Hawaiian Gifts Websites Home

Order Hawaiian Gifts from the tested safest Hawaiian Gifts stores. Tested Safest Websites - Order Hawaiian Gifts Merchant Services Order from the Tested Safest Hawaiian Gifts Websites Home > Gifts > Hawaiian Gifts Best Price Gift Baskets Best Price Gift Baskets Know Before You Go! Your online super store for purchasing exquisite gifts, flowers, and gift baskets.Looking for gift ideas? Here at best price gift baskets we have the best gifts for your friends, family, and love ones.Products such as gift baskets, flower gift baskets, fruit baskets, gourmet gift baskets, for occasions such as Christmas, Mothers day birthday, holiday, Thank you, Anniversary, Valentines and many more. Company Details Hawaii Flower Lei Send a Gift of Aloha! Know Before You Go! Explore our Lei Gallery including our exclusive collection of unforgettable Orchid Leis, sacred Maile, sweet smelling Pikake, colorful Everlasting Keepsake, and a variety of other beautiful Hawaiian flower leis.. and send a gift of Aloha today! Company Details 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Trusted Guide To Gifting Know Before You Go! For more than 25 years, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has helped millions of customers connect to the people they care about with a broad range of thoughtful gifts, award-winning customer service and its unique technology and fulfillment infrastructure. The Companys product line - including flowers, plants, gourmet foods, candies, gift baskets and other unique gifts - is available to customers around the world via: the Internet (www.1800flowers.com); by calling 1-800-FLOWERS (1-800-356-9377) 24 hours a day; or by visiting one of the Company-operated or franchised stores. Company Details Wine Country Gift Baskets Beautiful, Affordable Gift Baskets Know Before You Go! For more than 20 years, Wine Country Gift Baskets has helped customers connect to the people they care about with beautiful affordable gift baskets and world-class customer service. Its gourmet foods, chocolate, spa, corporate and wine gift baskets are available to customers within the USA via: Web (www.WineCountryGiftBaskets.com); Phone 1-800-394-0394 5am-6pm PT; or by FAX 714-525-0746 24 hours/day. Company Details Nautical Tropical Unique Nautical and Tropical Decor & Gifts Know Before You Go! Our store features unique nautical and tropical decor, mermaids, lamps and lanterns, portholes, birds, sponges, nautical antiques, clocks, buoys, pub signs, bronze statues and tables, hand carved wood, and more at great prices! Company Details 1 - 5 of 5 List Your Website Gifts All Occasion Gifts Alpaca Art Gifts Baby Gifts Balloons Bath and Body Gifts Bedding Bridesmaid Gifts Calendars Candleholders Candles Ceramic Bisque Christian Gifts Christmas Gift Ideas Cigars Corporate Gifts Crystal Cutlery Doctor Gifts Entertainment Flower Girl Gifts Get Well Gifts Gift Baskets Gift Certificates Gift Ideas Gift Packaging Gift Towers Gifts for Her Gifts for Him Gifts for Kids Glassware Gourmet Gift Baskets Greeting Cards Groomsmen Gifts Hawaiian Gifts Holiday Gifts Hummels Incense Irish Gifts Jewish Gifts LDS Gifts Limoges Maine Gifts Memorial Trees Military Gifts Music Boxes Native American Gifts Nautical Gifts Novelty Gifts Office Gifts Pens Personalized Gifts Pet Lover Gifts Pewter Porcelain Potpourri Retail Gifts Romantic Gifts Rose Gifts Smoking Southwest Gifts Soy Candles Special Occasion Gifts Sporting Goods Sports Gifts Stationery Stock Quotes Swarovski Teacher Gifts Tobacco Travel Unique Gifts Wedding Gifts Wholesale Gifts Wrapping Paper Writing Instruments Categories Art Beauty Business Cars Clothing Computers and Web Education Electronics Entertainment Finance Flowers Food and Kitchen Gifts Health and Wellness Hobbies Holidays Home and Family Hot Topics Jewelry Lawn and Garden Pets Saving Money Self Help Special Events Sports Toys and Games Travel Vision Home Page - Corporate Info - Contact Info. - List Your Website © 2004 Safe Shopping Network. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement - Terms of Use/Disclosure

Hawaii Rental, Hawaii Rentals,

Party Equipment Rentals in Hawaii example: Arizona Party Equipment Rentals Need Help? Click Here and The Professionals Will Come to the Rescue! Party Themes Party Vendors Letter to Editor Vendor Registration Greeting Cards Party Tips Budget Calculator Seating Arrangement Message Boards Bridal Shows Address Book We Recommend Contact Me Please Vendors by Region Link to Us Wine Member Registration Popular Searches Search results for Party Equipment Rentals in Hawaii . Party Rentals > Party Equipment Rentals Local and National Listings of Companies that Specialize in Party Rentals and Wedding Rentals for Parties, Wedding and Events. Results 1 - 20 of 185 listings in Hawaii Garcia's Tents Serving Nationwide 800-880-8368 Margarita Xpress, Houston Margarita Machines Serving Nationwide 713-418-0312 Mr. Margarita, Margarita Machine Rentals Serving Nationwide 713-664-7482 Food Cooling Supplies - Underwater Party Lights Serving Nationwide 866-93C-HILL Fantasy World Entertainment Serving Nationwide 800-757-6332 Party Land Kailua Kona, HI 808-329-1003 Big Island Tents Kamuela, HI 808-885-3534 Ventura Party Rentals Hawi, HI 808-889-6358 Presidential Tent Rental Kihei, HI 808-879-1249 Pacific Isle Rentals Kihei, HI 808-280-9686 Party Paradise Kahului, HI 808-871-5131 Fun On The Run Kahului, HI 808-877-4386 Maui Rents & Sales Kahului, HI 808-877-5827 Audio Visual Extravaganzas Inc Wailuku, HI 808-244-1127 Party Pizzazz Honolulu, HI 808-735-1510 Party Pizzazz Kailua, HI 808-262-5553 Aloha Party Rentals & Supply Kailua, HI 808-261-0885 Contemporary Captures Photo Kaneohe, HI 808-237-8612 Funtastic Party Rentals & Supply Honolulu, HI 808-840-1900 Accel Party Rentals & Design Honolulu HI 808-484-2258 Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The backbone of a party is of course, the Party Supplies. Without the Party Supply, it just wouldn’t be a party. While certain types of small, disposable Party Supplies are available for purchase, larger, re-usable supplies such as Tables and Chairs are only available for rental. Party Rentals and Wedding Rentals are available from Party Rental supplies houses. Party Planning is certainly not complete without factoring in these types or Rentals into the budget. Best always to consult with a Party Planner before planning any large-scale event. Party Planners are the best-trained professionals in the business who can plan your event out, even down to the finest budgetary details as well as the seating arrangement. As our name implies, PartyPop.com is your on-line resource for local and national listings or Rental Companies specializing in Party, Wedding and Event Rental Items and Supplies. These listings can also be found under the following search phrases: Hawaii Party Rentals, Hawaii Wedding Rentals, Hawaii Party Equipment Rentals, Hawaii Party Equipment Rental, Hawaii Wedding Equipment Rentals, Hawaii Rental, Hawaii Rentals, Hawaii Margarita Machines, Hawaii Party Rental, Hawaii Party Rentals, Hawaii Wedding Rental, Hawaii Party Equipment, Hawaii Margarita Machine, Hawaii Wedding Rentals, Hawaii Party Supply, Hawaii Party Supplies, Hawaii Party Planning, Hawaii Party Planner, Hawaii Party Planners, Hawaii Margarita Machine Rentals, Hawaii Margarita Machine, Hawaii Margarita Machine Rental, Hawaii Frozen Drink Machine Rentals, Hawaii Frozen Drink Machine Rental, Hawaii Bubble Blowers, Hawaii Foam Machines, Hawaii Shaved Ice Machines, Hawaii Snow Cone Machines, Hawaii Foam Fluid, Hawaii Snow Machines, Hawaii photo booths Related search phrases: Party Rentals Los Angeles Wedding Rentals Houston Party Equipment Rentals Texas Party Rentals San Francisco Wedding Rentals Related Message Boards: Birthday Party Corporate Event Wedding Bands Party Planning Party Supplies Prom Dress Quinceanera Ideas Wedding Download a free evaluation copy of the award winning Seating Arrangement event and wedding planning software . click... click... done! Categories: Event & Wedding Photographers , DJs , Video Productions , Wedding Bands , Inflatables & Moonbounce , Limousine , Wedding Coordinators , Clowns , Party Rentals , Caterer , Male Strippers , Party & Event Planners , Exotic Female Dancer , Magic Show , Children's Party , Casino Party , Caricature Artist , Minister , Chocolate Fountains , Celebrity Look-Alikes & Impersonators , Balloon Bouquet , Corporate Events , Linen Rental , Portrait Studios , Florists & Flower Shops , Belly Dancing , Party Invitations , Audio Visual & Sound Equipment , Party Tents , Party & Wedding Favors , Make-up Artist , Entertainers , Event Producers , Wedding Dresses , Bachelorette Party , Entertainment Agencies , face Painter , Coffee Bar , Food Servers , Jazz Bands , more... Planning a party? Planning a wedding? Planning an event? Simply fill in a few details and the professionals you need will contact you directly. Anniversary | Baby Shower | Bachelor | Bachelorette | Baptism Bar Mitzvah | Bat Mitzvah | Birthday | Bridal Shower | Briss | Christian Holidays Confirmation | Corporate Event | Corporate Picnic | Engagement | Family Reunion | Quinceanera School Prom / Graduation | School Reunion | Sweet Sixteen | Wedding Send This Page to a Friend Your Name: Your Email: Friend's Email: Are you a vendor? Add your listing to our Party Equipment Rentals Directory Regions: Alaska , Alabama , Arizona , Phoenix , Bay Area , California , Inland Empire , Los Angeles , Orange County , Sacramento , San Diego , San Francisco , Santa Barbara , Southern California , Colorado , Denver , Connecticut , Hartford , New Haven , Washington DC , Delaware , Florida , Fort Myers , Jacksonville , Miami , Orlando , Pensacola , Tampa , Atlanta , Georgia , Savannah , Hawaii , Iowa , Idaho , Chicago , Illinois , Indiana , Indianapolis , Kansas , Kansas City , Kentucky , Boston , New England , Worcester , Baltimore , Bethesda , Maryland , Maine , Detroit , Grand Rapids , Minneapolis/St.Paul , Minnesota , Missouri , St. Louis , Montana , Raleigh , Manchester , Atlantic City , New Jersey , Newark , New Mexico , Las Vegas , Nevada , Brooklyn , Long Island , Manhattan , New York City , Rochester , Cincinnati , Cleveland , Ohio , Oklahoma , Canada , Ontario , Oregon , Portland , Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Providence , Rhode Island , Nashville , Austin , Dallas , Houston , San Antonio , Texas , Utah , Arlington , Richmond , Virginia , Vermont , Seattle , Washington , Milwaukee , more... Party Links | Wedding Links | Event Links | Top Vendors | Top Categories | Popular Searches Home | About | Contact | Wine | Regions | Impersonators | Links Portland Party Works Portland Party Equipment Rentals 503-723-8300 The Northwest's most experienced interactive entertainment company, having served the west coast for over 14 years. Serving Oregon and Washington State with party equipment rentals. Total Entertainment - Party Equipment Rentals Boston Party Rental Equipment 978-777-2050 Total Entertainment is the ultimate choice when it comes to Party Equipment Rentals in Massachusetts. We offer a wide variety of Equipment that will bring your event to the next level. Party Station, Inc. Sacramento Wedding Rentals 916-966-8100 Party Station, Inc. is here to help you with all of your rental, party, special event, wedding, and business needs. We offer everything you need to make your event as joyous as you imagine it to be. Abc Party Rentals - San Diego Party Rental San Diego Party Equipment Rentals 619-476-2222 ABC Party Rental will fulfill your rental needs & transform your event into beautiful lasting memories. For wedding, graduation party, corporate events or other reunions we service San Diego County Fantasy World Entertainment Wedding Rentals Florida 800-757-6332 A family owned business, Fantasy World Entertainment is an event production company that features party rentals for parties, weddings and corporate events throughout the country. Funtastic Party Rental Philadelphia Party Rentals 610-358-2740 Funtastic Party Rentals has become the Tri-States leading corporate event and party outfitter for party equipment rentals. Call us today for all of your Party Rentals needs in Philadelphia, PA Queens Party Rentals Los Angeles CA Party Equipment Rentals 818-507-0016 Behind every great event planner, caterer, production company or private party, you will find a great Party Rental company. Queens Party Rental is that company. Portland Party Works Portland Party Equipment Rentals 503-723-8300 The Northwest's most experienced interactive entertainment company, having served the west coast for over 14 years. Serving Oregon and Washington State with party equipment rentals. Total Entertainment - Party Equipment Rentals Boston Wedding Rentals 978-777-2050 Total Entertainment is the ultimate choice when it comes to Party Equipment Rentals in Massachusetts. We offer a wide variety of Equipment that will bring your event to the next level. Party Station, Inc. Sacramento Wedding Rentals 916-966-8100 Party Station, Inc. is here to help you with all of your rental, party, special event, wedding, and business needs. We offer everything you need to make your event as joyous as you imagine it to be.

Tropic Hawaiian

Hawaiian Tropic Girls | Bikini Contests | Lisa Perry Colts Cheerleader | Swimsuit Models Home Hawaiian Tropic Girls Contest Photos Sponsors Contact Get the latest Hawaiian Tropic Events news daily: 01.15.06 (2:49 AM) - Hawaiian Tropic Events is pleased to announce that we have just posted photos of former NFL Colts Cheerleader Lisa Perry in our photo gallery. Lisa Perry was recently featured in the December Issue of Playboy Magazine and will be attending the Fat Friday: Salute to New Orleans Party being held in Detroit the same week as Super Bowl XL. 01.15.06 (12:55 AM) - Make sure to checkout our latest edition to the Hawaiian Tropic Models section, Tianna Loxx . 01.13.06 (2:31 AM) - You can purchase tickets to the hottest party being held in Detroit during Super Bowl weekend, Hawaiian Tropic invites you to Fat Friday: Salute to New Orleans Party . Tickets on sale now, while supplies last. 01.03.06 (4:11 AM) - A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available for the Hawaiian Tropic Fat Friday Party being held in Detroit. Contact us if your company has any interest or for group ticket sales. 12.31.05 (11:59 PM) - Anna and Tom would like to wish everyone a happy and health New Year! 12.30.05 (7:30 PM) - We are very pleased to show you our latest photos of Jessica Canizales . 12.29.05 (4:19 PM) - Attention all models. If you are interested in attending some of the hottest parties in Detroit the week before the Super Bowl make sure to contact us . We are looking to give out free tickets to 300 models to the Body Doubles party on Thursday the 2nd of February and the Hawaiian Tropic Party on Friday the 3rd. 12.27.05 (3:08 PM) - Make sure to visit our latest bikini model photo gallery to see pictures of Lesley Kamarad . 12.26.05 (10:43 AM) - Hawaiian Tropic Events is pleased to announce that BetUS.com will be the title sponsor of the Hawaiian Tropic Fat Friday "A Tribute to New Orleans" Party being held in Detroit, Michigan on February 3rd, 2006. The event is being held on the same weekend as the Super Bowl and at the Vault on 151 Fort Street. We will be selling General Admission and VIP tickets starting the second week of January. 12.24.05 (11:59 PM) - Anna and Tom would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season. 12.11.05 (2:11 AM) - We are happy to announce you can now view photos of Hawaiian Tropic bikini model Jillian Beyor . 12.11.05 (2:06 AM) - Make sure you checkout the 2005 Miss Jacksonville Hawaiian Tropic photo gallery. 12.10.05 (8:02 PM) - We will be announcing details about our upcoming Super Football Party being held in Detroit the same weekend as the Super Bowl. 12.09.05 (3:18 AM) - We just launched the 2005 Leesburg Daisy Dukes contest in our photo gallery. 12.04.05 (3:39 PM) - Congratulations to Laura Croft for winning the Miss Hawaiian Tropic - Jacksonville contest that was held at Plush Nightclub. Behind the scenes photos will be published this week. 12.02.05 (10:14 PM) - We just launched a photo gallery of the 2005 Hawaiian Tropic Girls of Costa Rica gallery. 12.02.05 (10:07 PM) - Gambling911.com will be sponsoring and covering the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Model Search in Jacksonville on Saturday December 3rd at Plush Nightclub. Jacksonville is also hosting the 1st Annual ACC Championship game between Virginia Tech and FSU. 12.01.05 (8:36 PM) - We just launched a photo gallery of Miss Hawaiian Tropic of Costa Rica, Wendy Myrie as well as 13 other beautiful Costa Rican Hawaiian Tropic Models. HAWAIIAN TROPIC NEWS FOR NOVEMBER 2005 Site Proudly Sponsored by: Tropic Calendar

Hawaii Honeymoons Get Preview

Kauai Honeymoon Planner, the best honeymoon packages on Kauai Hawaii weddings and Hawaii honeymoons begin here. Home Kauai Oahu Maui Big Island Quick Search: Choose a Category B&B/Rentals Bicycle Tours Boat Catering Dining Diving Event Venues Florists Gifts/Apparel Golf Helicopter (air tours) Hotels/Resorts Land Activities Luau Photo/Video Shopping Spa's Theatre/Entertainment Theme Parties Transportation Walking Tours/Gardens Water Activities Wedding Coordinators Choose an Island All Islands Hawaii Kauai Maui Oahu Home :: Kauai Honeymoon Packages Preview Hawaii Wedding Planner The consummate tool for planning a flawless destination Hawaii wedding. Hot Dates/Hot Rates Press Releases Planning Tips Current Newsletter Hawaii Weddings Hawaii Honeymoons Get Preview Hawaii newsletter Kauai Honeymoon Packages Thank you for your interest in the beautiful island of Kauai for your honeymoon or wedding. Kauai is the oldest, lushest Hawaiian Island. This rural, secluded tropical paradise is a lovers dream. The endless white sand beaches, verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls and tropical flowers create the picture perfect backdrop for your romantic Hawaii vacation. Please review our Kauai page here: Kauai Travel Information There are a number of packages to choose from on Kauai. All packages are based on average airfare from LAX to Lihue, and are subject to change. All packages include: Round trip airfare on American Airlines from LAX to Lihue, Kauai Lodging at 3,4 or 5 star resort on Kauai convertible car rental on Kauai Unlimited time and communication necessary to plan your dream Kauai honeymoon Complimentary Kauai wedding coordination consultation, if applicable Welcome amenity upon arrival on Kauai Maps, restaurant and shopping information for Kauai Package #1: Includes all of the above... Waimea Plantation Cottages: Five nights grove view one bedroom historical cottage on sunny West side of Kauai. Full kitchen included. Pool and restaurant on property. Approximately 45 minutes from airport in Lihue. Oceanfront property. Special round trip airfare Bottle of Champagne on arrival night Two 30 minute massage treatments, to be arranged through Preview Hawaii. Convertible car rental Preview Hawaii concierge services included. Based on five nights. $1300.00 per person, based on double occupancy. Hawaii state taxes not included. Package #2: Includes all of the above.... Radisson Kauai Beach Resort: Five nights Radisson Kauai Beach Resort ocean view room. 3 star resort property with pool, restaurant and concierge services. Approximately 10 minutes from airport in Lihue. Oceanfront property. Special round trip airfare Bottle of Champagne on arrival night $25 daily meal credit Two 30 minute spa treatments Manager's cocktail party each evening from 5-6 pm throughout your stay Polynesian Dance show and Torchlight ceremony nightly, Convertible car rental included, Preview Hawaii concierge services included Complimentary upgrade to ocean view from lagoon view rate. Based on five nights. $1472.25 per person, based on double occupancy. Hawaii state taxes not included. Package #3: Includes all of the above... Sheraton Kauai: Beautiful 4 star property on sunny south side of Kauai. Full resort property includes pool, spa, restaurants and more. Oceanfront property. Fresh Flower Lei Greeting upon arrival Welcome Hawaii Snack Basket One Dinner for two people at The Galleria of Oceanfront Dining Daily Breakfast Buffet for Two Two Sheraton Kauai Beach Towels Nightly Sunset Mai Tai Reception with Hawaiian Entertainment Self Parking Use of Fitness Center Use of Tennis Courts Local On Island Telephone Calls Toll Free and Credit Card access telephone calls In room coffee/tea Use of Guest News Library including internet and email access $1837.50 per person, based on double occupancy. Does not include Hawaii state tax. Package #4 Includes all of the above... Princeville Resort: The Princeville Resort is a stunning five star resort property on the lush North Shore of Kauai. Perched above Hanalei Bay, the commanding views include waterfalls and the majestic Makena Mountain, known as "Bali Hai". Package includes oceanview room. Oceanfront property. Special round trip airfare Bottle of Champagne on arrival night convertible car rental coffee and tea in room daily breakfast for two at Caf Hanalei 50% off award winning golf course, the Prince Course Preview Hawaii concierge services included. $1937.50 per person, based on double occupancy. Hawaii state taxes not included. A la carte Activity Options on Kauai: Helicopter Tour: Special Preview Hawaii price of $149.00 per person. Na Pali Coast Boat Ride: Special rate of $139.00 per person Kauai ATV: Special rate of $79.00 per person Luau: Special rate of $58.00 per person All other Kauai Activities: Custom Welcome Romance Package: Red roses romance package, special Preview Hawaii rate of $300.00 plus tax. Please call us toll free in Hawaii at 866-773-8844, or locally at (808) 823-1133. Mahalo! Home Kauai Oahu Maui Big Island - Hawaii Planner Login Preview Hawaii Advertising Contact Us Travel Resources 2004 Preview Hawaii - Hawaii travel planner for business & leisure Site Directory

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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