i just returned from a 7 day cruise of hawaii on ncl "star". it was not good! took off from honolulu. we were suppose to go to kona, but that was changed to hilo. had 4 hrs there to shop. from there we had almost 2 days at sea going to fanning island. what a farce!!! they belong to the republic of kiribati. once there they have no water, electric, or toilets except outhouses. the flies are gigantic. i stayed there for 45 minutes. it took the ship 2 more days to get to maui. the next day was in kauai. then back to honolulu. the ship was nice but lacking quite a bit. a lot of the staff could speak no english,some were quite sarcastic. they have "free style" dining, which means you have no special mealtime or specific dining room. if you went to a different dining area there was a covercharge of $5--$12.50. some dining rooms you bought your dinners. the after-dinner shows lasted a whole 45 minutes. the days we were at sea did not offer much in the way of things to do while cruising. the rooms were not cleaned very well. when we went on, there were 2 raisins on the floor--they were still there when we left. a lot of people were complaining about the whole cruise. ncl better get there act together!! travel at your own risk.

Are you sure that they were raisins and not dead roaches? Why would you go to Hawaii and then take a cruise instead of staying on the different islands?

barbara..I absolutely LOATHE NCL. YOu are the first person I've known to take the Hawaii cruise. The food on NCL is notorious for being sub-standard. I've heard the same from other passengers about the wait staff. I did take American Cruise Lines around the Islands. I went with my mother and my 8 month old infant (what was I thinking?!!). My mother had never been to Hawaii and we had 7 days. It was easier for ALL of us to see Hawaii this way. My mother had the trip of her life. She is 75 now and still talks about it. We had a good experience (that was 10 years ago..). Nothing like your trip.

Let me tell you that NCL has cancelled one of their itineraries for Hawaii, because of problems with tenders. We have been on several NCL cruises and the food has greatly improved, especially on the Majesty.. Then again, there are some people who just can't be pleased..

Thanks for your post. I was considering the same cruise, but was concerned about lack of time on the islands. Now, I'll just stay on land.

April, when I went with my mother 95 percent of the people were retirement age. I was the hit of the ship because I had the baby. There were 4 honeymoon couples onboard. Barbara--what was the demographics on the ship? I don't know if I would recommend an itinerary like that to everyone..it depends on circumstances. Mine worked because I had a baby and a mom with me . I wanted my mother to see Hawaii and this was the best way I knew how.

Please go to cruise critic NCL. You should have seen an itenerary so not much excuse for complaining. Have been on 3 NCL cruises and enjoyed it very much. The concensus on that cruise has been that it is good. We all have different ideas about things. Ive been on perhaps 15 cruises and have never not enjoyed one. All of them have cut back on food somewhat and that doesnt hurt anyone. Hope your next cruise is better