POA Cruise - Helpful Tips (I hope)

[baka]

First off...thanks to everyone that posts! They were quite helpful with our recent cruise (POA on July 11). Instead of a trip report, I wanted to pass along some things of interest (some of which I don't remember seeing on the message boards).

GPS (or "Sure I packed the GPDarnit!")

I love GPS. I have GPS. It's wonderful. You should get it if you don't have it. If you have it, you should bring it. Or, you can be like me and forget to pack it! We actually did fine without but it would have been nice to have. I had listed out all of the addresses and cross streets prior to the trip. Again, if you own one, bring it...if you don't, you'll be fine.

Cab versus Tours versus Rental Cars (Day of Embarkation)

One of my first major decisions was what to do the day of embarkation (probably my biggest worry prior to the trip). We stayed at the Outrigger Reef (arrived on Friday) and knew that we would have 4 big bags (4 total in the group). We had to go to the Arizona and really wanted to do the Bowfin and Missouri. We also promised a WWII vet we would go to Punchbowl to visit an old friend of his. After looking at all of the costs, it just made sense to rent a car when we arrived (used Thrifty Blue Chip throughout the trip). Loved having this freedom and we set our own schedule. I just punched in the address into my GPDarnit and off we went. Thrifty had a shuttle to the pier as others have mentioned.

Pearl Harbor (Early or Not)

We had a free breakfast with our hotel (didn't open until 7 a.m.) Nearly everyone on the boards said to go to Pearl Harbor early. After talking to the front desk, I was told I didn't need to go early. He said, "They just tell that to the tourists to scare them." I laughed but was still concerned. We took the advice, had a wonderful buffet breakfast on the beach, packed our bags, checked-out and headed to Pearl Harbor. Got there at 9 a.m. No line! Received a 10:15 time for the Arizona. In our case, we did not have to arrive early. Here's a tip for you Canon video camera owners. Just got one days before the trip after always owning a Sony. Discovered that a red light in the view finder means record and a green light means it's stopped. Exactly the opposite of what I thought (discovered this on the 2nd day of Maui). I have a lot of video of feet on the bowfin, Arizona and Missouri.

Cruise Check-in ("Wow, look at that line!")

Arrived around 3 p.m. After waiting 5 minutes, I noticed the Latitude booths had no one waiting. I asked if that was for all members (we are only a Bronze) and found out it was. We got out and moved to the front. Sweet! If you are Latitudes, skip the main line and head to the right.

Balcony Envy (or Does Size Matter?)

We had 4 in our group (2 kids) and really wanted a balcony. None were available when we booked that would fit 4. So, down to Deck 4 we went (room 4092). Figured we just wouldn't be in the cabin that much. We were also concerned about the cabin size based on numerous posts. The cabin size was no different than other ships we've been on. We were quite happy with the size. Our steward wasn't happy that we wanted the beds together because it made the pull down beds difficult to get to. Finally we said we would make the pull down beds and when I said it was our 20th anniversary, she was happy to help. Would have loved to have a balcony but we were quite happy. I noticed that in the drawings for door prizes at the Latitudes party that the winners on Deck 9 and above were announced by cabin number and name. Other winners were announced only by name. May have been a fluke but it was good for a laugh. Anyway, unite all of us Deck 4 passengers. Rise up and be heard! When you win that door prize, shout out that this is for all of the Deck 4 passengers! Plus no one even knows about the indoor pool on Deck 4. Nice perk.

Dinning (or "Cover Charges!?! I ain't paying no stink'n cover charges!")

We were fine with the main dining rooms. We only did dinner (breakfast was always at the Aloha Cafe - going through pineapple withdrawals currently). We always dressed and enjoyed the Liberty a little more than the Skyline. Better service (but may have been a fluke). With 4 in the party it just doesn't make sense to pay extra for an already paid for meal. Never waited more than 10 minutes for a table (we tended to eat early) and the meals went 60 to 90 minutes. I did see long lines later in the evening. To each their own, but we had no issues with the main dinning rooms. If you want a chuckle during dinner, make sure to clap for the piano man. Very few do so when someone does, he does this half standup bow in your direction. We always made sure to clap just to see this. Also, attempt to sing along to one of the songs he plays...I've never heard songs played so fast.

Brownie Sundae (Worth it?)

On the last night, fully stuffed, we realized we hadn't made it to the Cadillac Diner and done the sundae. I liked the staff and the music and the decor there. We ordered two sundaes and they were fine. Nothing I couldn't do at home, however, so I was a little disappointed. You want a dessert, remember to order two Soufflés when they are on the menu!

Formal Pictures (Best Time)

The photographers are out almost every night (can't think of when they weren't). The "formal" night has the crowds. Avoid this night for your picture. Just dress up for pictures another night and save some time.

Cameras (or "Gee, I don't know why there is always a girl in a bikini in all of the shots."

Bought a couple of waterproof cameras for the trip. Remember that these need to be hand checked at screenings. I wish I had brought my normal camera on the excursions. I didn't because of the water factor. The excursions we went on did their best to put them out of harms way. The kayak excursion had waterproof bags.

The Spa (My cabin away from cabin)

The shower was the only problem with having 4 in a cabin. Solution...wife and I headed for the spa. No charge for a locker, steam or sauna. We'd get a steam, shower, relax with some tea and head back down. Pack an extra pair of flip-flops for the showers. The showers are also a lot bigger than the cabin shower. By the last night the spa manager said I must have had a very relaxing trip as she'd seen me there a lot. Yes and yes.

Maui (Hana or No Hana)

None of the excursions really looked good for our group on Maui. Rented a convertible and decided NOT to do Hana. After all, I had my GPDarnit with me. Instead we went to the right (North - I think) and did this little road around the North part of the island. Later found out that this is worse than Hana in spots and that the rental car company doesn't allow it. It was definitely a challenge but very pretty and not too long (couple of hours). Bought a boogie board this first day (a must do). Half way through there were two Shaved Ice places. One in a pink house on the road (don't do) and one before it (going north) where this lady (name begins with an 'L') and husband do it out of their house. She sells home made banana bread. If you buy one, don't eat it there or you'll buy more. Went to D.T. Fleming beach (wonderful) and had a great day.

Hilo (or "No honey it wasn't me, that's the sulfur you smell.")

Highly recommend renting a car and doing this on your own. Brought the flash lights for the Lava Tube and went to the end of the tube. Trust me - it will end and the walk back will seem a mile shorter. Laugh at the people using the cell phone lights to guide their way. We did a convertible but it really wasn't worth the extra cost on Hilo. Now, based on posts, I almost cancelled Thrifty for this day but didn't. We had NO problems. I walked up to the rental. It did have a line. My name was on the board for Blue Chip customers and in a loud voice said, "Is there a Blue Chip line?" The lady at the desk stopped with her customer and gave me a car in less than 30 seconds. The car was already parked and ready right behind the counter. Did I feel bad? Yes, it lasted 1 minute.

Kona (Bad hair day guaranteed on a Zodiac)

We love me some Kayaks but decided on the Captain Zodiac. 5 minutes in with my 11-year old boy riding on the front of the raft yelling, "FASTER!" and we knew we choose correctly. Please know that we were not allowed to go up to the Cook Memorial. Others did but our captain was yelling at us to get off (you need a permit, I guess). Also, both my wife and son came away with blisters from hanging on to the rope. Make sure you change your hand positions often. The knuckles will rub on the raft and cause the blisters. Gloves are also an option.

Kauai (Helicopter or not to helicopter, that is the question.)

Blue Hawaiian was wonderful. One tip, we waited forever for the trolley to the Harbor Mall (quite funny the use of "mall" in this context). There is another shuttle for the shops across the street...just take either. Also, either will get you to the beach. The beach by the way is not to be missed. Great boogie boarding. You also get a small thrill giving your boogie board away and making a child happy on your last visit to the beach. Did the Discover Jungle Falls by Kayak excursion on the last day. Great use of time for this small window they give us on this day. The waterfall is not to be missed as you get to go in the water here. Another tip...hang back and let everyone else enjoy it. They will leave and go to the next waterfall (where you can't go in the water). You will then have the water fall to yourself. A guide hung back with us and took pictures. Yet another tip...water shoes work best for this excursion, then sandals then shoes. The walking you do is not horrible in sandals. The entry into the kayak has a ton of pebbles so if you bring shoes and take them off prior to getting in the kayak then you feel the pain of the pebbles.

Debarkation (Easy Fly, Cabs and Buses, Oh My!)

$25 per person for Easy Fly plus normal baggage fees. We passed. Our flight was around 2 p.m. so it didn't really matter too much. With 4 people it was just as cheap doing a cab than doing a bus. I made this decision when a bus "wrangler" told me it would cost $50 by cab and only $6 per person for the bus. Knowing this was a lie, I moved to the cabs. Good choice for 4 people - cost was about the same.

Well, I hope this helps a few of you out. Highly recommend the cruise.

[I.M.swimming]

Great review almost everything you said and your tips we did as well. Another vote for the GPS

[mianmike]

Great review. I enjoyed the humor. And it will certainly help me in my planning.

As I read CC and tripadvisor reviews of POA and Hawaii excursions, I cut and paste into my Hawaii document any tips and hints that I think would be helpful. I'm up to 23 pages. Your post gave me several pieces to add to my collection. Thanks

[Sun-Sand-Palm-Trees]

baka,

Thanks so much...your review was very helpful! What did you end up paying for the cab ride back to the airport in total?

[dcass]

could you give more details on the zodiac tour? What did you think of the snorkeling, and the our overall? Were you able to see the monument but not touch it?

[hillside]

Thanks for the info. I printed your post and will add to my collection as well. CC has great info and I've used it for my last 2 cruises. What a fabulous resource!

[R&D'sNona]

Baka, what a fabulous review. You sound like someone who could have fun doing almost anything because of your great sense of humor.

Are you serious about the steam/sauna being free? We were on NCL Jade last Oct and the fee was high, as I recall at least $20/day for the week, and they weren't selling individual days. On the Island Princess, we got a decent price for the week, but I felt compelled to use it every day since I paid (missing karaoke and other thrilling events).

And can you give specifics, like how to get in? Special secret door? Just show up??? Is it near the gym??? Inquiring minds want to know...
Thanks,

[baka]

S-S-P-T, Not 100% sure (memory is failing me)...it was under $30 with tip. I remember watching the meter and hoping it would come in under $24. I think it was right at that.

[baka]

Originally Posted by dcass

could you give more details on the zodiac tour? What did you think of the snorkeling, and the our overall? Were you able to see the monument but not touch it?

dcass, we originally didn't book the zodiac for fear over the kids and the snorkeling. You do it off the boat and there is no place to stand (except for the forbidden monument). It turned out fine. The kids did get tired but they went to the boat and had fruit and cookies (big plus). I was the last one back on so the pickings were slim at that point.

The water was very clear and there were a lot of fish. Not the best I've snorkeled but certainly not the worst. The snorkeling is right by the monument and there is even a ladder to it. Just didn't want to get yelled at by our captain. The monument is about 30 feet from the ladder. There were probably 20 boats there so it did get a little crowded.

On the way to the site, the boat will go fast and they will look for dolphins (no luck for us). On the way back they go by the coast and point out blow holes and formations. We did see three dolphins on the way back to the dock.

Hope that helped!

[baka]

Originally Posted by R&D'sNona

Baka, what a fabulous review. You sound like someone who could have fun doing almost anything because of your great sense of humor.

Are you serious about the steam/sauna being free? We were on NCL Jade last Oct and the fee was high, as I recall at least $20/day for the week, and they weren't selling individual days. On the Island Princess, we got a decent price for the week, but I felt compelled to use it every day since I paid (missing karaoke and other thrilling events).

And can you give specifics, like how to get in? Special secret door? Just show up??? Is it near the gym??? Inquiring minds want to know...
Thanks,

R&D, Steam & Sauna are free. Shocked me, too. In addition, no one there (probably why it's free).

It was real tough to get in...you walk up, hand them your room key, get a locker key...done. The gym was next door. Worked out twice and walked over for the steam and shower.

The only secret is that you can walk back to the "relaxation" room where there are oversized chairs, water and hot tea. Not obvious unless you do a massage or something.

Now that I'm thinking back, one other tip I forgot. We didn't do the soda plan for the kids. We did the smoothie/shake vouchers. A great tip picked up from the boards (something like $30 for 20 drinks). The kids each got one with their dinner and we had extras towards the end of the trip. A special treat for the kids without the soda!

[R&D'sNona]

Originally Posted by baka

R&D, Steam & Sauna are free. Shocked me, too. In addition, no one there (probably why it's free).

It was real tough to get in...you walk up, hand them your room key, get a locker key...done. The gym was next door. Worked out twice and walked over for the steam and shower.

The only secret is that you can walk back to the "relaxation" room where there are oversized chairs, water and hot tea. Not obvious unless you do a massage or something.

Now that I'm thinking back, one other tip I forgot. We didn't do the soda plan for the kids. We did the smoothie/shake vouchers. A great tip picked up from the boards (something like $30 for 20 drinks). The kids each got one with their dinner and we had extras towards the end of the trip. A special treat for the kids without the soda!

Thank you Baka! Now my DH will be so happy that we can have our steam and save $ too. We sail POA March 20 2010, can't wait. We are thinking of doing the ship excursion on debarkation day, tour of Pearl Harbor, the palace and a few other sites, then drop off at the airport, and $59/person. Solves the luggage problem.

We'll cut and save your tips for future reference and BTW, we NEVER forget our GPS wherever we go. (It's a real kick in Europe to hear it try to pronounce names like "Piazza San Gemignano")

[msm713]

Has anyone used the gps through their verizon cell phone? I do not subscribe to it, but you can add it to your cell phone for $10 for the month.I am wondering how it will work in Hawaii.

[Carey and Kerry]

Loved the review and the humor! I have one question - what indoor pool on deck 4?!?!

[bronxite]

Now I'm really envious, we were also suppose to sail March 20th, but my DH needs surgery and will not have enough vacation time. Have to push to trip to 2011.

[judie43]

Hi Baka...loved reading your review. We are going on 8/29 and starting to get serious about exactly what we want to do...you insight is very helpful.
The only thing we have booked so far is a luau in Kauai ....
A quick question....do they have laundry facilities on board ? Part of me hopes they do so I can do a little bit of laundry but part of me hopes I have to send some out. The reason I need laundry is because we will be staying in California for about 10 days after and I cant possibly pack that much.....

[baka]

Originally Posted by judie43

Hi Baka...loved reading your review. We are going on 8/29 and starting to get serious about exactly what we want to do...you insight is very helpful.
The only thing we have booked so far is a luau in Kauai ....
A quick question....do they have laundry facilities on board ? Part of me hopes they do so I can do a little bit of laundry but part of me hopes I have to send some out. The reason I need laundry is because we will be staying in California for about 10 days after and I cant possibly pack that much.....

No, I don't believe they do. This is from other posts I've read as we didn't look into it. We just threw all of the dirty clothes in the closet. Makes packing so much easier coming back.

[flashdog_1]

Tell us about the "secret" indoor pool on deck 4. What is it associated with, or near? I'll get out the deck plans! Thanks

[Host Michell]

Great tips, thanks for sharing them!

Glad you were lucky on your Pearl Harbor day -- tourism overall is so off with this recession. Here's what the line looked like when we exited the Arizona Memorial around 9:00 AM:



I guess it's just the luck of the draw! Glad you had a good cruise and that you enjoyed the Pride of America, too.

[maroons]

Also, they will give you kickboards, if you want, so the lack of being able to stand up and maybe not being a super strong swimmer shouldn't stop you from going on this snorkeling trip. We loved this shore excursion!

Originally Posted by baka

dcass, we originally didn't book the zodiac for fear over the kids and the snorkeling. You do it off the boat and there is no place to stand (except for the forbidden monument). It turned out fine. The kids did get tired but they went to the boat and had fruit and cookies (big plus). I was the last one back on so the pickings were slim at that point.

The water was very clear and there were a lot of fish. Not the best I've snorkeled but certainly not the worst. The snorkeling is right by the monument and there is even a ladder to it. Just didn't want to get yelled at by our captain. The monument is about 30 feet from the ladder. There were probably 20 boats there so it did get a little crowded.

On the way to the site, the boat will go fast and they will look for dolphins (no luck for us). On the way back they go by the coast and point out blow holes and formations. We did see three dolphins on the way back to the dock.

Hope that helped!

[maroons]

Pearl Harbor was the ONLY place that was packed with tourists our entire trip. All of our shore excursions, no matter where we went, there was just not a crowd at all. Very noticeable. And, then when we did Pearl Harbor our last day - wow - noticeable also for the heat, long lines, and tourists swarming everywhere!

Originally Posted by MichellP

Great tips, thanks for sharing them!

Glad you were lucky on your Pearl Harbor day -- tourism overall is so off with this recession. Here's what the line looked like when we exited the Arizona Memorial around 9:00 AM:



I guess it's just the luck of the draw! Glad you had a good cruise and that you enjoyed the Pride of America, too.