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Hmmm... I too went to Rainbow Grill. It was not the slightest bit fancy, but very tasty plate lunches. Not sure what the last poster found nasty, since there is no detail.

I had the shoyu chicken plate, since that was a Yelp favorite. It was meltingly tender, lots of flavor. Do watch, they have large chunks of ginger in there that I thought were chicken. But I'd guess that's why all the flavor! There was some cabbage on the plate before the rice, gravy and chicken went down. At first I thought that was the coleslaw and didn't think much of it, but then I found the coleslaw in the bag, so it was just garnish. Nice filling plate for $8.50. My companion got the roast pork. The strawberry slush that was a favorite, too was far too sweet for my taste, but I got ice cream in mine. If you don't like powerful sweet, skip the ice cream, as the tang in the strawberry alone will help.

I'm still wracking my brain for what could have been nasty to the other poster- it was clean, even the tables, garbage cans had room, all the others there seemed happy with their meals, so maybe just preference? I like to balance splurge restaurants with simple local places.

The main concern I had there was the lines, as several are going at once. We were sent over by the server on one line to the next, which had just opened, and there waved over the rest of the way by that window operator. Someone further back in line accused us of cutting. We were next in line anyway, but we HAD just followed instructions. This guy made a giant commotion about it and would not shut up. This guy is not Rainbow's fault, but they could make the lines a bit easier to navigate.

We did like our meals, and they are close to Leonard's, while you are there!

Also- I recently tried NCL again, as I was calling them to prepay tips, buy the soda package (not available online for some reason), and make some dinner reservations anyway. Here is what they said:

Aston will have a desk set up, just not like the office at the Marriott. On check-in, I'll go there, and they'll give me instructions on luggage and shuttle. They said I would need to be there or my luggage would not go (this is counter to what other agents have said), but that it wasn't just a single time. I will supposedly have choices over the day, so I'll be able to select the time I want, and go then. This is good news as I was worried my morning tour would mean we couldn't use the transfer. Now, this might all go out the window in person. I'll try to update after the trip, as there doesn't seem to be a lot of detail on this particular facet.

So I just logged into NCL - hadn't since soon after booking the cruise, a couple of weeks ago - and it does show on the vacation summary that we will be staying at the Marriott. I guess it just doesn't show right away after booking, and they update with the info sometime later :)

That's great! Glad you have the info.

Question - FI and I recently booked our POA cruise for September, and picked the Honolulu hotel the night before as the extra included perk. I'm glad someone has mentioned what hotels have been used before. However, I wanted to ask - when/how do you get notified of the hotel arrangements? Thank you!

Did you go through NCL? I went through a TA, and they told me what it would be during the booking- I think they were told when they called on something else. I'd call whoever booked you, and they may have the answer. My understanding is that they usually use the Waikiki Beach Marriott, and occasionally the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel. They are next door to each other.

When we were at the Aston in April, they had an NCL desk setup in the lobby area.

We were transported from the Aston to the pier. Our luggage was picked up separately.

!! Thank you, I really, really appreciate hearing about this!

I'd call the NCL people actually at the Waikiki Marriott, good luck !

I called the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel, and became the spud in a phone hot potato game, lol. But you are absolutely right- I really should try the Marriott, even though I won't be their guest- wasn't thinking of the NCL staff there. Thanks!!

Yes I know this happened back in Feb 2017 - maybe it is still part of a current promotion.

 

If NCL has booked you and/or others at the Aston go across the street and check out the arrangement with the

NCL office that is reported to be in or near the Marriott.

There maybe some arrangement booking you at the Aston as overflow from the Marriott.

If the shuttle to the ship leaves from the Marriott you should be able to catch that as part of the NCL deal.

Check out how the luggage is handled from hotel to cabin on ship.

 

Ask more questions - NCL should have (more) answers !

Yes, I will be going over and checking it out, but it's a little stressy not to know ahead of time. I have a lot of ifs in my situation, because I do have the transfers provided as well, so I know I could catch it from the Marriott, this has been confirmed repeatedly by NCL, BUT, not sure...

1- how luggage collection will happen at Aston, across the street from Marriott,

2- we will be at Kualoa Ranch on the morning of embarkation, and we are hoping NCL will still take our luggage, as I understand it does go separately from pax, but nobody is sure if you need to be on site or on the NCL transfer yourself for the luggage to stay, or if though NCL gave us transfers, we void them if we don't ride at same time as luggage, even though they are on a different vehicle..

3-In case they don't take it, we will return to the hotel and check, but then assume we won't be able to ride ourselves at that point, as they "usually" go at 1:00pm, and we will be returning at 2:00pm, so we may still need to catch a cab.

I have called and asked NCL on this, and there was a lot of checking and maybes and changing their answer and not answering all of it. Same thing, 2nd call. I'll try again, but kind of figuring at this point it will be something I have to discover in person. I figured it's too many specifics to have someone else match up who actually sees this and replies.

NCL put us in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel in April this year.

We also got the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for the night before our Feb. 2017 cruise. It's right across the street from the Marriott, but I'm not sure if we will still be able to use the NCL check-in at the Marriott if we are across the street.

Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs. So yummy......

LOL, just Googled it.

While not rigidly enforced, the USPH controls foreign flag cruise ships in US ports, and they have regulations against bringing things onboard that are not factory sealed. However, since the POA is US flag, and cruises only in the US, it does not fall under USPH oversight, but under FDA instead. The FDA sanitation program for cruise vessels is similar to the USPH, but varies in some respects. As far as I know, based on my 4 years working the NCL ships in Hawaii, there are no restrictions on bringing baked (in this case, fried) products onboard, provided they are in a box with the store's name on it (to show it came from in state) (in other words, you still can't bring things baked at home).

OK, thanks! And also thanks for the further clarification about things prepared in HI vs things prepared elsewhere- before I heard abut the malasadas, I had thought to bring some schmancy donuts (Blue Star, Portland, OR- they hold easily for a day) for my traveling companion, so those would be denied. Good to know!

The issue is not whether the ship is flagged in the US or not. It is where the food is sourced from. Do a quick search. This was discussed here previously. I believe because POA gets it's food in the islands (although the food is transported from the mainland), it doesn't have any restrictions on taking food ashore.

As I said in my initial post, I did look on the forums. I searched "bringing food aboard POA" "POA food embark" and other similar terms. I too have seen things on here, but I'm at a loss how to find them again, as the results I am getting are not specific, and often are not only not NCL, but not POA, either. I have also gone back page by page in the POA specific threads, and I only saw a brief one about taking food off. I assume I must have run across it in threads on other topics, or deep in a review. I decided to post the thread so there would be a targeted thread with the info that could come up in search to assist others.

As to taking food ashore, I'm clear on that- I will reiterate for anyone searching this later. There are no issues bringing food off this ship, unlike for most other cruise ports. There are items to build sandwiches at the buffet, and cruisers can avail themselves of those.

Not sure about taking food ON, though. As I also said in my initial post, I've asked NCL twice about this, so I have done my due diligence there as well, and gotten contradictory answers. That is why I'm seeking personal experience information from those who have been in a similar position.

No matter where you get them or intend to eat them, if by "flavors" you mean cream filled, they tend to get soggy if not consumed fairly quickly, and the cream filling should not be left unrefrigerated for any length of time.

Got it, and thank you again for your advice and concern. We would be eating the filled ones there, but there are several kinds of unfilled as well. We completely get that hot is best. I still would like to figure out if we will have an issue bringing the ones we still want to purchase and try (even though they will not be hot) on board the POA, 45-60 minutes after purchase.

Thank you both for your responses!

Yes, when I mentioned POA special circumstances, it's that they are in HI and stay in HI. Just wanted to differentiate from other cruise lines that are not US flagged in HI, and so would still have to follow customs not letting food on or off, so I'm seeking responses primarily from those who have NCL experience on that ship.

I appreciate you both pointing out that they are best hot. We may be able to have one there, that's the plan, anyway, but thought we'd bring back a few other flavors. It's that or not at all, as we will be pinched for time.

I have looked on the forums, and I know that POA is a special circumstance as far as taking a sandwich, etc. off of the ship, but are they similarly OK with bringing food on? I have had answers both ways from NCL.

Morning of departure, we will be at Kualoa Ranch, then back to the hotel to confirm our bags were transferred to the ship (hotel night before and transfers promotion came with cruise).

I think we'd have enough time to swing by Leonard's for malasadas before boarding, as we'll be back to hotel by 2. Otherwise, we wouldn't have a chance to try them. I know we could eat them as we rush to the pier, but for a treat we've anticipated, that seems a shame. First choice would be in the cabin, where we can relax and enjoy. But- if NCL makes us ditch the box or eat them on the spot... that's last choice, and the taxi starts looking better.

What's everyone's experience?

Here is a list of posts re POA. :-)

Thanks! I actually had started search using Pride of America, and quotes/Boolean did not seem to constrain. I quit without trying POA, but should have continued!

Looks like I sail the week before you, then. I hadn't seen much either, I was looking for any posts before I got my offer, I thought either they didn't do it, or I was looking in the wrong places. The search feature isn't really precise enough to help.

I'm starting in an inside cabin, and there was a slider from 50-400 for balcony, so my guess is yours would be the same or less for balcony, no idea on mini-suites. I didn't want OV, so I didn't even look at it, or I'd tell you that offer too, to get an idea of whether the range stepped or not.

Have a great cruise!

Yes, I just passed 80 days out and got a bid offer for POA. The rest of your query I can't answer, as I'm not starting with OV.

I'll add something....usually have this as a night cap: French connection: Courvoisier Cognac, Grand Marnier (served in a snifter)

One of my favorites! To take it to the next level, here's a tip I got from a talented, old-school bartender: ask for a "heater" for it. A second glass (a short, old-fashioned glass) with hot water, leaving a little room at top, maybe 2/3 full? If the bartender isn't familiar, I just also ask for a rocks glass of hot water without specifying level, then just pour off any extra into nearby glass discards. This is so it doesn't spill over when you lean the belly of the snifter into the hot water, so the hot water glass is holding the snifter, and heating the contents. The oils release, it's extra fragrant. Perfect winter nightcap.

Haven't seen this here yet...

If you are in an inside cabin, turn the TV on to the live cam from the bow of the ship. It offered just enough light to work as a nightlight, and it feels like a window. You'll also get to see if you are going by anything interesting so you can get out on deck and not miss it!

I also use a white noise app on my phone set to rain. That does the best for me at screening incidental noise from people passing by, etc.

On NCL, at least on the Pearl, they know bread. I kept finding top quality breads everywhere! Pretzel rolls in the buffet- hello, my little friends. By the end of the week I had kind of racked up a bread scavenger hunt, trying many of them- try new things!

Many ships have room number display sections that swivel or flip to display "Do not disturb" "Make up room" etc. Check yours out as you arrive!

I use ice packs a lot, so I bring a wide-mouth flexible cloth ice/hot water bag, and ask the steward to provide lots of ice- always got a new bucketful whenever they came into the room.

I haven't done this one yet, but will on my next- cruise cabin thermostats are the biggest tease. I started to suspect that they have lights, but no actual connection to the heating/cooling. I found a 6" folding USB/AC fan that will be in my checked luggage and hopefully not get me checked into "the naughty room."

I had ordered bottle service for one cruise without UBP, and then used individual packets of powdered drink mix I brought as mixers, along with lemon slices, cocoa packets, cups of juice/lemonade and cream from the buffet, depending on the drink. It was only partially successful (see others' tip about going to Guest Services right away!)

You can call before your trip and ask for the beds to be split into two twins if you prefer, and once you are on the ship, if your mattress is hard you can ask your steward for "egg crate" for extra cushioning. I saw someone down the hall from me getting this, and they said it helped a lot.

I bring a lanyard for my key card, with a clear pouch, as I don't like to punch a hole in the card, and also a small crossbody for dailies, phone, etc. I brought walkie/talkies, too, but I don't think we used them enough to bring them again.

Rather than take all my prescription bottles, I just loaded up a weekly pill dispenser, then took pics of each bottle label with a pill from each in front in case of questions. Might be overkill, but I'm a be-prepared type girl. Plus bringing an extra copy of passport, credit cards that stays in the room in case I get pickpocketed or lose my bag some other way.

I use a lot of the others, too, of course, but tried to concentrate mostly on stuff that I hadn't seen yet.

Oh, on the NCL Pearl, there are free showers AND a steam room in the gym area, so you don't have to pay to use the one in the spa if that's all you wanted to use.

I was talking to a cruise employee, and he said there are cameras everywhere in the public areas. So if you are thinking the hot tub might be great under the stars- sure it might, but how to diplomatically say this... if you think you are alone... no, not really, you're on candid camera! Holds true for those who think nobody sees them checking out sombody else's luggage, etc. Not that you should need eyes on you to behave decently, but it seems some do, and the eyes are in place!

Also NCL- CruiseNext is really just getting a discount on future cruises. You buy at face value, they put some back in OBC. But don't think that's extra money to spend, as they will also bill OBC for the face value! So you buy $500 in two certificates, they put $250 in OBC, at the end of the trip I have a $250 credit and a $500 debit (plus any other charges I incurred over the cruise), and pay the remaining $250, so in this case I doubled my $250 investment. I can use those certificates (usually only one per cruise) for... I think it's 4 years, and easily transfer them to others traveling with you or as gifts.. Hopefully this is clear. I had heard about this many times, always stated in a really confusing way.

Ask for what you want. I often ask for menu tweaks, as I have an allergy (I also notify them!), but also the only dish that I really wanted was made with shrimp and I prefer chicken, so I asked, and it was fine! I'm sure anything really elaborate or that they didn't have on hand might get a different response, but something like- I love lemon, I had the soda package, but one slice is never realllly what I hope for. So I ask for a little plate of lime/lemon wedges. Best sodas ever! I also do NOT get huffy if it's not a go.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Nice.....that's a recent change then.

I booked through them for a cruise in August, got the upgrade offer, so not a recent change. Seems more like there just are no certain rules.

I'm at about 80 days out for another cruise through them (CO), this time no upgrade offer. I'll call my TA, but at this point, I think they just are banking on people not being able to predict. After all, if we can predict, and have an idea of winning bids here, who stands to lose? NCL. This way, people who do get one are perhaps more apt to pounce and perhaps to bid more than minimum.

But it could all switch up again tomorrow. They may not know -what- they're doing. Which also seems likely, given some eyebrow-raising responses from Customer Service and Guest Services.

Not too be too cynical, lol.

You'd need to drive or take the bus/uber, or walk a bit, but in my own research I just came across Rainbow Drive-in. Continuing up the same road is Wailoa Shave Ice and Leonard's Bakery. And Monsarrat Ave Shave Ice, using fresh fruit purees, is not far. But if not Rainbow,, I was just planning on Lulu's, Tiki's or Duke's. All MUCH more costly than Rainbow! There are several bus routes going by all of these places.

I had read about the bar setup, worked out cost per drink, and went ahead and ordered it. Be aware- many of the staff members will have no idea that they offer this, and your experience may be greatly affected. I ordered vodka, and we brought a lot of powdered drink packets with us to use as mix-ins. The bottle was waiting in the cabin, but instead of any menu there, they had pre-chosen our mixers- tonic water, club soda and tomato juice. Not what I would want to be using with my 21 year old niece.

We asked about it, and were told we could get what we wanted at bars. But at bars, they acted like we were begging for a handout, and they hadn't heard about any bar package, It was embarrassing at times. We were able to wheedle a few cherries and lemon wedges, poured some cream from the coffee area in the buffet into a cup, and used our soda package to bring things back. We limped along like that, then came to one where we were told flatly no, and to go to Guest Services, where the initial clerk acted like we must be liars, saying she couldn't find any such thing, and why did we wait four days, huh? I'm laid back but I was upset by this point.

Her boss was able to find it, though, and saw our paid order, and sent someone immediately to the room with our choices. Except they swapped the maraschino cherries we wanted for more tomato juice. And these were BIG bottles of tomato juice. When we got that guy to understand, he returned in about 5 minutes, and we were finally good to go. No idea on what to do if we had needed refills- it was far enough into the cruise to last us. Learned my lesson- don't accept what you are told if it doesn't meet expectations- go deal with it then. Would I do it again? Yes, now that I have the full picture. I would ask for the phone number to use on the ship when making the reservation, and if there was a snafu, I'd be at Guest Services in a snap.

Pearl 8/20, $205 bid on inside guarantee to balcony, bid not accepted.

Well it might make sense to share bid amounts after acceptance,but why would I want to post my bid amount before it's accepted and take a chance of someone else on my sailing seeing it and simply bidding slightly higher than me?

 

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^^EXACTLY.

And I'm sure once a thread gets as long as this, the people who have the time to read back is a short list, so they ask repeat questions. I do read the whole thread, and yes, it's annoying to see the same questions, but I also understand why it happens.

I'm subscribing and hoping to get the rest of the review as well!