Need some guidance on a Hawaii Cruise

[CALMOM]

My DH and I are interested in cruising to Hawaii. We live in San Diego, so it would be nice to do a round trip from San Diego or Los Angeles. We have been to Oahu, Maui and Kona but we flew there and stay a week at each island. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate some advise on.

 

1. On a Hawaii Cruise do you really have enough time in port to really see or do anything? I know there are a lot of Sea Days and that's O.K.

 

2. What cruise line would you recommend on going with for a Hawaii Cruise from San Diego or Los Angeles? I am not interested in Celebrity but all other are fine. We always book a balcony, that's a must.

 

3. Are there any cruise lines that stay in a Hawaii port more then a day?

 

4. I see that the cruises from San Diego and Los Angeles stop in Ensenada, which is a waste of time, but I understand that the cruise line has to stop at a port out of the country. Have you done the Hawaii cruise from or to Vancouver and then to San Diego?

 

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages to a Hawaii Cruise?

 

6. What is the best time of year to go on a Hawaii Cruise? I can go anytime.

 

Thank you so much for your help and if you can add anything else I forgot, please do.

[karatemom2]

Hi CalMom! I'm a California Mom too. We live near Los Angeles and have taken the LA to Hawaii cruise with Princess at Christmas for the last three years and are headed back for a fourth this Christmas. We enjoy the combination of sea days and port days. The sea days over give us a chance to relax and get ready for our high energy days in port. Then we make the absolute most of our port days - literally off the ship at first chance and back right at the appointed all aboard time. And then five wonderful, relaxing days back. The Ensenada stop is mandatory, but I usually just get off to do a bit of shopping and get my legs back on land for a couple of hours.

 

It's true you don't get as much time as a land trip or on the NCL cruises, but you can actually do and see quite a lot in the time you have. It amounts to 9 hours in Kauai and Hilo, 11 hours in Maui and 16 hours in Honolulu. I know you enjoy the Alaska cruises and I think you will note that it is actually even more generous port time then we often get on our Alaska ports. And the Golden Princess is a great ship with a wonderful cruise staff for the Hawaiian cruises that fill the sea days with a spirit of Aloha from beginning to end with Hawaiian music, cultural activities, lectures and crafts. We have enjoyed ukulele lessons, hula classes and lei making to name a few.

 

I started a thread a while back specific to the round trip cruises which actually grew to epic lengths and has tons of great info. It may take you a while to wade through it all, but it offers a wealth of wonderful ideas. Whatever you decide you will love it. I know you love Alaska as we do too, so you can't help but love the beauty of Hawaii as well. They are two of my favorite destinations!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=845446

[CruisingGoddess]

Hi, CALMOM!! I can't help you with your questions since we're taking Pride of America roundtrip from Honolulu (we didn't want all the sea days with a roundtrip cruise from the mainland) but I'm glad to see you're planning another cruise!! :D

[CALMOM]

Hi CalMom! I'm a California Mom too. We live near Los Angeles and have taken the LA to Hawaii cruise with Princess at Christmas for the last three years and are headed back for a fourth this Christmas. We enjoy the combination of sea days and port days. The sea days over give us a chance to relax and get ready for our high energy days in port. Then we make the absolute most of our port days - literally off the ship at first chance and back right at the appointed all aboard time. And then five wonderful, relaxing days back. The Ensenada stop is mandatory, but I usually just get off to do a bit of shopping and get my legs back on land for a couple of hours.

 

It's true you don't get as much time as a land trip or on the NCL cruises, but you can actually do and see quite a lot in the time you have. It amounts to 9 hours in Kauai and Hilo, 11 hours in Maui and 16 hours in Honolulu. I know you enjoy the Alaska cruises and I think you will note that it is actually even more generous port time then we often get on our Alaska ports. And the Golden Princess is a great ship with a wonderful cruise staff for the Hawaiian cruises that fill the sea days with a spirit of Aloha from beginning to end with Hawaiian music, cultural activities, lectures and crafts. We have enjoyed ukulele lessons, hula classes and lei making to name a few.

 

I started a thread a while back specific to the round trip cruises which actually grew to epic lengths and has tons of great info. It may take you a while to wade through it all, but it offers a wealth of wonderful ideas. Whatever you decide you will love it. I know you love Alaska as we do too, so you can't help but love the beauty of Hawaii as well. They are two of my favorite destinations!

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=845446

 

Thank you I will read through your thread, I'm sure it will help. Your are correct, I love Alaska and could cruise every year but DH would like a change especially to be able to leave from California and avoid flights and hotel stays before and after the cruise, it adds up quickly. I love the Alaska cruise but it is exhausting and I never get to enjoy the ship. I have heard the Golden is really nice since their massive remodeling in 2009. Unfortunately, we in California, very little choice of where to cruise to. Our choice is Alaska, Vancouver, Hawaii and Mexico.

 

Thank you again for your help.

[CALMOM]

Hi, CALMOM!! I can't help you with your questions since we're taking Pride of America roundtrip from Honolulu (we didn't want all the sea days with a roundtrip cruise from the mainland) but I'm glad to see you're planning another cruise!! :D

 

Hi Rebbeca,

 

Great minds think alike :D. You cruised to Alaska right before we did and now you will sail to Hawaii before us, too. I thought about flying to Honolulu and do the NCL cruise but I have had a few friends of mine did it and weren't very happy. Of course, this was like 3 and 4 years ago, and everyone has their likes and dislikes. i am sure you will have a great time. Hawaii is amazing, we spent 3 weeks at 3 different islands on 2008.

 

I don't know if you have been to Hawaii before but I can make some suggestions, for your ports. I don't know how much time you have in each port but if you have enough time, I would suggest the following:

 

Maui - Try to see if there is an excursion or tour to take you to Haleakala for the sunrise. It is the most amazing sight you will ever experience. You have to be up there by about 4:30 a.m., so I don't know if that will work for you. It is a fairly long drive so I would only go if you could see the sunrise. We went snorkeling at Molokini Crater, it was great, lots of sea turtles. The Lahaina Lulu is great and worth the money.

 

Kona - Definitely go snorkeling with a company called Captain Zodiac. You will not regret it, we saw the most beautiful fish. We had pilot whales swimming around us and under us, amazing. On the way back to the dock we had like 50 Spinner Dolphins in our wake. This was my favorite snorkeling tour.

 

Hilo - Definitely Volcano National Park. Make sure you go through the Lava Tubes and go out to see the active volcano. Wear good walking shoes because you will be walking on old lava and very uneven terrain. If you have the opportunity to go out at night make sure you bring a jacket and flashlight, it is very dark and walking on the old lava makes for a interesting hike :D

 

Honolulu - There is a lot to see, so try and stay a couple of extra days, if possible. You have North Shore, Waikiki Beach, Dole Plantation Factory, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and the Memorial. If your going to rent a car, this is the place you want a convertible.

 

If you have any questions, let me know.

 

Kathy

[vbmom87]

I have enjoyed your posts on the Alaska board. We went on the POA in May and had a wonderful trip. It was exhausting as we used up all our port time to be out and about. I do not love cruising so all those sea days would drive me crazy. I do know, however, that others love those days to relax.

 

As far as best time to go, it depends. I wanted to go when it was not the rainy season and before it got too hot. I also wanted to see flowers in bloom. We chose May and were not disappointed. I doubt I will go back to Hawaii (Alaska is my love), but if I do it would be in winter to see the whales. For a trip from San Diego I would think a big concern would be the waters. From what I have read, anytime you go could have rough seas.

 

Here is another thread currently discussing the 14 day Hawaii cruises. Not sure if you saw it or not:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1206720

 

 

 

Enjoy your trip, whenever you decide to go.

[CALMOM]

I have enjoyed your posts on the Alaska board. We went on the POA in May and had a wonderful trip. It was exhausting as we used up all our port time to be out and about. I do not love cruising so all those sea days would drive me crazy. I do know, however, that others love those days to relax.

 

As far as best time to go, it depends. I wanted to go when it was not the rainy season and before it got too hot. I also wanted to see flowers in bloom. We chose May and were not disappointed. I doubt I will go back to Hawaii (Alaska is my love), but if I do it would be in winter to see the whales. For a trip from San Diego I would think a big concern would be the waters. From what I have read, anytime you go could have rough seas.

 

Here is another thread currently discussing the 14 day Hawaii cruises. Not sure if you saw it or not:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1206720

 

 

 

Enjoy your trip, whenever you decide to go.

 

I'm glad you enjoyed the Alaska board, it was a great cruise, as always. I just love Alaska.

 

I really wasn't considering POA because I have heard so many negative reviews not only from the CC Boards but from friends of mine. Unfortunately, if you want more time in port or not several days at sea, then you are kind of stuck with POA. I wish the other cruise lines would consider the same itinerary but I'm guessing that not many cruise to Hawaii. Hawaii really should be done by flying there and staying, to truly enjoy Hawaii. We have been to Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Kona) before and stayed 3 weeks. My DH is the one that wants to sail there, so I'll give in.

 

DH wants to go in February for the whales but I have heard that it's too cold to enjoy being out on deck from San Diego or Los Angeles to the Islands. I really don't want to be locked up inside and at sea for several days. I am thinking if we go in April or May, the weather would be nicer. I wouldn' t want to cruise in Sept or Oct do to it being Hurricane season.

 

I guess I keep doing research to decide which month to go. Thanks for your help.

[vbmom87]

I'm glad you enjoyed the Alaska board, it was a great cruise, as always. I just love Alaska.

 

I really wasn't considering POA because I have heard so many negative reviews not only from the CC Boards but from friends of mine. Unfortunately, if you want more time in port or not several days at sea, then you are kind of stuck with POA. I wish the other cruise lines would consider the same itinerary but I'm guessing that not many cruise to Hawaii. Hawaii really should be done by flying there and staying, to truly enjoy Hawaii. We have been to Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Kona) before and stayed 3 weeks. My DH is the one that wants to sail there, so I'll give in.

 

DH wants to go in February for the whales but I have heard that it's too cold to enjoy being out on deck from San Diego or Los Angeles to the Islands. I really don't want to be locked up inside and at sea for several days. I am thinking if we go in April or May, the weather would be nicer. I wouldn' t want to cruise in Sept or Oct do to it being Hurricane season.

 

I guess I keep doing research to decide which month to go. Thanks for your help.

 

The other cruise lines don't seem to want to flag any of their ships as American ships, which is necessary so you don't have to visit a foreign port. It sure would be wonderful to have some competition there. From what I have read, that is not likely to happen.

 

NCL was a disappointment after HAL especially in the food category. However, since we really were going to HI just for the itinerary, it wasn't significant to us. However, for anyone wanting a great cruise experience this is not the ship to be on. For us, it was our floating hotel. It got us to each island and we were happy. We liked that we had overnights in Maui and Kauai and had two port days on the Big Island which gave us a good taste of each island. I had wanted to fly to HI and island hop but my DH just wouldn't consider that. He did not want to be packing and unpacking and flying between islands. In the end, I was happy with our choice. We liked Hawaii, but it did not make the top five list for our favorite vacations. We spent time on Oahu before our cruise, so we saw the main highlights of each of the islands.

 

You seem to really enjoy the cruise experience, so I am sure you will enjoy the days at sea. Like you I was concerned about October. Although hurricanes are rare in HI I didn't want to take a chance with my likely once in a lifetime trip. I did a LOT of reading on CC and TA before I decided on MAY. It was a lovely time for us: Not too hot, not too humid, lots of vegetation in bloom and May is usually a good time for the waterfalls. This year HI experienced some drought conditions, but by the time we went in later May the falls had resumed. Like anything, you don't know what will happen when you are there. I just played the averages and we ended up being very happy.

[DAGVBSB]

The other cruise lines don't seem to want to flag any of their ships as American ships, which is necessary so you don't have to visit a foreign port. It sure would be wonderful to have some competition there. From what I have read, that is not likely to happen.

 

 

Actually they are not allowed to reflag their ships in order to do the Hawaii Itinerary.

 

The PVSA, sometimes called the "Jones Act" (dating back to the late 1800's) requires that all foreign flagged cruise ships stop in a foreign port on any trip between US ports. Hence, for Hawaii, the closest choices are Ensenada, Fanning Island or Vancouver.

 

The law also requires that all US flagged ships be built in the United States and since there are no major cruise ship building yards in the US, that is a problem.

 

NCL got a special exemption from Congress for their three ships in the early 2000's. The Pride of America was started by a now bankrupt company in the Southern US. When they went bankrupt, NCL bought the hull and got permission from the US Congress to finish her in Germany. The Pride of Hawaii had her steel cut in the US as she was to be a second ship, but she too was bought and taken to Germany for completion. The Pride of Aloha had been sailing as the Norweigan Sky and NCL got a special exemption to reflag her and only sail her in Hawaii.

 

Since they are US flagged, the three ships needed to have All American crews and that was the problem... not enough good workers to go around. So, NCL pulled the Pride of Hawaii and Pride of Aloha out of Hawaii, reflagged them and left just one American flagged ship in the world... the Pride of America. That allowed NCL to only have to staff one ship.

 

The US flag does require the POAm to follow US minimum wage and overtime laws as well as taxes which forces her operating costs up. She also is not allowed to have a casino or bingo due to Hawaii's strict anti-gambling laws.

 

 

If the reviews that you read are 3 years old, then you need to find some newer reviews. 3 years ago, there were 3 American flagged ships and not enough good workers to go around and service was horrible. Since 2009, there has only been one American flagged ship and NCL has been able to pick and choose the best of the applicants, so service has improved.

 

Is service on the POAm as good as on other NCL ships? Nope. There are still problems due to the American work ethic and probably always will be. But is the POAm a bad cruise? Nope. A Pride of America cruise is basically your hotel, evening entertainment, dining location and transportation between the islands. The itinerary is more port intensive than any other cruise in the world. (how many cruises overnight in Kauai & Maui??) On most nights, I was too tired to even go to the entertainment or lounges.

 

As far as the food, with the exception of the buffet, I found NCL's food to be very good. Much better tasting and more varied selections than on RCCL.

 

There are reasons for the way the Pride of America is the way she is and there is not much more NCL can do about it. But at the same time, don't look for any other cruise line to be able to have an American flagged cruise ship. (and don't look for Congress to change the PVSA/Jones Act.)

[CALMOM]

Actually they are not allowed to reflag their ships in order to do the Hawaii Itinerary.

 

The PVSA, sometimes called the "Jones Act" (dating back to the late 1800's) requires that all foreign flagged cruise ships stop in a foreign port on any trip between US ports. Hence, for Hawaii, the closest choices are Ensenada, Fanning Island or Vancouver.

 

The law also requires that all US flagged ships be built in the United States and since there are no major cruise ship building yards in the US, that is a problem.

 

NCL got a special exemption from Congress for their three ships in the early 2000's. The Pride of America was started by a now bankrupt company in the Southern US. When they went bankrupt, NCL bought the hull and got permission from the US Congress to finish her in Germany. The Pride of Hawaii had her steel cut in the US as she was to be a second ship, but she too was bought and taken to Germany for completion. The Pride of Aloha had been sailing as the Norweigan Sky and NCL got a special exemption to reflag her and only sail her in Hawaii.

 

Since they are US flagged, the three ships needed to have All American crews and that was the problem... not enough good workers to go around. So, NCL pulled the Pride of Hawaii and Pride of Aloha out of Hawaii, reflagged them and left just one American flagged ship in the world... the Pride of America. That allowed NCL to only have to staff one ship.

 

The US flag does require the POAm to follow US minimum wage and overtime laws as well as taxes which forces her operating costs up. She also is not allowed to have a casino or bingo due to Hawaii's strict anti-gambling laws.

 

 

If the reviews that you read are 3 years old, then you need to find some newer reviews. 3 years ago, there were 3 American flagged ships and not enough good workers to go around and service was horrible. Since 2009, there has only been one American flagged ship and NCL has been able to pick and choose the best of the applicants, so service has improved.

 

Is service on the POAm as good as on other NCL ships? Nope. There are still problems due to the American work ethic and probably always will be. But is the POAm a bad cruise? Nope. A Pride of America cruise is basically your hotel, evening entertainment, dining location and transportation between the islands. The itinerary is more port intensive than any other cruise in the world. (how many cruises overnight in Kauai & Maui??) On most nights, I was too tired to even go to the entertainment or lounges.

 

As far as the food, with the exception of the buffet, I found NCL's food to be very good. Much better tasting and more varied selections than on RCCL.

 

There are reasons for the way the Pride of America is the way she is and there is not much more NCL can do about it. But at the same time, don't look for any other cruise line to be able to have an American flagged cruise ship. (and don't look for Congress to change the PVSA/Jones Act.)

 

Thank you for the history on NCL ship in Hawaii, that certainly explains a lot. I can see if the ship had to abide by the U.S. Labor laws, it would definitely drive up their cost. It is unfortunate, though, because as you said, it doesn't look like any other cruise line will join them. Therefore, NCL can charge whatever they want, aka Monopoly :(

[pizzadog]

My DH and I are interested in cruising to Hawaii. We live in San Diego, so it would be nice to do a round trip from San Diego or Los Angeles. We have been to Oahu, Maui and Kona but we flew there and stay a week at each island. I have a few questions that I would really appreciate some advise on.

 

1. On a Hawaii Cruise do you really have enough time in port to really see or do anything? I know there are a lot of Sea Days and that's O.K.

 

2. What cruise line would you recommend on going with for a Hawaii Cruise from San Diego or Los Angeles? I am not interested in Celebrity but all other are fine. We always book a balcony, that's a must.

 

3. Are there any cruise lines that stay in a Hawaii port more then a day?

 

4. I see that the cruises from San Diego and Los Angeles stop in Ensenada, which is a waste of time, but I understand that the cruise line has to stop at a port out of the country. Have you done the Hawaii cruise from or to Vancouver and then to San Diego?

 

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages to a Hawaii Cruise?

 

6. What is the best time of year to go on a Hawaii Cruise? I can go anytime.

 

Thank you so much for your help and if you can add anything else I forgot, please do.

 

We did this cruise last October and loved it, but then we really enjoy the sea days. We went HAL, Vancouver, a day in Victoria, 3 days to San Diego, over to the Islands and back. (19 days altogether). HAL doesn't do Kona anymore (I think). We had a good time in Hilo, did the Cave and Lagoon trekking excursion. I would have been happy to be dropped in the lagoons and left there until the ship sailed. It was fabulous for us. We know Maui very well so just did our own thing in Lahaina, hiked up Diamond Head on Oahu, (exhausting - we are seniors) the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, and a private tour in Kona. I agree with the previous poster that Haleakala is a must but I don't think you can get up there for the sunrise unless you overnight. The weather was a little cool from Vancouver to SD and for the first two days out of SD but after that it was wonderful. If you enjoy the relaxation of sea days this is a good cruise. If you want to see whales you have to go between December and April - not sure what the sailing is like in those months. :)

[CALMOM]

We did this cruise last October and loved it, but then we really enjoy the sea days. We went HAL, Vancouver, a day in Victoria, 3 days to San Diego, over to the Islands and back. (19 days altogether). HAL doesn't do Kona anymore (I think). We had a good time in Hilo, did the Cave and Lagoon trekking excursion. I would have been happy to be dropped in the lagoons and left there until the ship sailed. It was fabulous for us. We know Maui very well so just did our own thing in Lahaina, hiked up Diamond Head on Oahu, (exhausting - we are seniors) the Grand Canyon of the Pacific on Kauai, and a private tour in Kona. I agree with the previous poster that Haleakala is a must but I don't think you can get up there for the sunrise unless you overnight. The weather was a little cool from Vancouver to SD and for the first two days out of SD but after that it was wonderful. If you enjoy the relaxation of sea days this is a good cruise. If you want to see whales you have to go between December and April - not sure what the sailing is like in those months. :)

 

Thank you for sharing. I think we are looking at either March or April, my DH wants to see the whales.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Thank you for sharing. I think we are looking at either March or April, my DH wants to see the whales.

 

If you would like, since we are both scheduled for the April 30 Mexico cruise, I will let you know all about the tours and excursions, as well as the ship... I go in 84 days, and I cannot wait...

[CALMOM]

If you would like, since we are both scheduled for the April 30 Mexico cruise, I will let you know all about the tours and excursions, as well as the ship... I go in 84 days, and I cannot wait...

 

Thank you but we actually canceled that cruise. There was 6 in our group and the other 2 couples were not comfortable enough to go into Mexico do to the increasing violence. I tried to talk them out of canceling but then when I heard that a tourist was shot and killed in Cancun because they happen to be in the direction, that the bullet was traveling. One of the couples had a friend returned a couple of weeks ago, and their taxi driver was shot and killed right in front of them in PV, he was supposedly a drug dealer by night. They all decided it would be safer to cruise to Hawaii. Hard to argue with that.

 

I think right now the Drug Mafia is running Mexico and it appears to be in all areas of Mexico, at this point. However, I would have no problem going. I say, "if it's mt time, it's my time".

[DAGVBSB]

Thank you for the history on NCL ship in Hawaii, that certainly explains a lot. I can see if the ship had to abide by the U.S. Labor laws, it would definitely drive up their cost. It is unfortunate, though, because as you said, it doesn't look like any other cruise line will join them. Therefore, NCL can charge whatever they want, aka Monopoly :(

 

Not so much a monopoly as much as higher costs and not as many opportunities to make extra money. Hence, the cruise fare on the POAm must be higher.

 

Look at what NCL faces with the POAm:

1.) US Minimum wage laws

2.) US Overtime laws. (most room stewards are limited as to how many hours they can work, so they have less staterooms to cover and therefore the ship needs more.)

3.) Higher costs for ships supplies. Costs are naturally higher for all goods in Hawaii and those costs force NCL's expenses up. Food costs more, cleaning supplies cost more, fuel costs more, etc.

4.) Most ships make money off their casinos and bingo games. No Bingo or casino on the POAm due to Hawaiian law. (and Hawaii is not about to change that...)

5.) Sea days are always good days for cruise ships to make money... drinks around the pool, art auctions, spa treatments, etc. But the POAm has only 1/2 of a day at sea. (the day it does the Napali Coast). Not much time there.

6.) Evening lounges. Due to the port intensive itinerary, the POAm has a very limited night life. Yes they have many varied bars and lounges and many people do go to them in the evenings, but they are never as crowded as on other ships since most people are too tired!

 

 

All of those factors weigh heavily on NCL's bottom line for the POAm and the only way to make it up is through higher fares. In spite of all that, reports are that the POAm sails full every week. My cruise had a big sign at the desk: "Ship 100% full, No room changes available." A couple other recent POAm cruisers have reported the same sign.

[liketraveling]

The one way cruises that Carnival & Royal Carribean do at the beginning and the end o the Alaska Season spend two days in Honolulu.

 

Also Some of the Open Jaw HAL Hawaii cruises that are done at the beginning and end of the Alaska season spend more time in the Islands.

 

I went on the 15 night in March and most of the ports the ship was only in port til 5:00 with the exception of Honolulu so you really need to know what you want to see.

 

I was looking at a Panama Canal cruise that wasn't coming down in price and saw a great deal on the Zaandam out of Vancouver to Hawaii and San Diego. What is really great it doesn't have to stop in Ensenada. Even with Airfare to Vancouver it was cheaper than when I went in March. So I am going again. The one thing that attarcted me to this one, is that it is in port till 11:00 in 3 of the 5 ports.

[harlekuin]

15 day, San Diego R/T to Hawaii on Carnival Spirit, one in December 11 I think the other in April 2012.

[donaldsc]

IMHO, sea days are a total waste of time and you do not get enough time at any port to see much of anything. But then, that is what cruising is. If you really want to see stuff, fly to your destination and spend time there. If you can live with seeing a very little bit at each destination, cruising works.

 

I do both.

 

DON

[Working 2 Cruise]

IMHO, sea days are a total waste of time and you do not get enough time at any port to see much of anything. But then, that is what cruising is. If you really want to see stuff, fly to your destination and spend time there. If you can live with seeing a very little bit at each destination, cruising works.

 

I do both.

 

DON

 

I respectfully disagree with you. Sea days are definitely not a waste of time... I use them to de-stress and relax... Away from work and everyday worries, my 90-year old mother, my 102 year-old mother in law, their problems, health, finances... They are wonderful.

 

I would agree that if you really want to see a place, then cruising is not the best way to do that. However, if someone wants a mix of everything, then... I can hardly wait to go on my 14-day cruise, I definitely will enjoy the sea days, and then, to add to my good fortunate, I get to see quite a bit of the islands as well... Best of both worlds.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Thank you but we actually canceled that cruise. There was 6 in our group and the other 2 couples were not comfortable enough to go into Mexico do to the increasing violence. I tried to talk them out of canceling but then when I heard that a tourist was shot and killed in Cancun because they happen to be in the direction, that the bullet was traveling. One of the couples had a friend returned a couple of weeks ago, and their taxi driver was shot and killed right in front of them in PV, he was supposedly a drug dealer by night. They all decided it would be safer to cruise to Hawaii. Hard to argue with that.

 

I think right now the Drug Mafia is running Mexico and it appears to be in all areas of Mexico, at this point. However, I would have no problem going. I say, "if it's mt time, it's my time".

 

I absolutely agree with you. I am sorry that you will not be going, as I was looking forward to meeting you. Perhaps another cruise, another time! Please let us know what you decide with Hawaii!

 

As for tours, here is what I have planned: Ricky's Tour (there is a thread on it in this section), he is reasonable and has gotten some great reviews... Also, we will be doing the Hula Girl Catamaran Snorkel and Dive excursion in Maui... http://www.sailingmaui.com. Have fun!

[NancyIL]

I am just starting to look at Hawaii, and I am interested in Radiance of the Seas' repositioning cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver in April 2012: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itinerary.do;jsessionid=0000K-uqehmCN-pN-etZfMw0qsx:13hldcctq?packageCode=RD12H008&date=201203&selectedCurrencyCode=USD The roundtrips from CA have too many sea days and too few days in Hawaii. The RCI repo cruises (also on Rhapsody leaving April 30, 2012) have almost as many days in Hawaii as Pride of America, but the price of RCI for 12 nights is about the same as NCLA for 7. If you want to cruise to Alaska in early May - the cruise conveniently ends in Vancouver!

[vbmom87]

I am just starting to look at Hawaii, and I am interested in Radiance of the Seas' repositioning cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver in April 2012: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/cruiseDetails/itinerary.do;jsessionid=0000K-uqehmCN-pN-etZfMw0qsx:13hldcctq?packageCode=RD12H008&date=201203&selectedCurrencyCode=USD The roundtrips from CA have too many sea days and too few days in Hawaii. The RCI repo cruises (also on Rhapsody leaving April 30, 2012) have almost as many days in Hawaii as Pride of America, but the price of RCI for 12 nights is about the same as NCLA for 7. If you want to cruise to Alaska in early May - the cruise conveniently ends in Vancouver!

 

 

The repositioning cruises do look interesting, but for me 5 days at sea would still be too much, but better than the 8 on the other round trips. I am sure many would find this a wonderful option. Especially if you ended up in Vancouver and then could cruise Alaska. How great would that be?

[NancyIL]

The repositioning cruises do look interesting, but for me 5 days at sea would still be too much, but better than the 8 on the other round trips. I am sure many would find this a wonderful option. Especially if you ended up in Vancouver and then could cruise Alaska. How great would that be?

 

I'll be on a Transatlantic cruise in late November with 6 sea days in a row at the end, and I hope I don't go stir crazy! They'd better offer a LOT of trivia games on those sea days. :D

 

I like the idea of ending in Vancouver. The Radiance repo cruise ends May 4, but RCI won't release their 2012 Alaska cruise plans until next spring. If we do anything post-cruise, I'd rather travel from Vancouver to Calgary (on the Rocky Mountaineer or via rental car) than take an Alaska cruise that early in the season.

[DAGVBSB]

The repositioning cruises do look interesting, but for me 5 days at sea would still be too much, but better than the 8 on the other round trips. I am sure many would find this a wonderful option. Especially if you ended up in Vancouver and then could cruise Alaska. How great would that be?

 

I did the maiden repositioning cruise for the Pride of Aloha in 2004 from San Francisco to Honolulu. It was one day in Monterrey California then four days over and then Hilo, Kona, two days on Maui and a day and a half on Kauai like the NCL cruises currently do. We then sailed into Honolulu on July 2 for the POA's official welcome.

 

I was a bit apprehensive about the four sea days with no land anywhere, but to this day, it has been one of my most favorite times of cruising. Those four days were extremely relaxing and enjoyable.

 

I would love to do another transpacific or transatlantic cruise sometime.

[Saraj]

Thank you for sharing. I think we are looking at either March or April, my DH wants to see the whales.

 

We booked on HAL Zaandam for Feb 27 which will basically be a March cruise. Chose this one because of the Whales and hoping to see some calves which are born Dec. and Jan. from what I have read. Would love to have company. Very few on the roll call at the present time and 3 or 4 couples who originally started roll call have opted out for another cruise.