Honolulu

Honolulu Club Home Page General Information National Reciprocal Program Register for Member Newsletter Club Connections Aquatics Children's Programs Club Run Fitness / Wellness Programs General Services Group Fitness Gym Activities Massage Outdoor Activities Personal Training Pilates Racquetball Spa Services Squash Tennis General Membership Information Corporate Wellness Program Refer A Friend Customer Service Contact The Club Privacy Policy Employment Opportunities Programs & Services -- Register for our Member Newsletter Gift Certificates Refer a Friend Employment Opportunities -- A New Year. A New You! Each year we wonder how we can make a successful resolution and what the key success factors are. Each year we strive to reach down into our deepest resources to find the one bit of information or meaningful philosophy that will keep us inspired and that will help in reaching our wellness goals... [Read More] [View Past Pulse Articles] Season of Stress: Just Breathe Has it hit you yet? You know what I am talking about, the overwhelming stress of barely making it through the holiday season. You may think you have made it through fine; recovering from Thanksgiving, planning all of your holiday parties and gift giving, preparing for travel or guests; but take just a moment and turn inward. What is going on with your breath... [Read More] [View Past At Ease Articles] One Resolution. Just One. New year, new lists and new plans. This year, celebrate by making one resolution; yes, just one. RESOLUTION: Commit to making small, realistic lifestyle changes through diet and exercise. [Read More] [View Past Life Designs Articles] -- Message From The General Manager CLUB NEWSLETTER - January General Services Live Entertainment in the Bar & Lounge Fitness / Wellness Programs 2nd Annual SpinFest Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii Personal Training WOW: Women on Weights Racquetball Unlimited Construction Services Hawaii State Singles Racquetball and Squash Championship Group Fitness Boot Camp Aquatics Keiki Swimming Lessons Club News Bridal Event General Services Ski Vacations 2006 Home | Club Information | Programs and Services | Membership Info | Contact Us © Wellbridge 2001

Maui

VX30 Streaming Video Software Solutions VX30 B-Cast VX30 Live Zentu Platform Custom Solutions Live Video Managed Services Video On Demand Price Card About Us Contact News Member Area - Sitemap - Cart News Thu 17, Jan 2005 18:00:00 PST Go Backstage To the Golden Globes via VX30™ -- Testimonials "Our Web site had been well received but the movies that we had placed there were a source of frustration to our clients. They wanted the video info but had problems viewing due either to their own media player program or their Internet connection. Our search for a streaming solution was solved overnight with VX30. No players required, instant video response and superior technical support. VX30 solved our problems quickly & entirely! -- Hugh Porter, BM&M ." We are extremely pleased with our selection of VX30™ as this year's video streaming partner. In the past, length of the video clips on our Website were limited to just 60 seconds. Thanks to VX30™, visitors to our site can instantly access the complete post-awards interviews with their favorite celebrities. -- HFPA IT director Erkki Kanto Login Username: Password: Remember me next time Register | Forgot password -- PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT :: ZENTU ENCODING PLATFORM .: Home .: 4 Java .: 4 Flash VIDEO SOLUTIONS Custom Video Solutions Live Video Streaming Managed Streaming Solutions Video On Demand NEW SMALL BUSINESS PACKAGES PRODUCTS Zentu Encoder VX30 Ad-Stats VX30 B-Cast VX30 Live © 2005 M aui X-Stream Inc. All rights reserved.

Hawaii Honeymoon

Hawaii vacation packages: Hawaii vacations - Hawaii packages - Hawaii resorts - hawaii honeymoon packages - hawaii resorts, maui, oahu, waikiki, the big island, kauai - Hawaiian islands Hawaii Packages & Hawaii Vacations Hawaii Vacation Package - Hawaii Tours, Hawaii packages, Hawaii cruises, all of Hawaii. Let Atlas Cruises & Tours plan the perfect vacation for you! Hawaii vacation packages for every island. Hawaii was formed long ago by volcanic activity deep within the Pacific waves the Hawaiian islands promise plenty of sizzle. Each island in Hawaii offers unique experiences sure to make your stay unforgettable! If you do not see the destination or ship that interests you, please email us or call our office at 1-800-942-3301 so that we can provide you with the information you need! Hawaii Vacation Packages & Hawaii Tours Want to visit more than 1 Island? Why not try an escorted tour! Hawaii Tours (Escorted & Independent) Save Time & Money with a Hawaii tour. See more of Hawaii then you ever would on your own! Escorted tours are professionally planned & designed for your enjoyment. Visit four or more islands aboard a magnificent floating resort! Hawaii Cruises (all cruise lines) Cruises offer the ultimate vacation experience! There are many cruise lines which offer a large number of ships and a fascinating array of ports. Let us plan your Hawaii Cruise today! Hawaii Vacation Packages & Resorts Activities and more historic sites than on any other island Kauai Vacation Packages & Resorts This lovely, slow-paced island is a favorite of honeymooners Maui Vacation Packages & Resorts Beautiful beaches, and spectacular beachfront resorts Oahu Vacation Packages & Resorts Bustling island of activities, the best beaches & shopping Popular Hawaii Sports Package NFL ProBowl - The best players in the AFC and NFC, each hand picked, each chosen to play the position they have excelled at all year, come to Honolulu to show that they are the best. (February of every year) To see a list of all Sports Packages: Click Here Online Booking GET A FAST, FREE VACATION QUOTE! Booking your vacation online is easy and convenient. Simply customize the vacation package that’s right for you! Start by entering your travel preferences below. Packages consist of round trip flights and hotel stays. Additional features such as inclusions, transfers, car rentals, meal plans, sightseeing, and trip insurance may be available as you build your package. After you finish customizing your vacation package, you can book and pay online. You’re just moments away from your dream vacation! You can use the box below to check availability and our most current rates. Then you can either book online one our secure website or call us at 1-800-942-3301 for more information and reservations. Discount Hotels in Hawaii Over 1,000 hotels in Hawaii - save up to 65% Click Here to Begin your Search Hawaii Air Mileage Information Inter Island Air Mileage Oahu to Hawaii 169 miles 33min Oahu to Kauai 102 miles 26min Oahu to Maui 84 miles 27min Oahu to Molokai 55 miles 30min Mainland Air Mileage Oahu to Boston 5,095 miles 11.5hrs Oahu to Chicago 4,243 miles 9hrs Oahu to Denver 3,353 miles 7.5hrs Oahu to LA 2,556 miles 5.5hrs Oahu to NYC 4,976 miles 11.25hrs Oahu to Dallas 3,784 miles 9.5hrs Oahu to Houston 3,906 miles 10.5hr Home | Marketplace | Newsletter | About Us | Privacy Policy | Site User Agreement

Maui Snorkeling

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2Island Activity Suggestions for Must-Do ActivitiesCourtesy of Paradise Maui ActivitiesAloha and welcome to Maui. With so much to see and do onMaui, our Activities staff is here to help you make the mostof your precious time. Please keep in mind that all toursand activities must be booked in advance. Reservations aremade at http://www.paradisemaui.com/activities/index.html .There are no vouchers to pick up. We will email you aconfirmation with all relevant information. We areproviding this service free of charge and can assure you thevery best activities at the very same prices that you wouldbe charged by calling each vendor directly. Have awonderful, exciting vacation!AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN LUAU --OLD LAHAINA LUAULocated on the beach in Lahaina, this luau is rated the bestin Hawaii. The hula show is incredible, and the local foodis fantastic. This is the only truly authentic Hawaiianluau on Maui. It is also the smallest and most popular soit must be booked in advance. THIS LUAU SELLS OUT 3-4 WEEKSIN ADVANCE DURING THE SUMMER AND DURING WHALE SEASON(Jan-March). The earlier you book a reservation, the betterseating you receive. Adults: $82 per person. Children(2-12): $52 per child. 5:30pm-8:30pm (times vary withsunset).UFO PARASAILINGRight on Kaanapali Beach, soar above it all with anexperienced crew and the latest in lift-off and landingtechnology. Fly away in ease and comfort, alone or with acompanion. 400 feet for seven minutes: $47. 800 feet forten minutes: $57. Available from 8:00am - 5:00pm (May 16th-Dec 14th)GEMINI CHARTERSPICNIC SNORKEL SAIL! Explore the pristine waters of HonoluaBay (summer) or an equally nice West Maui snorkel spot inthe winter on the 64' catamaran Gemini! 4 & 1/2 hours ofsnorkeling, sailing, hot buffet lunch (mahi mahi, teriyakichicken, rice pilaf, veggis/dip, chips, pb&j for the kids,cookies), and open bar await you with the friendly, fun crewof the Gemini. Easy beach boarding right in front of theWestin hotel on Kaanapali Beach. Other features includeglass bottom ports for non-snorkelers, shaded/large centralcabin, all snorkel gear (instruction included) andfloatation devices, fresh water rinse and complimentaryparking at the Westin Hotel. Adults $85, Teens (13-19) $70,Children (2-12) $50.CHAMPAGNE SUNSET SAIL: Beachloading in front of the WestinHotel on Kaanapali Beach. 2 hour sunset sail, includescocktails and pupus. $55 adults, $45 for teens (13-19), and$35 for children (2-12). Approx. 5:00pm-7:00pm (times varywith the sunset) Available May Dec 15th.AFTERNOON WHALE WATCH (DEC 15TH-APRIL): BeachloadingIn front of the Westin Hotel, 2 hour whale watch, includes cocktails and Pupus. $55 adults, $45 for teens (13-19) and $35 for children (2-12). 3:30 5:30 pm daily (Dec 15th April)TERALANI CATAMARANSWEST MAUI SNORKEL SAIL ON THE TERALANI: From the beach infront of Leilani's at Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. Fourand a half hours on the water as we explore the Westside ofMaui in clear, unspoiled water. We provide all equipment,snorkeling lessons, deli style lunch, beer, wine, Mai Taisand sodas. $84 adults, $69 teens, and $50 for children(5-12). 11:00am -- 3:00pm (3:30 in summer).PREMIER SNORKEL SAIL AND DOLPHIN SEARCH on the BRAND NEWTERALANI 2: From the beach in front of Leilani's atWhaler's Village in Kaanapali. Six hours on the water as weexplore the island of Lanai in clear, unspoiled water. Weprovide all equipment, snorkeling lessons, BBQ lunch, beer,wine, Mai Tais and sodas. $109 adults, $79 teens, and $59for children (5-12). 9:30am-2:30pm. ORIGINAL SUNSET SAIL (May Dec): From the beach in front of Leilani'sat Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. 2 hour sunset sail,includes cocktails and pupus. $52 adults, $45 for teens,and $35 for children (5-12). Approx. 5:00pm-7:00pm (timesvary with the sunset).DINNER SUNSET SAIL (May Dec): From the beach in front of Leilani'sat Whaler's Village in Kaanapali. 2 1/2 hour Sunset Sail,includes cocktails and buffet dinner. $69 adults, $65 forteens, and $55 for children (5-12). Approx. 4:30pm-7:00pm(times vary with the sunset).WHALE WATCHES (seasonal from December through May): From thebeach in front of Leilani's at Whaler's Village inKaanapali. MORNING WHALE WATCH: Two hours from8:00am-10:00am with continental breakfast. $52 Adults, $45for teens, $35 for children (5-12).ORIGINAL SUNSET WHALE WATCH (Dec May): Two hours from 4:00pm-6:00pm (times vary with the sunset) with cocktails and pupus. Experienced naturalists will give you an up close and personal look into the livesand curious behaviors of the humpback whale. $52 adults, $45for teens, and $35 for children (5-12).DINNER SUNSET WHALE WATCH (Dec May): Two and 1/2 hours from 3:30pm-6:00pm (times vary with the sunset). $69 adults, $65 for teens, and $55 for children (5-12).SAIL TO MOLOKINI TO SNORKEL ON THE WORLD FAMOUS TRILOGYTOURS! Enjoy this 5 hour cruise to the infamous, marinepreserve Molokini Crater. This crescent shaped island ishome to thousands of tame fish and other marine life. Thecrystal clear water can provide up to 200 feet of serenevisibility! Sail aboard the first class tour companyTrilogy. Service is impeccable and you will be enjoying ahot cinnamon roll breakfast, and then snorkel the wonderfulwaters of Molokini. A BBQ lunch and beverages are includedas is all snorkel gear and instruction on this deluxe oceanadventure. Sail back to Maalaea Harbor! Certified andIntroductory dives also available on this trip for anadditional cost. Adults: $95, Children: $47.50. 6:30am-12:30pm.SNORKEL LANAI WITH THE WORLD FAMOUS TRILOGY TOURS!Get away for a day on a sailing catamaran departing LahainaHarbor. Hot cinnamon rolls/continental breakfast served onboard. A van tour of Lanai town is next on the agenda forthose who wish followed by snorkeling in the unspoiledwaters off of the island of Lanai in Manele Bay with ascrumptious BBQ lunch served on Trilogy1s own privatepavilion in Manele Harbor. Icy cold refreshments availablethroughout. Enjoy sailing back to Maui. Certified andintroductory diving available for an additional cost.Adults: $169, Children: $84.50. Two trips daily (onedeparting at 6:30 am and one at 10:00 am).DEEP SEA FISHING WITH MARLIN MISCHIEFReel in a big one! Prime Hawaiian game fish include MahiMahi, Ono, Ahi, and the Pacific Marlin.Private charters only: $900 Full day: $750 for 6 hours. $600 for 4 hours.Departs approx. 6:45 am from Lahaina Harbor.ATLANTIS SUBMARINE RIDEThis 46 passenger, air-conditioned submarine dives down to120 feet in order to show you the marine life for whichHawaii is famous. On the 45 minute dive, enjoy theexcitement of being on a real submarine! Adults: $79.99 perperson. Children (must be above 3 feet tall): $39.99.SEA KAYAKING WITH SOUTH PACIFIC KAYAKSExplore the beautiful coastline of Maui and encounter seaturtles and dolphins and do some snorkeling! Two and halfhours to six hour trips available in South Maui includinglocations such as La Perouse Bay and Makena Landing (TurtleTown). Sodas/snacks/snorkel gear provided. Starting at $59per person.ADVENTURE RAFTING WITH ULTIMATE RAFTINGFULL DAY LANAI DOLPHIN SNORKEL: Snorkel usually 3different spots around the pristine coastline of Lanai.Search for dolphins and cliff dwelling birds along withturtles and fish found nowhere else in the world. All gearand instruction included. Breakfast, deli style lunch,snacks and beverages are also included. 7:00 am-1:30pm.Adults are $129 and children (6-12) are $89.1/2 DAY LANAI DOLPHIN SNORKEL: Same as 3/4 day with aminimum of 2 spots. Snacks and beverages are included.8:30am-12:30pm or 12:30pm-4:30pm. Adults are $79 andchildren (5-12) are $69.SNORKEL MOLOKINI WITH THE NATURALISTS OF PACIFIC WHALEFOUNDATION! Enjoy this 5 hour cruise to the infamous, marinepreserve Molokini Crater. This crescent shaped island ishome to thousands of tame fish and other marine life. Thecrystal clear water can provide up to 200 feet of serenevisibility! Enjoy a continental breakfast, and then snorkelthe wonderful waters of Molokini. A deli style, lunch,beer, wine and beverages are included as is all snorkel gearand instruction on this deluxe ocean adventure.Adults: $59.95, Children: One free per paying adult or $15.7:00am-12:00pmSEMI-SUBMARINE EXCURSION ON THE REEF DANCEREvery seat is a window seat on this air-conditionedsemi-submarine vessel with surround viewing in itsunderwater cabin. The 60 or 90 minute tours are expertlynarrated and include a dive show with the diver bringingunderwater critters right up to the underwater cabinwindows. Direct boarding from Lahaina Harbor. 60 minutetours at three times daily and one 90 minute tour daily.Adults: $32.95 each for 60 tour, $44.95 each for90 minute tour. Children (6-12): $18.95 for 60 minutetour, $24.95 for 90 minute tour.UPCOUNTRY OR HALEKALA CRATER HORSEBACK RIDING WITH PONYEXPRESS Experience the quiet beauty of Maui and leave thecrowds behind. Meet at their upcountry booth on the driveup to Haleakala Crater to check in for all rides.Introductory Rides at 3:00 pm for $55. Picnic Lunch Ridesat 11:30 am for $105. Paniolo Rides at 9:00 for $85. Half DayJunction Rides in the crater at 9:15 for $155.BIKE DOWN THE VOLCANO WITH MAUI DOWNHILL!Ascend the 10,023 feet of Haleakalas summit in order tosee one of the most beautiful dawns on earth. Then, enjoy a38-mile bicycle tour that is all downhill! Glide throughseveral climate zones, with incredible views, as you coastall the way to sea level. Tours include round-triptransportation, riding attire, breakfast, and instruction.Sunrise: $115 per person. Approx 2:30am-11:00am. Day Tour$110 per person. Approx. 7:00am - 3:00pmHELICOPTER TOURS WITH SUNSHINE HELICOPTERSThe #1 Activity on Maui. Fly in an A-Star helicopter withair-conditioning, stereo headphones, and state-of-the-artvideo equipment. See Haleakala Crater and the beautifulHana rainforest by air, or fly to Molokai to see the tallestsea cliffs in the world! Hana and Haleakala (45 minutes)$189 per person; Complete Island (60 minutes) $245 perperson, West Maui and Molokai (60 minutes) $245 per personHelicopter Rides are available 8:00am - 5:00pm.THE FEAST OF LELE is AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING! BEST EVENT ONMAUI for an intimate Hawaiian experience!!!! A sophisticatedevening of fine food, cultural entertainment and unsurpassedhospitality along the lovely sandy shores of Lahaina atsunset. The Feast is a lavish five course fine diningdinner featuring the cuisine of four Pacific Islands. Musicand dances of that island follow each course. The Feast isa much more intimate setting with your party at a privatetable enjoying fine dining with a dramatic Polynesian show,including fire knife dancing! Premium bar drinksincluded--all you can drink! Only 150 people maximum atthis Feast and your group (be it 2 or 8 people will beseated at your own private table). Please note that the foodis very authentic to each island so if you are the type totry new foods, this is the Feast for you! Highlyrecommended for couples--there are fewer children at thisluau. Adults: $99. Children: $69. 5:30pm-8:30pm (timesvary with sunset).POLYNESIAN STYLE LUAU RIGHT ON KAANAPALI BEACH AT THEMARRIOTT! Open bar with tropical cocktails, Imu andtorchlighting ceremonies, luau buffet, authentic hula show,magnificent oceanfront seating, and an exciting fire knifedancer are all included with this beachside luau. This luauis excellent for kids of all ages. Adults: $75, Children(3-12): $24.95. 5:00pm-8:00pm (seating begins at 4:30)HANA PICNIC TOUR WITH TEMPTATION TOURSFull day van tours to the Hana rainforest are availabledaily. See the most beautiful area of the Valley Islewithout having to drive the 'Hana Highway' yourself!Magnificent waterfalls, exotic flowers, and black sandbeaches provide the scenic beauty you will never forget.Swim in a waterfall and walk on a black sand beach. Agourmet picnic lunch (incl. smoked chicken and pasta salad)is served on china and linen. This is the first-class wayto enjoy the road to Hana! Limousine/Van tours $134 perperson. 7:00am to 5:30pm.HANA SKY TREK WITH TEMPTATION TOURS! THIS IS THE ULTIMATELAND/AIR TOUR AT A GREAT PRICE!Combine a 40-minute Helicopter tour of Haleakala Crater andthe Hana rainforest with a deluxe five hour limo-van tour.See it all from the air and then land in Hana to swim in awaterfall and walk on a black sand beach. A gourmet picniclunch (incl. smoked chicken and pasta salad) is served onchina and linen. Half-day sky trek tours: $239 perperson. 7:00am-1:15pm or 11:15am-5:30pm.MAUI CAVE ADVENTURESHike with experienced guides deep into the huge subterraneanpassages of one of the world1s largest lava tubes.Witnessthis ancient cavern system replete with stalactites,stalagmites and beautiful flowstone appearing as if it werestill liquid, now solidified for 30,000 years. Enjoy theone hour lava tube tour which is an excellent familyadventure! Most of the cave is easy walking, while certainsections have irregular terrain and natural lava rock stepswhere the trail ascends or descends. The Two Hour 'Wild'Lava Tube Tour is an exploration unlike anything you've everdone. Geared for the physically athletic only. You'll becrawling through tight spots into pristine passages andclimbing a ladder to an 'overtube' on this tour. Allparticipants must be physically fit. Flashlights, gloves,and hardhats provided on both tours and water/energy barsprovided on the two hour tour.Per Person: One Hour Tour $29, Two Hour Tour $69.Children must be 9 years or older for the One Hour Tour and16 years or older for the two Hour Tour.ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PRICES DONOT INCLUDE STATE AND HARBOR TAXES. 24 HOUR CANCELLATIONPOLICY FOR ALL ACTIVITIES (A FEW HAVE 48 HOUR CANCELLATIONPOLICIES).XB&(/14DHJ0;s0c'\ ""%=%J''((**,,00,2S2k44O6d6:;@;5OJQJH*
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Hawaiian Cruise

Cruise Ship Profiles Cruise Lines - American Hawaii Cruise Home Photo Gallery Cruise Talk Cruise Search Cruise News Search -- Search CruisePage -- Book a Cruise - CruiseServer - Search Caribbean - Search Alaska - Search Europe - 866.469.4733 Forums Cruise Talk Rail Talk Air Talk Destination Talk Hotel Talk Buy Stuff Evolution of the Ocean Liner Poster Reviews - Ship Reviews - Dream Cruise - Ship of the Month - Reader Reviews - Submit a Review - Millennium Cruise Community - Photo Gallery - Join Cruise Club - Cruise News - Cruise Survey - Cruise Jobs - Special Needs - Maritime Q & A - Sea Stories Industry - New Ship Guide - Former Ships - Port Information - Inspection Scores - Shipyards - Ship Cams - Freighter Travel - Potpourri Shopping - Shirts & Hats - Books - Videos - Reservations - Vacation Specials - Web Deals Contact Us - Reservations - Mail - Feedback - Suggest-a-Site - About Us Travel Resources Reservations Destinations Hotels Air Travel Cruise Travel News/Weather SHIP PROFILE American Hawaii SS Independence TravelPage.com Rating : Submit your review here Operator: American Hawaii Cruises Year Built / Last Refurbished: 1951 / 1994 Length / Tonnage: 682 / 30,900 Number of Cabins / Passengers: 406 / 872 Officers / Crew: American / American Operating Area: Year-round Hawaii Telephone / Fax: Tel 150 2244 / Fax 150 2244 Review by Mark H. Goldberg, TravelServer.net, Cruise Editor Hawaii captures you, soothes and enchants you, she lets you hangloose and envelop yourself in the bright colors of her land andsea. Sail the INDEPENDENCE and it won't be long before you'redecked out in a loud, colorful Hawaiian shirt and enjoying lifethe Old Hawaiian Way. Simply because the State of Hawaii iscomprised of islands, the ideal way to approach them is from thesea and the best way to see them is by this wonderful old cruiseship. Able to produce a maximum of 55,000 shaft horsepower at 150rpms, her steam turbines geared to twin screws are a sight tobehold. When she was new the INDEPENDENCE showed how powerfulthat is when she steamed at just over 26 knots on her trials offCape Cod. By international rules, when new, the INDEPENDENCE was theeleventh largest liner in the world and certainly one of thefastest. The big question was...would anyone care? For spoken intones of a flat declaratory to a shrill protest the cry "No onetravels in an American ship!" was heard in steamship agencies andsmart parties the world over. Experienced travelers and neophytesalike looked upon American ships with a bemused condescension,secure in the "knowledge" that in terms of food and service,those "Yankee" liners just couldn't produce - the foreign linerswere better. American ships had a severe image problem. Yet theAmerican twins INDEPENDENCE and her identical twin CONSTITUTIONsoon proved themselves extraordinarily popular, hostingglittering rosters of notables intent on sailing under the "Starsand Stripes". Movie producers were drawn to them. Cary Grant andDeborah Kerr starred in "An Affair to Remember" costarrinq theCONSTITUTION. After United States Lines stodgily rebuffed Desilustudios, American Export sent plenty of material and film footageof the twin liners to Hollywood. Who among us can ever forgetLucille Ball "landing" by helicopter on the after Bridge Deck ofthe CONSTITUTION? And yes...THIS is the INDEPENDENCE the agent onthe pier mentioned when he told a distraught Lucy that she couldget to Europe on the following sailing... So great was theirpopularity that in 1958 American Export Lines sent both ships formajor overhauls. Fitting additional First Class cabins, theforward ends of their superstructures were massively altered. Forall that, against the ANDREA DORIA and CRISTOFORO COLOMBO andlater the LEONARDO da VINCI and the superliners MICHELANGELO andRAFFAELLO on the "Sunny Southern Route", the American liners justcouldn't compete. The results of a projected trio of 20,000 ton express liners forthe Mediterranean route, these ships began to take shape as farback as 1940 when American Export Lines, Inc. planned for thefuture. It would be YEARS before any such ships were built andwhen they were, there were two, not three. And bucking anAmerican Export Line tradition, the two ships were not givennames beginning with "EX" but were instead named for historicU.S. Navy frigates. Had the intended third sister been built, shewould likely have been named CONSTELLATION. Asking for inputfrom many quarters, it is Gustavo Pulitzer, famed Italianinterior designer who should be given first initial credit formany of the pleasing touches in the ultimate form of theseclassic liners. Noted American industrial designer Henry Dreyfussin collaboration with the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporationdeserves credit as the designers of the INDEPENDENCE and hersister CONSTITUTION. With the help of mail contracts and buildingsubsidies to pay the $25,000,000 each ship cost (that's over $150million each, in TODAY's dollars!) two ships were laid down atBethlehem Steel Company's Quincy, Massachusetts yards at thevery end of the 1940's, the INDEPENDENCE on March 29, 1949, theCONSTITUTION on July 12th. Their plans included many eventualdefense and military needs so safety provisions, fire proofing andrapid convertibility to trooping requirements took first place inthe design of the pair. And the INDEPENDENCE is still a very safeship today! Debuting with a 53 day cruise to the Mediterranean, Red Sea andIndia in 1951, the INDEPENDENCE got into service before theItalian postwar liners came out and captured the cream of theItaly trade. And even had the competition been less, theINDEPENDENCE and CONSTITUTION would have been hard pressed tomeet the enormous costs of operating under the American flageither on their regular Atlantic service or on cruises throughthe Mediterranean or to the Caribbean. By the late 1960s theseAmerican liners were desperate for money and American ExportLines entered into an agreement with Diner's Club/Fugazy to jazzup the twin ships. Only the INDEPENDENCE was actually updated toappeal to a "mod" generation and when she appeared with Harlow'seyes peering out from her halo of a "mod" sunburst on her whitehull, eyes rolled in contempt. Before the ship lover knew it, sheand the CONSTITUTION were gone from our lives. Withdrawn by 1968,the CONSTITUTION went into idleness at Jacksonville, Floridafollowed a few months later by the INDEPENDENCE which was laid upat Baltimore with their fleet mate ATLANTIC. Reports of a sale ofone or both of the sisters to Chandris came to naught. A plan tooperate the INDEPENDENCE on charter by Wall Street Tours, aManhattan based travel company also went nowhere. Should theyfind buyers willing to operate them, they would be but shadows oftheir former selves. The ships were idle for years until 1974 when fabled Chineseshipowner C.Y. Tung came to their rescue. Buying the pair with anobligation to return them to the control of the United Statesgovernment in time of war, he had each ship's twin funnelsrepainted with his signature livery, a red chrysanthemum on buff.Prefacing each ship's name with "OCEANIC", he sent them to HongKong. Some work was found for the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE but nonefor her sister which now rode at anchor in the shadow of VictoriaPeak. For a while in 1975 the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE shuttledbetween Lisbon and Angola carrying refugees, mostly civiliansfleeing Angola to Portugal Lisbon. Then, despite several goodintentions, she was again retired and returned to lay up. When Matson and later Pacific Far East Line went out of thepassenger business leaving the piers at Aloha Tower bereft ofpassenger tonnage save the occasional cruise caller, C.Y. Tungsaw possibilities where others saw problems and investigated thepossibility of operating his beautiful OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE as acruise ship among the Hawaiian Islands. But since Congressthought to protect American ship owners and shipbuilders as earlyas 1886, any ship operating Hawaii cruises would have to haveAmerican registry. American ships sold abroad are ineligible toreturn to U.S. registry except in time of war. Though Americanbuilt, the ship was now registered abroad and THAT could havebeen a big problem for the proposed weekly cruises through theHawaiian islands. Unanimously approved by both the U.S. Senateand House of Representatives in 1979, an Act of Congress broughtthe OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE back under the Stars and Stripes andallowed American Hawaii Cruises to go into business. The pleasanttask of refurbishing the graceful vessel for modern cruisingbegan. Eliminating class distinctions, upgrading cabins on thelower decks and altering the decor to include the soft atmosphereof the Hawaiian Islands, the OCEANIC INDEPENDENCE was ready tobegin a new life. Wearing a traditional Hawaiian lei at her stemas she arrived off Honolulu for the first time, she paused offPearl Harbor long enough to drop a wreath in memory of Americanforces killed in the surprise attack there on December 7, 1941. But after that, at least since her maiden sailing on her 7 daycruise circuit of the major islands on June 21, 1980, the gentleHawaii of the tradewinds reigns supreme aboard this wonderfulship. In the meantime American Hawaii Cruises has changed handstwice and the newest owners, who also own the wonderfulMISSISSIPPI QUEEN, AMERICAN QUEEN and DELTA QUEEN decided toupgrade and substantially improve the INDEPENDENCE. In 1994 theship was withdrawn from service and sent to Newport NewsShipbuilding and Drydock Company where she was extensivelyrefitted and prepared to last another forty five years! Conceived to be an example of luxurious modernAmerican living at sea the INDEPENDENCE still offers relaxedelegance in a bright and airy modern decor reflecting the naturalbeauty and colors of Hawaii. The INDEPENDENCE has acres of deck space and both open andcovered promenades. The design of the ship includes a pair ofwings over the old Sea Isle Club, once the First Class pool. Fromthere you have an eaqle's view of the festivities on the afterdecks. It's also a great place to see and not be noticed...Justbeyond the former Sunlane Club, now called the Ohana Lounge isthe big swimming pool and its surrounding lido is the scene ofmany a party. The main public rooms are the semicircularCommodore's Terrace...aft on Kamaa'ina (formerly Promenade) Deckwhere evenings are welcomed with a cocktail and a tune from thetalented pianist. Next is the Hoi Hoi Showplace where sightlinesare mostly good and the efforts of the cruise staff and twoHawaiian dance troupes are shown during nightly shows.Centerpiece of the INDEPENDENCE's public rooms, though, is theKama'aina Lounge...newly thought out and opened up during herrecent refit...so it now extends to the floor to ceiling windowsof the former glass enclosed promenade. Tropical in decor it'sworth a visit if only to write a postcard home...if you can evenremember you had a life before you came to Hawaii. One deck below are the Ohana Lounge and the Ohana Buffet...theformer providing seating for people feasting from the buffet aswell as offering a venue for some late night entertainments. Waydown deep in the ship is a cinema while in spaces once occupiedby Tourist Class public rooms on Maui (formerly A) Deck are thegym and a conference center. There are generally two sittings at dinner, mostbreakfasts and lunches are served in open sittings. Down in the420 seat Hibiscus Dining Room on sailing night there's a buffet.The more intimate 110 seat Orchid Dining Room doesn't operate onSaturday night...it opens for breakfast on Sunday morning. "Aha!"you'll think if you are skeptical of American tonnage - the hotdogs. "There must be something fishy here...Is this an Americanship? This is a sumptuous set up and it looks good," you'llthink. That's what I thought the first time and every time I'vesailed since as I pile on enough shrimp, roast beef and assortedfoodstuffs to choke a pig. A steward brightly garbed in an Alohashirt will escort you to a table and your culinary adventurebegins. For a change I cannot say enough about the food in theINDEPENDENCE. Maybe it's because my expectations were low ormaybe because the food is so good...in fact the food is usuallybetter than good and I'll spill the beans...one feisty old lady,a Mrs. Gottrocks in her own right...and something of a cruiseship reviewer proclaimed the only cruise ship to serve betterfood than she ate on the INDEPENDENCE was the SEA GODDESS I, anaccolade I surely second.... You will eat so well aboard this ship I'd be surprised if you'reable to muster up the curiosity to investigate the midnightsnack. If the lunch buffet doesn't tempt you and the menu in the DiningRoom does, GO...even if you feel less than hunger pangs. Iremember sitting down and thinking "Drat!, foiled again! No HotDogs" - but for simple meals there are great burgers assembled asyou like them, a big sandwich and several choices of hot dishes. Every brochure in the business trumpets the praises of the shin'scuisines so loudly that few can really deliver. American HawaiiCruises has always underplayed its claims to wonderful foodthough the food aboard the INDEPENDENCE is a treat. Somewherebehind the scenes in this American operation must be a Jewish orItalian grandmother demanding that all hands be overfed! Underlining the contemporary American way of living, there was solittle cleavage between First and Cabin class spaces it seemedthat most cabins were interchangeable between the two. And therewas a lot of truth in that for 40% of the 1,003 berths in eachship were interchangeable among classes. Only 205 berths werepermanently graded First Class, 109 always Cabin Class and 258full time Tourist Class. That flexible passenger arrangement gaveAmerican Export Lines tremendous leeway in following marketdemands. Highlight of modern American living were cabinsconvertible to sitting rooms by day. Most cabins are still soequipped and that sofa you use in the afternoon is a verycomfortable bed - because it's not a pull out...the sofa back folds down to reveal a thick comfortable mattress. TheINDEPENDENCE is a one class ship now offering a dazzling 13different varieties of private quarters from tiny Category GBudget Cabins (both inside and outside available) to a CategoryAAA Superior Suite...Category D is the lowest grade for two lowerbeds but for this cruise...your cabin is not where you will wantto be. Take a look at an outside cabin on A deck forward. Decorated withHawaii in mind, it has a Hawaiian name as well as a number. It'sbig enough to sleep four comfortably and the round portholereminds you you are aboard ship. Once you unpack you will bepuzzled by the surfeit of storage space for there are enoughclosets for a dowager and enough drawers for an apothecary. What is small, though, is the shower...but that good Americanplumbing is happily in evidence. American Hawaii Cruises is very"INTO" Hawaii...so much so that one of the most popular employeesaboard ship is the KUMU, the Hawaiian story teller....whose jobit is to tell the visitor as much as possible about Hawaiianlore, customs and culture... Around twilight time on Saturdayevenings, passengers gather in the Hoi Hoi Showplace for aHawaiian Show, one show aboard ship I'm glad I saw. Thisextravaganza of Hawaiian music and hula dancing and memories ofthe "Aloha" that evening will remain with you long after theINDEPENDENCE stops sailing. With the full range of usual cruiseship activities enhanced by some like lei making and ukelelelessons apropos in these parts, it's not hard to imagine how mostpassengers spent their day at sea. I saw some at breakfast in theDining Room where the extraordinary personalities of friendlystaff broke the ice of a first morning at sea. I saw others atthe breakfast buffet while I was on my way to stock up withlogoed souvenirs in the ship's signature shop. But a visit to theNavigation bridge of THIS ship always gets me and I alwaysvisit...even if only for another look at the framed noticeinstructing the officer on watch to take the ship immediately tosea in the event of a nuclear attack. My favorite Hawaiian island is always the one I'm on and I thinkI'd like to keep with the INDEPENDENCE until I have done everyshore excursion the line offers... and at last count there are 56of them. Getting ready to board the INDEPENDENCE I grin like ahyena even before a lei is placed around my neck and I pause forthe obligatory mug shot cruise lines like to sell boardingpassengers. Even before sailing the INDEPENDENCE offers a lot ofthe Hawaii experience but for me one of the best is the moment ofdeparture on this unique American flag ocean liner. Once out ofthe harbor the ship turns to port and is soon off Waikiki. Sunday - It's not far from one island to the next but Sundays are spent at sea and for most of the day from nearly anywhere outon one of her 23,000 feet of open dock space, you can look outand see islands, Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, depending uponthe circuitous route the Captain chooses to navigate. An activesort, I spent usually spend Sunday afternoons aboard theINDEPENDENCE in a deck chair outside the Surfrider Bar, hardlyable to pause later for some fresh popcorn. When Monday morning comes...be ready for a wonderful time onKauai, the Garden Island. There should be time for a drive out toHanalei Bay. If there is a prettier spot than that end of Kauai,its not on this planet. It's vaguely around the corner from theNa Pali coast, a formation of lushly covered steep cliffsshrouding pretty beaches accessed only by boat orhelicopter.Compelling is the word for the helicopter trip theline offers for a look at those cliffs which rise majesticallyfrom the sea. It's a toss up as to which is lovelier...Kauai orMaui but since the ship arrives at Kahului, Maui on Tuesday foran overnight call, you have plenty of time to check it out anddecide for yourself IF YOU CAN! Maui, so deservedly popular withvacationers, exudes a charm of her own. From the jumbled strandsof spaghetti paved into a road called the Hana highway, a 55 milecourse through landscape inordinately compelling to the majesticIao valley, Maui is a sensual delight. Never mind that AmericanHawaii brings a fabulously rousing Hawaiian show to entertainpassengers here. It's during the Maui call that American Hawaiioffers a shore excursion like no other. Uncommercial in theextreme, it's Tour 32 (at least it USED to be), not a trip forthe queasy or the debile. Leaving the ship's side at 3:30 AM,participants follow a tour leader and bike down the slopes fromthe summit of Mt. Haleakala, 10,000 feet above sea level.MAGNIFICENT! On Thursday the INDEPENDENCE calls at Hilo on the Big Island ofHawaii where you can pick up another rental car and drive it toAkaka Falls, catch another look at Volcano National Park, drivedown the Chain of Craters Road and maybe have lunch in town.(Whatever you do...DON'T bother with the buffet at VolcanoHouse...) To me it is near Hilo, sleepy, rainy little Hilo, wherethe air is gentlest and the breeze softest. Kona on the bright,dry side of this big island is the next port and the INDEPENDENCEanchors there on Friday mornings and the tender gives youflawless views of the ship as it pulls away, runs alongside andcuts across the liner's gently raking bows. Coffee plantations,macadamia nut farms and the Parker ranch are on this side of theBig Island. After the INDEPENDENCE clears Kona on Friday evening, my leiwent into the sea from the after deck. I know that it washedashore and will bring me back...A week in the INDEPENDENCE speedsby like an hour, drawing all to soon to a close. This graciousGRANDE DAME really does turn on its ear for all time must be thatabsurd old saw, "No one travels in an American ship" for here inthe waters of Hawaii the INDEPENDENCE is deservedly popular, anAmerican ship that wins the hearts of most who sails with her. The "who's who" of who has sailed in the INDEPENDENCEor CONSTITUTION at some point in the ship's career really doesread like "Who's Who" for so many names in that book have been onthe ships' passenger lists. It was President Reagan who happilysigned the bill to bring the CONSTITUTION back under Americanregistry. He was familiar with these ships and had been aboardthe INDEPENDENCE for a Governors' conference back in the 1960'swhen he was Governor of California. A framed photograph of himand Mrs. Reagan hangs in the ship's wheelhouse. It is said thatwhen he took the helm the ship veered slightly to the right... People demanding nonstop 24 hour a day loud action accompanied bypulsating bass may not enjoy a cruise in this ship (though I'd besurprised if there is ANYONE who doesn't enjoy a 7 nightINDEPENDENCE cruise). This ship is particularly popular withpeople over 40 who seem to enjoy the sock hop, pajama party andother events calculated to please us aging "boomers" but there isa lot here for everyone - from toddlers to great grandpa!. The first time I set out for Honolulu to takethis ship I hoped for the best and expected the worst. Visions ofplastic cups, paper plates and hot dogs, motel modern style andindifferent American service filled my dream track the nightbefore my first sailing in this ship. Well I needn't haveworried! That cruise was marvelous. Now, after a multi-milliondollar refit and plenty of attention to detail, the ship exudes awarm, friendly Hawaiian air. In a nutshell...this ship and her 7night Hawaii cruise is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 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