We're planning a 50th for my in-laws. We have the cruise booked with NCL. Also spending 3 nights prior to the cruise on Waikiki Beach. I've read several previous threads and gained so much already. We'd like to see the Polynesian Cultural Center, but are having a difficult time deciding on what package to choose? Does anyone have strong opinions regarding this? Trip will include myself and my husband, our daughter and her boyfriend (26 yr. olds) and our parents. I appreciate your help and know I can count on this as you all helped so much during our venture to Italy last year!! Can't wait for Hawaii...and to see my friend Suzanne in Maui!

When you say "package" I'm not sure what you're referring to. We just rented a car and drove there ourselves. Spent as much time as we wanted and then left. In fact when we did our cruise to Hawaii that's what we did for each port, rented a car and did on our own what we wanted. Most of the rental agencies have a shuttle from the cruise docks to their office. Have you considered a mini-van and doing it this way?

At PCC, the Ali'i Luau package is a decent one. It is $80.

Call rather than book online. Have a couple of days in mind & ask which day has the better seats available for 'Horizons'. Reserve tickets for that day. Also tell them that you are using an Entertainment book coupon (or 2 or 3).

1-800-367-7060

Lots of info:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34812564

For a group of adults, I would only do the luau/show package (fabulous) in the evening. I've done the whole shebang, with another adult, and felt my time would have been better spent out seeing the "real" Hawaii.

I know you are staying in Waikiki, but other than the PCC excursion please do explore other parts of the island. I would hate for you to come away with the wrong impression of Hawaii, especially if you are on NCL!

Thank you Dusty56438. That is the package we considered, so appreciate your input. I recently read about the entertainment books and coupons and plan to order it around May. It's hard to figure out what to do the 3 nites we're in Waikiki, but I'm reading lots of books and figuring out what is best for our family. We have many different tastes and will explore as much as possible while still enjoying some relaxation. I'd much rather be exploring Hawaii on our own, but are sticking with the cruise for our parents celebration. We'll head back someday ourselves if we love it....thanks again for the responses. Lots more to read!