sargemrs

I just called NCL directly to check on this for you and us. The ship is sold out and she said oversold!! So I guess you may have to take another date for that cruise. Hope this helps.

I'd SURE like to hear about this too! There are 4 couples of us going on that cruise that week. Please respond with any info. Thanks!!!

Oh that's a great idea! Just exactly what we wanted! Thanks SO much!

Since you live in Boston, can you recommend a tour guide for a day before our cruise in September? There are 3 couples that would like to hire a local to have a day long tour of the historic sights. Could we just take buses or subways to self guide? Thanks for any advice!!!

Sorry, should have clarified!! We are thinking of changing our Pearl Harbor private excursion if possible to an earlier one if all couples (3) want to. There is s short version that ends at 11:30 which should work with the Cagneys lunch! We would do the longer Pearl Harbor one after the cruise since we don't leave HNL until after 10:00 but one of the couples leave at 2:30 so it's hard to get it all in! Thanks for the help!

Oh man I HATE that!!! I DO appreciate the quick replies!!

How late can we eat lunch in Cagney's on embarkation day? Our excursion isn't over until 1:40 and by the time we get to the dock it'll probably be 2:30 or 3:00. We're SO looking forward to that first lunch in Cagney's on Pride of America next Saturday!!! Please tell me we won't be too late!!!!

In your listing of suite designations, you didn't mention SG, which we are in on the POA in August. We were under the impression we were a suite with all of the aforementioned perks. Is this correct?

Also, if you know, we were told that the Butler and Concierge on the POA only, are included in the tip pool, is this correct?

Thanks for your help or anyones!

Thanks, Barnacle boy....great suggestions and information that I'll definitely look into.

I was told that because the POA is an American ship that the butler and concierge ARE included, but that it is the only ship in the fleet that includes. I heard that from 2 NCL agents. We asked lots of questions about the "suite-life" to determine if we wanted to "pay the price" for it. Large tips for the room steward, butler and concierge would have been a deal breaker for us. I understand we wouldn't have to tip the steward but probably will and if the pooled tips weren't shared with the butler and concierge we couldn't in all good conscience NOT tip! Just what we were told.:confused:

Oh MY, these were great tips! I will certainly check into the Robert's Tours for shuttle service, that is a great price, very doable!! And will try the Priceline deal, that's a good suggestion. Hate to wait until a month out but may start trying now, as I'm a planning, get it done, type of person:)

I can't thank you all enough!!

Thanks all, and yes, we'd really like to stay at the Marriott but the price is $350-$400, I can't remember for sure, but know it was out of our league, especially since we splurged on a suite.:) Will definitely check out the Hyatt. Have tried to contact one of the shuttle services a lot of hotels mention and can't get them, so concerned about efficiency!:confused:

We need very clean and of course prefer updated, small is fine, we're spoiled I guess.;)

Thanks for replies and I WILL keep reading reviews and such but just wanted to get on the general board to see if someone else had just the info I needed, but I have plenty of time to keep researching.:)

Three couples of us are going to Hawaii in August. Does anyone know of a nice, but reasonable $200. or less, hotel that either provides a shuttle to the pier or a shuttle from the airport? We're all coming in a day ahead but plan to just rest until boarding ship the next day, so don't want to rent a car. If no shuttles then what about taxi service and about how much would it be for both trips? Any suggestions would be so appreciated. Also we're planning on doing the Pearl Harbor tour after the cruise since we have all day before our flight leaves; any suggestions on different options we might have, that would be reasonable.

I appreciate all the hints and advice on our cruise to Hawaii!!! It's helped!

For you experienced POA cruisers, I need some input in our planning. There are 6 of us...3 couples cruising. I need to know how far the airport is from the hotels in Honolulu,......Waikki beach seems to be where lots are. Also need some advice on reasonable but nice hotels to stay in the first night. We're wanting to see Pearl Harbor the first day or the next morning before cruise. We're thinking of renting a car and touring or is it as cost effective to book an excursion? Also can you tell me if either an excursion or car rental is necessary for each port, or can we walk and see the sights ourselves? I'm sure these are really ignorant questions but need help to plan sufficiently. Thanks for any help!!!

I'd like to know also ~ We're booked in the cabin next door.

King....please keep us in mind for any tips/hints after your trip. Ours starts August 30th. We're very thrilled to be going.

Thanks for reply! This is our splurge of the year and had to talk/cajole my DB into splurging as well....but he did and we're very excited! Only been on Holland's Oosterdam so were newbies pretty much! Love to have any tips on the butler/concierge services to take advantage of....thanks again!

I was told by 2 different NCL agents/salesmen that the butler and concierge ARE included in the tip pool on the POA. I told them about what I have read a few times on these boards and they said that one ship is different, being an American ship??!!! Any thoughts?

Just put our deposit on 11518... Just want to know if it's especially noisy or any other things we need to know. Just our second cruise, first on NCL....thanks foe any tips or hints!!!!

Ok, Lynne, thanks for the response. We're vacillating about paying the extra for the suites, but guess we'll just have to figure it out.

Ok, thanks Novastar! We're not, so guess we have to pay.

I just read where the Butlers don't share in the general tips. Could someone help us know how much and for what we should tip a butler?

Just curious if the Penthouse suites get a cut on their laundry?

3 couples are preparing to buy cabins on Pride of America for Aug/Sept. trip. We are contemplating 11518, 11508 and 11514. Could someone please tell me if these are good rooms and any pros or cons about them. We don't drink, nor swim so the close proximity to the pool isn't a plus for us. Any advice will be appreciated.