kapoho2

We just got home from this cruise.  It was probably our 20th NCL cruise, but first time on the Encore and we were very impressed with everything. The big highlight for us was the Beatles Invasion Band that performed the first 5 nights.  We attended all shows and enjoyed them tremendously.  The ship is gorgeous....especially the Observation Lounge.  WOW.  Good work NCL!  It was a perfect week......even if there were 1400 kids on board....that took a bit of patience...lol. 

Good Luck.  It was impossible on the Dawn last week.

Sailed on the NCL Wind several times on the Hawaii itinerary.  These cruises included the 2.5 days down to Fanning Island and the 2.5 days back up to Hawaii.   Many, many, many good times!!!!

We are on the Enchanted now and the passengers are mostly compliant wearing all kinds of masks.  The crew must wear KN95 masks.

Loved your review.  It is our first time on the Breakaway in Nov., so this was helpful.  My heart stopped when you said you realized you packed your pants.....I have bad dreams about that.  Crying and laughing along with you and glad it all worked out.  Thanks again for the review.

Lived in Hilo for 15 years.....and the weather does not change much from season to season.  The rain showers that come and go keep everything lush and green.  GO.....and enjoy the whales......!!!

Thanks so much for taking the time to review your cruise.  Although we have cruised with NCL many times, we will be taking our first on the Breakaway in November.

Thanks so much for the review and the laughs.  Loved reading it.  We are booked on the Breakaway for Nov.  How did you enjoy Rock of Ages?  That show is one on the main reasons for us booking the Breakaway.

Had the Sea Bass at Cagney's twice (but it has been several years) and it was one of the best meals I have ever had in my life.  Ever!!!

Hope it is on the menu on the Breakaway when we sail in Nov. 2019.

I just read that the officials are hoping to reopen VNP on Sept. 22nd. Not sure how much will be open....but I am sure more info will be forthcoming.

I would like to know what wines are included. I heard that this package included one red and one white wine...but does anyone know what brand, etc.?

There is still a Spinnaker Lounge on the Star and the Dawn, but it is now just a dark hole with no windows. It is NOT an observation lounge anymore. It is merely a room (with no windows) where activities, Bingo, etc. takes place. Sad....but true :(

As of a couple of days ago, the lava flow into the ocean has ceased flowing. I am not sure if there are any breakouts higher up on the slopes that can be viewed. However, this can always change as it has over the last few decades. If the lava is not flowing, many cruise lines do not head in that direction when leaving Hilo.

Don't worry about the ponchos. I lived in Hilo for over 15 years and never needed anything like that. The rain showers are usually very brief and will have ended by the time you get your umbrella opened or your poncho on. And, a poncho would probably be too hot. Just enjoy the "liquid sunshine !!!!"

We have had our itinerary changed on Hawaii cruises several times, but have always had a great time. Stuff happens :(

one word....BATHTUB!!

Costco does not always have the lowest price on the Big Island of Hawaii. Many times when we drive over to Costco from Hilo, we find that the price was lower in Hilo. But, it does vary from week to week and month to month. Strange that Hilo often has some of the lowest gas prices around, but we are not complaining ;);)

According to the local news this morning, now that everything has calmed down out at the flow, the lava hose has returned and is flowing stronger than ever!

Another very large chunk of the sea cliff fell into the ocean on New Year's Eve. It's an unstable situation out there.

I was down in the Kalapana area today and there is a large steam plume in the distance which means there is still some lava flowing into the ocean. Probably just not that incredible lava hose that was active last week. There should still be good viewing from the cruise ships.

I was down at the end of the road in Kalapana today and could see a large steam plume rising in the distance. This means that lava is still flowing into the ocean although the "hose" may be gone. I am sure there will still be something to see from the cruise ships.

I also saw the video of the lava boat tour during the collapse. Close call for sure!!

Well, things change quickly with the volcano. Yesterday a large chunk of the sea cliff broke off and fell into the ocean. Details are still sketchy, but it has essentially shut off the spectacular lava "hose." Luckily, no one up on the lava flow or in the lava tour boat in the ocean was killed or hurt. I am sure more info will be in the news today.

The POA will cruise by this lava flow Tuesday evening after leaving Hilo. I am not sure how much can be seen from the ship, but I am sure you will see red glow and steam. Probably a good pair of binoculars would help.

Much of the expense of the seahorse farm tour is for admission. During the tour it is explained that most of the money goes to continuing research. I had no problem with that after being able to see and touch the adorable sea horses!

We cruised from San Diego to Hawaii in May and the first two or three sea days out of San Diego were very cool. Many folks did not have the appropriate clothes. Then it warmed up nicely. As I remember, the seas were never rough during the crossing.