cruzer

Hi! We're considering a cruise in the Hawaiian Islands next year and hope that someone out there who's done one can help with a few questions (we've done lots of Caribbean and Bermuda cruises but this will be our first Hawaiian cruise). <BR><BR>Is is true that the ships doing Hawaiian ports can't have casinos and/or can't open them? <BR><BR>Are there any itinerary or port considerations that we should be aware of in coming to a decision? Most of the ships have 4 or 5 days at sea (seems like a long time to be on the ship without a port stop)except two NCL ships. We've mostly sailed Celebrity and RCCL, once on Carnival and honestly, haven't heard great things about NCL so I'd be a little hesitant. <BR><BR>Any other guidance you can share would be much appreciated. Thanks..

judy s

This past Feb. we sailed on the m.s. patriot around Hawaii for 7 days. I know what you may have heard about the ship, but we (two 50somethings and two 20somethings) thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. In fact there were no days at sea except the first day because we couldn't dock in Kawaii in the morning due to high winds. We docked in the late afternoon. It's round trip from Honolulu, and the price is reasonable. No, there is no casino since it is a US registered ship and travels in US waters.It was a great way to see Hawaii. In most ports, we had an overnight to allow enough shore excursions. Aloha!

cruzer

Judy,<BR> <BR>How was the food on the Patriot? I don't mind an older ship if the itinerary and food are good and the ship is well-maintained. Other than your windy day, what was the weather like in February. I want to plan the cruise to avoid the rainy/storm season. Thanks!

Judy s

The food was very good. We mostly ate breakfast in the buffet, although the macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup in the dining room are not to be missed. Lunch at the grill and buffet, and dinner in the dining room. Service excellent, food well presented and tasty, desserts were outstanding. Lunch desserts at the buffet looked as though they belonged at afternoon tea (which they don't do since most everyone is off the ship). No midnight buffets. Just a dessert buffet on the night you sail past the lava flow. The weather was in the low 80's in Feb. Good beach days although it rained in Hilo pretty much all day. Par for the course they say. We're thinking of going back next Feb. on NCL's new ship the Star.

cruzer

Judy, thanks so much for all your very helpful feedback...crusing Hawaii sounds just wonderful. <BR> <BR>We were also considering the Norweigan ship for next year since it doesn't have all those sea days...we'd rather spend a few days on one of the islands before or after the cruise instead. <BR> <BR>But is it true that the Norweigan Star has no casino? For me it's not that important, but my husband loves hitting the casino after the show.

Ginger

This question is for Judy--Your trip last Feb. sounds exactly like what I'm trying to plan for March 2002. Same ages on the travelers and same ship. I want to take the Patriot because of the itinerary not because I'm looking for a swank ship just comfortable accomadations. Anyway, what catagory did you book and did you find many young children on board (I'd like to avoid that if possible)? Did you have good weather in Feb. and what excursion did you like (or not)? I really appreciate any time you can give me, this a real dream vacation for us and nothing beats first hand information.

tani

Gambling of any form is illegal in Hawaii. I believe that is the reason that the ships can't open casinos as they never leave Hawaiian waters. Cruise lines are pushing for an exception, but it is highly unlikely. We don't even have lottery or bingo in Hawaii!

cruzer

Tani thanks. I don't mind no casinos at all - in fact the cruise will cost us less since my husband can't lose any money on board .