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We were on the POA in June. My husband got the soda package, I did not. And in the cabin next to us my daughter got the package and my mom did not. So everyone in the same cabin does not have to purchase it.

This past June we used Mahalo Tours for a private tour. It was 8 of us. But they also have non private. I highly recommend them, we all loved the tour & our driver, a local, who knew where to stop and where not to stop. It was an all day tour, doing the complete Circle.

During the ride he filled us in on the history of the area and gave great commentary as we drove. Lunch at a local huli huli chicken stand (yum) and drinks and snacks were included.

The road is crazy busy, with blind turns, switchbacks, one lane bridges, hesitant tourists and impatient locals. It was fantastic to sit back and just enjoy the scenery.

I checked out their website - for the Captain Cook/Kealakekua and Dolphin/snorkel tours; they sound fantastic - and eco-friendly. Are they fast boats?

 

Thank you![/quote

 

It wasn’t a speed boat, but it was fast. We were on the grey boat with the octopus legs shown on their website. Great boat. Had shade area for those who wanted it, plenty of cushioned seating (8 of us & we had plenty of room), a marine head (toilet), and a fresh water shower hose to rinse off the salt water when we were done.

Everyone that we toured with in Hawaii (we never do cruise sponsored tours, instead prefer private tours with locals) was very concerned with the environment and not “leaving a footprint”.

They provided drinks & lunch, and excellent history and facts as we cruised along the coast.

One crewmen was in the water with us at all times, we were taught signals to show ok or need help, and the Captain kept watch from the boat.

Another option is to hire Bo Pardeau, an underwater photographer (his info on their website) to accompany us. He got some incredible shots of us in/under the water and with the dolphins. Put my little underwater camera to shame. The photos of the fish are as beautiful and clear as what you see as advertising online.

It was an incredible day. Now we want to go back to night snorkel with the manta rays- NCL doesn’t overnight in Kona darnit. Lol

We used Kona Ocean Adventures for a private snorkel for my party of 8. We did snorkel with the dolphins, if you want to call if that. In the am the dolphins are headed back towards the island after feeding during the night, so they were very chill.

We were given instructions on how to behave in the water as they approached, & our captain got us into position so that we basically stayed still and they came to us and by us.

They were curious and circled us a bit. It was fascinating seeing them so close and hearing all the clicks and whistles as they talked to each other. No one touched them or approached them, we just simply stayed put and let them swim where they wanted. There was no harming of the dolphins, or influencing where they swam. It was a beautiful experience.

After they had checked us out & moved on, we hopped back in the boat to go snorkel by the Captain Cook monument then had lunch on the boat.

Fabulous day with a very professional crew. Highly recommend them.

Is the POA currently going around the south side of the Big Island, past the area of lava entry into the ocean, as it transits from Hilo to Kona, or is she going around the north side of the Island?

We were on the June 23rd sailing, and we did sail past the lava flow. It was a little far but still pretty awesome.

We also attended the Smiths Family Garden Luau in Kauai, used their transportation from the pier. We all really enjoyed it and the grounds are lovely.

Their show encompasses many of the Islands influences, so you get the faster Tahitian hula, fire dance, etc.

Before dinner they do the traditional Imu ceremony

The buffet was delicious, and includes open bar. A group sings for you during dinner. The area for the show is just a short walk away, and the seating area is also under cover.

We were a party of 8 and all were unanimous in our enjoyment.

We were just on the June 23rd sailing and stopped at both Hilo and Kona.

BigIslandCruiser, Glad to hear that you are okay. I have heard the same from some friends on the island. The big problem is the diversion of cruise ships and the visitors canceling plans on the island.:)

The USGS, HVNP and associate groups gave a live update on Facebook at 1:00 PM today (Saturday) that is excellent. (You can find it on the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Facebook page. Use headphones or earbuds to listen because the audio is very low.) The NPS rangers fron HVNP are in Hilo at the marine discovery center giving talks and answering questions. There are a few areas of the HVNP away from Kiluaea that are open, as well as the national historical parks on the west side of the island. We need to get the word out that the Big Island is open for business! (y)

NCL’s PoA is staying overnight in Honolulu tonight then to Kahului, Maui on Monday (overnight) then anchoring at Lahaina the next day then as usual to Kauai.

Does anyone know why they would not go to Maui as usual on Sunday & Monday?

What is the best way to get from Waikiki to the Aloha Stadium swap meet?

Don’t want to take the bus.

There are 6 of us

I see shuttles I can book in advance, or do you know if it is difficult to get an Uber XL?

Thanks!

Great! I was really not wanting to pack bulky beach towels. Thanks !!!

Hi ! On our last cruise on the Getaway we had really nice large beach towels (Not the smaller room bath towels) provided in our cabin. It was great because we could take them on excursions, & just swap them out at the pool deck for dry ones.

Can anyone tell me if the Pride of America also offers these towels ? Thanks!!

I ended up choosing The Hyatt Regency, Oceanfront, and my travel agent got us free breakfast buffet and 1 time use of a poolside cabana for free. It is right in the area I want to be

While I would love the Royal Hawaiian, the price is just too much.

Ozzie’s Mom- I had looked at the Outrigger Reef, but while the hotel is on the beach, it is a little too far from the main strip for me.

And Jennybenny we plan to eat at Dukes !!!! I will be on a mission for Hula Pie !

Thanks for all the input everyone!!

Hi all ! Wanted to get some opinions on which hotel to choose in Waikiki for a 3 night stay after our POA cruise

I have it narrowed down to two

Option 1- Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

City view

Option 2- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort &

Spa. Oceanfront

They both get really good reviews, & are right in the area I want to be. I like the idea of stepping out of the hotel to the beach (Outrigger) but am a little concerned about it seeming crowded. It seems a lot of people not staying there hang out there.

The Hyatt is a little more with the Oceanfront view, but I’m not really going to be in the room a ton, & don’t know if it’s worth it. My husband & kids are liking the more “modern” look of the Hyatt.

What do you think? Opinions please.

Thanks !!

This is a most welcome change! We don't sail till June 2018, but our arrival time has been changed also

Hi everyone! I have another timing question for Hilo. We will be renting a car from Discount Hawaii- my wish list was Punalu'u, the sea arch, VNP and the National Botanical Gardens.

On the map it looks like the sea arch & Punalu'u are up by the VNP.

I know the arch would be a quick stop for a photo, and we wouldn't linger too long at the beach. VNP we would not be going to the museum, just lava tube and crater. Others have posted the gardens took them about 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.

What do you say? Is this too much to try for? Let me know your thoughts. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!!

Oh I didn't even think about this! I'm also booked with this promo & would like to know the answer

Based upon some other recommendations, I booked Mahalo Tours for our Road to Hana excursion. I like the fact that they take 8 passengers in a 14 passenger van so there is plenty of room. Has anyone used this company? Love to hear your experiences.

Could you please report back after your cruise? I am looking at this tour company (Mahalo Tours) and would love to know your experience/thoughts

Thanks everyone!! This is great news. Exactly what I wanted to hear!!

Hello! I posted this over at the POA forum, but no answers, so thought I'd try here.

My question is - what is the earliest time I can expect to be off the ship at the end of our POA cruise? We want to hit the ground running, so to speak, and I'm trying to work out a schedule.

Any info, tips to get off early, etc is greatly appreciated!

Hello. Could anyone tell me the earliest time we could realistically expect to get off the ship? Thanks !

Hello, could anyone tell me if there is a place where I can print out my airline boarding passes? We will be on the Getaway this Sunday, & my daughter has wifi for one of her perks. I know I can probably print them at the airport, but I really just prefer to have them in hand. Thanks!!!

Thanks everyone!!! My beach towels are a little large, & take up quite a bit of luggage space, so not having to pack them is a definite bonus !!

Hello. Another quick question. Are you allowed to take some of the ships towels with you for excursions (non NCL excursion, if that matters) ?

On RCL you could "sign out" towels, and upon returning to the ship they scanned your room card to show you had returned them. Does NCL have anything like this ? Thanks!!!

Hi all. We are new to NCL, and have a few questions

We will be on the Getaway, if that matters

1. Is there any type of night light, or perhaps outlet for me to bring a nightlight for the bathroom? Don't really like leaving the bathroom light on all night, just need a little illumination.

2. We will be a party of 8 going to the Illusionarium (4 diff cabins). We all have reservations, but how do we assure we are seated together? You just inform them of your party size when you arrive? What time do you recommend we arrive for the show ? (We are seeing the 1st show at 5:30)

3. If I need to change some dining time reservations when I get onboard, where do I go?

4. Is it true I can book our tender tickets on the iconcierge app?

I'm sure I will have more questions as we get closer

to sail date, but your help with this first set is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!!

Hello. I was thinking of purchasing the 10 print photo package.

Do you receive actual prints?

Am I limited to only my cabin photos? (We have 8 people, 4 cabins, so I wont

Be in all pictures)

Is there a photo taken up on the rope course?

Thank you!!