Carnival Miracle: October 27, 2013, Kauai

We were awake at 4:30 am so decided to do a load of laundry while the machines were open. Again only one machine was operable in the 5th floor launderette but it was the one that didn’t work last time! After the clothes were dried and put away, it was time for breakfast in the main dining room. It opened at 6:30 am this morning since it was our earliest port with arrival scheduled for 7 a.m.

After breakfast we walked the outside deck (3) as the ship finished docking 30 minutes late. Today was going to be busy for us with 2 excursions planned.

We left the ship about 8 am and waited for the free shuttle to the Anchor Cove mall.

There were free shuttles for Kmart, Walmart, Hilo Hatties, Coconut Marketplace, Harbor mall and the Anchor cove shopping area. We actually hopped the shuttle for the harbor shopping area because the guide told us it was right across the street and it was there first. We walked across and did some souvenir shopping while waiting for the van to pick us up for Wings over Kauai.

We were picked up early and off we went to the airport to check-in. Their check-in counter used to be the main terminal for the Lihue airport and is seen in the movie Seven days six nights.

Check-in consisted of getting weighed and paying. Each female was given a kukui nut lei and a flower for behind the ear. Abi took our photo in front of the plane and we were instructed where to sit. The plane holds six passengers but there were only four on our tour. Steve was assigned the seat next to the pilot which he loved!!

Everyone had a window seat and Bose headsets where we could hear the pilot (Josh) and each other and well as speak to the others.

Thanks to a thunderstorm the day before the air was clear and we were able to see the top of all the mountains including one that is only visible less than 30 times a year. Josh pointed out so many sights of interest and I took many pictures of the beaches, mountains, and waterfalls.

I took so many pictures the best way to share was in a movie so you can virtually experience the flight.

Before we knew it had been nearly an hour and we were landing. Once we got back to the counter each couple was given a DVD with a printout of our picture on the front. So personalized and cute! They didn’t try to sell us anything. We received a ride back to the pickup spot and then caught the shopping center shuttle a few minutes later.

We changed into swimming suits and packed up for our next excursion – tubing the ditch. Steve ordered a roast beef/cheese sandwich from room service along with cheesecake for dessert. After he ate we went to the Lido deck where I had a delicious chicken stir fry over fried rice from Chopsticks. Dessert was cookies and a small chocolate ice cream cone.

Our excursion met in the building on the pier and 20 of us met the guides at 1 pm and loaded into two vans. We were driven to their “warehouse” where we turned in our waiver forms (filled out on the ride) and were weighed again. There was a film running of the excursion and it made me more nervous than the waiver or written description. We received a pair of protective gloves to wear and a helmet with a lamp. Anyone without water shoes were given water shoes to wear.

After a last chance for restrooms we got back in the vans and headed to the “ditch”. It was actually pretty easy to get in the tubes thanks to a ramp with steps and the guides help. The water was chilly at first but I quickly got used to it. There was a rope to keep us all in the same area until everyone was in a tube. They told us which verbal instructions they will be giving during the experience and off we went. It was very fun and unusual. I was surprised to find the tunnels smaller than expected but at no point did I feel claustrophobic. The third (or fourth?) tunnel was very long and the narrowest but fun nevertheless. Unfortunately the two rather large men I was behind were not having nearly as much fun as their helmets kept bumping the wall. They couldn’t compact themselves in the tube enough to avoid it.

My feet would bump the wall which I would use to push off back into the main stream. There are a couple of areas with rapids. Before we knew it, we were at the end. They have a easy way off the tubes as well.

We all loaded back into the vans and headed to a picnic spot for bottled waters, Kauai cookies (macadamia nut chocolate chip) and Maui chips.

There were the ever present roosters and chickens (they’re everywhere in Kauai) and a feral cat begging for some scraps.

We returned to the warehouse with an opportunity to buy souvenirs and use the restroom before heading back to the ship.

We got back on-board about 4:15 and sailaway had been pushed back to 5:15 due to the late arrival.

The dining room was full tonight but the menu was not the reason.

Chicken with crawfish sauce? Yuck! However we all found something to eat. I had chicken avocado soup with the strip loin (roast beef) with popovers, mashed potatoes and green beans. I ordered it medium rare and it was served perfectly! Steve had shrimp cocktail and the flat iron steak which was also cooked to order (medium).

I wasn’t excited about the dessert menu either. I had the warm chocolate melting cake and Steve ordered the apple cake which was pretty dry. Our tablemates had the four fruit (guava, passionfruit, pineapple and orange) mousse and really enjoyed it.

We were both worn out but I was determined not to go straight to bed after dinner so we headed to the Mad Hatters ballroom and attended the 7:30 pm family friendly comedy show with Valerie Storm. It was a pretty funny 30 minute show. Then we went off to bed.