Hello,

I just returned from this cruise line. I was just wondering if anyone else who has recently returned was ill on this cruise? I had not heard of any outbreaks but of course this is not something one advertises on a vacation. We went with 3 other couples and no one but myself was fortunate enough to have a virus not even my husband who ate and frequented the same spaces as myself. I always hear this virus is so contagious. I am home now and after 5 days I am feeling better. I didn't begin till day 5 of vacation. Hawaii was great, beautiful but I don't recommend this ship to anyone. Very poor quality of food. The best food was to be found in the one specialty restaurant. The buffet and dining room menus are identical. Only 3 specialty restaurants on board.

Sorry to hear you got sick! How were the ports of call? Did you visit me at Aloha Tower Marketplace?


I have gone on the Pride of America and the Pride of Hawaii, both newer ships, and like the Aloha...I thought the food quality was mostly like airline food. I have been told that NCL is not known for its food quality!

Since the Aloha is the older ship, I think the tickets are cheaper...the passengers disembarking at Pier 2 seem different from the other 2 ships.

Gee I couldn't even spell the topic correctly!! Yes the people were of a different class as well. You know the old saying "you get what you pay for." We traveled from the East Coast so it was economical our plane fare was more than the cruise. We did a 5 day on the new NCL Pearl in Jan. and it was great. The food was o.k. and it was a a nice experience. No complaints but this one!! We never met our room steward, never had the newsletter commonly left on the bed for the next days port news. The ports, ah yes, my favorite was Kauai. What a wonderful island!!! So remote, so very gorgeous. We did a helicopter ride and it was truly unforgetable. Loved it. Hilo, did the all the volcano tours. Very interesting. What is the story about not taking lava rocks?? Bad luck will follow? We took 2 not knowing the myth. We put them back with there relatives, only in Maui. Kona was pretty, and Maui is way to much like Southern California. Way to touristy and commercialized and oh did I mention "windy." Where was the Aloha marketplace? I May have visited you.

Yes! you aren't supposed to take lava rocks home or bad luck will follow.

That's interesting that you didn't even meet your room steward or get the daily port map. did other passengers experience this, and were you able to lodge a complaint with NCL?

Aloha Tower Marketplace is in Honolulu, we run a free shuttle from Pier 2 or it's an 8 minute walk. I had posted a link for coupons before you left...? Probably too commercialized for you but a great place to shop and get really GOOD food before and after your cruise! ha ha.

Anyway, if you cruise Hawaii again you may consider Holland America or the Princess lines. I have not been aboard any Princess ships but I tried the Amsterdam. the food and service was very good. they say the food and service on Princess is even better, so I can just imagine....

The Lava Rocks---maybe that is why I fell ill?? Well I put them back. Why don't they cut me a break!! I told the rocks I didn't know about it and I was so sorry. haha

In Honolulu we went on the Pearl Harbor tour prior to boarding our plane home. When we go there we just went to the ship. The tour guide did ask about going to some marketplace after we got our tickets at Pearl harbor there was a 2 hour wait. Busy place. Very moving!!! I was impressed. It brought tears to my eyes.
Most definetely if I went again I would choose Princess or Holland American. We have cruised numerous times with RCCL, Celebrity, and even Carnival beat this one. We also did a Disney once, a 3 day. I would not be hesitant to try Princess or HA. I did mention to the reception desk about not getting the newsletter and she just smiled and said it happens quite frequnetly. So--I think I would just stay put on one or 2 islands. So much to see, so little time.