Cindy

So, this would be our first cruise: 2 adults and a 16yo daughter. The 7-day Hawaiian NCL from Honolulu looks really nice. Does anyone have an opinion? Including excursions?<BR>Thanks.

Patty

I posted my review of the NCL Star on the cruise addicts site last year. You can access it through this link: http://www.cruise-addicts.com/reviews/readreview.php?id=0000001275<BR><BR>You'll also find lots of other reviews of the Star there.

Peter

Cindy - we were booked on the Star last June and cancelled after many negative reviews on cruisecritic. While I'm sure many of the then innaugural problems have been resolved, it still doesn't appeal to me and my family. I once totaled up the number of hours spent in port and it was less than 24. Many are intrigued by Fanning Island and its primative state; but to spend a day and a half getting there and another day and a half getting back just to spend seven hours on this desolate island seems to be a waste of time if what you truly want to do is see and experience the Hawaiian islands.<BR><BR>There are those that will say they love the sea days. OK - but why spend the airfare to get to Hawaii for those sea days when you could get the same effect flying to Florida for half the price (unless, of course, you live in CA).<BR><BR>My take is if you want to experience the Islands, take a land vacation.

JimM

Personally, I'd rather paddle a leaky canoe around Hawaii than take an NCL cruise. Aside from that, do you really want to spend most of your time going to and from a spot of land (Fanning Island) out in the middle of nowhere? There are other ways to save money if that's the issue.<BR><BR>For example, there are so many places on the Internet to search out each island you'll visit. Do your homework. For example, you can rent a car and see a lot of Maui in one day.<BR><BR>

Kris

I've never sailed on the Star in Hawaii but I have sailed on 2 other NCL cruises and enjoyed them both very much. Not sure what this negative talk is about?? I'm glad I didn't read any of this prior to my last 2 cruises. We've sailed NCL in the Caribbean and also to Bermuda. We enjoyed it so much that we're booked on NCL Sky to see Alaska in June with our 18yr old daughter. I found the staff to be very friendly and acommodating! My husband and I both LOVE free style cruising so we don't feel like we need to hurry back or miss dinner. I've sailed on 3 other lines, Holland America, Princess and Carnival. Of these Holland America seemed the most upscale with the most pampering; but NCL will most likely be our cruiseline of choice when possible. I know this is a personal thing but I prefer not having a formal night...nice sun type dresses work best for me! After reading how little time you're in port, maybe Hawaii is better as a land vacation (this is how we saw Hawaii) but for other destinations, I certainly wouldn't write off NCL.

Cheryl

It's like, really junk. The trip to Fanning Island was a complete waste of time. I'd rather spend my seven days in Hawaii.

joyce

JimM, What are the complaints about NCL? I've read quite a few reviews and it sounds perfect for our family of 4....what/where are these over abundance of negative remarks referred to. My TA recommended it to us and she's sailed quite a few different lines. What gives?? Why are you down on NCL? I'd like to know more before we book. Thanks

bill

We were ready to book that cruise till i learned they are not allowed to open Casino when in vicinity of Hawaii ! (another stupid law ) , like the one that forces ship to waste two days going to Fanning island to satisfy old law to protect Hawaii American Cruise line,(which went out of business anyway???)

coastgirl

Cindy &amp; Joyce<BR><BR>Check out the reviews and message boards at www.cruisecritic.com for information on the NCL Star by people who have actually sailed on her. Most people enjoyed it.

cruisenboy2

Well soon you won't have to sail to Fanning Island on NCL. Cruise just passed a bill allowing NCL to sail three ships in Hawaii without having to go to a non US port before returning to Hawaii. This great news for NCL and for Hawaii. <BR>I sailed on the Constituition a couple of years ago and had a great time both on the ship and in port. It was wonderful. I would cruise Hawaii again without a doubt....actually one of my best cruises.<BR><BR>CruisenBoy2

PumpkinEater

A little more of an explanation will help here. First, I don't know who &quot;cruise&quot; is, but President Bush signed in a bill allowing NCL to fly the U.S. flag on three of its vessels as long as two of them are the &quot;project america&quot; ships that were started in Germany but the owners went bankrupt. The earliest those ships will be complete will be the summer of 2004. The third ship is suspected to be the Star but no dates have been set for excluding Fanning Island. Don't expect it to be in the next few months as many booked passengers have made expensive excursion committments based on the current itinerary.<BR><BR>The crews will be 100% American which could mean the price of the cruises will go up. U.S. labor standards will also be applied along with INS and OSHA regulations.<BR><BR>Peter