azappraiser

Hi,

 

I have booked the package at the Polynesian Cultural Center that includes the circle island tour in the morning http://www.polynesia.com/circle-island-tour.html#.VaeUAflVhBc. The first stop is Diamond head. I really want to climb up Diamond Head to take in the view, but I think the hike is probably not included in the tour - that's okay, I can do it another day. Can anyone who has been on the PCC island circle tour confirm that and tell me if my plan to do the hike another day makes sense?

 

Thanks!

If you look at your tour schedule, it states there are 10+ stops at 10 to 15 minutes each... definitely not enough time during your tour. On another note, the parking lot at Diamond Head is usually pretty full after 8:30am & your tour starts at 8:00am.

I'd have to 2nd Haleakala... our rental car crapped out just past the first bridge on the Road to Hana, so we readjusted our plans and took a ship excursion to the top of Haleakala on Maui-day 2. Had we done the Road to Hana, I would have never gotten the attached shot... :cool:

Just so you know, the photo has not been enhanced or touched up; Photoshop was only used to reduce the file size. The "rainbow" in the pic occurred naturally... I was just lucky enough to be there when the sun broke through the clouds.

It's less than a mile they say 17 minute walk so that sounds a definite option. Walk see the beach, sit and eat, then walk back. You did so well with that, any suggestions for our first day, Pearl Harbor planned for another day. And we rather not drive on vacation we are guided tour people while travelling. Considering one of the Island Circle tours.

How about looking into a Photography Tour? You don't need to have a fancy camera... some people just use their phone. I did a sunrise tour with Oahu Photography Tours last year and am booked with Blue Hawaii Photo Tours next month. Both offer sunrise, sunset, or all-day tours at very reasonable rates. And... they'll pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Great way to see some of the islands' beautiful scenery.

With regard to the camera; we had a honeymoon couple on our tour last year that only brought their iPhones. Our guide showed them how to change some of the settings and even had a tripod adapter for the phone. They ended up with some incredible pics. If you have a DSLR, the guides will help you get the most out of your camera, regardless of your level of expertise.

Both companies offer small group tours, with a max of 7 people. They also have top reviews on Trip Advisor.

azappraiser, glad to see you were compensated! which airline?

Hawaiian - although they didn't make it very easy to use them. First of all, as expected, they were non-transferrable, non-refundable for cash and must be used within one calendar year. The vouchers were only valid on Hawaiian Airlines and could not be used toward flights on any of their "partner" carriers. The vouchers MUST be original documents, copies were not acceptable for redemption. :mad:

In order to cash them in, I basically had to two choices:

1. Book a new reservation & pay for it out of pocket, and then send the vouchers to Hawaiian Airlines. Upon receipt of the vouchers, they would then apply the voucher credit to my reservation and refund the appropriate amount to my credit card. Or,

2. Go to the nearest Hawaiian Airlines ticket counter and book my reservation there. I could then apply the voucher amount to the reservation and pay any difference out of pocket (if any money were due), although, this option may incur an additional fee. There may also be a price difference for the same flight if booked at the ticket counter versus a fare found on the web... fortunately in my case, the price quote I had in hand was the same as what was available at the ticket counter.

The first option didn't appeal to me as I wasn't thrilled about paying for the reservation and then sending Hawaiian Airlines my vouchers... only to have them get lost or misplaced and not have any proof that I was entitled to a refund. Besides, I work (part-time) at the airport, so going to the ticket counter was relatively convenient for me, therefore I exercised the second option. I avoided the ticket counter booking fee ($35.00 per reservation) by securing a waiver (by email) from one of the customer relations managers at Hawaiian... I insisted on having the waiver in writing. ;)

It took a few phone calls and emails, plus a side trip to the ticket counter... but in the end, DW & I secured our reservations for a R/T flight from Phoenix to Oahu for the grand total of $73.60. :D

azappraiser, we had a chance to book aft balcony, decided to stay midship. 4 couples. I would have chosen the aft if alone. my question is, any vibrations, motor noises, swaying in this location. thanks

We were on deck 9 and I really didn't feel any vibrations what so ever. And, the only noise I heard was the water churning from the prop wash in the wake; which was very calming.

One thing to remember, the islands are so close to one another, the ship is basically just plodding along when sailing from port to port. Also, during our cruise, the seas were very calm... hardly any motion detected at all. In fact, our flight over wasn't nearly as smooth as the cruise. :cool:

Have a nice dinner at Duke's... with a couple of Mai Tais... then walk back to your hotel & recharge your batteries. Hit the ground running the next day! :D

We did a luau at Germaine's the night before embarkation. One of our CCers from back east that had arrived that day couldn't stay awake for the show & went back to the bus to sleep... the 6-hour time difference really kicked his tail. :eek:

No lava flowing when we went last September, but I will 2nd Mel-B on the Aft Balcony. We had an amazing view of the Na Pali coast on the way in and on the way out... no whales, but we did get to see some spinner dolphins playing in the wake and I was fortunate enough to capture a sunset that was absolutely stunning; both as we were sailing away from Kauai & headed back to Honolulu.

DW also caught an amazing sunrise from our balcony while in port on our 2nd day on Kauai. What I enjoyed most about the aft balcony was sitting out there with my cup of coffee... listening to the wake and watching the sun come up... what a way to start a day. ;)

The green cards should be fine but you said one (or maybe two) didn't have green cards OR current passports. There is also verbiage about visas that may be required. Passports are not required for US citizens but those without citizenship or green cards would obviously need "current" passports from the country they are from, right?

 

Why not eMail NCL directly and get clarification from them...in WRITING (e.g. email) so that you don't get into a tight spot with your foreign guests?

I would suggest contacting U.S. Customs & Border Control for clarification; NCL doesn't make the documentation rules, they only follow them.

I've searched the message boards, and there are lots of old recommendations for Aloha Towers Marketplace, however, I understand they are now closed.

 

We are sailing on Disney, and the ship will be docked in Honolulu for one day, then the next day we disembark and will do more sightseeing. We plan to rent a car for both days. We will be gone all day the first day and back to the ship late. We need to find a (safe) place to park the car overnight that is reasonably close to the ship. If anyone knows of current information I would really appreciate your help!

With just a little research, I found this parking map from hawaiibusinessdotcom... and this site as well...

Can anyone tell me if getting a balcony room on the port or starboard side is better for this trip for seeing the coast of the islands while we sail. Does this ship get close to the coast like the ships do going to Alaska?

 

Also, don't want to have any obstructions either. Does Cat B2 and B3 have any rooms that you would say to stay away from middle of ship to aft area.

Thanks in advance for this info.

I'd recommend an Aft Balcony... huge balcony with two chaise loungers, two chairs and a cocktail table, and still room for 4 adults to move around. Not to mention the great view of the Na Pali coast and an amazing sunrise on Kauai!!!

I am wondering if POA gives out lei upon embarkation?

Women receive a flower lei, men receive a shell lei... then you get in line for the pre-boarding photo.

Hi all. We are planning a trip to Hawaiian islands by way of pride of America. We are tentatively looking at a week that does not offer the std 4-day pre-cruise option. We'd like to do Pearl Harbor, etc (actually it's a must) before the cruise. I contacted the vendor that NCL uses, however, from my conversations with them, they are just subcontractors to another vendor.

 

I'd like to ensure I get this scheduled at the time of cruise booking since it is the only reason why we would flyin early. Can anyone recommend some non-NCL excursion companies where we can secure this part of our trip? Tentatively planning for late fall before thanksgiving. Thanks much.

Check out the Hawaii board in the Ports of Call section... lots of info on each of the islands. Also do a "google" search on Hawaii and order the FREE guides from the Hawaii Tourist Bureau. (click here)

It's difficult to make specific recommendations without knowing when you're planning to be there or what your interests are.

Latitudes points are for the person that sails... not the person who paid for the cruise. If that were the case, DW would have ZERO points and I would be Platinum.

Hi all, sorry if I posted this in the wrong place.. I couldn't find a thread with the same topic.. new cruiser here!

 

So.. I'm hyper confused about the documentation we need to bring for Pride of America and a bit anxious because the cruise is in almost 2 months. I know for US citizens the driver's license is enough but I've read that you also need to bring a second photo ID?

 

And also I have 3 non-citizens in my party, 2 of them with residency and one in the process of residency (but will have a valid government issued photo ID in time for the cruise but maybe not the green card yet). Everybody is currently in the US so nobody needs a passport but I would like to know if:

 

A) its true that you need a second photo ID to board

B) what would that second ID be for non-citizens (with expired passports.. also)

 

 

Thanks!

 

Btw I contacted NCL online and thats where my confusion started because they said we do need to bring passports but it doesn't seem right because its a US cruise with only US ports so its always national... so I started to google around and found out about the second ID and things got crazy! lol I need an expert!

Not sure where your confusion is... this is what is posted on NCL's web site:

U.S. Citizens - Hawaii Cruises

There's no need for a passport when you sail on any Hawaii inter-island cruise. If your ship never sails beyond the islands of Hawaii, all you need is a government-issued photo I.D. which includes a passport or a valid driver's license with a photo. A U.S. citizen under the age of 16 does not require a government-issued photo ID.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Alien Residents of the United States holding an Alien Registration Card (ARC or "Green Card") (Form I-551) may travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda (see Visa Restrictions on Bermuda) and the Caribbean with just their valid ARC and Proof of Identity. However, it is recommended that these guests also carry their passports from their country of citizenship if available. In some instances, ARC holders may still be required to have sailing permits and/or visas to enter countries Norwegian Cruise Line visits in these areas. Please note that travel anywhere else in the world requires a valid passport from the country you are a citizen of and subsequently subjects you to any documentation, visa and health requirements of all countries visited.

Depending on when you travel and where your driver's license is from, you may run into a problem with TSA (at the airport) if your driver's license does not meet "Real ID" benchmarks, in which case you would need a "Federal ID" in order to board you flight. Check with TSA and Border Patrol/Customs for rules, restrictions and further clarification.

The above time of two hours before departure is correct.... BUT my understanding is that the muster drill is held at 4:30 that day and failure to attend results in having to attend a makeup (5pm???) the next day (which is Maui). Keep that in mind if your time ashore in Maui is important to you.

If you're planning to attend a Cruise Critic Meet & Greet (if one has been scheduled), they are usually scheduled to be held some time around 3:00 to 3:30pm, with the MANDATORY Muster Drill at 4:45pm.

To really enjoy Oahu/Honolulu, I would plan to arrive a few days before the cruise.

Would love a helicopter, but on a budget this trip. I was interested in using the Marriott's facilities.

I did a flight (fixed-wing) with Wings Over Kauai... $125.00 per person for 60+ minute flight. The picked me up in front of the ABC store, about a 5 minute walk from the ship & dropped me off at the pier on the way back.

Prior to our POA cruise around Hawaii, we boarded our flight at 8:00am, on time, in Phoenix anticipating an 11:30am arrival in Honolulu... and then we sat on board at the gate. 45 minutes later, we're being directed to deplane and wait in the terminal area. Finally, at around 10:45am, we're back on board & pushing back from the gate at 11:05am.

During our departure climb, the pilot leveled off before reaching cruising altitude. He then got on the intercom and stated that the problem (a defective vent door that keeps the aircraft avionics cool during flight) that kept us on the ground for three plus hours had returned and that we would be landing at LAX to have the maintenance team check it out. But, before we can land, we need to burn off some fuel because the plane is too heavy to land safely. This took 2 1/2 hours.

When we landed at LAX, our plane was directed to an aircraft servicing area at the west end of the airport; which was basically a wide open parking area with a jet-way leading to a small building and no services, except a men's room and a lady's room with two stall each. We would be here for at least two hours while maintenance attended to the problem and the aircraft was loaded with another full load of fuel.

Finally, we're given the all-clear and everyone get's back on board. Once again, no more than 15 minutes into our departure climb, our pilot informs us that the problem is still not fixed and we need to return to LAX... but first, we need to burn off the excess fuel once again (another 2 hours of flying around in circles) before we're able to land.

By the time we get back to LAX, which is now 5:00pm Phoenix time, we're being told that the flight is cancelled and that we need to stay overnight in Los Angeles.

Upon deplaning, we get in line to arrange a flight to Honolulu for the following day. We're also given the name of a hotel (paid for by the airline), a couple of meal vouchers, and two $300.00 vouchers to be used at a later date. (The flight $300.00 vouchers were later replaced with $500.00 vouchers)

We finally did get to Hawaii the following day, which still gave us three days to enjoy Oahu before boarding the POA. Had we originally flown on the day of the cruise, we most certainly would have missed the ship. ;)

Hi

Brand new here! A bit stressed! all I read is DONT book excursions too expensive do on your own, rent a car , etc! Can you all help me out? Who do you use for car rental and do they drop off at ship? Getting around islands? Are there things they advise u to see and then just plug in Gps? I am pretty savy as long as I get started!!! Lol! Some contact info here for tours, renting a car advise, must beach, etc. We have been to Maui and have done all the biggies but other places no. Thank uuuu all so much in advance!! Maybe u all can calm me down. I need a plan and don't want to get in a tourist trap tour thing with cruise line.

 

Roziewear

We used several options for sightseeing during our POA cruise and pre-cruise stay on Oahu. As Susan-M posted, we also made our rental car reservations through Discount Hawaii Car Rental... they secured the lowest rates for each of our rentals on Oahu, Maui & Kauai. Driving guides were provided by each of the companies, although I had already done my research & brought my own Garmin GPS, which came in very handy in Honolulu.

We also arranged tours through a few tour operators... Enoa Tours for our Pearl Harbor tour, Ricky's Tours in Hilo and Wings Over Kauai in... you guessed it... Kauai.

We booked two tours through the excursion desk on board the ship... the Seahorse Farm in Kona and a late-morning trip to the top of Haleakala on our second day on Maui. The Haleakala trip was actually unplanned. Our rental car broke down the previous day after crossing the first bridge on the Hana Highway. DW & I revised our plans while waiting for the rental car company to bring us a replacement car... which took a little more than 2 1/2 hours.

You didn't say when you were headed to Hawaii or if you're an "experienced" cruiser... I suggest you keep this in mind; the ports in Hawaii are not like the Caribbean, you'll need to plan ahead. On Maui, Hilo & Kauai, the ship docks in industrial areas and there are few (if any) tour vendors waiting for passengers that have not already made arrangements for their tours ahead of time.

Order some free guides here... they can help with your planning.

Can someone tell me where the smoking areas are on the Pride of America?

I know it was allowed at the Waikiki Bar on Deck 13, AFT... not sure where else, if at all.

Forgot to mention... golf outings were arranged through the Shore Excursion desk. The list in my previous post was transposed from a flyer that was available at the desk.

Have the golf shore excursions on hawaii been deleted or am I missing them somehow,if so any advice on how to manage a golf day off pride of america in hawaii,

regards peter.

Here are the offerings from when we went in September:

Sunday, Maui

- Wailea, Emerald Course, Par 72 - $223.00

- Wailea, Old Blue Golf Club, Par 72 - $202.00

- Kapalua, Plantation Course, Par 72 - $269.00

- Kapalua, Bay Course,Par 72 - $259.00

Monday, Maui

- Same as above

Tuesday, Hilo

-Volcano Golf Club, Par 72 - $127.00

Wednesday, Kona

- Makalei Golf Club, Par 72 - $103.00

Thursday, Kauai

- Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, Par 72 - $195.00

- Poipu Bay Golf Club, Par 72 - $237.00

- Puakea Golf Club, Par 72 - $105.00

- The Ocean Nine-Hole Experience, Par 36 - $105.00

Friday, Kauai

- Kauai Lagoons Golf Club, Par 72 - $195.00

- Puakea Golf Club, Par 72 - $105.00

Taylor Made Equipment Rentals ran $40.00 per round, shoes were also available in limited sized with club rental. Add 4.166% Sales Tax to all fees, which include greens fees, 1/2 cart fee & R/T transportation.

I was wondering if it was possible to arrange for my father to have a bridge tour on his birthday. Any tips on how to go about it?

 

thank you

 

Mikki

Bridge tours are available at the captain's discretion. We were fortunate enough to be invited by the concierge to accompany a VIP group on their bridge tour. There is a bridge viewing room on deck 11 on the port side.

Of course I plan to get some books out of the library. Just saying it is important to have a combination of library and purchased books because no matter where you go, some information will change from year to year. I will not buy all 30.

You can get some FREE, up-to-date guide books from the Hawaii Visitor's Bureau; Go Hawaii.

Another good smartphone app is "Gas Buddy"... you can type in city or zip code to find the nearest gas & prices.

Tesero stations are everywhere. I went online and contacted them about purchasing a pre-paid gift card for our upcoming trip in August. We'll have the car for a week on Oahu & I figured a $75.00 gift card should cover the gas we'll use and still have enough on the card to fill it up before dropping it off.

As for Costco; while their gas may be cheaper, the lines were horrendous. I'll spend a few pennies more per gallon to save some of my precious vacation time.

Another good app is "Rental Pics"... although not FREE, I think it's worth the $1.99 cost to cover myself if needed. With the app, you take several pictures of your rental car when you pick it up, enabling you to document any dings or defects before driving off the lot. (photos are geo-tagged to prove where they taken, along with date & time) The app also has a place for you to add notes. When I dropped my car off in Kauai, the dude that checked it in fixated on a rather large scratch on the passenger side. Immediately, I pulled out my phone, opened the pertinent folder and showed him the pic (of the scratch) I took that morning when I picked up the car... he made a few notes & I never heard anything more about it.

BTW - I used Discount Hawaii Car Rental to make all my reservations... no hassle whatsoever... highly recommended!

So James and I are finally getting a new camera so we can stop using our cell phones. We've basically narrowed it down to:

 

Nikon COOLPIX L840

or

FUJIFILM Black FinePix S8630

 

We were able to mess around with the Nikon at Best Buy, but the FujiFilm is at Walmart and wasn't on for us to test out.

 

Any reviews on either one of these cameras?

 

Thank you in advanced!

Sorry I don't have any experience with either of the cameras you mentioned... I'm a lifelong Pentax user, with a Kr and a K-50. A good place to check out for unbiased reviews is CNET.