This was the most unusual cruise we have ever been on. Dale was tasked to do 9 lectures for the sea days - 4 to Hawaii, 4 to Mexico and then 1 more back to San Francisco. We ended up having 11 sea days as our ship broke!!! We were 30 miles out from Hilo, Hawaii when there was a fire in the control panel and the propulsion system failed. Thank heaven the weather was good as we bobbed about in the sea for a while until they could at least get one unit working. Unfortunately, the port authorities didn't think we were maneuverable enough to dock, so we limped over to Honolulu where they brought us in using three tugboats. We did get to go on a hike up Diamond Head and it was beautiful and clear. Unfortunately the three technicians they flew in couldn't solve the problem completely, so we were unable to make it to Kauai or Maui. We were especially sorry to miss Maui as our friends Pat & Liz were going to take us on a tour of their island.
Apparently the control panel was irreparable and they needed to have one custom made in Italy, so there was no hope of restoring full propulsion. That being said, we had to leave early to hobble back and make it to San Francisco in time. Dale later tracked the ship and they were already off on their scheduled trip to Mexico, so it seems like they did get everything fixed - just not for us.
The whole episode could have been a disaster, but the Captain and the crew were so forthright and upcoming with information and the cruise line was so generous with refunds, that those who chose to remain for the trip home were great fun.
It was a bit more work for Dale as he had to do an extra lecture, but he managed and his audiences were most appreciative. What a trip!
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