WOOO ladies enjoying a holiday Hawaiian cruise (left to right): Charly McInroy, Ruthe Burgener, Sharon Dunn, Susan Rose, and Marilyn Baker
Dee Berisha
With COVID-19 in the rearview mirror, several Women On Our Own (WOOO) members took to the high seas for a holiday adventure; namely, a cruise to Hawaii. Departing from San Diego for the six-day voyage on Holland America Line to the Hawaiian Islands, along with 2,600 other passengers, were Charly McInroy, Ruthe Burgener, Marilyn Baker, Sharon Dunn, and Susan Rose. Opportunities to relax and stay entertained were provided to the guests as the Pacific Ocean provided its escort. Live entertainment onboard included dance troupes, a magician, a pianist, a vocalist, and several comedians, as well as live music provided in two separate areas of the ship.
Enrichment lectures were offered onboard during the day to share information about the places to be visited on the islands and highlights to take note of. Classes featuring lei making, how to tie and wear a sarong, the basics of playing a ukulele, hula dancing, and flower arranging were just some of the activities provided to bring greater understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture. The Koningsdam ship also hosted pickleball courts and table tennis, as well as a large pool. Delicious food was always available from morning to night, with formal as well as casual dining opportunities.
The first stop was Honolulu, offering a grand island tour of Oahu, then on to Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. The Hilo visit provided an excursion called Land of Frozen Fire where the paths taken by the lava of the Kilauea Volcano could give witness to our planet’s ever-evolving changes. This is the only active volcano in Hawaii, and it erupted several times in 2023. At Kona, whale watching was enjoyed, and the thrill of viewing many whales, including a baby whale, was memorable. Due to rough seas, the ship was unable to make port in Maui, but the entertainment on the World Stage and enjoying the companionship of shipmates provided excellent diversions.
One last stop on the five-day return trip was an evening stop at the port in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. Then it was back to San Diego for an early morning disembarkation.
Women On Our Own is an organization of single women in SaddleBrooke who are not in a committed relationship, but we are never on our own. With so many events and activities that our club provides for our members, there is never a reason to be alone. So, if you are interested in knowing more about WOOO or would like to join, please contact Charly McInroy at [email protected] or 603-387-0149 for a membership form or to find out more. Our dues are $10 per year.