always think it’s like the house of the living dead. However, the beds have comfy mattresses, it has a good sized swimming pool and hot tubs. Best discovery is that they do quite a few healthy gluten free snacks and smoothies.
We’ve been to most of the evening Theatre entertainment:
Jess and Jay “A Circus Marriage” an acrobatic comedy about the ups and downs of married life.
Nyerere Huyser, Hollywood
Pianist and arranger Roy Tann performed music from films, he was amazing
John Thiering a master sand artist.
Scott Williams, comedy the Happy Doctor,
Friday 17 October
Last time we visited Tauranga we took the “Hop On and Off” bus along with everyone else as it was absolutely pouring with rain. The bus was packed, a real Covid incubator, it was all steamed up so we didn’t see anything much. Today it was completely different as we woke up to a beautiful sunny, clear sky and did a circular walk through the town and back along the beach.
We managed to catch up with our French Canadian friends Lynn and Frank who have been hibernating on board since the weather cooled.
In the afternoon we took a Celebrity tour to “Te Puia” to see Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere .. The whole area was a steaming volcanic landscape with steam vents, hot stones and a bubbling, boiling mud pool. It was such an amazing site as the geyser rumbled away and about every 20 minutes it lets off about 30 meters of boiling water and steam. We concluded the tour by visiting New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. In the conservation area we saw 3 Kiwi’s up close.
Whilst enjoying a glass of champagne we met a couple who said they were from the 51st State, definite Trump haters. They love Europe and each January and February they holiday in Tenerife . They rent an Air B&B in Radazul and have found another Canadian couple renting just up the road from them. We are going to meet up with them in January.
The most ridiculous things happened while eating supper “Madam, would you like me to remove the skin on your salmon or perhaps squeeze your lemon”. I just burst out laughing as I thought he was joking, bit of an overkill.
Concluded the evening by listening to the pianistic talent of Roy Tan, he was excellent at improvising.
Saturday 18 October – Auckland
When we were last here we just visited the Maritime Museum followed by a little walk around. Today we took the Explorer Bus to give us a feel of the city. It’s much bigger than we thought with all the high rise business/banks being in the centre. The bus went out of the centre stopping at all the major sights including the zoo and Sea Life Centre. Rick was a little disappointed as we passed but didn’t get to really see Eden Park, New Zealand’s National Rugby Stadium. Feeling lazy we only got off at the Auckland Museum, it was busy and the next time slot was about an hour’s wait. We had a look in the gift shop where they had some amazing books on Māori history. They are embracing and promoting Māori culture everywhere. It was only a short walk to Wintergardens historic greenhouses full of exotic plants. If we were staying for more than one day there would be loads of museums and shops to visit. I would have liked to stopped at Parnell Village where there were boutique shops, restaurants and cafes in charming historic buildings. Sushi restaurants everywhere.
Sunday 19 October - Bay of Islands
Another beautiful start to the day. The Bay of Islands is made up of over 100 islands and is a popular destination for water activities like fishing, sailing, kayaking and swimming. We were tendered at Waitangi where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori Chiefs and the British in 1840. From here we took a ships tour to see some whales, dolphins and penguins on the way to the Hole in the Rock. First stop was Roberton Island where Captain James Cook anchored the Endeavour when he first visited the Bay of Islands in 1769. Bit of a disappointing tour as we only saw one tiny penguin but there were a few dolphin performing by the ship.
It was only a 30 minute walk to the small, old fashioned town of Paihia with its friendly locals, cafes, restaurants, arts, crafts and tour operators. We are enjoying New Zealand so much more than when we last visited. They are mad on sport and water activities and there is just a pleasant feeling about the place.
Watched Dean Atkinson the Ventriloquist with his dog and grandad puppets, he was really funny. Enjoyed Le Petit dining experience that merges innovation, taste and stunning visual storytelling. Rick had a late night at the Martini Bar chatting to some Australians.
Monday 20 October - At sea
Sat out of the wind on Deck 14 and it took me nearly all day to read the Sunday papers. Cutting out the daytime drinks to prepare us for normality.
It was showtime for some of the passengers who have formed have a choir, they did so well. Dean the comedy Ventriloquist did a matinee show, we were introduced to a rabbit that Paul Daniel’s gave him and grandad gave us a second appearance, We didn’t realize Dean was known for winning “Australia’s Got Talent”. Booked Med Cruise for September 26 . Special lobster evening meal followed by Daniel Thomason’s, Johnny Cash tribute and an ABBA Sing-along. Great day.
Bit of movement from a storm overnight, the first we’ve had and Rick went a little green. Celebrity singers, dancers and acrobats performed Rock City.
Tuesday 21 October
The inevitable tipping starts, each of us has $20 a day taken for gratuities which is supposedly shared out between all the staff. We asked for them to be taken off as we tip those we think has given us good service. We’ve given $50 to our cabin attendant Nicky, Panarta our waiter and Emma the dining room receptionist who always greets us by name and gets us a good table and €40 to our wine waiter. I hate the American tipping culture, I can’t see why they don’t pay them a decent wage instead of making them grovel. We’ve been lazy, hardly moving our bums off the sunbeds. I have occasionally joined in the water aerobics and line dancing and also walked the track a few times. There’s a huge variety of activities to do for the willing, we are useless at the quizzes although we did learn that wombats have cube shaped poos.
We are told that this has been the best ever weather for this crossing. The entertainment has been varied and of a high standard thanks to Angela the Cruise Director and her husband Steve. An early night for our last night and with the ship going up and down a little Rick is decidedly off his food and drink. No last visit to the Martini Bar.
Wednesday 22 October
Breakfasted with a Gold Coast couple who told us a great story about an Arab they met in Dubai. Disembarkation went like dream and after registering at The Marriott, Circular Quay we caught the 10.30 train at Wynyard to Turramurra. Since our last visit in 2023 Lorne and Bea have decorated the house, built a gazebo and got quite proficient at pottery. They now have free electricity between 10am until 3pm as solar panels in the area are producing too much electricity. It’s a record October temperature of 39 degs for Sydney. Oysters and scallops for lunch at The Basin on Mona Vale beach. On the way back we changed trains at Chatswood to take the new light railways to Martins Place which reduced the time by about 15 minutes. Early night, no supper and no alcohol. Lorne has modernized his motorbike.
Thursday 23 October
20 degrees lower today, a much more pleasant temperature for Sydney sightseeing. A woman has been found dead on the beach we were at yesterday with her body covered in blood after suffering multiple stab wounds.
Got off the Big Bus at the Australian Museum and joined another couple for a fascinating free Introduction Tour by a Geologist volunteer. Back on the bus to Bondi Beach, the traffic was bad and the commentary poor. Met Lorne, Bea, Evie and Homer for an Indian meal in the restaurant which Lorne and Homer used to frequent when they lived in Ultimo. Homer collects Pokemon cards, it’s all about collecting at the moment and selling on. Lydia is very into it with the Labubu and stationery sets. We didn’t realize there are fruit machines in all the pubs here, gambling is popular. Public transport is excellent and inexpensive. With many working from home, Thursday night is the new Friday night, restaurants and pubs are packed.
View from our hotel window
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Bondi Beach
Just like being at home, pub followed by an Indian meal
Friday 24 October
Rick and Robert catching up with PC Industry news and new technology
Watson’s Bay & ferry back to Circular Quay
Goodbye Sydney, it’s been fun. Long journey back to Climping tomorrow