It was an amazing honeymoon. I had never been to Hawaii and its a great way to get an intro into the islands. I probably wouldn't do the cruise again now that I know which islands I want to visit again for more days. I'd be tempted to do the cruise again though when its back to 100% capacity or if they get a new ship. As most know about 1/2 the bars and restaurants are closed but it didn't ruin the good times!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Took about 15 minutes from walking into cruise port to being on the ship....most of that was just walking! No line.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Drinks were 5 stars. Specialty Dinning was 5 star. We did the French Restaurant twice and Steak House once. Dinner buffet was 5 star. Breakfast buffet 3 star. Skyline was 4 stars (Good food but long wait and inconsistent waiters). Never ate lunch on the ship and never ate at the Diner.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I was barely on the ship to do much but learning the Hula was fun. DJ at the pool was a good time. Bags tournaments got some people going. I wish the lei making was at better times for people who were on excursions.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Most shows were going on during dinner times so if you didn't eat early you couldn't see the shows. Also, you're off the ship most of the time so didn't participate then. I didn't get to see any shows. The lounge acts are like having the radio on while you drank. The club was average. Just a guy playing music while no one dances BUT it was the last bar open!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
OMG, the bartenders work their butts off. They were amazing. Cruise Director gets you fired up on the mic everyday to have a good time (AloooooooooooHA!). If one staff person let you down you had 2 others trying to pick up the slack and make things right. Guest service was fast and efficient.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cleanliness is a 5, Ship design is a 3.5 due to it just being an older ship....but we weren't on the cruise for a grand ballroom or anything. Its a ride to the next island while you sleep off the mai tais
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Everything was great in the room. Balcony was amazing. Only complaint is being on the 10th floor room and having the 11th floor above us and we'd hear chairs getting adjusted on the 11th floor in the early morning and it would wake me up. After a few minutes it would end. Not a deal breaker.
Ship tip
If it wasn't my honeymoon I say the smart move would be get the cheaper rooms and spend your "balcony money" on excursions and on shore activities. Being off the ship all day till 5-6pm, get drinks on 11 till sun goes down at 7:30 and there isn't much to see from your balcony room other when the ship is parked.
The actual port/ship area is gross. Its more for cargo ship. You walk through 1/2 mile of fencing and barbed wire to get out of port. Maui was nice Road to Hana was cool but stressful. Rented a car and earned my badge! Molokini Reef and Coral Gardens were fun. It was choppy but we still saw some sea turtles along with other fish and coral.
Another cargo port/ship area, not for tourists. Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, other sites around town were great. It was a rainy day but it didn't ruin the day.
Great port. Things to do right when you got off the ship. Friendly locals. Great snorkeling right at the beach, just rent some gear for $15. Rented a car and saw the sights. Awesome. Coffee tour. Hope to be back.
Another cargo port but a nice area about 5-10 minute walk away. Great beach with gear to rent. We rented a car and saw the Waimea Canyon....amazing. Went to the Smith Family Garden Luau and that was the best food of the trip and a great show. Worth Every Penny! Day 2 we did the Islandhelicopters tour that lands at Jurassic falls and that was breathtaking. Spend the extra money for the Jurassic Falls landing. Everything was beautiful. Also hope to be back.
Loved sitting at the rear of the ship while eating roast duck and sipping on a cold drink while taking in the sights of the Napali Coast. Views are from about 5-6pm.
Congrats and thanks for a really good review, very detailed. I was supposed to do a (non-cruise) honeymoon to Hawaii that didn’t happen due to covid and other reasons but still hope to go some day!
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