We are taking a Hawaiian cruise on the Spirit of America. Their prices for land excursions seem pretty high compared to what we've gotten on land on earlier trips. We're considering scheduling our own excursions. I understand they will pick you up at the dock and return you to the ship.
Are you familiar with Hawaiian tourism, esp. cruising? If you are, what suggestions would you have? What's the best way to save money on excursions or other things to do while in port? Is there perhaps an agency over there that can book adventures & excursions for us?
What excursions have you done and enjoyed the most? We're a retired couple, so hiking the Na Pali coast is probably out, but we're open to any suggestions.
Also, if you have sailed on the Spirit of America, we'd appreciate any advice about the ship, ports of call, or cruising in general. This is "free-style" cruising, and anything you could tell us about that would also be appreciated.
Thanks a lot for your help!
2007-01-04 14:04:03 · 4 answers · asked by Don P 5 in Travel ➔ Cruise Travel
I believe that you are referring to Norwegian Cruise Line - Pride of America. Spirit of Hawaii is long gone along with the constitution - (not a political comment - actual name of the ship).
My former director had been on more than 100 cruises. She has been on all of NCL's fleet. She is invited to the inaugral voyages of all of their ships. This was her favorite ship built in the last 10 years. She is hard to impress, so that said a lot to me. She found the Jewel and Pride of Hawaii that came after Pride of America disappointing. This is still her favorite in Hawaii.
Please visit their website at www.ncl.com for more information. You are able to preview and purchase shore excursions in advance of your cruise.
Keep in mind that the cruise line contracts with local vendors to offer the shore excursions. NCL guaranties the reliability and value of the vendor. There are other vendors that will offer the same shore excursions in the area...that can also be arranged independently in advance (reputable companies like Get to hawaii). This is an opportunity for less savory people to take advantage of vulnerable travelers (more common in caribbean/mexican markets) so buyer beware.
Free Style cruising means that there is no assigned dining room or dining time. You have a selection of 13 restaurants: Cadillac Diner, Jefferson's Bistro, Lazy J Texas Steakhouse, East Meets West Sushi Bar, Teppanyaki, Little Italy, Aloha Cafe, Liberty Main Restaurant, Skyline Main Restaurant (9 without a cover charge). You choose when you want to eat and with whom you want to eat. If you want to dress up formally every night of the cruise you can...if you want to leave the suit at home you can. At the end of the cruise they don't have assignments for disembarkation. You leave when you wish before 10am.
Lazy J's has a cover charge ($20 per person) but is the best. Go there with your jeans and enjoy a great steak or 2 or 3. One covercharge.
2007-01-11 10:50:59 · answer #1 · answered by Marjery B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We were never on Spirit of America, but did cruise to Hawaii in October of 2006. There were tours ready to take you on at every port. We had signed through the cruise ship, because if you have to take a tender to shore you'll be sure to have the ship waiting if your tour runs late. We took bus tours because I am disabled and hiking was completely out of the question. I do know everyone who went to the luiau had a wonderful time, so I would recommend that. Spirit of America in Honolulu is right at great shopping mall - be sure to look at pearls! We visited all the Hilo Hattie shops and sent souveniers home. It was better than adding to our luggage.
2007-01-11 16:56:33 · answer #2 · answered by Eileen R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i went on a cruise and the good excursions are the ones you want to do. maybe go on a helicopter ride. i went on the Pride of America. but you can book your excursions on the boat. but it might be totally booked already. and yes the excursions will pick you up at a special meeting place on the docks and return you back to the same spot. HAVE FUN!!!
2016-05-23 04:33:53 · answer #3 · answered by Christine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i took a cruise to Mexico and it was fun it was over 18 years ago i don't remember where it stop put i know it stop in 2 other place and it was so much fun
2007-01-04 14:10:46 · answer #4 · answered by juanita2_2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋