The First Last

1/26/26

When you embark on a cruise of this magnitude, there are a lot of firsts.  First port, first show, first specialty dessert, first meal, first new friend and the list goes on.  But you don’t always know your last anything will be your last.  But in this case we do.  We know today will our last of 5 consecutive sea days before we port in Hawaii.  5 days is a lot.  There are entire cruises that last less than 5 days and we just spent more than that at sea.  To reiterate, we love sea days, but it will be nice to be on land again.

So today was a bit different as our focus shifted throughout the day to making definitive plans for tomorrow, which will include hiking Diamond Head.   Because today’s post will be on the shorter side, and by contrast, tomorrow’s could be long, I’m going to shift some Diamond Head introductory information to today.  You’re welcome.  Think of it as a primer.

The Diamond Head Summit Trail in Oahu is one of Hawaii’s most popular hikes. This short, steep trail takes hikers up to a spectacular viewpoint of Waikiki Beach.  However, it is short and not overly difficult, and with its stunning 360° views from the summit, this hike is well worth it. Just be prepared for long stair climbs and many other hikers.

Diamond Head Summit Trail Hiking Stats

Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) round trip (out-and-back)

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Ascent: 515 feet (157 m)

Starting Elevation: 275 feet (84 m)

Highest Elevation (summit): 775 feet (236 m)

Time: 1 to 2 hours

The weather is expected to be terrific and so we’re really looking forward to today’s adventure.  It’s practically guaranteed getting in 10,000 steps without stepping foot on a treadmill.  And really, that’s the way life should be.

I had a great morning of Yoga, then treadmill and breakfast.  Though not noteworthy for 90% of my audience, 10% of you will be relieved to know that they had actual grits on the buffet, so I absolutely had to channel my wonderful son-in-law’s cooking skills into a steaming, hot, grits bowl.  Due to an overnight rain shower, all outdoor spaces were wet and therefore, pickleball wasn’t an option.  I worked on yesterday’s blog post as I found time in between other commitments.  It was a long one.  Sorry!

Before we knew it, it was time for a “casual” lunch.  They’re all casual, but I’m referring to the $14.99 option called “casual dining”.  We have unlimited casual dining included in our Premier Package. Today it was held in the Sabatini’s restaurant, and the menu is the same across the entire Princess fleet.  There’s a wonderful buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad appetizer with a balsamic vinegar reduction and then your choice of about 10 specialty brick oven pizzas, individually sized.  There were the standard cheese and/or pepperoni, and then other more exotic options.  Sherri and I each got pepperoni and Scott and Anita each got one with parma ham and shaved parmesan.  It’s good and we’ll go again simply because it’s a nice experience, but as far as pizza goes, give me a slice of good ol’ new York style thin crusted pizza, a slice so big that you have to karate chop the crust to fold it in half just to lift it to your mouth without the cheese escaping like it’s a jail break.  As for the orangey, tangy oil that will most assuredly run off the pizza, down my arm and drip off my elbow, bring it on!!!! I grew up in Jersey so please forgive me for another When Harry Met Sally moment.  (deep breath…..ok, I’m back)

After lunch we played cards and the guys pulled out a win, so we’re 1:1.  We’re also fitting in watching the Australian Open each and every moment we have available.  Atlanta is a tennis town and that’s where we’ve lived for 30+ years.  And I grew up playing tennis year round in NJ, so it is my favorite sport to play and watch.  I never thought I could love a competitive trio more than Federer/Nadal/Djokovic, but Alcarez/Sinnner/Shelton is going to be amazing as the next generation of men’s tennis comes of age. 

Dinner was festive.  The 4 of us sit at an 8-person table every night, and the other 4 spots rotate.  In fact, we don’t even need to check in with the hostess, we just walk to the table like we’re walking into our own dining room.  Tonight was a lively crowd; we talked about the typical stuff, but then we talked about fishing, flying (as in piloting a plane), 2023 WC, and many other topics with bouts of laughter intermixed.  Since service was a bit slow (we missed the 7pm show again), I’m extra grateful for the lively group. I’m sure we’ll have dinner with them in the future.  Also noteworthy were the appetizers of tuna carpaccio and garlic soup.

And that’s the day.  We retired early to our stateroom to watch tennis.  Not the most exciting option but don’t discount the value of doing something familiar and customary when you’re on such a mind-boggling adventure.  Hasta Manana.