giving crusing a 2nd chance-Hawaii this time

[jlaa1]

We went on the NCL Dream in March on the Texarribean. Did not really enjoy it. We were particularily interested in Cancun, but due to storm...we got an extra day at sea...whooopee!!!

We are going to cruise Hawaii in Aug., NCL is the only ship that cruises in the summer then, so lets hope.

Any past Hawaiian cruisers have tips on the excursions? I have heard it is cheaper to get them on the island, less expensive since you have a whole day on each island.

We are going on a budget, so any discounts, ideas on cheap fun exercusrions will be greatly appreciated.

[GottaLuvCruising]

Rent a car in each port - that's what we did and it was awesome! In Honolulu (arrive at least one day prior to sailing), go to K-Mart and get a map of the islands. Do your research in advance, so you'll know what you want to see on each.

 

We booked all of our cars in advance, with Alamo, using discount codes we found on their web site. Most days cost us $30- $40 including taxes. We brought other people with us some days, but went alone (two of us) most of the time.

 

We were on the road in our car within 20 or 30 minutes from leaving the ship - one time we had to call for the shuttle, but one was right there waiting for us all of the other times.

 

We had plenty of time to do whatever we planned in each port and were easily back on the ship with a cushion of time before sailing. This option is far more economical than booking ship tours.