Hawaii Cruise Reviews

Phenomenal experience! Even in an inside cabin with four Adults. Embarkation was a bit chaotic, but managed well. The Grand, even with her age is well maintained and in excellent shape. The entire crew from Captain down were all superior. They all spoke perfect English, were all proficient and excelled at their jobs! I am thrilled with everything and am excited to do the Panama canal cruise! 

I used my mileage points to "pay" for this cruise, so you can't beat the price. The Pacific was a little choppy for 2 days out, and two days back, but the island weather was perfect: blue skies & temps in the 70's.The Grand Princess is showing a little sign of her age, but still a clean comfortable ship. Food, as usual was fantastic.

The cruise to the Hawaiian Islands was a true R & R trip. We did as much or as little as we pleased and enjoyed every minute. Our table mates were wonderful

and will stay friends for a lifetime. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding!

Got to airport where we meet the group of people that paid for the transfer to the ship, know problem just like in Ft. Lauderdale and Port Carnival but that was the end of that. As a group we got to the ship and stood outside in line for 3 1/2 hours to get on the ship going through there check-in system. No direction at all and the Carnival people didn't know what they were doing either(we all asked).When we were able to go in the building we checked into 5 years ago(mex. Rivera) was all set up to check in people but for some reason someone thought it was better for us to stand outside (thank God it wasn't hot or raining). From that point on we always had to complain to the dinning room people at least keep up to the standers we were used to on Carnival. You would think that Carnival would have learned but when we got back we had to go through the same mess to get back to LAX. Shuttle we stood for 2 hours of standing waiting for the bus and watch Carnival putting the on comers to the Mex. Rivera through the same thing but in the rain. For shame on you Carnival. As far as being on the ship for 4 days sailing to Hawaii and 4 days back you think that they would of had more things for the people to do other than bean bag toss and trivia, all most people did was wait to eat.

from the 3+ hour wait to register to get on the ship to the 2 hour wait for the transfer we paid extra for to get back to the airports. Worst cruise I have ever taken.service was below standards even for the low price. Even other passengers mentioned that they had to ask for just subpar service. Cleaning standards are very low, they clean the tables with clothes that have been dropped on the floor!

there were four days at sea each way to Hawaii, with no entertainment. Other than end to end trivia and bag toss. The scheduled entertainment was ok when they brought in outside entertainers. But the carnival crew was bad...bad singing...bad dancing...and bad acts. Dinner service was below standards, came either cold or melted. Couldn't get off ship at Kona for 3 and half hours because of lack of sufficient tenders. We had to cancel our plans because only had a few hours on lland.

We enjoyed our time in all the Hawaiian ports. We got off the ship in Ensenada, but got right back on. I was disappointed that the shopping was so far away. The water was very rough and the sea days were good but we got bored quick

{Disco}  DJ Person Was not Good need on prove

We enjoyed our curise very much just a couple of comments entertainment was below average and not at all what we expected having curised other lines.  Disappointed that everything cost extra fee tour of the ship, soft drinks and bottled water. Pictures were over priced. Staff was great and very accommodating.  Ship was old but easy to navigate.

We had a good time. The food was very good. Our room service was excellent.

The one problem my wife and I had was the food lines of the team we couldn't understand them or we couldn't understand. Other then that we had a very good time! 

Cruising is a great way for friends and families to be together. Whether it is sitting by the pool, exercising, spa dates or just attending all the programs and entertainment, cruising provides each individual to choose their preference, but yet all can get together for dinner, possibly excursions or just exploring each port with some or all people in your party.

This was my first cruise. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best score, I would give the waitstaff and housekeeping staff a 10. I would rate the food as a 7. I would rate the shops (perfume, jewelry, etc.) on the ship as a 2. The theater venues are too small compared to the number of passengers on the ship and it's often impossible to get a seat at an evening performance. Princess nickel and dimes you death. Even hot chocolate is not free. If  I cruise again, it will likely be with a different cruise lines for the sake of comparison.

My wife and I were on our first trip to Hawaii.  This cruise was great.  We always enjoy cruising, but the entertainment on the Ruby Princess was outstanding.  Both the theater shows and lounge entertainment were as good or better than any other cruise we have taken.

The food and services were everything we could ask for. The main dining room food was excellent and the selection varied from day to day.  Ate way too much. The weather the first two days was colder than I expected, so pack a couple of warmer outfits for the start and end of the cruise(we went in January).

The pizzeria on the top deck had hand thrown, thin crust pizza to die for!  The grill(hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken breast) was very good, too.  One of our favorites was the International café on the fifth floor that had sandwiches, salads, deserts and warm cookies.  YUMMIE!!!!!

If I could change anything, it would be to spend an extra day in the ports so one could see more of each island.  This is not a criticism, just a wish list item.

A great cruise experience.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our 15 night cruise from Los Angeles on January 9, 2016. It was the first time we cruised with Princess Cruise Lines. We had a mini-suite [ D231]. The stateroom was very spacious and comfortable. Our cabin steward, Christian was wonderful.  Volcano National Park in Hilo was magnificent. Our tour guide was great. The tour we chose consisted of visiting an orchid farm, the national park, and lunch in the park. Well, it was fantastic. The weather was perfect. We enjoyed lunch in an historic lodge prior to visiting the park museum and crater. From Hilo we traveled to Oahu... Pearl Harbor was quite humbling and beautiful. In addition to visiting Pearl Harbor, our tour here included Punchbowl Cemetery, and a bus ride through the city. On our own, we took a cab ride to downtown Oahu. We had dinner at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel [ known as the pink palace and a National Historic Site ]. We sat on the beach at their casual restaurant while the palm trees swayed, music played, and we were right in front of Waikiki Beach! With Diamond Head in the distance, it was wonderful. Before we left, we had to walk onto the famous beach. Downtown Ohau is very crowded with multiple high end hotels and stores for shopping. Kauai was beautiful as well. We visited an old sugar plantation ...took a 45 minute train ride through the grounds to see various animals as well as multiple fruits growing on trees. We finished the tour with some time to browse the shops on premises. Our final destination was Maui.... Absolutely beautiful. We've been to Maui several years ago, so it was familiar to us. You have to take a tender [ small boat ] into port, Lahaina. The weather was in the low 80's! There were several vendors under the famous Banyan tree. We decided we wanted to have some fun in the water here , so we took a cab ride to a well known shopping area, Whaler's Village. There are hotels, shops, and restaurants in this area. Kannapali Beach is right there. We enjoyed the beach and water first. Then we changed into a public restroom. We enjoyed a delicious lunch on the beach at Hula Grill. It was a perfect afternoon. Enjoying pulled pork sandwiches on poi [ purple sweet potato bread and frothy concoctions of drinks ] while the sand is under our feet [ the outside restaurant has beach sand for the floor! ] , and taking in the gorgeous view of beach, blue water and sky, palm trees. It was wonderful. We took the tender back to the ship . The ship stopped in Ensenada Mexico the day before we arrived in Los Angeles. We did not get off the ship. The Ruby Princes is a beautiful ship. The class of service is high. We found the staff to be quite friendly and willing to help in any way. The food was very good and varied. There were many older passengers on board that necessitated scooters, wheelchairs, and walkers. I was quite impressed by the compassion and genuine concern of the staff assisting these passengers. While this was our first cruise on Princess, it will not be our last. It was a trip of a lifetime!

The Pride of America is a marvelous ship and the itinerary around the Hawaiian Islands is superb.  The ship is immaculate, the crew (75% American by law) is very friendly and helpful, the food (in most cases) is excellent, especially Cagney's and Moderno.  The one negative was the food at East Meets West is mediocre at best although the Teppanaki in the same restaurant is great.  The weather, even in January, was warm and sunny.  We thoroughly enjoyed this trip,

Great vacation loved the islands staying over night give you the time you need to see all the beautiful sights. Weather was great

Pride of America was beautiful dinning but the first two days was disappointing but improved the rest of the week.

crew members were great did come across at least 2 arrogant members 

We would recommend Hawaii to all 

good cruise. Very clean ship. Staff friendly and efficient. Food ok, but not what you expect from a cruise ship.Their bars were very pricey and they would not let you bring liquor, beer or wine aboard.  They stocked room refridgerators w their wine and liquour at ridiculous prices. Most of the bar entertainment tried ti get you to drink more.  But official word from ncl was they did not want to promote excessive drinking.  Yeah right.(not unless hey made money on it).Also did not explain tip policy until they charged your credit card.  This left a bad taste, as ncl was being upfront with you.  Good cruise overall, but i would not take this cruise again.

This cruise is more for transportation to the various islands, as transportation it is 5 stars.  The ship is small, tight, cramped and not for those that want to stay on board.  There is no casino.  The food is average at best.  It is clean and most of the staff is friendly.  The workers average 80 hours a week and can't be expected to be upbeat and happy all the time.  We actually felt like they wanted us off the ship as much as possible, we were even encourage to spend the night out on different islands.  The food and entertainment encouraged you to get off the ship. I'm not sure if this is the cruise line or just because of the itinerary.  We will not try this line again or if we did we would get an inside room and pay the least amount possible.  You don't get your money's worth.  I do need to state again it was a great way to see various islands while in Hawaii.

Really enjoyed this time with my family..  Just enough time on each island and most excursions were worth the investment. 

I would caution anyone going on the hiking excursions in Kauai.  The participant should know that the trails are often sloppy muddy and slipping or losing balance is an issue.  I fell down and hurt my back on my kayak excursion and hike to private falls.... 

My family felt that the balcony rooms were okay -  in need of remodel.  The bed spread/covers were in need of replacement or a good washing.  this left bad impression of cleanliness.....

Food in regular dining rooms was clearly lower grade meats - tough.  Cruiseline definitely wants people to dine elsewhere. 

There were a number of instances where we encountered ship staff with outwardly poor attitudes.  Hearing them talk amongst one another negatively, no smiles, angry body language and facial expressions. (buffet area primarily)

The cruise was the only way to really see the islands. Fly in, have the ship take you to the 4 largest islands and then fly home. I am not sure if it was because of the holidays but most of the crew members in the dining halls and reservation desk could of had better attitudes. We heard several comments from the staff in open areas that should of been kept to themselves or behind closed doors. The inclusive food was terrible, no flavor, no selection. The Ultimate dining had some nicer plates but to pay and additional $30 per person just to eat there per meal becomes price prohibitive for the average JOE. We did the steakhouse which was really good and then the teppanyaki place was very good as well.

The housekeeping staff and entertainment staff were outstanding, live music pool side in the afternoons and the shows were really good as well.

when i booked,it said there will be a bonus of 750.-onboard, but cruise people told me this not shown in their system.

shore excursions are more expensive than booking directly onboard. But I do like the tour to crater in Maui with Tempetation Tour.