Day 16…Transpacific cruise…Port of Oahu…We can load photos, today!..Fantastic day with dear friends Kathy and Don!…

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Kathy and Don’s veranda has stunning views.

Note about photos: There is a sense of relief when, at last, the ship’s WiFi cooperated, and we could upload photos while the ship was docked in Oahu, Hawaii. After days of trying at sea, it felt like reconnecting with a small but meaningful part of our daily routine. Yesterday, after we disembarked the ship, we spent a delightful day with our dear friends Kathy and Don, capturing moments we did not want to forget. Now that everything has finally been downloaded, we look forward to sharing these images over the next several days.

Our dear friends Kathy and Don are on their patio in Hawaii Kai, Koko Isle, Hawaii.

We couldn’t have imagined a more fulfilling day than the one we spent yesterday with our dear friends Kathy and Don. From the moment our Uber pulled up to their lovely oceanfront home in Koko Isle, on an “island within an island” tucked into the peaceful beauty of Hawaii Kai on the island of Oahu, we felt that familiar sense of comfort that only comes from being with people who know you well. We arrived at about 10:30 in the morning and were greeted with warm smiles, heartfelt hugs, and the kind of easy laughter that picks up right where it left off, no matter how much time has passed.

We were so happy to be with our friends once again.              

Their home sits along the water in a way that invites you to slow down. The gentle motion of the ocean, the soft breeze drifting through open spaces, and the elegance of their surroundings made it feel as if time had paused just for us. We settled in quickly, as if we had been there countless times before, which in many ways reflects the depth of our friendship. Though we have only known each other for about thirteen years, it feels like a lifetime, filled with shared experiences and meaningful moments.

Tom’s chicken sandwich.

Our conversations flowed effortlessly throughout the day. We found ourselves reminiscing about Marloth Park, that magical place where our friendship began on Christmas Eve in 2013, and truly deepened over the years, often through trials and tribulations. There is something about Marloth Park that leaves an imprint on the heart, and as we spoke of the wildlife and the camaraderie we shared there, it was as if we were transported back in time. Each story sparked another, and before long, we were weaving together memories from across continents and years of travel.

Kathy’s shrimp scampi.

At some point, we ventured out for lunch, taking a scenic drive that turned out to be just as memorable as the destination itself. The route offered stunning views of the island’s natural beauty. The vibrant greens, the dramatic coastline, and the ever-present ocean created a visual tapestry that felt almost unreal. We paused more than once to take photos, trying to capture even a fraction of what we were seeing, knowing full well that some experiences are better felt than photographed.

My chicken Caesar salad has the best dressing I’ve ever had.

Our destination was Buzz’s Steakhouse, a popular spot that was bustling with energy when we arrived. There was something wonderfully nostalgic about sitting outdoors, surrounded by the hum of happy diners and the gentle presence of the nearby water. It brought us back to earlier times in our lives, reminiscent of lakeside dining in Minnesota, where the view of the water somehow made every meal taste just a little bit better.

The four of us, outside Buzz’s Original Steakhouse in Kailua, Hawaii.

Lunch was delicious, but it was more than just the food. It was the atmosphere, the shared stories, and the simple joy of being together. There is a certain kind of enthusiasm that exists near the water, a lightness that seems to lift everyone’s spirits. We felt it there, just as we have in so many places over the years. It is a feeling that stays with you long after the meal is over.

A tourist parasailing.

After lunch, we returned to their home, continuing our conversations as if there had been no pause at all. The hours slipped by quietly, marked not by any schedule but by the natural rhythm of connection. We spoke of future plans, including our upcoming reunion in Marloth Park this September, where we will once again gather with many of the friends we have made along this incredible journey of life. The thought of being together again, in a place that holds so many cherished memories, filled us with anticipation.

The scenery was breathtaking as always in the Hawaiian Islands.

Before we knew it, the afternoon had turned into early evening. Around 5:30, it was time to make our way back to the ship. Saying goodbye is never easy, but there was comfort in knowing it was not a farewell, only a pause until the next chapter we will share together. As we left, we carried with us the warmth of the day, the laughter, and the quiet understanding that friendships like this are among life’s greatest treasures.

Beautiful!

Those seven hours felt both fleeting and expansive. In that time, we were reminded of how fortunate we are to have people like Kathy and Don in our lives. The day was not filled with grand events or elaborate plans, yet it was deeply satisfying in every way that matters. It was a day of connection, reflection, and gratitude, set against the beautiful backdrop of Hawaii.

As we returned to the ship, we found ourselves already replaying the moments in our minds, holding onto them in that gentle way we have learned through years of travel. These are the days that stay with us, long after the journey moves on.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, April 29, 2016:

Sunset out to sea on the same ship we are on now. For more photos, please click here.

Day 14…Transpacific Cruise…Out to sea…Tomorrow, Oahu, Hawaii!…

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View of the ship’s pool from an upper deck.

This has been a fantastic journey so far aboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas, and we find ourselves feeling both grateful and a little cautious as we look ahead to the remaining eleven days. So much of our enjoyment has come from the people we have met along the way, those easy conversations that begin as small talk and somehow turn into shared stories, laughter, and the comfort of familiarity. In a setting like this, connections seem to form quickly, perhaps because we are all floating through the same vast stretch of ocean together, removed from the usual distractions of everyday life.

Rock climbing wall on the ship.

Equally important has been the fact that we have managed to stay healthy. That alone feels like a major victory. We have been diligent, perhaps more so than ever before, with our sanitation habits. Washing hands frequently, using sanitizer without hesitation, and being mindful of what we touch have become second nature. We cannot say for certain that these efforts are the sole reason we have avoided getting sick, but it certainly feels like they have played a role. There is a sense of reassurance in knowing we are doing everything we can.

One of the more noticeable changes in our routine has been skipping a second daily meal in the Windjammer Cafe. We do miss it at times, especially the variety and the casual ease of wandering through the buffet, but there is also a trade-off that feels worthwhile. Continuing with our one-meal-a-day approach has helped us maintain our weight, which can be challenging on a cruise where indulgence is always within reach. At the same time, avoiding the buffet may reduce our exposure to germs. Whether or not that is truly the case, it gives us peace of mind, and that is reason enough to continue this approach on future cruises.

Miniature golf on the ship.

Our evenings have settled into a pattern that feels both comfortable and enjoyable. Around 4:30 each afternoon, we make our way to the Crown Lounge, where a small spread of food is set out. We take a few bites, nothing excessive, and pair it with a large glass of water. It is just enough to prepare our stomachs before that first adult beverage. Starting the evening this way feels balanced and sensible, allowing us to enjoy our drinks without overdoing it.

From there, we often find ourselves at the R Bar, where a familiar group has naturally formed. Some nights, the conversations pick up right where they left off the evening before, while other nights bring new faces into the mix. By 7:00, we are seated at a shared table in the main dining room. Sometimes we dine with people we already know, and other times we meet passengers who are entirely new to us. There is something special about those moments, sitting down with strangers who quickly become acquaintances, and occasionally even friends.

Flow Rider on the ship.

By the time 11:30 arrives, we are usually ready to retreat to our cabin. There is a comforting simplicity in winding down after a full day, reflecting quietly before sleep. Last night, however, sleep did not come easily, and I found myself restless for much of the night. It happens, even in the most peaceful surroundings. I am hoping to make up for it with a short nap this afternoon before we attend the 3:00 pm seminar we have been following. The series on past US presidents and their wives has proven to be unexpectedly engaging, offering glimpses into lives shaped by history and circumstance.

For now, we sit in the Promenade Cafe, our usual spot on the banquet, watching the steady flow of passengers passing by. It is a lively place, filled with small interactions and passing conversations. We often pause to chat with others, sharing a few words, a smile, or a story. These simple exchanges have become one of the highlights of our days, a reminder that travel is not only about the places we go, but also about the people we meet along the way.

This towel elephant in our cabin is wearing my reading glasses.

Tomorrow, we will not be posting as we disembark around 10:00 am and make our way to our dear friends Kathy and Don’s home in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, before we all head out to lunch. It will be a lovely change of pace to spend time on land with them. We plan to post the following day and resume sharing our journey. Thank you for traveling along with us!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago, today, April 27, 2016:

At a distance, the rock-climbing wall is next to the sports court, while on this same ship, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, ten years ago today. For more photos, please click here.