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This American is Proud to Review the Pride of America 4/11 to 4/18


mel-b
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I don't think I mentioned this above, but I have never ridden in a helicopter before this tour. I am very very glad we did this. It's hard to make mention of one specific activity we did on this trip that was the absolute best. Everything I've written about ranked #1 in one way or another. I will say if we had not done the helicopter tour of Kauai, we would've greatly missed out on seeing such magnificent beauty..

 

Lifting off into the sky seemed so precarious! I was speechless as we lifted higher and higher and took off into the island. I think if we were to return to Kauai and (gladly) take this tour again, I will be more at ease and know what to expect. I wasn't full of fear, I was mostly in awe of the experience and what I was seeing. I found myself sitting very still for a good portion of the ride. I was on the left, my DH on the right. All pictures I took (and what I will post) were taken from my phone. They recommend against doing that in case you drop it! And I confess my hands were shaking a bit. The best rule of thumb of course is not to stick your arms/hands out of the door. My DH manned his GoPro which he mounted on the seat in front of us. We really enjoyed using this device on our trip!

 

My sense of depth and distance was initially off, and having the doors removed really added to that experience. I'm so glad we chose no doors. The wind, the line of sight. I was thankful I wore a long sleeved shirt and pants. I have a confession to make. Tears welled up in my eyes upon seeing the beauty of the island from a bird's eye POV. It's very moving. It was also great fun as Kian, our pilot, played a string of various songs which we could hear through our headphones! I won't forget hearing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", sung by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, while cresting over a ridge into Waimea canyon..

 

Here is just a sampling of the many shots we took that day:

 

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Edited by mel-b
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After our Mauna Loa Helicopter tour was over, we were shuttled back to their bus office and before we walked back to the ship to board for the Na Pali coast sail-by, we stopped for a snack at a highly recommended food truck called Kikuchi's. Boy oh boy oh boy was it good. Pulled pork on steam buns. Nom nom nom.

 

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After our snack, we grabbed our Jeep which was still parked where we left it the night before and returned it to the airport rental agency. I suppose in hindsight, we could've simply rented it for one day, not two. At any rate, the return was seemless and taking the shuttle back to the POA timely. We were aboard the POA with enough time to change and head up to Deck 11 Aft (Aloha Cafe) to meet friends. I'm so glad we decided to do this. It was great fun having drinks, listening to live music as we sailed past the Na Pali coast. IMO, this location on the ship is tops. We would've been just as fine watching it from our aft balcony cabin on deck 9. But, socializing as we cruised the coast was tops. I will say, if they do a narration over the loud speaker of the coast, you will not hear that from the Aloha Cafe location.

 

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Leaving the port

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The ship will hug the coastline closer as it sails by initially, then turn around and sail away at a greater distance from shore. Your best bet for pictures will be as you're first sailing by. Being at the aft was great because we were able to catch some terrific shots as the ship turned to head back. We were also facing the setting sun, which was spectacular. Watching the sun set, and the wake of the ship while listening to live music was awesome. I'd imagine if you sail during whale season, this would be a great location on the ship. We happened to see two whales, probably a mother and baby, breech the surface and blow off to the distance in the wake of the ship as we turned around from the coast.

 

It was very hard to leave this spot on the ship to get ready for dinner at Cagney's (our second time that week to dine there). It was a nice way to wrap up our week with cruise friends. We could've easily sat out there until the wee hours of the morning, but decided to enjoy one last great meal before we disembarked the next morning.

 

I'll wrap up my review talking about Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Oahu as we extended our trip four days after the cruise. All in all, as I've mentioned before, there are zero regrets to cruising the POA. Zero regrets to visiting Hawaii this way as first timers. I would not hesitate to cruise the POA again, and would in fact consider a b2b. In fact, I would like to do so again because honestly, we did not experience many of the activities on the ship. We were very busy exploring the islands. Once aboard at night, we ate a nice meal and drank some wine and found ourselves retiring to our cabin to enjoy the balcony and rest.

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We were sad to see the cruise end. A week goes by fast when you're having fun! We opted to carry our luggage off with us the morning of disembarkation. We generally do this when we cruise as we're often last minute packers. We had breakfast in the main dining room which as I recall was good. I love the smoked salmon/cream cheese/capers on a bagel. DH generally orders eggs benedict. We returned to our cabin to collect our luggage and proceeded to exit the ship. This was probably around the 930 am time, and the ship appeared to be fairly empty.

 

I must have failed to confirm if our car rental sent a shuttle to the port. I was aware that at least a few did send shuttles from the Honolulu airport, but as it turned out, Hertz does not. We exited the port building and attempted to reach Hertz by phone but nobody picked up. We waited a bit and witnessed a few shuttle buses arrive from other agencies. We decided to finally hop in a cab and made our way to HNL to pick up our car. Sure enough, we found out once we were there that they do not send a shuttle to the port. I am not sure if this is all the time, or just that particular day. My advice would be to confirm this prior to the cruise.

 

If your plans are to simply stay on Waikiki Beach and not venture out of that area, a car rental is not necessary. If you're interested in touring Pearl Harbor, you can either rent your own vehicle or I believe you can arrange an official tour either through NCL or outside agencies. You could also take a cab. We opted to rent the vehicle not only for Pearl Harbor, but to drive around Oahu. I'm glad we did this. There were a few sites we enjoyed seeing on the island other than Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. I will state, however, that I was underwhelmed with Oahu in general. If we returned to Hawaii, this island would be my last choice to visit. More of a "been there, done that" feeling.

 

Having the vehicle was also nice because we could contain our luggage while touring Pearl Harbor. Once again, I know people have mentioned the port keeping luggage on the day of disembarkation should you take a tour through NCL. I am not sure what the options are for your luggage should you use an outside agency to tour Pearl Harbor. There are lockers at PH but I'm not certain if you can keep luggage in them. Pearl Harbor does not allow bags of any kind (purses etc) while you're touring the grounds.

 

The drive to Pearl Harbor from the airport is literally a few minutes. Simple drive. Parking is free and easy. We applied sunscreen, grabbed our phones/camera and set off. I arranged the passport tour which had a cost. This allowed us to tour not only Pearl Harbor grounds and the USS Arizona, but the USS Bowfin submarine, USS Missouri, and Pacific Aviation Museum. We were glad we had this tour. It is worth the cost. You can arrange for this online (I don't have the link handy, but it's a gov site). The only regret I have is not starting our day earlier, right when they open. We didn't have enough time to tour the Mighty Mo!

 

We arranged a time to tour the USS Arizona at the information desk once we arrived. We had enough time prior to boating over to the Arizona to walk through the grounds, the various museums and tour the USS Bowfin Submarine.

 

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We were sad to see the cruise end. A week goes by fast when you're having fun! We opted to carry our luggage off with us the morning of disembarkation. We generally do this when we cruise as we're often last minute packers. We had breakfast in the main dining room which as I recall was good. I love the smoked salmon/cream cheese/capers on a bagel. DH generally orders eggs benedict. We returned to our cabin to collect our luggage and proceeded to exit the ship. This was probably around the 930 am time, and the ship appeared to be fairly empty.

 

I must have failed to confirm if our car rental sent a shuttle to the port. I was aware that at least a few did send shuttles from the Honolulu airport, but as it turned out, Hertz does not. We exited the port building and attempted to reach Hertz by phone but nobody picked up. We waited a bit and witnessed a few shuttle buses arrive from other agencies. We decided to finally hop in a cab and made our way to HNL to pick up our car. Sure enough, we found out once we were there that they do not send a shuttle to the port. I am not sure if this is all the time, or just that particular day. My advice would be to confirm this prior to the cruise.

 

If your plans are to simply stay on Waikiki Beach and not venture out of that area, a car rental is not necessary. If you're interested in touring Pearl Harbor, you can either rent your own vehicle or I believe you can arrange an official tour either through NCL or outside agencies. You could also take a cab. We opted to rent the vehicle not only for Pearl Harbor, but to drive around Oahu. I'm glad we did this. There were a few sites we enjoyed seeing on the island other than Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. I will state, however, that I was underwhelmed with Oahu in general. If we returned to Hawaii, this island would be my last choice to visit. More of a "been there, done that" feeling.

 

Having the vehicle was also nice because we could contain our luggage while touring Pearl Harbor. Once again, I know people have mentioned the port keeping luggage on the day of disembarkation should you take a tour through NCL. I am not sure what the options are for your luggage should you use an outside agency to tour Pearl Harbor. There are lockers at PH but I'm not certain if you can keep luggage in them. Pearl Harbor does not allow bags of any kind (purses etc) while you're touring the grounds.

 

The drive to Pearl Harbor from the airport is literally a few minutes. Simple drive. Parking is free and easy. We applied sunscreen, grabbed our phones/camera and set off. I arranged the passport tour which had a cost. This allowed us to tour not only Pearl Harbor grounds and the USS Arizona, but the USS Bowfin submarine, USS Missouri, and Pacific Aviation Museum. We were glad we had this tour. It is worth the cost. You can arrange for this online (I don't have the link handy, but it's a gov site). The only regret I have is not starting our day earlier, right when they open. We didn't have enough time to tour the Mighty Mo!

 

We arranged a time to tour the USS Arizona at the information desk once we arrived. We had enough time prior to boating over to the Arizona to walk through the grounds, the various museums and tour the USS Bowfin Submarine.

 

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Mel-B..again, great review..FYI- I guess you didn't drive in Oahu to the North Shore & take the AMAZING drive from Sunset beach down the coast back to Honolulu..it is FANTASTIC! ..you go up thru the center of the island, past the Dole Pineapple farms ( amazing- best pineapple in the world!!), then up to where the Big wave surfers go...the drive back down is simply stunning...forget Honolulu..Pearl Harbor was great, but our fav was the drive down from Sunset Beach & Wiamia Bay ....if you go again, don't miss it..rent a car & do it!!!

 

Big Al

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Mel-B..again, great review..FYI- I guess you didn't drive in Oahu to the North Shore & take the AMAZING drive from Sunset beach down the coast back to Honolulu..it is FANTASTIC! ..you go up thru the center of the island, past the Dole Pineapple farms ( amazing- best pineapple in the world!!), then up to where the Big wave surfers go...the drive back down is simply stunning...forget Honolulu..Pearl Harbor was great, but our fav was the drive down from Sunset Beach & Wiamia Bay ....if you go again, don't miss it..rent a car & do it!!!

 

Big Al

 

Big Al,

 

We had only part of one day to drive around Oahu due to the work conference we were attending on the back half of our trip. I think if we'd had more time, we might've discovered more than we did! I'll make mention of it in my review after Pearl Harbor, but we ended up driving to the North Shore area (shrimp trucks) but I don't think it was via the center of the island as you mentioned. I don't recall going past the Dole plantation. I do recall driving past a couple of military bases and ending up near the shrimp truck we were dying to try. We did drive around the island, past north shore and down the eastern side. The weather was not cooperating so we only stopped at the Byodo-in Temple before shooting back across to Waikiki Beach (which I loved the temple BTW).

 

I won't dismiss Oahu as I know we barely scratched the surface I'm sure. Overall, it's still paradise. My favorite islands though were Maui and Kauai, followed by the Big Island and Oahu bringing up the rear. If we go again, I'll certainly heed your advice!!

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We enjoyed having the headsets while touring Pearl Harbor. Each location had a narrated tour. When we were down in the USS Bowfin submarine, it was nice to hear the narration of the actual sub, the men onboard, daily life etc..

 

Near the location of the USS Bowfin submarine was a Japanese Kaiten - one man suicide torpedo.

 

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There are a few museums on the immediate PH grounds. There is also a snack cafeteria should you be hungry. I believe there is a restaurant within walking distance that was highly recommended (I can't recall the name).

 

Once our time came to board the small boat to the USS Arizona Memorial, we stood in line and waited to be escorted aboard by active duty military. It's a very somber experience. Most people were quiet and reflective as we took the short boat ride over to the USS Arizona. As we climbed onto the deck of the memorial, the previous group wrapped up their tour and left via the boat we came in on. We had at least 15 minutes to walk through the Memorial, and look out over the top of the USS Arizona. It was, once again, nice to have the headsets for narration.

 

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I don't recall the estimated amount of oil leakage the USS Arizona puts off per day. It is definitely easy to spot with your eyes. Being here really puts the events of that day into perspective. How close the ships were to each other. How close they were to land. How vulnerable they were and how taken by surprise they were that day...

 

After we boated back to the main part of Pearl Harbor, we decided to hop on the bus provided to Ford Island where the Mighty Mo and Pacific Aviation Museum are located. This island is guarded by active duty personnel as it is an active base. The bus will drop off at the USS Missouri first, then the Pacific Aviation Museum. We decided to get off at the Mighty Mo first. We were a bit hungry at this point, and were told there is a snack shack at this location. We decided to grab a bite and figure out what to do with our remaining time. As much as we wanted to tour both, we knew we only had time for one. The consensus was to hop back on the bus and tour the Pacific Aviation Museum.

 

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View of the USS Arizona Memorial from the Mighty Mo

 

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Mighty Mo

 

I'm not knowledgeable about all things aviation. My husband is, which is why we ultimately chose to tour the Pacific Aviation Museum versus the Mighty Mo. I confess, I really enjoyed this museum! Even though I do not have a great understanding of most of the aircraft, it's fascinating to be at this location. The inside, air conditioned museum is very nice. Once again, they offered headsets which were helpful. After we toured this portion, we walked back outside and across the way to the next building, an old airplane hangar. This is where they housed several planes and choppers...and, you can still see where the bullets pierced the glass windows on that infamous day. It's as if you stepped back in time.

 

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We stayed at this location until the last bus arrived to take us back to the main part of Pearl Harbor. All in all, we are very glad we did this full tour. As I mentioned before, the only regret I have is not arriving a bit sooner to be able to tour the Mighty Mo. Oh well, if we return, this will give us a chance to tour again without feeling like we had seen everything.

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After we finished the Pearl Harbor tour, we hopped in our rental car and drove to Waikiki Beach. The traffic was rough! But, I've been told this is to be expected. So prepare some extra time if you're traveling in this part of the island.

 

We stayed 3 more nights on Oahu, at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach. I mentioned at the beginning of my review where we stayed the night before we embarked on the POA. We really enjoyed indulging ourselves at the Sheraton on the back-half of our trip. It was nice to be directly on the ocean. This hotel is only a couple doors down from Duke's. All the shopping and great dining is right there. We would definitely return to this hotel again.

 

It was nice to relax most of this time. My DH had a conference he was attending and speaking at, so unfortunately he had a bit of work to do. However, it was Hawaii after all so work was really not worrkkkk if you know what I mean! The grounds of this hotel are super. There is an adult's only infinity pool with cabanas. There is also a more kid/family friendly pool which I enjoyed lounging at just as much if not more than the other. If we were in a big group, paying the cost to rent a cabana wouldn't be a bad idea. But even to rent a covered chair for the day is outrageous...it's not Vegas!! I enjoyed going between the pool, the hammock, and beach.

 

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View from our room overlooking Diamond Head

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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...
Thank you so much for this amazing review. You have given me much information to jump start the planning for our May 2016 cruise on PoA.

 

Thank you for reading the review! It's good to know how helpful it is to others.

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Mel B, thank you so much for you awesome review! I really enjoyed Hawaii through your humorous narration! Your tips will come in handy for my husband and I who will be sailing with POA on Sept. 19, 2015.

 

Ahh, I just logged in today and saw this response of yours. Your trip is tomorrow!! Enjoy yourself, and I'm glad to hear this review was helpful.

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This review has to win the award for the longest, most drawn-out review ever! I realized I was near the end, but didn't add a few details that might be helpful to some.

 

We really enjoyed the Sheraton on Waikiki Beach. The location was great. Next to all the shops, lots of dining options, and right on the beach. Actually, the property is right on the ocean with steps heading off towards Diamond Head to the actual sand. We spent most of our time enjoying this area. We did venture around the island one afternoon. We went towards the North shore area with the intention of eating at one of the most tasty shrimp trucks. Giovanni's gets the most recognition, but we ended up at Mackey's and were not at all disappointed. We got there just in time to beat a very large tour group. Mackey's had prepared their meals ahead of time, so it was clear they were prepared to feed that large of a group. I recall ordering the garlic, and I'm salivating to this day it was that good.

 

We drove on through the North Shore area and around to the eastern side of the island. It was an overcast day, and we did not have enough time to stop everywhere we wanted. It was important however to have enough time to explore the Byodo-In Temple located in Kaneohe on the eastern side. We were glad we stopped here. It is beautiful. The temple is a non-denominational shrine located at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a functioning Buddhist temple in the proper sense as it does not host a resident monastic community nor an active congregation. I easily could have spent an entire day on the grounds, reading a book or just simply meditating in my own thoughts.

 

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We dined at Duke's a couple more times, once having mai tai's (again) and listening to live music on their outside patio. We finally had the hula pie, and it was worth every calorie. You almost need to go there just for that. It's huge.

 

We did not attend an official luau (I more than likely would have chosen Chiefs if we had time on Oahu). The conference we attended put on a mini luau of sorts at the Sheraton. We had the traditional Hawaiian fare along with a live musical performance. I was okay with not attending a professional luau, but should we return, I would probably book one just to say we did it. If we'd had time on Kauai, I would've preferred to do the Smith Family luau there over all others.

 

I think this wraps up our Hawaiian escapades. I can't think of a better way to have spent these days, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Feel free to ask questions! I'll try to check in here periodically. Mahalo!

Edited by mel-b
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  • 1 month later...
This review has to win the award for the longest, most drawn-out review ever! I realized I was near the end, but didn't add a few details that might be helpful to some.

 

We really enjoyed the Sheraton on Waikiki Beach. The location was great. Next to all the shops, lots of dining options, and right on the beach. Actually, the property is right on the ocean with steps heading off towards Diamond Head to the actual sand. We spent most of our time enjoying this area. We did venture around the island one afternoon. We went towards the North shore area with the intention of eating at one of the most tasty shrimp trucks. Giovanni's gets the most recognition, but we ended up at Mackey's and were not at all disappointed. We got there just in time to beat a very large tour group. Mackey's had prepared their meals ahead of time, so it was clear they were prepared to feed that large of a group. I recall ordering the garlic, and I'm salivating to this day it was that good.

 

We drove on through the North Shore area and around to the eastern side of the island. It was an overcast day, and we did not have enough time to stop everywhere we wanted. It was important however to have enough time to explore the Byodo-In Temple located in Kaneohe on the eastern side. We were glad we stopped here. It is beautiful. The temple is a non-denominational shrine located at the Valley of the Temples. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a functioning Buddhist temple in the proper sense as it does not host a resident monastic community nor an active congregation. I easily could have spent an entire day on the grounds, reading a book or just simply meditating in my own thoughts.

 

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We dined at Duke's a couple more times, once having mai tai's (again) and listening to live music on their outside patio. We finally had the hula pie, and it was worth every calorie. You almost need to go there just for that. It's huge.

 

We did not attend an official luau (I more than likely would have chosen Chiefs if we had time on Oahu). The conference we attended put on a mini luau of sorts at the Sheraton. We had the traditional Hawaiian fare along with a live musical performance. I was okay with not attending a professional luau, but should we return, I would probably book one just to say we did it. If we'd had time on Kauai, I would've preferred to do the Smith Family luau there over all others.

 

I think this wraps up our Hawaiian escapades. I can't think of a better way to have spent these days, and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. Feel free to ask questions! I'll try to check in here periodically. Mahalo!

 

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We are taking the POA in June of 2016 and spending a few days on Oahu first. We have an ATV tour booked at Kualoa Ranch on the windward coast and definitely want to have time to enjoy the Byodo-In Temple on the way. How long would you say is required to see everything and enjoy the setting?

 

Once again, I so appreciate your willingness to take the time to share this with us.

 

Mahalo!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you so much for your AMAZING review! Part of my family and I will be leaving in 12 days (December 19th) to go on this cruise. There are 13 of us in total, 6 adults (our mom is in her late 70s), and 7 kids (from 17 to 7 years). I am finalizing our Christmas plans and thankfully found your review. Thank you so much for everything you posted, such a wealth of information.

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I don't hit the NCL boards often but it's good to read a review as detailed and positive about POA as this was. Great job.

 

Good to see not a lot has changed since we went in 2012. Your explanation of the American crew is spot on. Loved them and never had an issue. Our one con would be regular dining in the MDR at night. Not the best selection. But absolutely loved sitting out for breakfast on the fantail watching the sights of Hawaii. Looking forward to going again.

 

Dan

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  • 4 weeks later...

Thanks for posting this very detailed account.

 

After reading, I think the hubs and I may just do the car rental thing for RTH and the sunrise crater. I had considered booking thru NCL but we can handle the driving I think. It will be more personal and certainly more affordable.

 

I am still wrestling with where to stay pre/post cruise. I still have LOTS and LOTS of time (we don't go until March 2017) but I am a planner! I am going to book our airfare this summer and then book hotel rooms so I can be a little more flexible with the air dates.

 

Again... THANK YOU for this review and GIG 'EM!

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Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We are taking the POA in June of 2016 and spending a few days on Oahu first. We have an ATV tour booked at Kualoa Ranch on the windward coast and definitely want to have time to enjoy the Byodo-In Temple on the way. How long would you say is required to see everything and enjoy the setting?

 

Once again, I so appreciate your willingness to take the time to share this with us.

 

Mahalo!

 

Aloha! My apologies for just now checking into this thread. Happy New Year to you! I'm glad you're wanting to visit the Temple. I really think it's one of the least popular "attractions" on Oahu, which is a shame because the grounds and replica are stunning. But, this is good too because the crowds are minimal. I would allow yourself at least a half hour to tour the immediate Temple area. The grounds are so inviting, if the weather is cooperating, I would recommend allowing yourself an hour or more to sit, read, meditate, perhaps have a snack or lunch. The Temple itself is tucked back into a memorial grounds, easy to get to. But so serene. It was raining a bit when we were there, so we didn't stay much past an hour I'd say.

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Thank you so much for your AMAZING review! Part of my family and I will be leaving in 12 days (December 19th) to go on this cruise. There are 13 of us in total, 6 adults (our mom is in her late 70s), and 7 kids (from 17 to 7 years). I am finalizing our Christmas plans and thankfully found your review. Thank you so much for everything you posted, such a wealth of information.

 

I am so glad to know this review was helpful to you. How was your trip?!! What did you think?

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I don't hit the NCL boards often but it's good to read a review as detailed and positive about POA as this was. Great job.

 

Good to see not a lot has changed since we went in 2012. Your explanation of the American crew is spot on. Loved them and never had an issue. Our one con would be regular dining in the MDR at night. Not the best selection. But absolutely loved sitting out for breakfast on the fantail watching the sights of Hawaii. Looking forward to going again.

 

Dan

 

Thank you, Dan. I'm just now finding myself back on this board too. I'm glad I checked in. You and me both...can't wait to go again. Happy New Year!

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We did this cruise in August. Only complaint is dining room food. Montonous

 

Cajun, this seems to be the prevailing complaint. Hopefully they can up their game in that area. There must be an obvious quality gap between MDR and specialty dining. I'm really glad we had the NCL deal for upgraded dining.

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