What made it so special for me, was ASSIGNED seating, the 8 of us continue to be and will remain lifelong friends. When you have two whole weeks you make real connections. Not to mention, the South Pacific is far more dazzling and romantic than the been there - done that Carribean/Alaska, etc.. I had so many adventures on that sailing, I couldn't begin to tell you. But in almost 31 years of cruising, and no idea how many cruises, that one will go down as my favorite of all time. I know no other cruise will ever measure up to that one. Sooo glad I went. It was April 2007, right before the cruise lines got nuts with the rules and regulations, cutbacks on food and service, etc. Being out on the open sea for 4 days at a time really gives you a feeling of being disconnected....you are almost startled when you wake up one morning and see a volcano mountain out of your veranda.
I would never want to fly there - way too long a flight. But if I were going to pick just one island, I would be staying at the Hyatt Maui. It's like an entire city - the grounds have the most exotic and romantic pathways, they go on forever...filled with tropical birds and flowers. And the hotel itself was 5 star all the way. If anyone has ever considered a two week cruise, it is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT experience than a one week cruise.