A great way to see all the beauty of Hawaii in its many forms, just don't expect the luxury, entertainment, cuisine or service you may have experienced on other cruises. While Hawaii is always wonderful, if you're looking for anything out of the cruise experience, you will probably be disappointed.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Same food every day. Specials were anything but and to get a "fine dinning" experience you have to spend $$$ extra - after paying too much for the cruise to begin with. You're better off eating on shore when you can.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Not enough Hawaiian culture (MORE MS. CHINA AND THE HAWAIIAN BAND PLEASE!). This ship is in port every day - no days "at sea" - so the events are all at times when the boat is in port. If you care about making the most of the vacation you paid for you can't really attend many of the onboard activities.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
NCL is missing a huge opportunity to share more Hawaiian culture and entertainment with the passengers. Every entertainer should be Hawaiian, not just the first night when EVERYONE is in port on Maui and not able to attend the show. In general, the entertainers where stereotypical cruise ship entertainers - good, but not that good. Good enough to keep you occupied when there's nothing else to do at night if you get enough to drink beforehand. For what you pay and where you are, they could do so much better. I bet there are tons of Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners and others who would love to perform. Also, "Oh What A Night"... horrible. This is worse than Jersey Boys, if you can believe it. I've seen less cheese in a fromagerie.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Be aware: This is an American ship with a lot of American staff who have American attitudes and ideals about customer service... you won't see anyone bending over backward for you as you would in the Caribbean or elsewhere. Also, you'll see them hanging out all over the ship and on shore in their off hours. We heard several different members at different times and in different places complaining about their jobs and the passengers on board. It was off-putting.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
It's fine. It's a small ship, so there's not much to say. It has been renovated but still feels pretty old when you compare it to what's out there now. The crew does a fine job of keeping it clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room was a good size and the balcony was enormously deep. Very nice view of Maui as the ship approaches on Sunday morning so be sure to wake up early for that.
Ship tip
The restaurant serves the exact same breakfast menu as the buffet so you might as well go there. Also, the soda package: no bottled water AND you'll going to have to fight to get your money's worth. I had to go to bars myself to get soda for meals.
Rent a car and go to the volcano park, don't spend the money on the excursion - there's no need - you can do it yourself without missing anything. You'll save hundreds. There is really nothing else in Hilo.
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