Tutone56

Does anyone know what temperatures we can expect during the sea days to Hawaii in late March? Just wondering how usable the pool decks will be for the March 23 sailing out of San Francisco.

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Thanks for all the replies. I think we will be doing the 15 day RT out of LA. We've never been on a ship for that long, especially having all those sea days. Looking forward to trying yet another cruise line and exploring the ship.

Thanks everyone. Does the Star have a spa that you can join for the duration of the cruise that allows you to use the facilities (hot tub, sauna, etc.)? Also, has anyone experienced the cruise out of LA to Hawaii? I am planning to get a mid-ship balcony. I think you feel less movement when the water gets choppier.

There are differences between NCL and Princess. Some people love NCL and some not so much.

 

I guess the best way to answer your questions is if you could give us what you especially liked about your NCL cruising and what you did not. Then we could factually compare it to Princess as best as possible. Cruising really is so intimate that this is the best way to give you the best feel for Princess or any cruise line.

 

Pooh

We liked the fact that NCL was very casual. We're not into the formal night(s). We liked the ability to sign up for the spa (additional cost) and use the facilities (sauna, hot tubs, heated tile loungers, etc). Although food taste is very subjective, NCL had nice choices along with decent main dining rooms.

By the way, what is the name of the main dining rooms on the Star?

Hi everyone! My wife and I are considering a cruise on the Star Princess to Hawaii out of Los Angeles in March. We've been on a number of cruises (NCL and RCL) but never sailed Princess. Is there any place to get a good idea about Princess in addition to going through all of the threads on here? I'm just trying to get an idea of the differences between NCL and Princess. Any other information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ahhh, ok, thanks for the quick reply. I was looking at a mid ship balcony, makes sense now.

While looking on NCL's website I see that you can choose "up to 4 free offers". However, I've only been able to select 2, i.e. UBP and Dining package. Am I misunderstanding something. It sounds as though I should be able to pick 4 choices. Thanks

Hi all, hopefully one last question before I book our Hawaii cruise. I am looking at booking a room on deck 10 (mid-ship) and the pool is on 11. I'm wondering what the noise level will be like? Any thoughts? Thanks.

Just remember that there is no drink package EVER offered on the POA due to the alcohol laws in Hawaii. When we booked our cruise, our free at sea offers were:

- free pre-cruise night at Marriot

- free gratuities for stateroom

- free 3 night dining plan

- $50 per port excursion credit

I was wondering why the drink package wasn't offered, thanks.

Thanks for the replies and thoughts.

I went online to book a 7 night cruise on the POA and found out that the Free at Sea offer is not available when booking in the distant future (April 7-14, 2018). I'm wondering if the price of the cruise will go up when (if) they have a similar offer in the future. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?

We thought about the 15 day cruise out of SF. But since we've never been to Hawaii (and may never have a chance to return) we wanted to stay in Hawaii for a few extra days either before or after the cruise which, wouldn't be possible if we took the cruise out of SF. So we're looking at the NCL Pride of America.

There have been at least two storms this year which have impacted POA sailings. You don't need a direct hit (which is very rare) to cause disruption to cruise schedules. POA mostly spends time in ports, so There is less opportunity for rough seas.

Thanks Bird!

I'm wondering if anyone knows if the Hawaiian Islands have the same odds of a hurricane as the Atlantic? I know they had a hurricane this year and I know it's always a possibility, but just wondering what the chances are. We are looking at October 2017. Thanks.

How much time do you have?

 

I booked on the 8th of last month for a Hawaiian cruise leaving Vancouver, British Columbia on the 3rd of October 2017. You have 5 Sea Days followed by 4 days touring through the Islands ending in Honolulu on the 13th of October. Should be a fascinating cruise. I can not wait.

We will be staying in SF prior to leaving for Hawaii visiting with our son and his family. So we thought we'd get to Hawaii a few days before the cruise to explore.

Thanks for the information - very helpful. I did not know you could cancel a cruise prior to the final payment. That's very good to know, thanks.

Hi all, my wife and I are trying to plan for a cruise on the POA. We are considering late September or early October of 2017. I'm wondering how soon before the cruise should I consider booking regarding the price and availability of rooms. Also, I don't want to book too soon in case something comes up preventing us going (although I will definitely get insurance). Thanks

Thanks, I think I'm leaning toward the Escape also. Looking forward to the reviews.

The itineraries are the same.

Escape: Miami (Florida); St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Nassau (Bahamas); Disembark Miami (Florida)

Spirit: Orlando & Beaches (Port Canaveral); Nassau (Bahamas); St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands); Tortola (British Virgin Islands); Disembark Orlando & Beaches (Port Canaveral)

I guess I'm not sure of the big ships and whether we would not like the crowded feeling, especially on sea days. We normally get a balcony so we would have a quiet place to retreat to.

If you had the choice, which ship would you choose: the new, mega Escape or the smaller, older, Spirit. Both have similar itineraries. So far we've sailed the Jewel twice and the Pearl once. Any insight would be welcomed. Thanks.

We were on the same cruise. As far as the food goes, we thought the MDR was really good, we ate at the buffet for breakfast only and thought it was ok, not great. We've been on 3 NCL cruises and thought the buffet was better on NCL.

We thought the crew was fantastic! The were all very friendly and smiled all the time. Overall we enjoyed this cruise very much.

We were just at Cozumel on Brilliance. Liberty was docked next to us. I think Florida was on spring break. It looked like about 3000 kids getting on. OMG, I felt so bad for those with families, etc. They were very loud, many of them very intoxicated. 2 girls were wheeled up the dock in wheelchairs because they had passed out. I'm so glad we didn't choose Liberty this week!

IF you know they don't allow it, because of concerns of safety and overloaded circuits, than why even bring it? Rooms have 2 plugs. Use the 110 for the hair dryer or curling iron, and the 240 for your iphone and camera. (adapter plug cost under $5.00).

Thanks for your input.

It had a cord.

Just a heads up - my luggage went to the naughty room because I had a power strip. I know Royal does not allow them but from what I've read on here most people get them through. Just wanted to pass that along. I'm on the Brilliance right now, left Tampa yesterday.