4th Time a charm.. Pride of America November 13th..First time on NCL

[sweetbasil57]

Well this looks like a go so far (fingers and toes crossed) We are 2 couples sailing Hawaii, first time on NCL and Pride of America. Any advice is appreciated.We have booked balcony cabin 11624. Planning on flying in a day before. Have a  great day and Thanks.

[Middleager]

We've cruised Hawaii on the NCL Wind, and POA.  It's port intensive.  Lots to see/do in ports.  We rented car in all ports to get around ourselves.

 

If you can fly in a few more days earlier, it'll allow you to adjust to time difference and recover from jet lag.  First time we did 2 days before, was still tired.  Second time we did more days before.

 

You can also stay more days after.  There's lots to do/see in paradise.

[CaptainWoody]

46 minutes ago, Middleager said:

You can also stay more days after.  There's lots to do/see in paradise.

We didn't have any extra days during our first POA sailing, but since NCL scheduled our Saturday return flight at something like 7:00 at night, we had plenty of time to visit Pearl Harbor.  Next Spring we're going in a day early, and plan to repeat Pearl Harbor.  What are the other "must-do's" pre/post cruise?

[Middleager]

9 minutes ago, CaptainWoody said:

We didn't have any extra days during our first POA sailing, but since NCL scheduled our Saturday return flight at something like 7:00 at night, we had plenty of time to visit Pearl Harbor.  Next Spring we're going in a day early, and plan to repeat Pearl Harbor.  What are the other "must-do's" pre/post cruise?

Everyone's must-do are different, but we did (in addition to Pearl Harbor & new Aviation Museum):
* PCC (Polynesian Cultural Center), used to get a b1g1 coupon from Entertainment book; visit the theme villages, luau dinner, and the night show (excellent).

* Hike Diamond Head.  Yes all the way up.
* Punch Bowl (Pacific) Cemetery, do go see the memorials, pics showing the various naval battles. Tantalus Drive.

* We went diving/snorkeling.  Hanauma Bay is beautiful as a place, awful as snorkeling place as there're too many beginners kicking up sand or standing on (killing) corals. But the educational video is good.

* Drive around the island, see the Blow Hole,  Kailua-Lanikai beach, Byodo Temple, Koaloa Valley (can do movie tour), PCC, Brigham Univ, around north shore, buy from shrimp truck, Dole Plantation, Ionali Palace.

* Pali Lookout, where King Kamehameha fought the battle to drive 400 Oahu aborigines off the cliff.

* I also dove at west, in Makaha Canyon and saw huge sea turtles (bigger than me). 

* Just walking around Waikiki, watch the free Hula dance show at Kuhio Beach.  See Friday night fireworks.  Try surfing.  Some hotels would have free shows/songs/dances at times.

* Outrigger canoe excursion from Hawaii Kai.

* New International Market Place is ok.  Rented a car there at good price.

* Enjoy Taiwanese style shave ice (much better than Japanese style shave ice)

* Aloha Stadium flea market (meh to me, others love it)

 

Of those, my priorities would be Pearl Harbor, PCC, Diamond Head, Pali Lookout, Punchbow Cemetery, and just walking/relaxing in Waikiki.

 

Waikiki is not big.  Hotels got expensive when we went in 2019.  We also got supplies (and meals) and cheaper gas from Costco.

[CaptainWoody]

8 minutes ago, Middleager said:

* Just walking around Waikiki, watch the free Hula dance show at Kuhio Beach.  See Friday night fireworks.  Try surfing.  Some hotels would have free shows/songs/dances at times.

 

Thanks!!  That's a great list.  We're planning to stay at a hotel in waikiki that is about a quarter mile from Kuhio beach.  Where are the fireworks at?

[Middleager]

27 minutes ago, CaptainWoody said:

Thanks!!  That's a great list.  We're planning to stay at a hotel in waikiki that is about a quarter mile from Kuhio beach.  Where are the fireworks at?

Fire works are from the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  You can see from most places in Waikiki beach.  Can have a sip, sit by statue of the Duke.  We also did a dinner cruise once, it was pretty good.  At times there are groupons you can buy to save money.

[kelib]

3 hours ago, Middleager said:

 

 

Hopefully the rental car shortage in Hawaii and very high prices will be resolved by the time of your visit.

 

 

Edited June 3, 2021 by kelib

[sugcarol]

Why has the Nov 6 and Nov 13 POA disappeared? Only 11/20 and 11/27 are showing now.

[sugcarol]

Sorry, found out 11/6 and 11/13 cruises have met the 60% capacity. 11/20 and 11/27 are close but havent reached 60% capacity yet.