Just back from 15 day cruise to Hawaii

[ron123]

If anyone has questions about the Island ports or what to do I'll be happy to help if I can. We did not do princess tours. We rented cars (National) and found the rental companies to have maps of things to drive too and see waiting for us. Tip- if renting a car spend a buck or 2 more we got on the Alamo/ National bus with 20 other folks.... we were the only ones going to National (saves valuable sight seeing time)

 

[gramps]

Hi Ron,

We are doing this cruise in March of 05. How are the cabins, we have B-416 a mini-suite. What can you say about the tours....was in the Islands in the 60's as R&R from Viet Nam....can't go or do the same now.... Any info would be appreciated.

Gramps

 

[gointothechapel]

I wanna know everything! How was the ship, the crew, the food, etc, etc etc!
We leave on 04/05/04.. can't wait!
Thanks so much
Cyn

 

[ron123]

gramps,
I did not see the minisuites, however the rooms are very nice on this ship, gennerally speaking, larger than modern ships our room was 190 sq ft. the bathroom has a large enough shower for 2 adults. I took someone elses advice and requested 'eggcrate' mattress pad this made the bed more comfortable.

We did not take tours, however, our new found friends did. They cost more than do it yourself, but ship won't leave without you! Tours generally run 40-50% more than do-it your-self tours. We had torental rains in Honoulu , tours left, got flooded out from rain... Princess gave complete refunds on all those trips.

Rental cars were about 40.00 a day ,economy car, we got free upgrades on Kona and Kauai to converables!. this is my recommendation. Read the tour book carefully, and rent a car -ask the rental agency where these places are and go

Helecopters tours ,while pricey, are probably the best way to see the islands.

The islands are gorgous, and we live in San Diego Ca, never been before, but we will go back!! -Ron

 

[ron123]

goin....
By now you have read my other thread especially about the ship..... IT is NOT a GRAND class ship!

The staff/crew EXCELENT everyone was willing and eager to help, with tips included for wait staff and room steward, I never felt like they had there hand -out waiting to be tipped. I like that!
Chris Nichols is the cruise director from the Tatitan Princess. Top Notch! He and his staff really wanted you to have a good time.

The food.... ah..... the food...so wonderfull on the Star and the Grand... well you've read my other posts my now. Princess does have a corporate menu according to the head maitre d' This chef prepares food for 80 year olds.... I will say no more. Bland!!

I can say that this 15 days is a break from planning/preparing/cleaning/ meals at home!

Hope this helps! -Ron

 

[Lady Jag]

Can't believe you live in SD and have never been to Hawaii! =huh Sounds like a heck of a way to go and see it though. Flying into the Big Island is a trip in itself! How were your seas? I noticed on the web cams today that the sea looks very glassy and perfectly flat!

Anyone considering renting cars in Hawaii? Renting a convertible is the ONLY way to see the islands. Just make sure you know how to get the top up for going through the rainforests. I love it there and think it's more beautiful than the Caribbean!

 

[ron123]

Lady Jag,

I am From Philly, Pa. area. I moved to Cali for the weather 9 years ago!! Just haven't been able to travel much!

We had moderate to rough swells nearly the entire trip.
I did the same thing you did and watched the sea!! on the trip previous to ours!! We were also in the biggest winter storm to hit Hawaii according to the locals.....

We had maybe 3 sea days that you did not know you were on a ship. Major fore and aft pitch and rolling back and forth do to heavy winds. Sadly it was so windy you couldn't be outside much!

I never felt unsafe and have been in rougher seas. It seems like after a week of rolling around on the ocean we kinda used to it!

Ditto on the cars.. we even got a jeep and put the top down! -Ron

 

[Lady Jag]

Well that makes a lot more sense, Ron. No wonder! Almost everyone in So. Cal. has been to Hawaii at least once - I guess it's the equivalent to Floridians going to the Caribbean. =dunno

Sounds like some pretty rough seas! I think you get your sea legs after a couple days of that kind of weather and it doesn't seem so bad then. After a trip like that, I'd still feel like I was on a ship even on land!

 

[gramps]

Hi Ron,

This is gramps again. Thanks for the information, could you be a little more specific regarding the island tours, do and don'ts. Interested in the car rental in a few of the islands......You mentioned the seas.....remember once trying to outrun a typhoon....not a pretty sight below decks....anyway...any info would be so greatly appreciated.

gramps