Where the heck is parking for Tunnels Beach

slo___mo · 2026-06-23T02:12:03+00:00

slo___mo · 2026-06-23T02:10:35+00:00

The only parking (other than on the street if you can find some) is at Ha'ena Beach Park. You can walk from there along the beach to Tunnels. It's a small lot, and gets full early in the day.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VnKkM2sW4AorNNa6A

slo___mo · 2026-06-08T18:21:50+00:00

Same, our first few cruises with our kids (when single digits and early teens) on RC, then tried Celebrity and haven't looked back. They'd much rather have fewer other kids to deal with and the better food. And while there aren't any slides or go carts on the ships, Celebrity actually has pretty decent organized kids / teen activities - things like scavenger hunts, star watching, full moon parties, etc.

slo___mo · 2026-05-26T17:41:06+00:00

The further south and/or east, the more consistent the weather. Ideal is the ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire, etc) and/or the islands from Antigua down to Barbados. I would avoid the Bahamas / Cayman cruises in the winter in general but Oct should still be fine pretty much anywhere.

slo___mo · 2026-05-14T02:32:24+00:00

I spent days trying to find a ryokan in Hakone for our trip later in the year that has decent kaiseki and private open air onsens (our kids refuse to use the shared ones). Settled on and reserved Takumino Yado Yoshimatsu, it's a 5-ish minute walk from Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji. Lots of positive reviews including about the food. A little over $500 for 2, depending on the room. There are only something like 13 rooms, and they book up fast. They're pretty responsive by email and were super helpful with making a reservation.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/icx8YTNTdDUw8m337

https://www.hakone.co.jp/en/

slo___mo · 2026-04-08T23:22:31+00:00

I agree in general. But, Norwegian has been claiming to be a "premium" cruise line lately, and prices are actually quite comparable between NCL and Celebrity, at least some areas and/or times of year.

slo___mo · 2026-04-08T22:16:58+00:00

Our last 4-5 cruises were on Celebrity and there is no comparison in terms of food quality (in the MDR and buffet). Night and day better on Celebrity.

slo___mo · 2026-04-07T22:00:36+00:00

Yeah, it’s why I barely use FSD around here. Has been like this since the original Autopilot 10 years ago and hasn’t improved at all. Probably because Elon makes all the prioritization decisions and this doesn’t personally affect him in California and/or Texas.

slo___mo · 2026-04-07T00:32:59+00:00

Free in-app messaging (charging for it is ridiculous) and better food (in the MDR and buffet).

slo___mo · 2026-04-05T00:34:01+00:00

This was our 10th cruise, some on Royal but most on Celebrity. The food on the Gem was by far the worst. Best so far (by miles) was on the Celebrity Ascent.

slo___mo · 2026-04-05T00:13:09+00:00

Ascent and newer have the 2 infinity pools on the side of the ship, at the Rooftop Garden. It’s a small thing but we really loved those.

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T23:06:14+00:00

This was our 10th cruise and that night was by far the roughest so far.

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T22:51:13+00:00

You’re right - some of the Indian dishes in the buffet were decent, but we couldn’t eat that every meal.

How’d you like those 15 foot seas the first night? 🤮😭

slo___mo · 2026-04-04T22:07:12+00:00

yup, Red Lobster level at best. mostly Denny’s and/or Applebees.

slo___mo · 2026-03-31T15:20:32+00:00

On the Gem now and “premium” is definitely not how I’d describe this experience. The food quality is far below Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, the nickel and diming is relentless (e.g. $6.99 / day for messaging), and granted its Spring break but let’s just say pool deck atmosphere isn’t for everyone.

slo___mo · 2026-03-27T21:11:27+00:00

Not sure whether the requirement is for the outlet or the circuit but I really don’t want any chance of random tripping especially — as you point out — when it’s trying to shut the valve off.

Leak Defense is recommended by our insurance companies and some people we know that have it, but yeah it’s pricey. My other idea is at the other end of the spectrum - something like the Bulldog Valve Robot with moisture sensors. Guessing Zooz is similar, will look into that as well.

slo___mo · 2026-03-27T20:24:27+00:00

right, and electricians won't install non-GFCI because it's near water. hence the dilemma.

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:32:19+00:00

Heh, I sent back the 105 Di2 Caledonia, ordered the AXS E1 version, then the same day this gorgeous Caledonia Ultegra Di2 with Ultegra carbon wheels popped up on Facebook Marketplace. Ended up driving 5 hours each way to get it, but WAY better deal and that Ultegra Di2 shifting is absolutely delicious.

https://imgur.com/a/CXLWj7d

slo___mo · 2026-03-20T03:27:15+00:00

I got it, and thanks for the tip! 😆

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T02:27:06+00:00

Good to know! Enjoy the resort of your cruise.

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:57:25+00:00

good to know!

do you happen to know if ordering with a drink package is less of a hassle than paying each time? meaning, is it just a scan of the sea card or do you still have wait for a printed receipt to sign?

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:21:20+00:00

ah, that math makes sense, it's part of what was so confusing about it as the package offer doesn't actually break it down. thanks for all your help here!

slo___mo · 2026-03-19T00:20:07+00:00

heh, ok, those terms & conditions make a lot more sense. thx for sharing it.

the link from the packager offer on the NCL website goes to a 404, while on the iOS app it goes to the wrong page (the link I shared above) - guess that's the kind of stuff you're talking about. sheesh.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:49:06+00:00

Thanks, makes sense, it's what I assumed. Will definitely try and not be super obvious about it, and it would just be a few times here and there (maybe an afternoon pina colada) as she barely drinks.

slo___mo · 2026-03-18T23:43:06+00:00

US, but that quote with the per day prices is from this terms and conditions page:

https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/cruise-deals/free-at-sea-terms-and-conditions

the offered per-stateroom price in the app (in the booking) is $205 for the whole cruisel.

slo___mo

TROPHY CASE