Need Advice about Hawaii

[flyingb]

It is,we are sailing the Spirit on that itenerary in April '09, for our 30th! It is 4 islands in 7 days ,then 5 days at sea to Vancouver

 

firefighter,

I would love to thank you for your service to our country and may God bless you and keep you safe! I think EVERYONE should thank Firefighters, Servicemen & Women and Police officers! Have a wonderful trip and congratulations on your 30th. We celebrated our 54th August of '07. You're going to LOVE Hawaii!

Luv's Crusin'

[bankofdad]

So much great information! I have another question. We were thinking about going during the Fall season but is spring better? In other words, is there a difference in either weather and/or prices?

Janice

 

Both of our sailings were in Early-mid October, and for the most part, we had great weather and the surf was calm. I also lived there for a few years, so have a feel for the weather a bit.

 

While you can have rough seas anytime, the calmer surf and dryer conditions generally occur in the "summer" months - Mid-May through early October. The problem with sailing during Hawaii's summer months is that you're limited to NCL America. You might want to go to www.weather.com and check out the avverages and records info for each port. That'll give you a flavor for average temp and rainfall, which I've found is usually the wetest in January.

 

Like I said, you could hit bad wether in the summer months, too. We spent three weeks on a land vacation there this past July, and hit some real rough water in Kauai (catamaran tour) with heavy rains on the South shore (rare occassion).

[cathyoo]

Alaska and Hawaii, that is my DREAM cruise... but I think we need to hit the lottery.

[Texas_firefighter]

My DH and I took the Carnival Hawaiian cruise in April of 2006. We flew to Honolulu a few days early and spent some time in a hotel. Then we got on the Spirit and started the cruise. After we cruised around the Hawaiian Islands for 7 days we had a 5 day cruise back to Vancouver, BC. We then stayed a few extra days in Vancouver. Our 12 day cruise turned into a 16 night vactaion

 

It was a wonderful vacation. We never set foot in Mexico. I highly recommend this cruise.

quote]

 

 

 

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience.This is exactly what we are planning along with the extra days on both ends.I have read that late April and early May can be some of the best weather in Hawaii.Can't wait !

[Texas_firefighter]

firefighter' date='

I would love to thank you for your service to our country and may God bless you and keep you safe! I think EVERYONE should thank Firefighters, Servicemen & Women and Police officers! Have a wonderful trip and congratulations on your 30th. We celebrated our 54th August of '07. You're going to LOVE Hawaii!

Luv's Crusin'[/quote']

 

 

Wow. Thank you so much. I haven't heard that very often,and I am humbled. 24 years so far. God is my strength. Happy 54th.That is super !!! We can hardly stand it waiting to go to Hawaii !

[Kurbanfan]

I live in Hawaii............please email me if you have any questions.

 

I have a question for you Aloha. How did the new revamped Waikiki turn out? We were there when they started the renovation and will be returning again this spring. Can't wait to see how it turned out.

[Aloha_Cruisers]

I have a question for you Aloha. How did the new revamped Waikiki turn out? We were there when they started the renovation and will be returning again this spring. Can't wait to see how it turned out.

 

Turned out well, in fact that even started revamping Kuhio St (The next street over) to have the same look. Unfortunately though the new look of Waikiki is very high end and only really attracts Japanese tourist who can afford the stores on the strip. Waikiki is starting to turn into mini-Japan........not that I have anything against them, but it's not very affordable for American tourist anymore down there.

[Kurbanfan]

Turned out well, in fact that even started revamping Kuhio St (The next street over) to have the same look. Unfortunately though the new look of Waikiki is very high end and only really attracts Japanese tourist who can afford the stores on the strip. Waikiki is starting to turn into mini-Japan........not that I have anything against them, but it's not very affordable for American tourist anymore down there.

 

LOL! Yeah we noticed the large amount of Japanese tourist on our last visit. With their exchange rate it's expected. That's ok while they are out shopping we are on the beach lol! We were interested in some of the relocated restaurants and such. Does the remodel extend all the way down Lewers Street also? And how about the international market place. Did they redo that also?

BTW I see you will be on the Valor soon. We sailed on her last Dec. and had a blast. Hope you do too!

[forensic]

NCL is the BEST way to see Hawaii. And I would recommend the Pride of America now that they took, Pride of Hawaii away. Why they removed the newest ship I have no idea.

 

BUT - NCL is still the BEST way to see Hawaii. They spend more twice the amount of time in port as any of the other cruise lines and they overnight in 2 of the ports, I believe. And that is what you are going to Hawaii for - right? To see Hawaii!

 

If you also get your air, and a pre-hotel package with NCL. They will meet you at the airport, handle your luggage and take you and your luggage to the Marriott Waikiki Beach (you can get a City View room to save a little $). There is a NCL Service Center right in the Hotel so that they can assist you with Shore Excursions for Honolulu while you are there or for any of the other islands you are going to visit. When you check out of the hotel, you will have the bellman take your luggage to the service center and then you can spend the rest of your day in Honolulu until it is time to board the ship. I would recommend getting a balcony stateroom is you can possibly swing it. Part of the cruise is "cruising" pass some of the beautiful parts of these Islands, which can include the lava running into the sea in the night. It is so wonderful to be able to see these lavish sights from your own balcony. The free style dining is perfect for this itinerary as you will not want to rush back from any of your shore trips because it is meal time. With free style dining you can eat when it fits your schedule. And the casual dressing suits Hawaii. Whatever you decide to do - I am sure you will love Hawaii.

[Aloha_Cruisers]

LOL! Yeah we noticed the large amount of Japanese tourist on our last visit. With their exchange rate it's expected. That's ok while they are out shopping we are on the beach lol! We were interested in some of the relocated restaurants and such. Does the remodel extend all the way down Lewers Street also? And how about the international market place. Did they redo that also?

BTW I see you will be on the Valor soon. We sailed on her last Dec. and had a blast. Hope you do too!

 

Lewer St is completely changed...........it's a brand new section with 3-4 new restaurants and such. The Denny's and the Cellar are the only things left on that street from when you were here last. The Dog House (Bar) is gone as are all the hotels once there. As for restaurants, they've added a Yard House, a Caribeann style restaurant and a lot of small shops in that section. Regaring Int Market Place.....it hasn't changed. Same cheapo stuff from the same vendors. If you've seen it once, no need to revisit.

 

Good places to visit while in Waikiki are"

 

Tiki Bar (Kalakaua St)

Dukes (Kalakaua St)

Hy's Steakhouse (Kuhio St)

Shorebirds (only recommend lunch)

Eggs and Things (breakfast only)

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Yard House (Lewer St)

 

That should get you started............hth.

[KatSt]

My DH and I took the Carnival Hawaiian cruise in April of 2006. We flew to Honolulu a few days early and spent some time in a hotel. Then we got on the Spirit and started the cruise. After we cruised around the Hawaiian Islands for 7 days we had a 5 day cruise back to Vancouver, BC. We then stayed a few extra days in Vancouver. Our 12 day cruise turned into a 16 night vactaion

 

It was a wonderful vacation. We never set foot in Mexico. I highly recommend this cruise.

quote]

 

 

 

Glad to hear you had such a wonderful experience.This is exactly what we are planning along with the extra days on both ends.I have read that late April and early May can be some of the best weather in Hawaii.Can't wait !

It was wonderful weather in Hawaii. We got to Vancouver on May 10th. There were still some snow flurries there which we weren't prepared for. We survived without very warm clothing anyway.

 

I would love to do this same trip again someday.

[Kurbanfan]

Lewer St is completely changed...........it's a brand new section with 3-4 new restaurants and such. The Denny's and the Cellar are the only things left on that street from when you were here last. The Dog House (Bar) is gone as are all the hotels once there. As for restaurants, they've added a Yard House, a Caribeann style restaurant and a lot of small shops in that section. Regaring Int Market Place.....it hasn't changed. Same cheapo stuff from the same vendors. If you've seen it once, no need to revisit.

 

Good places to visit while in Waikiki are"

 

Tiki Bar (Kalakaua St)

Dukes (Kalakaua St)

Hy's Steakhouse (Kuhio St)

Shorebirds (only recommend lunch)

Eggs and Things (breakfast only)

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Yard House (Lewer St)

 

That should get you started............hth.

 

We have been there many times. We always get a suite at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. And we love shorebirds it's one of our favs. Even for dinner. The guys love to barbeque their own steaks lol! It is just the last couple years we traveled to Maui instead. Although Maui is beautiful we love Oahu better. Much more night life. Most places are walking distance. And you can't beat the beauty of the North Shore. This time around we are thinking of staying a couple days at Turtle Bay then over to the Outrigger. We will have to check out the Caribbean style restaurant

and Hy's Steakhouse. Eggs and Things makes me laugh! Would that be eggs and and their famous spam:eek: lol!

Thanks so much!

Oh I forgot to ask how is that new inter island ferry doing? Read about it when it first came out but have not heard anything since.Thanks Again!

[MrPete]

 

BUT - NCL is still the BEST way to see Hawaii. They spend more twice the amount of time in port as any of the other cruise lines and they overnight in 2 of the ports, I believe. And that is what you are going to Hawaii for - right? To see Hawaii!

.

 

When we cruised Hawaii on Carnival, we had two overnight stays in Maui and Honolulu, two stops on the Big Island, one on each side, and a stop in Kauai. 7 port days in total, plus an overnight viewing of the active volcano.

 

We had a grand old time without all the NCL excuses.

 

Cruising the way it was meant to be, to a marvelous destination!

[Kurbanfan]

We had a grand old time without all the NCL excuses.

 

 

 

What excuses:confused:

[bonniemari]

What excuses:confused:

 

One of my main complaints about our cruise on NCL Pride of America was with the specialty restaurants. We had reservations on 2 different nights/2 different restraurants at a certain time. 15 minutes after our reservation time we were still waiting to be seated. After 25 minutes (on both nights) we finally gave up and went to eat in the maining dining room.

 

I can see them running behind but 2 different restaurants on 2 different nights was a little much. When I went to the pursers desk to inquire what the problem was I was blown off. The lady behind the counter didn't even apologize.

 

My other problem and I understand it is Hawaiian state law is there is no casino. A casino is part of our entertainment when we cruise.

 

Another thing is the crew (hate to say it but mostly Amercian) was no where near as good as we have had on Carnival and even other NCL cruises we have taken. When we were on the NCL Dream Hawaiian cruise the crew was great. Smiles everywhere. Not on NCL POA. The POA had was fairly new when we cruised so maybe that was part of the problem. Hopefully it has gotten better.

 

LOL-since there was no casino for entertainment my DH would sit oin the back behind the Lido and watch this one young man pretend to be working.

It was really funny watching him try to look like he was working. (Ok I must be easily entertained).

 

Like I said our cruise on the POA was a all expense paid (free) paid for by our local newspaper. Well not exactly free cause my business did some mega advertising that year. We had a good time but I guess I am a Carnival gal at heart. If we do Hawaii again it will be with Carnival.

[Kurbanfan]

One of my main complaints about our cruise on NCL Pride of America was with the specialty restaurants. We had reservations on 2 different nights/2 different restraurants at a certain time. 15 minutes after our reservation time we were still waiting to be seated. After 25 minutes (on both nights) we finally gave up and went to eat in the maining dining room.

 

I can see them running behind but 2 different restaurants on 2 different nights was a little much. When I went to the pursers desk to inquire what the problem was I was blown off. The lady behind the counter didn't even apologize.

 

My other problem and I understand it is Hawaiian state law is there is no casino. A casino is part of our entertainment when we cruise.

 

 

Another thing is the crew (hate to say it but mostly Amercian) was no where near as good as we have had on Carnival and even other NCL cruises we have taken. When we were on the NCL Dream Hawaiian cruise the crew was great. Smiles everywhere. Not on NCL POA. The POA had was fairly new when we cruised so maybe that was part of the problem. Hopefully it has gotten better.

 

LOL-since there was no casino for entertainment my DH would sit oin the back behind the Lido and watch this one young man pretend to be working.

It was really funny watching him try to look like he was working. (Ok I must be easily entertained).

 

Like I said our cruise on the POA was a all expense paid (free) paid for by our local newspaper. Well not exactly free cause my business did some mega advertising that year. We had a good time but I guess I am a Carnival gal at heart. If we do Hawaii again it will be with Carnival.

 

I just wanted to know what the NCL excuses were.

I know going in there is no casino. The other compliants I have heard on other cruislines as well.

If Carnival had more options for Hawaii it would be great but they don't. And I belive the casual freestyle is perfect for Hawaii. We travel to Hawaii often and I can't even imagine bringing anything other then bathing suits, flip flops and shorts.

[MrPete]

What excuses:confused:

 

Read the NCL boards.

 

"You should have done your homework"

"You should have gone with lower expectations"

"It's an American crew"

"It's NCLA, not NCL" (I always scratch my head on that one).

 

And on and on..... :confused:

[Kurbanfan]

oops!

[Kurbanfan]

Read the NCL boards.

 

"You should have done your homework"

"You should have gone with lower expectations"

"It's an American crew"

"It's NCLA, not NCL" (I always scratch my head on that one).

 

And on and on..... :confused:

 

Oh I thought it was something serious:D

[Texas_firefighter]

It was wonderful weather in Hawaii. We got to Vancouver on May 10th. There were still some snow flurries there which we weren't prepared for. We survived without very warm clothing anyway.

 

I would love to do this same trip again someday.

 

 

We'll have to prepare for that.I wish we had the time to do a B2B to Alaska with it. That will have to be a separate cruise.:rolleyes:

Hey,join us in '09 !

[bonniemari]

Of course I would go back to Hawaii for 2 reasons-chocolate covered macadamia nuts and the most comfortable shoes I have ever purchased for $8.00. They kind of look like leather but they are not. Don't know what they are made of but I wear mine all the time. They are great for wearing around the pool and on the beach.

 

Both nuts and shoes can be purchased at Hilo Hatties.

 

Oh and of course I would go back for the georgeous views.

[schultz]

My mother and sister are on the Celebrity Summit right now. They left San Diego Oct 26, 4 days crossing, 6 days Hawaii islands and 4 days return to San Diego. They researched and felt this was the best cruise for Hawaii.

[bonniemari]

My mother and sister are on the Celebrity Summit right now. They left San Diego Oct 26, 4 days crossing, 6 days Hawaii islands and 4 days return to San Diego. They researched and felt this was the best cruise for Hawaii.

 

 

Now that sounds like a great cruise.

[KatSt]

 

 

We'll have to prepare for that.I wish we had the time to do a B2B to Alaska with it. That will have to be a separate cruise.:rolleyes:

 

Hey,join us in '09 !

We just might join you.

 

I couldn't believe how many people were on the 12 Night Hawaiian cruise and then were going onto Alaska for 7 nights.

 

We haven't done Alaska yet. As you said, that will have to be another time.

[Texas_firefighter]

We just might join you.

 

I couldn't believe how many people were on the 12 Night Hawaiian cruise and then were going onto Alaska for 7 nights.

 

We haven't done Alaska yet. As you said, that will have to be another time.

 

 

Great ! Love to have you ! It's a little over 17 months out now ,but I think it will sell out way before sail date. It will be here before we know it !

The B2B would be fun for sure if time allowed. DW went on a rt, NCL to Alaska this summer with her Mom and 2 sisters,now she wants me to go(twist my arm:rolleyes: )so we're thinking we'll wait and go on a one way to have time on one end to do a land vac. in Alaska with it,like a few days in Denali Nat. Park. The trip right after the Hawaii is a rt in Alaska.