Hawaii honeymoon cruise on Pride of Hawaii: NCL?

Question

I'm going on a 7 day cruise for my honeymoon in November and was wondering if anyone could recommoned some good excurions for this trip. Or, give me some insight on which excursions not to do. We're real out doorsy and don't mind hiking, biking, whatever. We also don't want to spend more than 150 per person, per excursion. Finally, I know with Carnival and Royal Caribbean that you're not supposed to bring liquor on board but if you sneak it in your bag they won't tell you to take it out. Does anyone have any experience with this for NCL travel? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I have been to Hawaii about 5 times and also been on many cruises, but. I know a bit about all of the islands and have visited all that you will probably visit on your cruise. Here's what I tell people who are going to Hawaii.

First you should fly there a day early so that you can have time to rest before your cruise and also so that any airport delays will not make you miss departure. If you do that don't try to stay in an expensive beach from hotel or an ocean view room. Just get a basic room a few blocks from the beach; the beaches are all public so you can go to any.

Activities:

The top things to do in Hawaii are:

1. Oahu Island: Go to Pearl Harbor to see history at the US Arizona Memorial. You can drive or take the bus there; no need to book a tour. But you need to go early because the site is popular and the wait for your free tour can be about an hour. In Waikiki you can browse around the International Market across from Waikiki Beach, go on a sunset dinner cruise on Waikiki bay, try an outrigger canoe ride on Waikiki beach, go for a sail on a catamaran on Waikiki Bay, or visit Diamond Head park. If you like to snorkel go to Hanauma Bay which has perfect flap water for snorkeling on a reef.

2. Oahu Island: If you are on the island of Oahu go to the other side of the island to see the great deserted beaches (get a rental car for a day or two). Take highway 99 north toward Waimea and stop at the Dole pineapple plantation for a tour.

3. Oahu Island: The Polynesian Cultural Center is a great place to learn about authentic Hawaiian life. You can buy tickets to tour the place, and another type ticket that allows you to stay for the evening luau.

4. Maui Island: If you go to Maui, you gotta do the downhill bike ride. There are different bike companies and some don't take you all the way to the top, and some don't guide you back down. You can come down by yourself, there's only one road with just a little traffic, but if you are squeamish about riding in the street, a company that accompanies you down will help watch the traffic for you. I have been twice and prefer Maui Downhill to the others. These companies have web sites They will pick you up at your hotel, take you to their shop to pick out a wet-suit (for the cold and mist/rain shower maybe) and gloves and helmet; then take you up the mountain; then follow your group down so they can block traffic for your ride; then afterwards take you back to your hotel. Expect this activity to take 75-80% or more of the day.

5. Maui Island: The Road to Hana is a great drive (you need a rental car). It’s a 45 mile winding road that takes 4 hours to drive. If your time is limited drive about half way and start back; the rest will be more of the same. Its like driving through the jungle; has a bunch of one lane bridges. If you do drive all the way drive past Hana to the Seven-Pools attraction and go for a swim.

6. Big Island of Hawaii: go to the Volcano National Park. Also go see Akaka Falls. If you like horseback riding, go to the Parker Ranch and go for a guided ride. Drive to the south end of the island and see a black sand beach. For information about tours and things to do other than those on the ship, click on the link below for Roberts Hawaii. They do tours on all of the islands.

7. On my one visit to Kuai we did a motor coach tour of the island and then took a boat ride up a river to the famous Fern Grotto. It was OK but I think you see Kuai better if you do a helicopter tour.


When you arrive in Hawaii look for the free booklets in the airport which describe the activities on the island and have coupons for tours and gifts. The booklets also contain maps and guides, lists of attractions, bus routes and fares, and lists of restaurants and shopping establishments. If you cannot find them in the airport, they will also be available in news racks on the street, in hotel lobbies and in some shops. There will be a booklet for each island with the title Maui Today, or Oahu Today, etc.


DO NOT try to take liquor on board, especially in your carry on; Your carry on goes through a scanner just like at the airport and they will be looking for liquor bottles. What I do occasionally is buy some miniatures, like those they sell on planes and pack them in my checked luggage with toiletries. Or I just pack my flask. If you are going on a RC ship you can order wine delivered to your room. I have done that, ordered two bottles of wine for the cabin and kept them cold in the mini-refrigerator in the room. The only other cruise line that I know that allows you to order wine AND liquor for your cabin is Princess.

Answer 2

While I cruise a lot, I have not cruised in Hawaii. Nonetheless, I have been there twice for one week each. My big recommendation is - hike to the lava flow on the big island. The best port for this is Hilo. Perhaps rent a car, drive to the parking area, and hike to the lava flow. You will need good shoes (I used sneakers which were fine - some had flip-flops and those are no good for this), a hat and water. And don't forget your camera. I spent a week on the big island and my reason for going was to see the lava flow. I was not disappointed, even though it was more like a lava ooze than a lava flow.

Answer 3

The best prices that I have found overall are from www.cruisequick.com.

HOWEVER they do not hold your hand. What I mean is that you need to know what cruise you want, what ship, date and category. You cannot call them, they do not answer a phone.

They are internet based only, completely legitimate, and offer a bonus or discount that most other agents don't offer.

They work on a flat fee profit and are completely automated.
They do answer emails promptly.

Their site explains how they work. I have used them for years, without any problems. They offer free price quotes via email that include all port fees, taxes etc.
Happy Cruising !

Answer 4

They will take the alcohol and stow it until your return.
If you take wine, you can take two bottles but you have to pay a fee because you didn't buy it on the ship.
The bike ride on Maui to go up and watch the sunrise is fun.
Big Island go to Volcanoe Natl Park if you have time.
If you're in Oahu long enough, get a car and drive to Haleiwa on the North Shore and then head up to the beach. Super fun!!

Answer 5

i dont know about the excursions and stuff(never been to Hawaii), but the liquor thing...
you are not soposed to bring it on board, but when i went friends of our snuck in on in like mouthwash containers and stuff, they have done it alot and have never gotten caught. whos gunna open a mouth wash container? =]

have a ton of fun and congrats on getting married!!! =]

Answer 6

cruisecritic.com is a great site , offers info. regarding all your questions.