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Hawaii adventure |
| Reviewed By: Leam, Crewkerne on 30th Nov 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Princess Cruises |
Times cruised before: 10+ |
| Cruise Ship: Golden Princess |
Sailed:
October,
2008 |
| Destination: Hawaii |
Age: 65+ |
|
We did the Hawaiian Heydays cruise from Los Angeles to the Hawiian island-cruises-summer-holidays/">island on Golden Princess.
Getting through immigration in Los Angeles, our cruise departure point, is always an adventure in itself. On this occasion however - no problem. We had one night at an airport hotel before departure which is useful for getting over the jet lag.
After a free morning, transport from hotel to pier went without a hitch as did check-in procedure. None of the interminable queues sometimes experienced.
It is a four day cruise to the first port of call, Hilo, in Hawaii. However, with a full programme of activities and hot weather, this is not a problem. Finding a sun-bed around the pool was never a problem though some people just can't resist the urge to book one by 7am!
At Hilo there were numerous mini buses at the dock offering 2 and 4 hour tours: the latter being much the better value. Our 4 hour tour was actually 6 hours and included a town tour, gardens, waterfalls, volcano, and a macadamia nut factory. At $45(for cash) it's half the price of the one from the ship. If you only need a trip into down-town there is a bus for $1. Alternatively, take the free bus to Walmart or to Hilo Hatties, another department store.
Next stop was Honolulu on Oahu. The 'must see' here is Pearl Harbour. It can be done by taxi but the organised trip is probably only a little more expensive and much easier. Public transport might be more of a problem here. The USS Arizona is an official war grave. Respect and quiet are demanded. Also take in a visit to USS Missouri and Uss Bowfin if possible. This tour, done in the morning, also leaves the afternoon free for a visit to Wakiki, easy to reach cheaply by public transport. With an 11pm departure there is also a little time to see Honolulu by night.
Next stop, Nawiliwili which is on the island of Kaua'i, pronounced 'cowy' . Not much to see here without taking a tour of some description. Good for snorkelling, best done with a Princess organised tour as some places would be difficult to reach independently and there are dangerous currents in places.
Finally, La Haina on Maui which is a tender port - going ashore by lifeboat. Once ashore there is good cheap public transport both up and down the coast. South to the Ocean centre at Ma'alaea or north to Ka'anapali. Take a timetable from the info centre at the pier to make sure of getting back on time. Remember there will be many others doing the same thing!
As for the ship, well it's well up to Princess standards; clean and well run. You are hardly ever aware that there are 2700 others along for the trip.
We took the 'anytime' dining option which can be a bit of a misnomer if you wish to eat at a table for two. Pagers can be given if you are prepared to wait. Accepting a place at a table of 8 or 10 is not a problem but the meal can then be a rather protracted affair. Breakfast and lunch were generally taken at the self service Horizon Court. Generally good but I think there are some subtle economies being made now and they are starting to show. Desert Rose steakhouse was excellent and well worth the extra charge.
Entertainment was generally of a very high standard. A Puerto Rican comedian, Carlos Oscar, was unmissable, as was the ventriloquist, Dan Horn, not generally our cup of tea, but he was outstanding. The duo, Elua, with their Hawaiian music round the pool were exactly right for this cruise. Sol Play also good for dancing.
Ukelele and hula dancing lessons were available with a public performance on the penultimate night.
All-in-all a most enjoyable experience even with eight sea-days in the 14.
Sadly, the L.A. immigration procedure on disembarkation was less satisfactory with their finger-print equipment being so temperamental!
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| Quality of Food |  |
| Horizon Court good but some economies in the range of choice are beginning to appear. Anytime dining in Donatello can mean a wait for a table for 2. Pagers are available if you can wait. Desert Rose steakhouse is very good, excellent service. Well worth the extra charge of $15. | | Entertainment |  |
| Best were Carlos Oscar , a comedian and Dan Horn, ventriloquist. The duo, Elua for Hawiian music. all production shows were good to very good. | | Shore Excursions | |
| Hawaii island tour, booked independently. Pearl Harbour tour and snorkelling trip booked with Princess. | | Staff | |
| All very good. | | Children's Facilities | n/a |
| | Onboard Activities | |
| | Cabins | |
| Always clean and tidy. All requests met promptly. | | Overall Rating | |
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