| Seabourn Sojourn 2014 World Cruise Los Angeles to Venice January 4 to May 1, 2014 |
| Segment 1 Los Angeles to Sydney |
January 4th The worst part of our turn-over day in Long Beach was having to get off the Sojourn
and wait in a cold uncomfortable room for over two hours to re board thanks to US Immigration
policies. The day was a bit cool, but sunny, and the evening peaceful as we departed for Hilo,
Hawaii.
January 5th to 9th. These were days at sea. The evening of the 5th those of us doing the full
World Cruise (80 plus) were invited to a special "Roaring 20's" cocktail party and dinner which turned
out to be much nicer than we were prepared for. We were given hats (for the men) and feather boas
(for the women) which most of us wore. Eleanor is allergic to feathers, so did not wear hers, but
happened to have brought a black dress that was perfect for the evening.
The first two days at sea were about as calm as a person could hope for. We had a bit of a swell the
last two days, but I don't know of anyone that had a serious problem with sea sickness. Most evenings
we had dinner at hosted tables which gives us a chance to meet other passengers
January 10th After five sea days we docked in Hilo. Weather in mid 70's and sunny. In the
morning we made a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a couple of toiletry articles we needed. After
lunch on board the Sojourn we participated in a tour of the Hawaiian Tropical Gardens, about a 15
minute drive from Hilo.
Before we began our winter cruising several years ago we were spending our winters in Hawaii, and
have traveled extensively throughout much of the state. We never actually stayed in Hilo, but several
times drove there from the Kona side of the Big Island.
It is almost impossible to describe in words the incredibly physically rugged natural beauty of Hawaii. I
have included 14 photos I took during this brief visit at the end of my Gallery of Big Island
Photos.
January 11th We were anchored near Lahaina Maui for the day. The seas were calm and we took
the tender ashore in the morning, I sat in the shade of a gigantic banyan tree, planted in 1873 and the
largest of its type in the US, while Eleanor checked out the local tourist shops. She felt the area had
deteriorated since we were here in March 2011 for several weeks. Lots more vagrants going through
trash bins and sleeping on park benches. Really a shame as it is a beautiful area. I have added
several photos at the end of my Gallery of Maui.
January 12th to 13th The Sojourn was docked in Honolulu for two days. Inasmuch as we had
previously been in Honolulu and toured Oahu on a number of occasions we just ran errands and
walked about Waikiki Beach. Here are two links to photos I have taken in and around Honolulu on
previous visits:
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
January 14th Our last port in Hawaii was Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai, which is our favorite as
indicated by the fact I have four galleries of photos taken since 2009. On this one day stop we just did
a bit of shopping around the port.
Gallery - Kauai General
Gallery - Waimea Canyon
Gallery - Hanapepe
Gallery - Na Pali Coast
While almost all of the links to photos in Hawaii were taken on previous visits I included them here for
any one planning a visit to Hawaii to help them decide on places to enjoy.
Following is a link to photos of birds I have taken during our visits to Hawaii beginning the winter of
2009 and concluding this visit on the Seabourn Sojourn
BIRDS OF HAWAII
January 15th to 20th Days at sea as we travel from Hawaii to Papeete, Tahiti.
Wednesday Quiet day. Reading at spa pool in morning and interesting film and lecture on only
individual who crossed the Pacific in a row boat unassisted. Took 270 days. Lecturer was Hugh
Thompson, a British film maker, author and adventurer. Dinner with comedian who came aboard in
Hawaii. Show by Mariusz Flis who demonstrated his expertise with an electric cello after dinner.
Thursday Very interesting lectures. First up was Captain Paul Eschehfelder who is the world
expert on airline bird strikes and consults with airports on the avoidance of such. He is also an
adventurer and on this cruise be concentrating on the history of the Polynesian people. Next up was
an incredible talk by Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, who was the first to log 1000 hours on the Space Shuttle. He
is one of the individuals that made the repairs to the Hubble Telescope while in space. Finally was
another discussion with Hugh Thompson on Machu Picchu and explorations he was on to discover
other ruins around Machu Picchu. Finally, dinner with Cruise Director David E Green who join
and wait in a cold uncomfortable room for over two hours to re board thanks to US Immigration
policies. The day was a bit cool, but sunny, and the evening peaceful as we departed for Hilo,
Hawaii.
January 5th to 9th. These were days at sea. The evening of the 5th those of us doing the full
World Cruise (80 plus) were invited to a special "Roaring 20's" cocktail party and dinner which turned
out to be much nicer than we were prepared for. We were given hats (for the men) and feather boas
(for the women) which most of us wore. Eleanor is allergic to feathers, so did not wear hers, but
happened to have brought a black dress that was perfect for the evening.
The first two days at sea were about as calm as a person could hope for. We had a bit of a swell the
last two days, but I don't know of anyone that had a serious problem with sea sickness. Most evenings
we had dinner at hosted tables which gives us a chance to meet other passengers
January 10th After five sea days we docked in Hilo. Weather in mid 70's and sunny. In the
morning we made a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a couple of toiletry articles we needed. After
lunch on board the Sojourn we participated in a tour of the Hawaiian Tropical Gardens, about a 15
minute drive from Hilo.
Before we began our winter cruising several years ago we were spending our winters in Hawaii, and
have traveled extensively throughout much of the state. We never actually stayed in Hilo, but several
times drove there from the Kona side of the Big Island.
It is almost impossible to describe in words the incredibly physically rugged natural beauty of Hawaii. I
have included 14 photos I took during this brief visit at the end of my Gallery of Big Island
Photos.
January 11th We were anchored near Lahaina Maui for the day. The seas were calm and we took
the tender ashore in the morning, I sat in the shade of a gigantic banyan tree, planted in 1873 and the
largest of its type in the US, while Eleanor checked out the local tourist shops. She felt the area had
deteriorated since we were here in March 2011 for several weeks. Lots more vagrants going through
trash bins and sleeping on park benches. Really a shame as it is a beautiful area. I have added
several photos at the end of my Gallery of Maui.
January 12th to 13th The Sojourn was docked in Honolulu for two days. Inasmuch as we had
previously been in Honolulu and toured Oahu on a number of occasions we just ran errands and
walked about Waikiki Beach. Here are two links to photos I have taken in and around Honolulu on
previous visits:
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
January 14th Our last port in Hawaii was Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai, which is our favorite as
indicated by the fact I have four galleries of photos taken since 2009. On this one day stop we just did
a bit of shopping around the port.
Gallery - Kauai General
Gallery - Waimea Canyon
Gallery - Hanapepe
Gallery - Na Pali Coast
While almost all of the links to photos in Hawaii were taken on previous visits I included them here for
any one planning a visit to Hawaii to help them decide on places to enjoy.
Following is a link to photos of birds I have taken during our visits to Hawaii beginning the winter of
2009 and concluding this visit on the Seabourn Sojourn
BIRDS OF HAWAII
January 15th to 20th Days at sea as we travel from Hawaii to Papeete, Tahiti.
Wednesday Quiet day. Reading at spa pool in morning and interesting film and lecture on only
individual who crossed the Pacific in a row boat unassisted. Took 270 days. Lecturer was Hugh
Thompson, a British film maker, author and adventurer. Dinner with comedian who came aboard in
Hawaii. Show by Mariusz Flis who demonstrated his expertise with an electric cello after dinner.
Thursday Very interesting lectures. First up was Captain Paul Eschehfelder who is the world
expert on airline bird strikes and consults with airports on the avoidance of such. He is also an
adventurer and on this cruise be concentrating on the history of the Polynesian people. Next up was
an incredible talk by Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, who was the first to log 1000 hours on the Space Shuttle. He
is one of the individuals that made the repairs to the Hubble Telescope while in space. Finally was
another discussion with Hugh Thompson on Machu Picchu and explorations he was on to discover
other ruins around Machu Picchu. Finally, dinner with Cruise Director David E Green who join
January 4th The worst part of our turn-over day in Long Beach was having to get off the Sojourn
and wait in a cold uncomfortable room for over two hours to re board thanks to US Immigration
policies. The day was a bit cool, but sunny, and the evening peaceful as we departed for Hilo,
Hawaii.
January 5th to 9th. These were days at sea. The evening of the 5th those of us doing the full
World Cruise (80 plus) were invited to a special "Roaring 20's" cocktail party and dinner which turned
out to be much nicer than we were prepared for. We were given hats (for the men) and feather boas
(for the women) which most of us wore. Eleanor is allergic to feathers, so did not wear hers, but
happened to have brought a black dress that was perfect for the evening.
The first two days at sea were about as calm as a person could hope for. We had a bit of a swell the
last two days, but I don't know of anyone that had a serious problem with sea sickness. Most evenings
we had dinner at hosted tables which gives us a chance to meet other passengers
January 10th After five sea days we docked in Hilo. Weather in mid 70's and sunny. In the
morning we made a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a couple of toiletry articles we needed. After
lunch on board the Sojourn we participated in a tour of the Hawaiian Tropical Gardens, about a 15
minute drive from Hilo.
Before we began our winter cruising several years ago we were spending our winters in Hawaii, and
have traveled extensively throughout much of the state. We never actually stayed in Hilo, but several
times drove there from the Kona side of the Big Island.
It is almost impossible to describe in words the incredibly physically rugged natural beauty of Hawaii. I
have included 14 photos I took during this brief visit at the end of my Gallery of Big Island
Photos.
January 11th We were anchored near Lahaina Maui for the day. The seas were calm and we took
the tender ashore in the morning, I sat in the shade of a gigantic banyan tree, planted in 1873 and the
largest of its type in the US, while Eleanor checked out the local tourist shops. She felt the area had
deteriorated since we were here in March 2011 for several weeks. Lots more vagrants going through
trash bins and sleeping on park benches. Really a shame as it is a beautiful area. I have added
several photos at the end of my Gallery of Maui.
January 12th to 13th The Sojourn was docked in Honolulu for two days. Inasmuch as we had
previously been in Honolulu and toured Oahu on a number of occasions we just ran errands and
walked about Waikiki Beach. Here are two links to photos I have taken in and around Honolulu on
previous visits:
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
January 14th Our last port in Hawaii was Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai, which is our favorite as
indicated by the fact I have four galleries of photos taken since 2009. On this one day stop we just did
a bit of shopping around the port.
Gallery - Kauai General
Gallery - Waimea Canyon
Gallery - Hanapepe
Gallery - Na Pali Coast
While almost all of the links to photos in Hawaii were taken on previous visits I included them here for
any one planning a visit to Hawaii to help them decide on places to enjoy.
Following is a link to photos of birds I have taken during our visits to Hawaii beginning the winter of
2009 and concluding this visit on the Seabourn Sojourn
BIRDS OF HAWAII
January 15th to 20th Days at sea as we travel from Hawaii to Papeete, Tahiti.
Wednesday Quiet day. Reading at spa pool in morning and interesting film and lecture on only
individual who crossed the Pacific in a row boat unassisted. Took 270 days. Lecturer was Hugh
Thompson, a British film maker, author and adventurer. Dinner with comedian who came aboard in
Hawaii. Show by Mariusz Flis who demonstrated his expertise with an electric cello after dinner.
Thursday Very interesting lectures. First up was Captain Paul Eschehfelder who is the world
expert on airline bird strikes and consults with airports on the avoidance of such. He is also an
adventurer and on this cruise be concentrating on the history of the Polynesian people. Next up was
an incredible talk by Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, who was the first to log 1000 hours on the Space Shuttle. He
is one of the individuals that made the repairs to the Hubble Telescope while in space. Finally was
another discussion with Hugh Thompson on Machu Picchu and explorations he was on to discover
other ruins around Machu Picchu. Finally, dinner with Cruise Director David E Green who joined us in
Honolulu to replace Jan Stearman for a couple of months while she recovers from a collar bone
fracture which she unfortunately sustained in a fall aboard the ship.
Friday A bit more motion on board today, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Probably due to
convergence of opposing equatorial currents as we near the equator. Continuing "Discussions" by
Messrs. Thompson and Eschehfelder were well presented to larger than normal audiences. We will
be crossing the equator tomorrow morning, so King Neptune decided to make his appearance this
afternoon which was fun for us Shellbacks to watch as the Pollywogs were given permission to cross.
Our room attendant is the featured Pollywog.
Saturday The seas have calmed a bit and the day was sunny and warm. Hugh Thompson showed
us a film he did of an excursion to the source of the Ganges in India in the morning and Paul
Eschehfelder gave a talk on volcanoes in the Pacific. Dinner was with two of the ships entertainers.
Sunday Another talk by Jeffrey Hoffman, this time about his repair of the Hubble Telescope during
several space walks accompanied by some amazing photos and videos. Highlight of the evening was
a Polynesian themed cocktail party on the pool deck.
Monday One last sea day before reaching Papeete. The morning lecture was the last by Jeffrey
Hoffman on the future of private space travel followed by Hugh Thompson in the afternoon on his walk
across England. Both of the gentlemen will be departing in Papeete tomorrow and we hope will be
replaced with equally interesting lecturers. Dinner was with Dale Gonyea, a very gifted commedian
who combines his piano expertise with, photos and a wonderful sense of humor.
(NEXT PAGE)
and wait in a cold uncomfortable room for over two hours to re board thanks to US Immigration
policies. The day was a bit cool, but sunny, and the evening peaceful as we departed for Hilo,
Hawaii.
January 5th to 9th. These were days at sea. The evening of the 5th those of us doing the full
World Cruise (80 plus) were invited to a special "Roaring 20's" cocktail party and dinner which turned
out to be much nicer than we were prepared for. We were given hats (for the men) and feather boas
(for the women) which most of us wore. Eleanor is allergic to feathers, so did not wear hers, but
happened to have brought a black dress that was perfect for the evening.
The first two days at sea were about as calm as a person could hope for. We had a bit of a swell the
last two days, but I don't know of anyone that had a serious problem with sea sickness. Most evenings
we had dinner at hosted tables which gives us a chance to meet other passengers
January 10th After five sea days we docked in Hilo. Weather in mid 70's and sunny. In the
morning we made a quick trip to Walmart to pick up a couple of toiletry articles we needed. After
lunch on board the Sojourn we participated in a tour of the Hawaiian Tropical Gardens, about a 15
minute drive from Hilo.
Before we began our winter cruising several years ago we were spending our winters in Hawaii, and
have traveled extensively throughout much of the state. We never actually stayed in Hilo, but several
times drove there from the Kona side of the Big Island.
It is almost impossible to describe in words the incredibly physically rugged natural beauty of Hawaii. I
have included 14 photos I took during this brief visit at the end of my Gallery of Big Island
Photos.
January 11th We were anchored near Lahaina Maui for the day. The seas were calm and we took
the tender ashore in the morning, I sat in the shade of a gigantic banyan tree, planted in 1873 and the
largest of its type in the US, while Eleanor checked out the local tourist shops. She felt the area had
deteriorated since we were here in March 2011 for several weeks. Lots more vagrants going through
trash bins and sleeping on park benches. Really a shame as it is a beautiful area. I have added
several photos at the end of my Gallery of Maui.
January 12th to 13th The Sojourn was docked in Honolulu for two days. Inasmuch as we had
previously been in Honolulu and toured Oahu on a number of occasions we just ran errands and
walked about Waikiki Beach. Here are two links to photos I have taken in and around Honolulu on
previous visits:
Gallery 1
Gallery 2
January 14th Our last port in Hawaii was Nawiliwili on the island of Kauai, which is our favorite as
indicated by the fact I have four galleries of photos taken since 2009. On this one day stop we just did
a bit of shopping around the port.
Gallery - Kauai General
Gallery - Waimea Canyon
Gallery - Hanapepe
Gallery - Na Pali Coast
While almost all of the links to photos in Hawaii were taken on previous visits I included them here for
any one planning a visit to Hawaii to help them decide on places to enjoy.
Following is a link to photos of birds I have taken during our visits to Hawaii beginning the winter of
2009 and concluding this visit on the Seabourn Sojourn
BIRDS OF HAWAII
January 15th to 20th Days at sea as we travel from Hawaii to Papeete, Tahiti.
Wednesday Quiet day. Reading at spa pool in morning and interesting film and lecture on only
individual who crossed the Pacific in a row boat unassisted. Took 270 days. Lecturer was Hugh
Thompson, a British film maker, author and adventurer. Dinner with comedian who came aboard in
Hawaii. Show by Mariusz Flis who demonstrated his expertise with an electric cello after dinner.
Thursday Very interesting lectures. First up was Captain Paul Eschehfelder who is the world
expert on airline bird strikes and consults with airports on the avoidance of such. He is also an
adventurer and on this cruise be concentrating on the history of the Polynesian people. Next up was
an incredible talk by Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, who was the first to log 1000 hours on the Space Shuttle. He
is one of the individuals that made the repairs to the Hubble Telescope while in space. Finally was
another discussion with Hugh Thompson on Machu Picchu and explorations he was on to discover
other ruins around Machu Picchu. Finally, dinner with Cruise Director David E Green who joined us in
Honolulu to replace Jan Stearman for a couple of months while she recovers from a collar bone
fracture which she unfortunately sustained in a fall aboard the ship.
Friday A bit more motion on board today, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Probably due to
convergence of opposing equatorial currents as we near the equator. Continuing "Discussions" by
Messrs. Thompson and Eschehfelder were well presented to larger than normal audiences. We will
be crossing the equator tomorrow morning, so King Neptune decided to make his appearance this
afternoon which was fun for us Shellbacks to watch as the Pollywogs were given permission to cross.
Our room attendant is the featured Pollywog.
Saturday The seas have calmed a bit and the day was sunny and warm. Hugh Thompson showed
us a film he did of an excursion to the source of the Ganges in India in the morning and Paul
Eschehfelder gave a talk on volcanoes in the Pacific. Dinner was with two of the ships entertainers.
Sunday Another talk by Jeffrey Hoffman, this time about his repair of the Hubble Telescope during
several space walks accompanied by some amazing photos and videos. Highlight of the evening was
a Polynesian themed cocktail party on the pool deck.
Monday One last sea day before reaching Papeete. The morning lecture was the last by Jeffrey
Hoffman on the future of private space travel followed by Hugh Thompson in the afternoon on his walk
across England. Both of the gentlemen will be departing in Papeete tomorrow and we hope will be
replaced with equally interesting lecturers. Dinner was with Dale Gonyea, a very gifted commedian
who combines his piano expertise with, photos and a wonderful sense of humor.
(NEXT PAGE)