Hawaii Cruise????

[Eeyore1928]

Anyone done this? How was it? We are looking at a 12 day from California over on either on RCCL or Carnival. Anyone's opinion would help out!

Thanks

 

[Eeyore1928]

bump!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DawnCt1]

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE CRUISING! Let me continue by saying that I love Hawaii more. Leaving out of California would give you a LOT of days at sea. If you like being at sea, that's fine, however I think the end results is, it will give you too few days in Hawaii. I have seen cruising itineraries of Hawaii and I think that a day in each port is hardly enough to even allow yourself to notice how different and diverse each island is. The Big Island is so different from Oahu. That doesn't mean one is better than the other, just different. You need time to explore that difference. On a cruise you will never see a moonbow in Volcano National Park or see the lave spill over the pali. On a cruise you may never make it to the North shore of Kauai or have a chance to mule ride down to Kaulapapa on Molokai. On a cruise you will never get to see the sun rise in the frigid morning cold on Haleakala or spend as much time as you want on the Hana Hwy and then spend the evening in Lahaina Town. Hawaii is to be enjoyed during the day and during the night. It would be too sad to say goodbye to Maui after one day.

 

[Eeyore1928]

Well we would have 2 days in Maui...2 in Oahu...2 on big Island and 1 on Kauai. We will have our 3 year old with us and don't get into the mule rides/sitting and watching things. We want to see the beach, the lava ( which they sail by at night), the waterfalls, and a few parks/flower gardens. Not really into the lets drive and climb/bike ride thing.
We thought the cruise would give us a small taste of each island so that we would know which ones to go back to for a land based visit.
Just not sure between Carnival Spirit or the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas.

 

[LuvTigger]

I've only been on one cruise (Disney), so I'm no expert, but just wanted to offer that I've heard from several sources that say "stay away from Carnival". They seem to be the least reputable of all the cruise lines.

I have friends who've been on Royal Caribbean to other locations like Alaska, and they liked it.

You might want to try the Cruise Board and see if there are discussions about other cruise lines there.

 

[DawnCt1]

Well we would have 2 days in Maui...2 in Oahu...2 on big Island and 1 on Kauai. We will have our 3 year old with us and don't get into the mule rides/sitting and watching things. We want to see the beach, the lava ( which they sail by at night), the waterfalls, and a few parks/flower gardens. Not really into the lets drive and climb/bike ride thing.
We thought the cruise would give us a small taste of each island so that we would know which ones to go back to for a land based visit.
Just not sure between Carnival Spirit or the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas.

No one under the age of 16 is allowed onto the pennisula of Kaulapapa, so that would leave that visit out, even if you were to go to Molokai, however your time is still extremely limited on all of the islands. I think it would be preferable to take that 12 days and visit 2 or 3 of the islands, enjoy the beaches, dining out, some sight seeing, etc. If you are planning a cruise, I probably would pick RCCL because I have been happy with them in the past. Is Celebrity an option?

 

[Eeyore1928]

Celebrity only offers a 14 day cruise and it has 2 less days in Hawaii...only several hours (9-3) on Maui and just 1 day on Oahu. So they are not the best option. Royal Caribbean seems to be the best option so far. The reviews on the Norweign ships have been so bad we really don't want to chance it. More and more people are telling us to stay away from Carnival.

 

[Honu]

Cruising Hawaii is a good way to figure out which islands you like and might want to return to, because they all are different. Although, you do need to get out of the port area to truly see them. I have lots of friends that have dive/snorkel excursion businesses in the islands. The customers they service from all the ships say the NCL Spirit of Aloha is the best there.

I personally wouldn't cruise from here to there. First, it's a loooooong way. Second, the pacific ocean is not the Caribbean - it's cold and turbulent.

 

[Eeyore1928]

Bump!

 

[Lil_Tink]

I dont really know. I would suggest the one where you get most time on the islands.