This was our 7 th trip to Hawaii and maybe or last as we our in our 70s. We use to family and couples vacation here decades ago. We chose POA to revisit places we had mainly been and it was a great experience , weather aside. We had never been previously without the cooling Tradewinds that usually always blow except in Summer. We had read some bad reviews but either Norwegian has listened and improved or some people cannot find fun in paradise.
We stayed 5 nights @ the HHV for $800 everything included with luau, $100 dining credit: just listen to a two hour time share presentation
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We heard come a little later so arrived at 1:15 PM . Everything was swift and we enjoyed a good leg of lamb lunch in the MDR. Our room was ready while we were eating and all our bags arrived about a half hour after we entered our cabin. There was a complimentary bottle of champagne chilling and the water we ordered was there also. Tip if you have a credit and want it to include water you must wait until embarkation day to order it.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Used MDRs mainly. Made reservations before sailing and adjusted 2 based on show time or excursion. Liberty was less crowded and service much slower. The soups, fish, lamb, fresh fruit, spring rolls, salads were all good. All staff in all restaurants were good. We had burgers one day up by the pool and they were good. We liked breakfast in the MDR best when it worked out and the Belgium waffles with banana are wonderful. Room service breakfast was prompt and had a limited menu but work d for early excursions
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We saw people making leis, etc but were mainly on excursions. There was lots of room around the pools and very few people in them or the hot tubs that we noticed
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The comedian Michael S was the best on any of the 8 cruises we have been on . We went to both his shows. The magician was also good. They brought in Hawaiian entertainment for Aloha night and the musical / dancers on the ship did a solid broadway type show but were the singers were not as strong as those we have heard on HAL or Celebrity
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The best overall of any of the cruise companies ( mainly HAL and Celebrity) we have sailed with. The other two lines have excellent cabin stewards and waiters but POA shined on greeting you when you approached guest devices or excursions as well as being very solid in the cabin steward and dining area. In the later, they had some very amusing wait staff as well, probably because everyone spoke English well.
We missed not one but 2 of our Ships tours due to a slight health problem. They could not have been nicer refunding two tours one day and rescheduling one . Then the next day putting us on a different tour as it was leaving after we had missed another. Wonderful sevice and a reason to book ship’s tours.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Our’s was a wonderful large accessible cabin with the best operating shower we have ever had anywhere. The devote was soothing blues and beiges, the layout spacious, mattresses, good, my husband liked the pillows, I would not and brought my own a I normally do. Because the room is often used by people in scooters you will always find some nicked paint in such rooms, particularly in doorways. The balcony was also good size.
Ship tip
Sail when children and teens are likely to be in school if you want the uncrowded experience we had. We should have waited until October as the Tradewinds did not start blowing into the day before we left September 28 th
We took a good circle island tour offered by Enoa Tours. If you have made flight arrangements through Pleasant Holidays there is a $50 off coupon for this very well done minibus tour that picks you up at your hotel.
The ship’s tour to the private botanical gardens that but the sea is as wonderful as everyone says and we even can grow some of these plants at home. We paid $20 for the golf cart ride in and out and we were glad we did. As it is steep and eats up your time. There is still plenty of walking , as you explore and take wonderful pictures. The ship uses a great company to drive you in smaller minibuses and their drivers did great commentary. This was our sixth trip to Hawaii and we had never gone here or seen anything as beautiful.
Besides good excursions, or easy to rent a car two days in this beautiful place; there is the lovey beach at the Mariott right next to where the ship is moored for two frays. You can walk to it , but better yet take the free anchor shopping Shuttle which runs every ten minutes.
Had a nice last breakfast in MDR took Roberts group transfer to airport. Should have used the popular Charley’s Taxi Service (dame price anywhere for 1-2 people). A long disorganized wait for the group transfer we had. If using Hawaiian Air and you have a long wait consider buying a $40 Plumeria Lounge pass. Wry nice lounge, good food, drinks, seating, WIFI, bathrooms
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