Senior Highlights....

ALOHA, CRUISERS!

The Hawaiian Islands are perfect for a cruise ship vacation. Location, sunshine, culture, convenience, and the overall cruising experience make Hawaii an ideal destination for cruising seniors from the west coast. Just remember to say, "Aloha," to the captain.

Formed more than a million years ago, when blazing basalt rock erupted from the depths of the ocean floor to create a giant mountain that eventually emerged from the sea, the Hawaiian Islands have become a cluster of some of the most dazzling tropical islands in the world. It's no wonder that the cruise ships came. . .and keep coming.

The Hawaiian Islands provide a perfect combination of earth, wind, fire, and water. Each island has been formed by the forces of nature and has developed its own individual character.

Some of the possible ports of call include the sheer beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii; the sophisticated style and legendary beaches and surf of Oahu; the lush valleys and cascading waterfalls of Kauai; and the enchanting beauty of Maui. You'll sail past volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and seemingly endless stretches of lush tropical landscapes.

Many cruise lines call in the Hawaiian Islands, offering a wide array of ships, lengths, itineraries, and shore activities. "A cruise provides a unique look at Hawaii. You can typically visit five ports in seven days and it's a great cultural experience," says Anita Pinalto at Ticket to Ride Cruises in Mission Viejo.

The history and culture of Hawaii come alive for passengers sailing on an American Hawaii cruise. Authentic Hawaiian traditions and culture, indigenous cuisine, entertainment, artwork, clothing, and language have all been integrated into the shipboard activities and surroundings.

Tony McKinnon, president of American Hawaii Cruises, says, "We want to give passengers a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian heritage. Everything on board our ships--from the staff and food to the daily activities--will enhance our passengers' understanding and enjoyment of the Hawaiian culture and people."

Passengers begin their voyage with an authentic drum departure, conch shell-blowing, and traditional Hawaiian chants performed by the ship's "kumu" (Hawaiian teacher). During the cruise, passengers can participate in Hawaiian activities, including ancient Hawaiian games, Hawaiian language lessons, lei-making, hula dancing, and ukulele lessons. Much of the on-board entertainment also has an Hawaiian influence. At the end of the cruise, passengers can demonstrate their new-found skills during a special passenger-participation Hawaiian show.

American Hawaii Cruises' seven-day cruises depart Honolulu (Saturdays (S.S. Independence) and Tuesdays (S.S. Constitution) and call on Lahaina, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Hilo, Hawaii; and Kona, Hawaii. They offer a unique cruising experience that can be called completely Hawaiian.

Many cruise lines offer Hawaii itineraries as part of a repositioning cruise (for example, Mexico to Alaska) and these cruises can be a great deal. According to Cruise Lines International Association, many cruise aficionados look forward to these migratory sailings because of exceptional values, special activities on-board, one-of-a-kind itineraries, and more and slower-paced days at sea.

Peak season for these trips is early-spring and late-fall. "Vacationers should definitely ask their travel agents about a repositioning cruise," says CLIA president James Godsman.

Holland America is offering travellers two opportunities in 1995 to cruise the magical islands on board their flagship, the classic ss Rotterdam. Cruisers may choose from a 16/19-day Spring Circle Hawaii Cruise and a 16-day Fall Circle Hawaii Cruise.

One the Spring Cruise, the 1,075-passenger Rotterdam departs May 2 from Los Angeles and will call at Kona, Hawaii; Port Allen, Kauai; Honolulu, Oahu; Lahaina, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; and Los Angeles, before arriving in Vancouver, British Columbia. Passengers may disembark in Los Angeles (16 days) or Vancouver (19 days).

The 16-day Fall cruise departs from Los Angeles on November 20 and will call at Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu, Port Allen, and Kona. With early bookings savings available through June 15, cruise-only fares start at just $3,695 per person, double occupancy.

As with most Hawaii cruises, passengers will have the opportunity to see Kilauea Volcano and the sacred City of Refuge on the Big Island; Oahu's famous Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Diamond Head; Lahaina, Maui's historic former whaling port, which is now home to chic boutiques and restaurants; and the delights of Kaui, the "Garden Island," including Waimea Canyon (the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"), the Souting Horn blowhole, the enchanting Fern Grotto, and the Na Pali Coast. Land add-ons, popular with most lines, are also available (and ideal) for the Hawaiian Islands.

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, the 1,804-passenger Legend of the Seas, will features Royal Caribbean's first-ever Hawaiian Islands cruises in late-September and early-October. Legend of the Seas is the fastest cruise ship built in the past 25 years and is the first of as many as six new megaships that Royal Caribbean plans to introduce in the next 3 1/2 years. The ship will sail seven-night Alaska cruises (see sidebar and February issue of Senior Highlights) and 10- and 11-night Panama Canal cruises in the winter.

Departing out of Vancouver and including four days at sea, ports of call for the September 24th sailing will include Hilo and Kailua Kona on the Big Island, Kaunakakai, Molokai, Kahului, Maui, Port Allen, Kauai, and Honolulu, Oahu (where the cruise ends). Departing out of Honolulu, the October 4th sailing will include the same ports of call and will, after spending four days at sea, arrive in Ensenada, Mexico.

The Legend of the Seas is believed to incorporate more glass than any other cruise ship afloat. More than two acres of windows, suspended glass window walls, glass canopies, skylights, and glass windbreaks open the ship to panoramic vistas at every turn, leading to the ship being dubbed "The Ship of Light." Virtually all outside passenger cabins have picture windows, rather than portholes, and 231 cabins have balconies with glass railings and accessed by sliding glass doors.

Some cruise lines offer the Hawaiian Islands as part of a larger cruise. For instance, the Pacific Princess of Princess Cruises makes one 16-day Los Angeles to Tahiti crossing that includes the islands, as well as 11-day sailing between Honolulu and Tahiti. They also offer Hawaii ports of call during repositioning cruises between Mexico and Alaska.

Other lines offering Hawaii options include Crystal, the QE2, Cunard Royal Viking, Orient, Pearl, Royal Cruise, and Windstar. No matter which cruise you choose, say "Aloha" to Hawaii.

SIDEBAR

ALASKA CRUISES ARE HOT

An Alaska cruise can make for a special summer vacation. Ports of call like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway provide passengers with an inside look at life in Alaska. Beautiful cruising areas like Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord make for awe-inspiring days at sea. There is also a wide variety of shore excursions, including salmon bakes, historic train rides, helicopter tours, glacier visits, and many other fascinating opportunities. In addition, Alaska is the perfect place to for pre- and post-cruise packages.

Of course, a cruise comes with an enjoyable on-board experience that has made the cruise industry one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Highlights include: a wide variety of cabin accommodations; impeccable service; delectable dining; professional entertainment; fitness facilities; and the many cruise ship special activities that make cruising so popular with seniors.

Most cruise lines offer free or low air add-ons are available for all cruise and cruisetour Alaska itineraries from 123 North American gateway cities. Cruise lines operating in Alaska this summer include: Cunard, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regency, Royal, Royal Caribbean, Seven Seas, and World Explorer.