Any Suggestions on a NCL Cruise to Hawaii?
On April 3rd 2010 I am taking a 7 day cruise to Hawaii. Our group is between the ages 13-50 but all in healthy/well shape. We are looking for things you suggest to do on the islands and the ship. What is there to do on the ship Pride of America? Are there shows? Should you dress nice? What do you suggest I pack? Mostly information about the ship because we are pretty planned out as far as the Islands go. Unless you have a MUST see attraction.
Thankss
Your question is a little confusing because you ask for things to do on ship AND on the island, and then you say you are pretty much “planned out” as far as the islands go. However, I have been to Hawaii 4 times and also cruised there so I’ll offer this advice/information and you can use what you want.
First, as far as the ship is concerned it will have plenty of entertainment for you. I have not been on the Pride of America but all cruise ships have free access to pools and hot tubs, a gym for you to workout, a walking/jogging track, a showroom for a free show each evening, a basketball/volleyball/tennis court, a teen club and other areas for kids, an internet cafe, and a host of other things to enjoy. You can look at the details and a small photo on this NCL web link: http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/fleet/shipInformation.html?shipCode=PRIDE+AMER
My recommendations for the Hawaiian islands:
Honolulu: Pearl Harbor …. You can go there on your own by public bus rather than a ship’s tour if you want. You can also take the bus from the port to Waikiki Beach and the International Market that is right across the street from Waikiki. There is an information desk in the ship terminal and they will give you a map and directions. The ship will dock next to the Aloha Tower Marketplace: http://www.alohatower.com/
Honolulu: Polynesian Cultural Center ……. If you want to do an all day tour then go to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Its set up like a village where Hawaiian culture is explained by demonstrations and participation. The center is run by the Morman church and so there are no alcoholic beverages served there. If your cruise ship will be in Honolulu overnight or leaving late at night (like maybe midnight) then you can get a ticket for the Polynesian Center’s luau. Another good Luau is the Paradise Cove Luau; we did this one on our last trip. http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com/. Your cruise line may offer this or you can book it on your own.
Maui: My favorite thing to do on Maui is the downhill bike ride on Haleakala. Its a 35 mile downhill bike ride and its fabulous. Web link:http://www.mauidownhill.com/ . The “road to Hana” is another worthwhile excursion but you’ll need a car or a ship’s tour as it’s on the opposite side of the island from the pier and it take about 4 hrs to drive the road to Hana and about 3 to drive back. It’s a very scenic drive (if its not having showers).
You can go to the beach in Maui on your own from the pier in Lahaini. The bus stop is just a couple blocks away and the cost is $2.00 per person each way to ride up to the Kaanapoli Beach which is the pretties beach on the island. Here’s a web link for you: http://www.mauionline.com/ . You want to take the bus to the Whaler Village mall. Its right next to Kaanapoli beach. Remember all of the beaches in Hawaii are open to the public so you can go sit on the beach anywhere.
Hawaii, the big island: the main attraction on the big island of Hawaii is Volcanoes National Park. http://www.nps.gov/havo/ You’ll need a tour or a car to do the park. Another nice attraction on the big island is Akaka Falls State Park.
Kauia: I have been to the fern grotto and Wiamia Canyon Park on this island and I think the Wiamia Canyon park trip is the best. Its much more scenic than the fern grotto trip. You’ll need a car or a tour to do either of these.
Any trip to Hawaii must include a stop at a Hilo Hatties where you can buy colorful shirts and mumu’s and even matching clothing for men and women (like we got). These stores also sell candy and other souvenirs and they will even ship back home for you. You’ll find a Hilo Hatties on every island but Honolulu has the largest store. and there is free round-trip bus transportation to the stores on all of the islands, provided by the store.
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