I felt steadier on my feet today, mainly because the boat was docked for the first time in a week by the time I rolled out of bed. I drank a bit too much red wine last night as we stayed up late in the Explorer’s Lounge talking to new friends. My wife and her partner had won the onboard Bridge tournament so that was part of our late night celebration. At some point in the middle of the night, my phone clock returned to normal, no longer showing a confusing 2-hour difference. As I double-and-triple checked the time throughout the night, I grew restless as the alcohol prevented me from getting back to sleep.  When I finally left the prone position, rain was in the forecast and the deck was wet and slippery, forcing me back on the boring treadmill. However, I didn’t have to fight the rocking of the boat in addition to a slight hangover, as had been the challenge many previous mornings aboard ship.

We had several hours prior to our afternoon catamaran excursion and filled the time with a shuttle ride and walk around Kauai. We were able to locate the Marriott Vacation Club’s Lagoons resort in Kalanipu’u where we will be staying in just six short weeks. I had worn sandals in preparation for the boat ride so I only made it half-way to the complex with sore feet and waited for my wife as she continued on to check the place out. Satisfied, we returned to the ship for lunch with our late-night pals. They are from Connecticut and frequent travelers with lots to share about travel until it was time for us to meet the tour guide. 

Another bus took us to the catamaran that was really more of a tourist pontoon boat rather than a sleek racing machine. Somewhat disappointed, we took our seats for a ride down the river that was the site of many a movie adventure: Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Ark, King Kong, and South Pacific, as well as the golf comedy, Happy Gilmore were referenced by our guide. Wildlife was scarce on this particular tour but the unique tropical vegetation and green, mountainous backdrop was worth the price of admission. We then watched some surfers, including a dog, show their skills in the Pacific swells. We topped off the afternoon with a dip in the Deck Seven Pool after we returned to the ship. It was good to temporarily experience solid ground before the short commute to Maui tonight.