A quick question. I'm taking a Hawaiian cruise this summer. Does it make sense to purchase the Entertainment Book? I'm thinking that instead of doing some of the ship's excursions it might make sense to go off on our own. Would the Entertainment Book help with that?

Probably not, but what type of things do you want to do? And I will check and see what coupons might pertain to your interest...

I just wanted to post to let others know that the books are on sale for 1/2 price right now (for a limited time, it says). I checked a few days ago and it was priced higher then. I just bought one for Hawaii for $17.50 a moment ago, for what that's worth to anyone.

We were in Honolulu September 04 and found a lot of uses for the Entertainment Book. We paid 1/2 price for the book and used it for many buy one get one free, such as: Paradise Cove Luau for $85 savings; I think the para sailing was about the same;along with numerous dinners and lunches.

Thanks for the tip, Holly -- just ordered my half-price copy for our planned trip in September.

You're welcome. I guess they go on sale from time to time, but I'm just glad I ordered one while they were cheaper. Mine came in the mail yesterday and it looks like it will more than pay for itself, at least for us.

Should we buy one for Maui and one for Oahu for July of this year or will one cover both islands?

Are there any losses if you wait until May to maybe get it at the $10 rate mentioned above? Want to make car reservations. Already have rooms/flights.

Please advise! Belle

One book does cover both islands. Most of the coupons are for Oahu, obviously, but there are some for the other islands as well. I don't know if you'll get the $10 rate by waiting until May, although I see another poster did. At any rate, you'll probably save enough to cover the cost of buying it now. I looked into a rental car for another destination recently and had the rates go up when I waited too book. I don't really know how common that is since I don't rent cars that often.

OSB, the book covers both Islands, so one book is all you need. Just a heads up, the coupons in the book expire November 1, 2005.

Hi iceeu2, You're up playing early. ((a))

I think rental cars thru the entertainment book is a screwy thing. Avis doesn't take the coupons on Hawaii, but after checking and rechecking, I finally got within $5 of the $117 that National is offering with the coupons for a week on Kauai. The rates keep fluxuating -- they've gone back up now.

But, just use one coupon for a dinner at a nice restaurant, or for an event, and the book is paid for. ((b))

Budman, I'm up early because...we are smoking some shoulders...Tonight is the son-in-law's surprise birthday party...and he has whined and whined for the real icee to make him some BBQ..

I agree about the rental car flucuations..really weird..and also, about the one coupon and you have paid for your book...I think on Oahu, we will use the Sunset Dinner Cruise, Nick's Fishmarket, and Hau Tree Lanai for restaurants..and then there are some other great ones..

Plus, my book is being passed onto friends going to Oahu in June, and then on to friends going to Maui in September...

Wow, we leave in 28 more days...

Oh, I just love the pulled pork from a good shoulder. I have an electric Brinkmann, and all you have to do is just add water every 3-4 hours. Your son-in-law is very lucky to have you guys as "out-laws." ((a))

I am also looking into the Sunset Dinner Cruise. Do you have to make a reservation? I understand the Friday night cruise is great because of the Hilton fireworks.

I did call Avis and complained about their fees not being competitive. They even lowered their Oahu price.((b))

Budman, we used to have an electric one, but I think it finally played out. Just asked the real icee and he says ours is a Brinkman that was charcoal, and he has now converted it to propane...I see him add water and thrown some apple wood somewhere in there once in a while.
He is cooking 3 shoulders and 2 butts..and they look mighty fine right now...just a few more degrees until they should be done.

Bman...the bbq was a smashing success..and I heard him tell someone he used hickory wood this time around.

Anyway, back to the entertainment book savings...if we are talking about the same sunset cruise (dream-cruises.com) then I figure for $50 ish bucks (total for 2) plus tip, that even if the food is not good, we can eat later. We won't be there over a Friday night, but wouldn't that be fun to see the fireworks. I would think that night (Friday) that you might possibly need advance reservations.

If you are planning to use the book just for a hotel and car discount in Hawaii, you do not have to buy the "Hawaii" book. You could buy your local book (if you're in an area that offers one). For instance, if you live in Vegas, buy the Vegas book...you would have coupons for shows and restaurants and fast-food all over Las Vegas, and could still use the card at hotels all over the country, or for a car rental anywhere. The deals usually expire end of Oct. and then you need to buy a new membership the following year.

If you are planning to stay at a hotel ANYWHERE, call and check their rate for Entertainment Cardholders. If it is a good savings, book the room, then you can purchase your membership afterwards at entertainment.com and have the card by the time you check-in at the hotel. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR CARD THOUGH!

Note that there are two different kinds of "hotel discounts" now in the book. The one you want to check first is the "HOTELS AT HALF PRICE" offer as that is usually the best deal when it's available.

iceeu2

<I think on Oahu, we will use the Sunset Dinner Cruise, Nick's Fishmarket, and Hau Tree Lanai for restaurants..>

I don't see a Sunset Dinner Cruise coupon in the book -- am I looking in the wrong place? I see the other two. ((b))

Bman...will let you know the coupon # tomorrow, my book is at work. But, if you go to dream-cruises.com..it is The Island Grill Sunset Fun Cruise...I think that's even how it's listed in the book.

Found it!!! I guess you gotta look in the right place. I looked under cruise, sunset cruise, dream cruise, etc. It's under "I" - A113. Thanks. ((b))

I called their 800 number to make a reservation, and guess what??? They don't accept the coupons anymore. It'll cost you $55 a person, + tax.

Scratch that one off the list. I think I'll just watch the fireworks from the Hilton and then go out for a nice dinner. ((b))

Wait a minute....there is a coupon...that they obviously put in the book ...and don't accept it??? What's up with that? I call that bs, don't you?