Flopthis25

We are going ahead and booking flight through Princess.

We are wanting to fly them in a day before. Any hotel recommendations? Or does Princess have an option for a stay ahead?

Sorry for all the questions. The California Port thread is dead.

Since the Grand no longer has skywalkers I would go on the Star. I love to sit up in Skywalkers on sea days when it is not real warm outside and enjoy the view.. I did a round trip to Hawaii a few years ago on the Star and it was just fine.

I can see my parents sitting up there enjoying the views and sipping on coffee and hot tea. My mom has RA and gets cold SO easily. When we do surprise the, with the news, I will make sure we tell her about this amazing spot! :):):)

I would choose starboard.

 

The views from starboard' date=' when arriving in Honolulu and also the Big island, are fabulous! I cherish these experiences.

 

I have sailed to Hawaii on the Grand, Star, Sapphire, and Ruby. All were great, just great!

 

I agree with the thought that Skywalker's is nice on the Star. I also like departing from LA.

 

Either the Grand or the Star would be fine, so consider whether you prefer LA or San Francisco for coming and going.

 

Aloha to your very lucky parents:) :) :)[/quote']

 

Thank you!!! I did chose Starboard!!

And I'm the lucky one! They are fabulous parents!

I'm guessing that you booked the Star Princess out of LA (San Pedro) for your parents. We have sailed both from LA and San Francisco and have sailed both ships. You really can't go wrong with either.

We have sailed roundtrip to Hawaii 4 times and are doing it again in January from San Francisco.

January is a great time for Hawaii. The whales are wintering off of Maui.

Pearl Harbor is a must. Schedule early because the crowds increase the later in the day.

In Hilo, the Moana Loa and the Volcanoes National Park are a good bet.

Each port is very walkable with nice beaches close by. We like to do the walking tours and if your parents are so inclined there are walking tour maps at the tourist information booths at each port.

It sounds like you know my parents! They are usually awake by 4 or 5. (my dad wakes up at 3AM to go to work)

I put a room on hold on the Star....I was waiting to see if I chose correctly...I did go starboard! C509. Mid-Aft Premium Balcony.

Time to complete the booking!

And to figure out how to ask for my dad's DD214 without him asking too many questions. :D

Its a bar and observation lounge, the large structure that's over the aft pool.

Sometimes called a shopping cart handle. We would spend a good amount of time there both day and evening. They have a bar at night and a DJ/dancing. Great views!

That makes more sense!!!

Thanks!

The larger Caribe deck balconies are our favorite ones & they should enjoy it.

 

One suggestion for a great 50th anniversary experience on their balcony...the Ultimate Balcony Dinner. It costs $100 per couple and provides nearly $100 in extras...a photo, cocktails, flowers (have varied between a couple of roses & a nice floral bouquet) and a half bottle of champagne (we've been able to exchange it for a full bottle of wine valued at $32). Having been to Honolulu (11PM sailaway) several times, we had the UBD on our Caribe deck balcony during sunset in Honolulu...it was a great experience for us! Tuxedoed waiters magically appear to deliver each course & disappear until we're ready for the next course...great service & meal. :D

 

Choose a luxurious breakfast or experience the "ultimate" romantic dinner at sea: a sumptuous four-course meal, including succulent lobster tail and juicy steak, your beverage of choice, hors d’oeuvres, all served right on your balcony served by our dedicated waitstaff.

 

This item may be ordered onboard by contacting room service or pre-purchased as a special service item (Breakfast Item #3009, Dinner Item #3011).

Myself & many others exchange information on the Hawaii ports forum which has a wealth of useful information for planning a Hawaiian cruise. If they want to go to Pearl Harbor independently, they could prereserve a tender time through the Arizona Memorial's National Park website. It costs only a couple of dollars but they limit the sales to have tickets for walkup visitors. They could take a cab to Pearl Harbor & do like us and travel like a local by paying a couple of dollars to ride The Bus back to the ship or elsewhere. My first view of Hawaii was from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier circling Ford Island in Pearl Harbor at sunrise...something I will never forget.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=62

Great information! Thank You!!!

Grand 1998

Star 2002.

 

The Grand had Skywalkers removed a couple of years ago.

 

Have sailed both of them a few times.

I would pick the Star, mainly for Skywalkers.

What is a Skywalker?

(please don't say Luke)

Sailing from LA to Hawaii, the sun would be on the port side early & starboard side later in the day (reversed heading back) so either way they'd get some sun. The first couple of days are usually cool but as you get closer to Hawaii and while visiting the Islands the temperatures are nice.

 

Since the interisland sailing is at night, which side doesn't matter much for this itinerary. My wife is very susceptible to all types of motion sickness & prefers a more stable location on the ship (lower decks, midship) but she's been okay in other locations by taking meclizine (less expensive generic of Bonine & an antihistamine). The Pacific Ocean is unpredictable & conditions can vary...either smooth or lumpy as the British captains call it. ;)

I just put a room on hold. EEEK! Excitement.

They really like bigger balconies. So, that's what they get!

Now to wait 3 months to give them the surprise!!!

I will look into some excursions....I know They want to see Pearl Harbor.

Should I book Port or Starboard?

What is best in Hawaii?

Your parents sound just like my wife & me...and like your dad I absolutely HATE lines (a hatred I learned in the Navy with 4500 shipmates ;)) but that can happen on any ship when too many passengers want to do the same thing at the same time.

 

When I began cruising it was on ships with about 600 passengers & I hesitated to book a cruise on the behemoth Grand Princess in 2000. Thankfully I did & it felt less crowded than the smaller ships so that isn't a concern for me. I had a similar experience on the 3600 passenger Royal & Regal ships and have even heard positive remarks about RCL's Oasis OTS-class of ships...they're well designed to handle more passengers.

 

I see your other post...we're sailing before the cruise being considered & we embark on January 4th.

Agreed about the lines. My parents are early to rise, early to bed.

If your dad HATES waiting in lines maybe a cruise isn't his best option, there are usually some lines to wait in at some stage.

 

Well that's always been my experience anyway.

Mom has always wanted to go.....so he has to go ;)

The Star is newer than the Grand and we're booked on the Star in January to Hawaii. Our most recent cruise on the Star was in 2010 but friends who have sailed the Star recently were happy with the ship & their cruise experience.

 

If I based my cruise decisions on negative "reviews, then instead of enjoying dozens of cruises I wouldn't take a cruise. So many people come here fearing that based on reviews they've make a mistake...there's nothing to fear with either ship. I get more useful information on this forum where it's possible to discuss experiences. Too many of the other reviews on the CC site lack credibility to me...too many passengers who didn't research their cruise & then rant about something that was never a part of any cruise.

 

We've enjoyed the Hawaii cruise roundtrip from LA (once on the old Regal & once of the Golden) and the only thing that has kept us from sailing there is the price. However we have a big anniversary next year so we've booked the Hawaii cruise again.

 

You asked for advice & mine would be to take any review with a grain of salt and to not hesitate to book the Star.

 

Here's a link to information of the Princess website about their "Aloha Spirit" program:

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/hawaii-cruises/

And my Dad is a Vietnam Veteran. He qualifies for the $250 on board credit!

The Star is newer than the Grand and we're booked on the Star in January to Hawaii. Our most recent cruise on the Star was in 2010 but friends who have sailed the Star recently were happy with the ship & their cruise experience.

 

If I based my cruise decisions on negative "reviews, then instead of enjoying dozens of cruises I wouldn't take a cruise. So many people come here fearing that based on reviews they've make a mistake...there's nothing to fear with either ship. I get more useful information on this forum where it's possible to discuss experiences. Too many of the other reviews on the CC site lack credibility to me...too many passengers who didn't research their cruise & then rant about something that was never a part of any cruise.

 

We've enjoyed the Hawaii cruise roundtrip from LA (once on the old Regal & once of the Golden) and the only thing that has kept us from sailing there is the price. However we have a big anniversary next year so we've booked the Hawaii cruise again.

 

You asked for advice & mine would be to take any review with a grain of salt and to not hesitate to book the Star.

 

Here's a link to information of the Princess website about their "Aloha Spirit" program:

 

http://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/hawaii-cruises/

Which Sail Date? I am looking at Jan 23

Actually Grand Princess was launched in 1998; Star Princess, 2002. But many of the features on Grand--the Piazza venues, Crown Grill, one5 Lounge, and a completely renovated Casino--were added in a 2011 refit.

 

Since you brought up RCI and NCL, the question is which ships on those lines are your reference points? If you are used to the bells and whistles of those lines megaships (along with their "new ship smell") then Princess' older ships may be disappointing by comparison. Even though Princess certainly provides better dining, service and overall atmosphere than those two lines, with an overall more relaxing experience especially on a cruise with so many sea days.

We have not been on any of the "mega" ships. Too many people.

I've been on Freedom of the Seas on RCI and most recently the Breakaway on NCL. It's been at least 7 years since my parents last cruise...and my dad HATES waiting in lines.

My parents are low key. They don't gamble. Rarely drink. They need some relaxation before retirement.

The Hawaiian cruises on Princess have a wonderful cultural program. Our last three cruises were the RTs out of LA (we live pretty close).

Flight into LA is cheaper than into San Fran.

I really like the 15 day itinerary.

Ignore reviews.

OK. Which ship? Star or Grand?

This is one of those....My parents are getting older and may not get a chance to do something like this again......I want it to be perfect.

Why are you hesitant to book with Princess???

The reviews I read on CC.

Hello.

I am wanting to give my parents a cruise to Hawaii for their 50th Wedding Anniversary. It has always been a dream of my moms. <3

They have been on several cruises, but never on Princess Cruise Lines.

I've found the Star and the Grand that port out of LA and San Fran.

The Star has some not so good reviews. Grand appears to be "newer" of the two.

Does anyone have any advice?

I've read some reviews and other posts....Honestly I am hesitant to book with Princess. NCL and RCCL do not have the RT itinerary like Princess- out of LA or San Fran.

Thanks!

Jamie

I'm trying to find out if the Unfinished Church is open yet to the public. We were there last year and it was under repair. We'll be there in two weeks so we're trying to get our schedule planned. Also, are there any vans/busses that would take you from King's Square to Tobacco Bay? I'll be using a wheelchair so it's not easy for me to get around.

:o just found King's square on my map.

I'm trying to find out if the Unfinished Church is open yet to the public. We were there last year and it was under repair. We'll be there in two weeks so we're trying to get our schedule planned. Also, are there any vans/busses that would take you from King's Square to Tobacco Bay? I'll be using a wheelchair so it's not easy for me to get around.

I cannot speak about the Unfinished Church, I did not see it.

Do you mean King's Wharf to Tobacco Bay?

If you do, I would recommend you getting on the early Ferry to St. George. And then take a van to Tobacco Bay.

What would be the best time to leave from the ship for the Harbor night?

Sorry, just saw this. We ate at Taste, right at 5:30, told the server we were in a bit of a hurry. Still took about an hour to eat. Just barely caught the 6:30 ferry. I wouldn't leave any later than that, you will miss the dancers.

I am having trouble finalizing my Bermuda itinerary. We are sailing on the Breakaway and will be there Wednesday, Thursday and until 5:00 on Friday.

 

This is a list of the things we don't want to miss:

Horseshoe Bay- too busy for me

Caves

Perfumery

Glass Beach

 

Things that we would also like to do:

Glassworks- the one at the dockyard is very close to the ship, and if you want something specially made, go on Wednesday or Thursday.

Harbor Nights- What else do you have planned for Wednesday Night?

 

I had planned to go to Horseshoe Bay on day 1, but if I am reading reviews correctly that could be a crazy idea because of everyone else on the ship having the same idea. (YES, EVERYONE GOES ON FIRST DAY.)Does anyone have any thoughts to share on what order to do the things we want to do? (We plan on getting the 3 day bus/ferry pass.)

 

Also are we totally missing out on a great experience if we decide to not take a blue flag taxi tour?

We just came back on the Breakaway. I wrote up my little 3 day review if you scroll down. I'm happy with what we did. I would skip Horseshoe next time, and go to the beach behind the commissioners house instead. After going through our pictures, our favorite day was at Achilles Bay in St George, next to Fort St Catherine's.

So much to do....so little time!

we did Grey color "9:15" disembark- walked off at 8:30, everything was smooth. From walking off gangway through customs, picking up luggage, EVERYTHING- took us 12 minutes! Called Carmels, and they picked us up early. We were at LGA by 10:30, had to sit and wait for our 3:30 flight. You will be FINE!!! Enjoy your trip!

Yes, many. many - even ten's of thousands use their debit card with no problem.

 

But, there are some issues that debit card users need to be aware of. Especially if your checking account has a "tight" balance and no overdraft options. Or a hold for a few days to a week or more will cause trouble. It does happen from time to time.

I was one of the few. I put $1,000 in a checking account that we don't use very often, and used that debit card for our onboard expenses.

I checked my balance VERY often during the cruise.

Every night NCL charged my debit card for what I spent that day. And at the end of the cruise, charged us again for the full amount. (We spent $660something)

I thought everything was fine, until I was home for a few days. I got a letter from our bank saying that we were negative $700 something (including overdraft fees).

Luckily I got it straightened out quickly. I feel like this could've been prevented. Next time, I shall use cash and just wait in line at the end of the cruise to get my unused money back.

(We do NOT have credit cards, and don't plan on getting one just for a cruise)

we had 3 rooms next to each other on 12. We were near the aft elevators. The balconies were fine for us.

In port, our room steward opened up all the dividers.

We loved being in the back next to the elevators. In our rooms, we never heard any noise from above. On our balconies, we heard music from H2O while in port. But we liked hearing the music!