Time to get off the Pride of America cruise ship. We were up, organised and out by about 9am. When we got down to leave a lot of people had already gone so there wasn’t much queuing up and it was easy enough to find our suitcases in the big warehouse where they all were.
Here’s a tip – if you’ve got a ‘heavy metals back’ black style suitcase, then put something unique on it to identify it. There’s not a lot of point in being like everyone else and putting a rainbow striped band from the ABC stores around it.
We got a couple of luggage tags from Mr Vintage that were quite cool. It would have helped if we’d put one of them in a place where it might be seen, but you learn these things as you go.
We were picked up by a Roberts Hawaii Shuttle and did a bit of a loop dropping off a few other people at their hotels then we arrived at ours and were able to check in to the Embassy Suites Waikiki. When you arrive they give you a beautiful fruit flavoured icy cold drink. I don’t recall what was in it but I do remember Guava (I suspect there was probably pineapple too!) As we were going to be staying at the Embassy Suites Waikiki for 11 nights, it seemed like a good idea to unpack. There is plenty of height appropriate space in the cupboards, wardrobe etc to put things away so after unpacking and putting the suitcases in the corner it began to feel a little bit like ‘home’ for the next while.
We were on the 4th floor – which seemed like a really good idea as the pool and bar were really handy, but during happy hour there was quite a bit of noise some days with people traipsing past our room and kids yelling and carrying on. I think if I was to stay there again I wouldn’t be too fussed on getting the same room but really in the grand scheme of things it was a very minor and temporary annoyance. I was more than happy to simply be able to get on and off the sofa myself and relax in our room in peace anyhow. It’s a bit of a novelty that I can go somewhere and manage to do this – so it’s the little things that help create independence and a sense of being able to do what I wanted under my own steam really helped make the holiday something to treasure.
We went for a bit of a walk to get some supplies and go for a cruise down Waikiki Beach Walk and around the shops. I also stopped off into the Coach store (where during the course of my visit I made many stops) and decided to upgrade from being a Guess? fan to a Coach fan. (Though I still love my Guess? stuff). I got myself a new bracelet. I saved about $40 as it was tax free for tourists. See how much money I saved going on holiday?
We also went for a walk down Waikiki Beach and observed the locals and holiday makers. At first it seems odd seeing people walking down the ‘main street’ in a bikini or half naked carrying a surf board (not that I was looking!) but you soon got used to it and it certainly is more interesting than walking down Queen Street and everyone’s dressed in suits, blankets or black (or a combination of all three). One particular man who I assume was a local was fully decked out in a scuba suit with a metal detector looking for jewels on the beach. Not sure if he found any but he looked very much like it was a regular thing.
One other ‘resident’ we came across a few times was around. His thing was to go and accuse other locals of ‘stealing my shit, man’ in quite a vocal fashion.
We also dined at Cheeseburger Waikiki on this day.
Their cheeseburgers are beyond compare and I do admit to consuming a couple during my stay. That place definitely ranks up there with the Cheesecake factory. Anyhow, not much to report for this day so I’ll keep this post short and sweet!
One thought on “Day 10 –Disembarkation Day – 8/8 NCL Hawaii Pride of America Cruise”
Lisa Carver Collins
LOVE THIS ONE! Well, heck…. I love ALL of them, but this was fun! As I was reading, I had to admit that I was so happy that you wrote some more about how it was for you to get around, Tracey. So much we take for granted! To know you were able to feel independent, and ENJOY yourself means the world! Made me smile. 🙂 Loved all the photos, as well!
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