HAL Hawaiian Circle cruise is great - if you do not like back-to-back sea days in excess of 2 sea days - recommend you fly to Hawaii and pick up the cruise there. The 10 days we spent cruising the Pacific Ocean with several days of large swells 6 - 8+ feet will give you an indelible memory of why it's called "blue water".
Embarkation
5 out of 5
HAL has much improved embarkation with assigned boarding times, room key pickup at stateroom, use of VERFLY app to upload docs and photo, and easy luggage drop off.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Have It All Package - Signature Package - can be used throughout the ship and for "Top Shelf" brands a small up-charge per drink to stateroom bill. Also, if you prefer gourmet items, i.e. lobster, prime beef, these can be easily ordered at dining room evening meals with small up-charge to stateroom bill. The Lido buffet super large choice for all meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - plenty of ice cream - flavors changed daily - for those who like it.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Lots of activities - more than you can find time to participate in during the cruise.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Rock, blues, chamber music, comedians, production - HAL has it all. Main Stage show room is generally packed for get your seat earlier for 7:00 pm, 1st show.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
HAL has great passenger to service ratio - friendly and helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Its a luxury cruise - lots of art work throughout the ship and high end designs.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Vista Suite has plenty of space - expect to pay a bit more than standard balcony - but if space is important to you - treat yourself to a Vista Suite (BC category).
Ship tip
Bring casual clothes - few people dress up anymore - meaning cancel the tie and sport jacket. They do enforce no shorts at evening dining room, but jeans are fine. I stopped bringing my tuxedo years ago.
Traffic is a bit congested on departure day at for 11:00 am boarding group, but if you use the assigned boarding time I noticed embarkation at San Diego after 1:30 was not crowded.
Great immigration disembarkation - San Diego is using new facial recognition technology - no passport lines, scanning of passport, finger pinrt scan, or pieces of paper to show Border Control agent..
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