USA and South Pacific Cruise, 2015

hansellajc
Sep 15, 2015
14 min read

Day 1:

Our Qantas flight has been delayed 1.5 hours due to a problem with the Alternate Brakes. Better safe than sorry.

We finally leave at 11:30am for the 14hour flight. Man as big as Swarzenegger sits next to me on the plane. He better not move into my space.

After 14hours of eating and watching movies (maybe 30min sleep), we arrive at sunny L.A at 7am.

We've got our Chevrolet Suburban 8 seater car.

First stop is Jollibee restaurant. Family has a craving for Filipino fried chicken. The kids response after eating, 'Mummy, thats the last time you get to choose where we eat on this trip'.

We drive off to our accomodation in Anaheim, seeing signs for places i've only ever seen in the movies, Santa Monica, San Diego, Pasadena to name a few. All a bit surreal.

Our accomodation is a rental house, about 5 minute drive to Disneyland. 3 nice bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, sundeck and communal pool, so all very happy with the place.

Having dinner at Johnny Rockets (our favourite food on our cruise ship around New Zealand)

Day 2 :

Our day begins by travelling to the Hollywood Hills to capture the 'Hollywood' sign travelling through Griffiths Park and parking at Griffith Observatory.

Well worth the drive to the observatory, seeing some of the rich homes and the view of LA and surrounding areas. The Hollywood sign is still a distance away but close enough.

Looking over LA from Griffith Observatory

Next stop was the Hollywood Boulevard, to see the 'Stars' on the sidewalk.

Found The Beatles, Elvis, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and many more.

And the original hand/foot prints in front of the Chinese Theatre. Here is my favourite actor Clint Eastwood.

Many buskers dressed as famous characters like Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and Freddy Krueger who my son Thomas wasn't too thrilled to see and ran away.

For the girls on our trip we stopped at Rodeo Drive, to take some photos of the high end retail shops and some of the flashy Rolls Royce cars parked on the road. Girls were happy, and guys were happy they didn't buy anything.

Here's my 'Pretty Woman' walking down the street.

Next stop is Venice Beach. Was expecting a bit more of the place. Saw the Muscle men doing there weights, and roller skaters. Shops were just cheap t-shirts and sunglasses, or for some the marijuana bong shops were the places to visit. Wife didn't feel to safe so didn't spend too much time.

It was getting late so we headed off to Outback Steakhouse. GPS said 16 miles away, should take 30 minutes. After 1 hour driving the GPS still said 30minutes from destination. We left Venice Beach at 5:30pm and arrived for dinner after 8pm. Traffic in LA is hell !!!!. Doesn't matter which freeway you go on, or what time of the day, there is always a traffic jam. Need local backstreet knowledge.

Day 3:

KIDS day!!! Off to Disneyland.

Morning, the queues weren't too bad and went on Space Mountain, Star Wars Tours, Matterhorn bobsled without too much waiting. We've been getting FastPasses for the rides, which give you a specific time to go on the ride. Means only need about 10 minute wait, instead of the usual 30-45 or even 1 hour wait. Lots of people still prefer to wait in the queue.

By the afternoon, the wait times have increased and for the popular rides are now 45-60 minutes and sometimes 80minutes waiting.

By night time, we are tired, the legs are worn out, and time to get our position for the parade and fireworks. The parade is amazing, and colourful. The fireworks spectacular. We've been to Disneyland in Hong Kong, but LA Disneyland by far has the best fireworks.

The spectacular light and fireworks show

TIP: bring as much food as you can. The queues are slow. Lined up for the only place i could find some pizza. 6 people in front of me. After 30min, there were 4 people in fornt of me. I gave up and walked out. Only sour note of the night, apart from 'The Haunted Mansion' ride - was expecting some frights.

Day 4 :

After a long, tiring night at Disneyland, we all slept in, so Universal Studios is off the plan.

A day of swimming in our pool and getting groceries.

One thing we had confirmed today was the service in US - slow. We needed to get some Pre-Paid mobile phone sim cards. Took 1.5 hours to get done.

Day 5 :

Our next theme park is Legoland, approx 1 hour south of Anaheim towards San Diego. The freeway down is huge, with 6 lanes each way.

Pirate water ride where you are bound to get wet

Spraying Water on the Pirate Water riders.

Spraying riders on the Water Pirate Ride

Original movie set for the Lego Movie

Capitol Hill

Darth Vader

Death Star

Millennium Falcon

R2-D2

New York

San Francisco

Legoland is definitely for the kids. There are a few rides for the adults to go on, but mostly kids.

Day 6 : Next theme park is Disney's California Adventure Park (right next door to Disneyland).

Disney California Adventure Park entrance

Grizzly River Run.

Cars Land, a re-creation from the movie 'Cars'.

Paradise Pier featuring the Mickey Ferris Wheel and the Screamin rollercoaster.

The 'Screamin' rollercoaster ride, one of the best we have been on.

Soarin' is a simulated flight over California. A must to go on.

Mickey and Walt Disney

It's been a long and hot day at California Adventure Park but we all had fun.

We've finished our days at Disneyland/California Adventure so it's time to go shop at the Disney Store.

Day 8 : We are leaving LA and driving off to Las Vegas. We are taking a detour off i-15 near Victorville and heading towards Helendale and Barstow, so i can drive on the famous Route 66.

Having lunch at Barstow Station on Route 66 at McDonalds which is setup in some old rail carriages.

Visiting Calico Ghost Town on the way to Las Vegas. Calico is an old mining town and has been around since 1881 during the largest silver strike in California. Temperature has gone up a notch hitting 40degrees.

Checking out the hats. If you check the sign on the right, to try on the hat and have your photo with it, you had to pay $1US.

Tryin some cowboy hats at Calico Ghost Town

Main street of Calico Ghost Town

Overlooking Calico Ghost Town

It was an interesting town. Not many visitors thsis day, maybe because it is a weekday. After paying an entrance fee, still had to pay for mine tours.

We've arrived at Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Inside the Bellagio Reception area.

They have a special Halloween display, with talking trees.

The tree that talks.

View from our room.

The room is spacious and a lovely large bathroom. The only sour points were no free water and no coffee making facilities. You had to hire a coffee jug. For the price of the room, you would think it is standard.

Day 9 : The temperature is around 100F, so it's a day around the pool and a walk around the Vegas strip. Including a picture stop at the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada' sign.

Day 10 : Today we are visiting Red Rock Canyon, only a 40 minute drive from Vegas.

It's a hot day today, reaching over 40degrees. So bring your sunscreen and plenty of water.

There are plenty of walking trails around the canyon. Lots of people also taking a biking tour.

We've all enjoyed the day and would recommend the place, especially if you can't make it to The Grand Canyon. Ideal time would be sunrise or sunset. The rocks would no doubt show more colour. Would be a terrific place to go hiking. But with the kids and being so hot, will leave that for another day.

Day 11 : We are heading to the Grand Canyon with a stop off at Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam, between the border of Arizona and Nevada.It was built between 1931 and 1936 and was named after president Herbert Hoover.

For me Hoover Dam is what always gets destroyed by an earthquake, like in the original Superman movie starring Christopher Reeves.

Hoover Dam bypass bridge named Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial bridge which opened in 2010.

It's taken about 5 hours, but we've arrived at Grand Canyon National Park.

It's a spectacular sight. Photos do not do it justice as to the size of the Grand Canyon.

Local squirrel.

Can you spot the people on the cliff in the distance ?

Day 12 : It's another day around the pool. And maybe an icecream or two.

If only i could get my mouth under one of those chocolate fountains.

At night time we take a walk along Las Vegas Boulevarde watching the Bellagio Fountain display, and visiting 'The Bodies' exhibit at the Luxor Hotel (which is viewing the human body without any skin on. Kids were fascinated), M&Ms World, Hershey's World, and as many casinos as we could. FYI.. kids can go into the casinos , just not allowed to play.

The Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel. Your not allowed to take photos inside the exhibit, so here is one from the web i found, so then you have an idea what the exhibit looks like.

New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

Hershey's Chocolate World

Statue of Liberty made out of Jelly Beans.

M&M's World - 4 floors of M&M stuff to buy, whether it be chocolates, toys or souveneirs. I still reckon it is cheaper to buy the chocolates from a supermarket.

Bellagio Water Fountain Show - occurs every 30 minutes at night.

Day 13 : Today we are leaving Las Vegas and heading off to San Francisco. It's about an 8-hour drive. The temp has gone up a notch and the Largest Thermometer in the World is ready to pop.

It's a full day of driving and finally arrive at 8pm.

Day 14: Welcome to San Francisco.

We have rented a house for 4 days on North Point which is walking distance to Lombard St, shopping centre, restaurants and Hyde Pier.

The house has 3 bedrooms, wi-fi and looks out towards Alcatraz. The only issue, which may be the same problem for all hosues in San Francisco is the water pressure which also means having to be careful with how much toilet paper you use.

Hyde St Pier which contains some old boats for viewing (small entrance fee to board the boats).

Walking around Aquatic Cove to Fort Mason you can get a good view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Looking at Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Mason

And also Alcatraz.

A short walk from our accomodation up Hyde St is Lombard St. Famous for its steep, windy 8 hairpin turns passing old Victorian mansions. Just getting to Lombard St is tiring in itself walking up Hyde St. You can see Coit Tower in the background.

Lombard St with Coit Tower in the background

View of Alcatraz along Hyde St with the cable car coming up. You can see from the picture how steep Hyde St is and what many streets are like in San Francisco. If you like to exercise then San Francisco is a good place to visit.

View of Alcatraz and Cable Car down Hyde St

One of the many artistic houses in San Francisco.

Day 15 : Today we are getting up close to Golden Gate Bridge.

We are driving across the bridge to Lime Point on the north side of the Bay. Most people walking across the bridge stop here for there snaps.

But a short 5 minute drive to Vista Point we can get a better view of the bridge. It's a bit of a gloomy day so the colours don't stand out as much. Being an Aussie, i still think the Sydney Harbour Bridge is more impressive.

Day 16 :

We are going on a tour of Alcatraz today. Something i have been looking forward to.

The exercise yard.

Alcatraz's most famous inmate Al Capone.

Al Capone may be Alcatraz's most famous inmate but the following trio is what made Alcatraz remembered. Books have been written and movies made about the escape of John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris in 1962. Did they survive?

Frank Morris cell.

A short walk from the pier back from Alcatraz is Pier 39. This is a must place to visit. Some nice shops, restaurants and a close-up with seals.

Having lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, of course made famous from the movie 'Forrest Gump'.

I'm enjoying my Shrimper's Heaven, shrimps cooked 4 ways, and my son enjoying pork ribs. Food was great and included bottomless soft-drinks.

At the end of the pier are the seals. More seals than what i was expecting, which explains the smell.

Later that afternoon we went to Coit Tower. We parked at the bottom of Sansome St near Levi Strauss Store and walked up the stairs. This is a hard walk, as you can see very steep and few hundred stairs. There are only about a dozen car parking spots at the tower.

Coit Tower was complete in 1933. It has an observation deck providing 360degree view of the city and bay (small fee applies).

Coit Tower at night.

View from Coit Tower at night.

Day 17: Today we leave San Francisco and fly to Honolulu, Hawaii.

We are staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, approximately 5 minutes from Waikiki Beach. The Hilton has a lagoon where you can ride paddle boats, paddle boards, a couple of swimming pools, one which also has some tube rides.

Beach at the Hilton.

The 'Duke Kahanamoku' at Waikiki Beach. Hawaiian olympic champion and father of international surfing.

Enjoying the sun and watching the surfers at Waikiki Beach.

Watching the sunset at the Hilton.

Relaxing and enjoying a refreshing drink at the end of a tiring day at the Hilton.

Day 18 : Today all the blokes are off to Pearl Harbour to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, while the girls check out Al Moana Center.

The grounds of the Pearl Harbour Visitors Center. You can walk around and see memorials for all the ships that were lost in the Pearl Harbour attack. Also on display they have rockets, torpedoes. For an entrance fee you can go inside USS Bowfin submarine.

Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre looking at USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri

We are going on a tour to the USS Arizona. I pre-booked this tour about a month before today. It is free, although a small booking fee applies. The tour includes a 15 minute video of why the Japanese attacked US and in particular Pearl Harbour. It is a short ride by boat to the memorial.

On the memorial, which is over the USS Arizona you can see what's left of the ship. Here we can see one of the gun turrets. I thought there was a glass bottom on the memorial so it would be easier to see underwater BUT no. The water was a bit choppy, so hard to see any detail. Inside the memorial, a remembrance wall included all the names of the soldiers who died. Even after all this time, oil still seeps out from the USS Arizona.

Day 19 : Cruise Day 1 : Today we catch our cruise ship back to Sydney in the afternoon.

We have time to go back to Waikiki Beach and take my kids on a surfing lesson. First time for my kids surfing. My kids are a natural and enjoyed themselves catching a few waves . Myself took me some time getting balance right, but eventually got on a few waves.

Our cruise ship is the Celebrity Solstice. Holds about 2,800 passengers.

We settle down, find our rooms, and explore the boat. The ship has plenty of bars and cafes. Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck. Half-size basketball court. Hot Glass Show where they demonstarte glassblowing. Some nice shops, mainly for the ladies (jewellery, bags, makeup shops).

Ships leaves dock at 6pm, whcih is also our scheduled dinner time. There is a great variety on the menu. 1 standard menu which doesn't change too much during the cruise, and the other varies every night. Kids also get their own menu.

For that night in the Theatre, the Captain welcomes the passengers and the Solstice entertainers put on a spectacular show.

Solstice entertainers.

Day 20 : Cruise Day 2 : Our first port of call is Lahaina, in Maui.

We are not doing any tours today, just strolling around the town. It is hot and humid so just walking around under the trees. There is a market day in town with lots of souvenirs on offer.

Some very lovely artwork and sculptures for sale around the town. Here you can see some pictures on metal/glass. If i had some money i would have bought one.

Day 21 : Cruise Day 3 :

For the next 4 days we are at sea. Time is spent mostly eating or sitting around the pool. Entering competitions, like putt-putt, table tennis, basketball shootout, and trivia games.

Day 26 : Cruise Day 8 :

Our next port of call is Pape'ete in Tahiti - French Polynesia. We are greeted by some local musicians at the dock

There wasn't any beaches around the town so we hired a taxi that took us to the Le Meridien resort. For a guest fee we had access to the resort and all activities - including snorkelling off the beach.

We saw some nice fish, a bit of coral and a sea snake.

And the wife had her customary Cocktail.

The pool at Le Meridien with man-made beach.

End of the day was finished with a Tahitian sunset.

Day 27 : Cruise Day 9 :

Today we have arrived at Bora Bora. It is a place that looks just like the brochures. Beautiful sunny skies, with clear crystal blue water.

We are spending the day at Le Meridien resort as they have a special turtle breeding sanctuary and allow you to swim with the turtles. Here's the gang.

The resort has a special sanctuary where they feed the fish, including a moray eel.

Sadly, the turtles are sick at the moment, so they being kept in quarantine. So no swimming with the turtles today. All disappointed!!

They have a hands-on talk about the local fish and turtles. You can hold some starfish, sea cucumbers and sea urchins. Below turtle is not real (no turtles were harmed in the making of this blog).

Lunch was great. Kids had pizza, and most of the oldies had freshly cooked fish. One of the best dishes on our whole trip.

Enjoying the pool with a great view.

Relaxing by the lagoon where you can snorkelling. Some nice fish to see. Wife again with a cocktail.

I thought paddle boarding was going to be easy. Took me about 5 times to get up and be steady. Must be getting old.

Kids took the easy approach. Sitting down and paddling.

This seems a lot easier.

Day 28 : Cruise Day 10 :

Not far from Bora Bora is Moorea. We have a booked a tour to go swimming with the sharks and rays.

The sharks are reef sharks. We've been told they won't bother you as long as you don't put your hand in their mouth.

Our guide hand feeds this ray, and is always brushing up alongside you. You can feel there very soft skin.

Check out our video of snorkelling with the Ray and Sharks in Moorea.

Day 29 : Cruise Day 11 :

5 days at sea follow. We cross the international date line in the process.

We spend the time relaxing and eating.

Enjoying the entertainment.

Exercising on the walking track.

And watching movies.

Day 33 : Cruise Day 16 :

Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 34 : Cruise Day 17 :

Our last port before home is the Bay of Islands in New Zealand. Bay of Islands is an enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands. It's known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artifacts. The port we are disembarking at, is Waitangi.

A bus takes us to the town of Paihia. From here you can book your tours. We have booked a tour to the 'Hole in the Rock'. The boat will pick us up from Russell which is about 20 minute ferry ride from Paihia.

Russell (formerly known as Kororareka) was the first permanent european settlement and sea port in New Zealand. It was largely a whaling and seal operations port, and was for a short tihe capital of New Zealand, and got the name 'Hell Hole of the Pacific'.

Russell is a very picturesque town and would be lovely sit on the beach in summer with a cool breeze around.

Duke of Marlborough Hotel , the first licensed hotel, bar and restaurant and has been going since 1827.

We've joined our tour leaving from Russell. On the way to the 'Hole in the Rock' we come across a pod of about 30 dolphins.

Motu Kokako, also known as Piercy Island, or Hole in the Rock. The 60foot (18m) hole at sea level was created over centuries by wind and waves.

Our boat will go through the hole and come out intact on the other side (all going well). There are also helicopter tours which land on the island.

Day 35 : Cruise Day 18 :

Next Stop? Sydney! aaawwwwww! Holiday is coming to an end. Another 3 days at sea until then, so the girls are still doing there aerobics and i'm still playing putt-putt and table tennis. Had a win at putt-putt so i won a celebrity cruise hat,a dn second in table tennis.

Day 36 : Cruise Day 19 :

Our last full day at sea, so it's time to say goodbye to the staff who have looked after us so well. Jesse our waiter.