Disney adds second L.A.-to-Hawaii cruise next year

HONOLULU (AP) — Disney is sailing a second cruise to Hawaii next year.
The first cruise is due to leave Los Angeles on April 29 and last 15 days. The ship will visit Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hilo on the Big Island. The trip also includes a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.
The second cruise stops in the same places but lasts 14 nights. It leaves Los Angeles on Oct. 14.
Disney Cruise Line said Thursday it added the second cruise after receiving an "overwhelming response" to the first. President Karl Holz says it's clear guests want more options to visit Hawaii.
The company says rates start at $1,800 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Disney Cruise LIne's first Hawaiian cruise, in April of 2012, sold out so rapidly that the cruise line has added a second sailing to Hawaii. Now you can book a 14 day sailing, leaving October 14 and including 8 days at sea, as well as a trip to America's little slice of Pacific paradise.
But what is it like to spend 14 days at sea? Some people balk at the cruise length, especially with so many sea days. I've done repo cruises and gone through the Panama Canal on a lenghty journey, so here is what to expect based on my experience:
-Will you be bored? I wondered about boredom prior to my repo cruise, which had six days straight at sea. As it turned out, I relished the tranquility of not having anywhere to be, unless I chose to be there, and being able to stay busy with onboard activities or to do nothing but lounge on the deck and watch the ocean. You might not like the sea days if you always have to be on the go; otherwise. they're a real treat. Disney has movies, wine tastings, Bingo, family games, entertainers and plenty of other activities and options to make the days fly by.
-Will you get seasick? Seasickness is always a possibility if you end up with rough seas, and that's hard to predict. I took the repo cruise returning to Florida and the water was as smooth as glass, but I heard that the trip to Europe was very rocky. You can ward off some of the problem by booking a stateroom low in the ship and in the middle or towards th back. Think of the ship as an upside down pendulum. Most of the motion is high up and forward. Also, bring seasickness medication and Seabands (an accupressure remedy).
-Will you gain weight? Disney cruises serve sumptuous food, so it's easy to pack on a few extra pounds when the cruise line chefs cook for you for 14 days. But you don't have to gain weight; deck 4 has a nice walking/jogging path, and there's a fully equipped gym. Make a commitment with yourself to exercise every day and to turn down those wildly tempting desserts every now and then.