Just back from Hawaii / Carnival Spirit - Any questions?

[GottaLuvCruising]

Aloha!

We visited Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo and Kona. We rented a car in most ports - had a great time! Any questions?

Janet

I did post a (long) review if you'd like to read it:
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=844109981"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=844109981[/url]

[spleen93]

Janet - thanks for the review! Glad that for the most part, sounds like you had a good time. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Spleen

<a href="http://www.escati.com/counter98/free_time_codes.htm">
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif[/img]</a>
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;9;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  until RSSC Navigator - Canada - 6/04

Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[Michelle!]

Thank you Janet! That was a great review. I am doing the opposite cruise, but spending extra time in HNL at the Sheraton Waikiki. Not happy about the hotel, but, I purchased on hotwire, so can't be choosy!

Do you have any packing tips specifically for the Hawaii cruise? I'm definitely going to visit the market, thanks for the tip!

Michelle!

[spleen93]

Michelle - why not happy with the Sheraton Waikiki? Good location, beachside property ... if you got it at a good price on Hotwire, shouldn't be bad. I know that there have been some concerns with service now and then but that seems to be hit or miss.

Spleen

<a href="http://www.escati.com/counter98/free_time_codes.htm">
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif[/img]</a>
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;9;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  until RSSC Navigator - Canada - 6/04

Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[MFH]

Michelle - we just stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki after our cruise on the Spirit. We were there 2 weeks ago. It was really fine. We also did Priceline, but it was never mentioned. The room was large, clean and in good condition. When you go to the beach, you can go to the left, or the right of the walkway. We discovered that there are a few chaises and beach rental to the right.

[Michelle!]

Thank you Spleen and MFH - I think my disappointment was I had tried to identify the hotel based on my research, and based on the amenities and location, I had guessed the Moano Surfrider! Silly me...I called to ensure I had two double beds, and the front desk clerk was very helpful. Just being spoiled brat I guess!

Thanks for the re-assurance, I appreciate it!

Michelle!

[spleen93]

The Moana would definitely have been a bonus but I don't think that you'll be disappointed with the Sheraton Waikiki. It's a large well-established and respected hotel in Waikiki. Enjoy and tell us about it when you get back!

Spleen

<a href="http://www.escati.com/counter98/free_time_codes.htm">
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/logos/time98.gif[/img]</a>
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;6;9;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]  until RSSC Navigator - Canada - 6/04

Carnival Conquest - W. Caribbean - 10/03, Celebrity Infinity - Alaska - 6/03, Ocean Princess - Alaska - 7/02

[BillyMetz]

GottaLuv, what was your itinerary on this cruise? Did you sail over, back, both, or fly both ways and just cruised the islands? If you did sail one way or both I would be interested in how the sea was in the middle of the Pacific the time of year you went. Smooth, rocky, etc. We are going about this same time next year and I am wondering what to expect.

[GottaLuvCruising]

BillyMetz,

We flew to Honolulu (12 hours from Orlando). We arrived at 1:17pm and were on the ship about 3pm.

Itinerary
Fri / Sat - Honolulu
Sun - Kauai
Mon / Tues - Maui
Wed - Hilo
Thurs - Kona
Fri to Wed - at sea (arrival in Vancouver)

Kona was the only port where we tendered. Being able to walk off the ship onto the pier is a huge advantage.

We loved the five days at sea. We had one very rough night; I pretty much slept through it all except for waking up hearing the creaking and groaning (of the ship). People were talking about it the next day and the captain even mentioned it in his noon announcement. Other than that night, the five days at sea were calmer than some of the night-time transits from one island to another. We did feel a little movement, but very few people seemed bothered by it. I purchased an over-the-counter motion sickness medication, just in case, but never needed it.

Any other questions?

Janet

[BillyMetz]

Thanks GottaLuv, we are going with a different cruise line. First time with someone other than Carnival. All previous cruises have been with Carnival. Our itinerary is similiar. Fly to Honolulu arriving on Wednesday, unless we go over a day early. Thur in Kailu Kona, Friday in Kauai, Saturday and Sunday in Maui, Mon in Hilo, and then depart Tuesday for for Ensenada, Mexico arriving Sunday morning. Excited and looking forward to it. Have no idea what to expect having never been to Hawaii. Also will be the longest cruise and the most straight days at sea.