I know Norwegian Cruise Line cruises Hawaii. We'd like a cruise with a good-size stateroom and a balcony. We'd also like the same ship to have a casino. Can we accomplish this if we book on Norwegian? Or is there another cruise line we should use?<BR><BR>If Norwegian is the only one -- how would you compare their ships with those of the Celebrity line. We're also considering the Constellation and doing the Caribbean (although we've been there a lot and thought something different would be good).<BR><BR>We also want to be very safe, and I'm a little concerned about any of the European cruises. We hope to go in March 2004.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help.

Hi Lois,<BR><BR>1st off I'm not a travel agent, but have cruised a few times. <BR>I booked a cruise to Hawaii in October for Sept. 2003. After looking we chose Carnival, the new Spirit ship. We booked a cat. 11 suite! I have heard mixed reviews, some loved it, some didn't. Everyone though says the ship is beautiful. The girl who does my facials just cruised to Hawaii on Norweigen and she said it was awful! The boat, the food, everything. <BR>The Carnival Spirit is for a 12 day cruise. It goes out of a couple of different ports. We chose Vancouver BC vs. Ensenada. So, maybe you can check that line out.<BR>My husband and I sailed Celebrity Infinity last December 2001. And I loved it. He liked it as well, but it was a little stuffy for us. But beautiful ship. The caribbean was beautiful.We went the southern route out of San Juan.<BR>Anyway, feel free to send me an e mail at [email protected] if you have any questions.<BR>

You and your husand will love the Spirit Danielle. You will have your casino for most of the trip, you will visit more islands in Hawaii and you will not have to take the silly trip to Fanning Island.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul:<BR><BR>Is the Spirit a Carnival line??<BR>We are not very interested in sailing Carnival as it seems to be more of a younger, party crowd for most of their tours -- is that true?? That's why we were considering Celebrity, or that type of line. We had hoped to cruise in March 2004, but up to May 2004 would be fine too. Any suggestions??<BR><BR>We currently are back to considering Celebrity Constellation for a Southern Caribbean tour in March 2004.<BR><BR>Lois

Depending on the type of cruiser you are.... NCL is doing to an island called Fanning...it is a island unspoiled by time and cruisers.After researchiing it on the net I realize that if I were ever to do this itinerary it would have to include the Fanning Island..Many years ago we stopped during a partial transit of the Panama Canal and visited the San Blas Islands inhabited by the Kuna Indians..it has been and will continue to be the highlight of our cruising...sadly it has been &quot;discovered&quot;and the primitiveness and uniqueness of these people are now being exploited.

Hi Lois,<BR><BR>Carnival has changed and is getting better weekly. They listen to passenger input. You will find mostly seniors on the Hawaii cruise.<BR>I am sure others that have sailed the ship in Alaska, Hawaii and the Panama Canal will attest to the fact.<BR><BR>Paul

Don't know if you've gotten this answer, but I was told that in Hawaii the casinos have to be closed.

The NCL Star does not even have a casino. This is the one that cruises Hawaii year around. The other cruise lines usually offer a few trips from mainland to Hawaii just before and after their summers in Alaska. They are offered in April/May and Oct/Nov. Be aware that they have several days in a row at the beginning and end of the cruise that are at sea. Presumably you can gamble on those days. Hawaiian law prohibits gambling while cruisng their islands.

You piqued my curiosity so I checked Celebrity's website. Apparently the Infinity sails to/from Hawaii Feb thru May and Sept thru Nov of 2003 but only in May of 2004. Maybe they'll have a different ship in Hawaii for March 2004.

Princess will be cruising roundtrip to Hawaii from LA in March '03 on the Sun and Nov.'03 - Jan. '04 then again March '04 on the Regal. I believe that the casino will be open the 4 sea days to Hawaii and the 4 sea days back but not while cruising the islands.