Review of our September 10, 2011 cruise on the POA

[brunolvr]

Our suite was beautiful and we wandered all around it taking pictures. Both my husband and I felt this was probably the nicest, prettiest and cleanest suite we’ve been lucky enough to stay in on our NCL cruises. We’ve stayed in a mini-suite, an aft penthouse & a 2-bedroom family suite on the Star and a deluxe owner’s suite, an owner’s suite & a courtyard villa on the Pearl over the years. Three of those stays were the result of terrific up-sells from NCL that got us so spoiled that we love and treasure the “suite life”.

 

While my husband checked out the hot tub on our balcony and one of the 3 televisions in our suite, I unpacked our carry-on bag. Then our other luggage appeared so I decided to finish the unpacking before the scheduled lifeboat drill at 4:30 PM with our Meet & Greet to follow at 5:15 PM in Pink’s Champagne Bar.

 

Our “Assembly Station” was inside the Hollywood Theater so we were able to sit in comfortable chairs in a nice air-conditioned area while we learned all about safety on the Pride of America. I felt sorry for those who had their lifeboat stations outside as it was hot and the sun was quite intense for any amount of standing.

 

After about ½ hour we were released from our lifeboat drill and headed back to our suite to pick up the stuff we needed for our Meet & Greet. We had a good showing for our Meet & Greet with about 20 Cruise Critics showing up. We were very much impressed with meeting Captain Buz Radican and about 8 others from his crew and staff. And, it was fun meeting and chatting with others from our Cruise Critic roll call whom we had grown to know over the past months.

 

Captain Buz, Executive Chef Alain, Bar Manager Chris & Hotel Director Cary

 

Hidden in the back is Group Services Coordinator Rachel and Cruise Consultant Manager Lauren with Hotel Director Cary & Food & Beverage Director Frank in the front.

 

 

The Captain requested a follow-up visit with us on Friday afternoon as he wanted to hear from us how our cruise went and if we had any suggestions on how to make the cruise better. You can tell from talking with him, the Captain Buz is very proud of his ship and crew and wants to make your cruise the best it can be.

 

Tonight was Lobster Night so about 6:30 PM we went down to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. The small lobster tail was served with red snapper, rice pilaf & garden vegetables. It was very enjoyable, although I would have loved to have more lobster but after the Caesar salad and the entrée, I didn’t even have room for dessert!

 

We made it out on the promenade deck just in time to say goodbye to Honolulu as the Pride of America sailed away in the darkness. We walked around the deck then headed back to our suite until the Welcome Aboard & Comedy Show at 8:30 PM. We enjoyed the show even though it lasted a little long – about 1 ½ hours. Tim Kaminski is very funny but as he walks around the audience, you sure hope he doesn’t pick you! It can be quite embarrassing and I applaud all who were chosen to go up on stage with him – you were really good sports!

 

We were still on Seattle time of 1:00 AM and were very tired, so after the show we went back to our suite and got ready for bed. With the busy day and the heat and humidity that we weren’t used to, we were beat!

[galleycook]

We've been on the POA twice but just balcony cabins. Since then though we've moved up to the suites and can't go back;).

 

The Owners Suite looks good. Can you tell me if the Hot Tub was filled when you arrived and stayed filled for the trip or did you have to refill it yourself when the water cooled down. Thanks.

[TSUmom]

The Owners Suite looks fabulous!!!! Maybe someday I will get to enjoy one. I have moved from an inside to a regular balcony and nest an aft balcony. Who knows what is in my future!!!!

[brunolvr]

We've been on the POA twice but just balcony cabins. Since then though we've moved up to the suites and can't go back;).

 

The Owners Suite looks good. Can you tell me if the Hot Tub was filled when you arrived and stayed filled for the trip or did you have to refill it yourself when the water cooled down. Thanks.

 

Shortly after we got to our suite, the butler showed us how to work the hot tub. You fill it yourself whenever you want to use it. It only takes about 15 minutes to fill up. Once you get out and turn off the "bubbles", it empties by itself.

[brunolvr]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

 

 

We were due to arrive in Kahului, Maui at 8:00 AM, and when I awoke a little after 6:00 AM, I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise.

 

By a little after 7:00 AM we could see the port of Kahului in the distance.

 

Since we didn’t have to meet for our bus to Lahaina until 9:30 AM, we decided to go have breakfast in the Lazy J Steakhouse. It was a good breakfast and service was great. We really like the buffet they have available where once they take your breakfast order, you can go over and get juices, fruits, danish, smoked salmon, etc., and start on that while you wait for your breakfast to come.

 

About 9:00 AM we started heading down to Deck 4 to disembark for our excursion. We had booked “Lahaina on Your Own” through NCL to give us time on our own to explore Lahaina.

 

The bus left promptly at 9:30 AM for the 45 minute drive to Lahaina. We had a terrific bus driver who made the drive amusing while giving us lots of information about the area. You had your choice of getting off the bus at Hilo Hatties or near the Lahaina Wharf. We got off at the Lahaina Wharf near the Old Lahaina Courthouse (their gift shop is a great place for souvenirs).

 

Old Lahaina Courthouse

 

Right in front of the courthouse is the famous Banyan Tree which was planted in 1873 when it was just 8’ tall. Now it is over 50’ high and stretches outward over a 200’ area. It is very impressive and provides lots of shade for the local arts & crafts fair (another great place to get souvenirs) that was occurring the day we were there.

Banyan Tree

 

We had planned on doing the “Lahaina Historic Walking Tour” but we had to keep seeking out shade as it was pretty hot out and the humidity was making us feel very uncomfortable.

Baldwin House

[brunolvr]

Wo Hing Temple

 

So we did some walking around and around 11:00 AM we decided to look for Kimo’s as that where we wanted to have lunch.

 

We had a great lunch at Kimo’s, with a beautiful setting right on the waterfront. We decided to share an order of fish & chips so we would have room for their famous “Hula Pie” for dessert.

Oh,so delicious!

½ order of fish & chips

 

Hula Pie, enough for 2 to enjoy!

 

We walked up and down Lahaina’s main street stopping at numerous little shops to look around. We were going to stop and have some Shaved Ice at Ululani’s, but we were still stuffed from lunch.

 

We finally made it back to the Courthouse Park, bought some bottles of water and found a bench in the shade to sit on so we could listen to the entertainment of Hawaiian music from the little bandstand set up in the park. Local area craftsmen were selling everything from jewelry to wood carvings to paintings to photographs – a great place to buy locally made souvenirs.

 

Our bus arrived promptly at 3:00 PM and we headed back to the ship. When we got back to our suite, we decided to relax a little in our hot tub, then showered and went down to the Cadillac Diner for a late afternoon snack. They weren’t busy at all but we felt service was very slow. It took about 10 – 15 minutes to get our little appetitzer and then another 20 minutes or so to get our sandwiches.

 

An elephant towel animal greeted us when we got back to our suite.

 

Beautiful sunset at about 6:30 PM

 

We hung out in our suite and relaxed since we were going to the Captain’s VIP Reception at 7:00 PM. We had planned on going to dinner after the reception and then the 9:00 show but decided we weren’t hungry and skipped the “Aloha Polynesia” show for an early night since we had an early excursion in the morning.

[trophy_23]

Really enjoying reading your review and seeing your pictures. We have only ever sailed HAL, but are thinking about this one over the holiday season!! Looking forward to the rest. Thanks :)

[galleycook]

Shortly after we got to our suite, the butler showed us how to work the hot tub. You fill it yourself whenever you want to use it. It only takes about 15 minutes to fill up. Once you get out and turn off the "bubbles", it empties by itself.

 

Thanks very much for the feedback. We've stayed in a GV and the hot tub was full, hot and ready to go at any time. I heard that the Owners Suites were different for some reason. :confused:

 

Your pictures are excellent and the room looks very nice. I'm thinking of giving POA another try.

 

Thanks again for the confirmation.

[debster818]

I am also enjoying your review. We sail in April 2012. Can't wait. This our first time to Hawaii and thought it would be best to cruise the islands so we can see them all.

[dexddd]

Thanks for the pictures, especially of the new sofas. That looks pretty much what I spied on the Star a few weeks back and it was nice to know what they looked like opened up.

 

Just so you don't feel bad, our service in the Cadillac Diner was really slow everytime we went there too - and that was 5 years ago. I remember the first time we went in there for lunch and it was just us and one other table - it took forever to get served.

[poohb223]

Thank you for this awesome review!! We are going on our HM in February and are contemplating upgrading from the balcony room we booked and I think you may have convinced me to do so!!!

 

Can't wait for the next installment!!

[brunolvr]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

 

I set our alarm for 6:00 AM since we were having the butler deliver breakfast in our suite at 6:30 this morning. On our previous cruises the butler always called first to say he was on his way so we knew exactly when to expect him but promptly at 6:30, George delivered our breakfast. I think if I would have asked, he would have called first but I really didn’t see a need for it.

 

Around 7:45 AM, we headed down to Deck 4 since we were to meet on the pier at 8:00 AM for today’s excursion, “Best of Maui”, booked through NCL. The bus was already there and starting to load and promptly at 8:15 AM, we were on our way. We had another great bus driver who made our bus ride fun and interesting and even educational!

 

Our first stop was not on the agenda but the driver felt it would be worthwhile and it was. The Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens were serene and beautiful. We spent about 30 minutes there. The gardens were established in 1952 to show Maui’s diverse heritage with ethnic houses and gardens representing the Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Caucasian & Filipino cultures. For those of you renting a car, it would be a nice place to have a picnic lunch (and there are bathroom facilities available).

 

Pictures from the Heritage Gardens--

 

 

 

 

 

[Kruz Guys]

What a great review and terrific pictures. Waiting for more entries. One question about your suite 12502. Did you have any noise issues from the rest rooms, bars and auditorium on deck 13?

 

We will be on the POA the week of Dec 10th in a Penthouse Suite 10516. The larger Penhouse Suites, and the Owner's Suites are all booked - too bad. I'm sure we'll enjoy the PH suite thought.

 

Eager to hear more about your cruise. It sounds like you had a wonderful time.

 

Thanks for sharing. ;) :D

 

Kruz Guys

Stephen and Tom

[mydreamvacation]

I have been waiting for your return and am thrilled that the suite looks so nice. Tell me did you get all the perks such as the reserved seating for shows, three bottles of liquor-refills on water and soda? What type of champagne did they give you? I can't wait to show this to my husband as he thought I was wasting my money- it looks beautiful. Now I have to decide what to do in ports only have Hilo and Kuaui planned. That Japense garden looked lovely!

[brunolvr]

I have been waiting for your return and am thrilled that the suite looks so nice. Tell me did you get all the perks such as the reserved seating for shows, three bottles of liquor-refills on water and soda? What type of champagne did they give you? I can't wait to show this to my husband as he thought I was wasting my money- it looks beautiful. Now I have to decide what to do in ports only have Hilo and Kuaui planned. That Japense garden looked lovely!

 

Hi, mydreamvacation! We got most of the "suite" perks -- I'll get out the list and see what we missed, though.

 

No reserved seating for shows but it was't really needed as I don't think the theater was ever filled to capacity. Yes, you could select 3 bottles of liquor (I'll scan the list and post it) and unlimited refills on pop and water. The champagne was "Moet & Chandon Imperial" and when I looked online for it, it showed a cost of about $40.

 

Make sure you plan some "down time or relaxing time" so you can enjoy your suite!:) We were not used to the heat and humidity, and we did too much the first few days and by Tuesday morning, we were drained and not feeling real well, so we cancelled our excursion that day and had a more leisurely day, only taking the free shuttle into Historic Downtown Hilo.

[brunolvr]

I have been waiting for your return and am thrilled that the suite looks so nice. Tell me did you get all the perks such as the reserved seating for shows, three bottles of liquor-refills on water and soda? What type of champagne did they give you? I can't wait to show this to my husband as he thought I was wasting my money- it looks beautiful. Now I have to decide what to do in ports only have Hilo and Kuaui planned. That Japense garden looked lovely!

 

Here's the "owner's suite" perks as we found them:

 

 

OWNER’S SUITE AMENITIES

 

Embarkation

Personal escort to stateroom – escort to Lanai Lounge, then down to lunch at Lazy J’s

Metallic colored key card – purple key card

1 Bottle of French Champagne (w/compliments card from NCL) – Moet & Chandon Imperial

1 Floral Arrangement - yes

1 Fruit Bowl * - yes

2 Bottles of Spring Water * - yes and we were brought several more as we needed them

2 Bottles of Sparkling Water *- I don’t recall seeing the sparkling water but we don’t drink it anyway

3 Bottles of Liquor From Menu **- yes

6 Sodas * (Variety of Pepsi/ Diet Pepsi/Sierra Mist/Tonic/club soda) – yes, and butler brought more of whatever we wanted

Whole Milk/Skim Milk for Cappuccino Coffee set up - yes

Warm face towels, embarkation by Butler – no, but cool face towels and water were offered to everyone off the ship at each port near where you got on and off

Upon request, unpack guest suitcases by Butler - no

 

* Replenished upon consumption

 

Bath Amenities

Cotton ball & Q-Tip Caddie - yes

Bath salts, presented in container, shell scoop - yes

Loofah, cello wrapped, no logo - yes

Elemis brand products presented on tray:(2 of each sitting on shelf above sink)

Pure Shine Shampoo 40ml – Elemis Aromazing Shampoo

Pro-Vitamin Conditioner 40ml - yes

Sharp Shower Gel 40ml - yes

Vitamin Rich Body Lotion 40ml - yes

Pure Zest boxed Soap 80g - no

Pure Zest boxed Soap 50g - yes

Lip rescue 10ml – “Lip Revive”

Cooling Eye Gel 10ml – “Eyes-Awake Recovery Gel”

Instant Refresh Gel 10ml - yes

Shower Cap, paper envelope - yes

 

Other

Butler and Concierge Service - yes

Access to Star Bar Day Lounge - no

Daily Breakfast and Lunch in Cagney's – yes, in Lazy J Steakhouse

Pillow menu selection (tent card on night stand) – yes, if it’s not there be sure to ask butler

DVD and CD Player - yes

DVD & CD Library, with DVD movie library binder - yes

Deluxe Coffee/Espresso/Cappuccino Machine, serving Lavazza coffee - yes

China cups/saucers, espresso cups, teaspoons - yes

Coffee/tea pod dispenser accompanying Lavazza Coffee Machines - yes

Bathroom Scale – yes – good for weighing your luggage!

Clock – NO and no time shown on TV – telephone on desk shows time

Bath Robes (Plush Terry Robe-Waffle Design) – yes, the lighter “waffle design” robes

Slippers, standard - yes

Feather Pillows, Queen/Euro - yes

Feather Duvet Insert - yes

Upgraded linen - 300TC with Embroidery – don’t know but it was nice!

Towels including oversized bath towel – yes, but the oversized bath towels were WAY too big!

Long stem barware, 4 each, space available - yes

Binoculars – yes, in desk drawer

Bar Utensils - yes

Full Breakfast Menu – yes and you can also write in something that’s not shown, like “eggs benedict”!

24 Hour Room Service Menu (Suite Menu) – no specific “suite” menu

Food turn down delivered each evening – yes, except for the first evening

Complimentary pressing for formal night/shoe shining – don’t know

Priority restaurant reservations - yes

Priority embarkation and disembarkation – yes and priority tenders also

Personal Laptop Computer - (no internet time included; each guest must purchase time as they would if they visited the internet cafe onboard) – yes, there was a laptop on the desk

In Suite Dining - yes

[brunolvr]

Here was the form in our suite when we got there:

[brunolvr]

Here's the lunch menu for Lazy J Steakhouse

(sorry it didn't come out very good)

 

[brunolvr]

Here's the Lazy J Steakhouse breakfast menu

(sorry it didn't turn out very good either)

 

[sportsmum]

Thanks for the great review and pictures. The menus are great too.

 

We don't have a suite but I will be ready for the phone call- hope, hope, hope!!

[mrsbuddha123]

I'm booked in the owner's suite 8/25/12. I am constantly reading the boards to enhance my dream vacation. This was great! Thanks again.

[brunolvr]

Our next stop was Iao Valley State Park. The Iao Needle is a vegetation-covered lava remnant rising 1,200’ from the valley floor. We stayed there about an hour to give those who wanted to walk the .6 mile trail up to the scenic viewpoint time to do so. There was also a short walk around a botanical garden.

 

Iao Needle

 

Botanical garden

 

Botanical garden

 

Enormous leaf

 

Beautiful views

 

Wild chickens everywhere

[cccole]

I don't want this review to ever end!!!!!! Thank you for the fabulous photos and descriptions. I love Hawaii and have not really been tempted to cruise the islands until now. You have me ready to sign on the dotted line for an owners suite. Mahalo, Cherie

[Aruba]

Wow, I feel like I've just been to Hawaii vicariously through you. What great photos! When you're in the Owner's Suite Cherie, we'll come visit you.:D

[brunolvr]

A little after 10:00 AM we arrived at our next stop, the Maui Tropical Plantation. Some of the crops grown there are sugarcane, coffee, macadamia nuts, taro, papaya, mango, guava and bananas. Our tram tour didn’t start until 10:45 so we had time to walk around the gift shop and the gardens.

Maui Tropical Plantation

 

Colorful plants

 

Bird of Paradise

 

Beautiful flowering tree

 

 

I think these were plumeria flowers

 

Exploring the beautiful grounds