RT Hawaii Cruise. Which Ship?

[Flopthis25]

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

[GUT2407]

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

 

Why are you hesitant to book with Princess???

[Flopthis25]

Why are you hesitant to book with Princess???

 

The reviews I read on CC.

[GUT2407]

The reviews I read on CC.

 

Ignore reviews.

[Flopthis25]

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.

[Cruisin' Chick]

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

[Flopthis25]

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.

[fishywood]

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.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

The Star is actually newer than the Grand. The Grand was built in 1998 and the Star in 2002. They have both received extensive refurbishments throughout their service histories, but should essentially provide a near identical experience. Departure port and price would be a bigger factor here over individual ship.

 

Princess is a quality cruise line and I have yet to have a bad experience with them in 10 cruises. Reviews should be taken as a grain of salt. 2600 passengers a week sail on these vessels, only a small percent write reviews. And of those more people who were disappointed in some regard are likely to write a review. Without knowing a reviewer (on an anonymous website) personally it's hard to tell of their opinions/experience would reflect yours.

[Flopthis25]

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.

[Astro Flyer]

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

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/

[Flopthis25]

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

[GUT2407]

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.

 

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.

[Flopthis25]

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!

[Astro Flyer]

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.

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 that happens, we can always find an uncrowded spot to relax without crowds. :)

 

When I began cruising it was on ships with about 600 passengers & I hesitated to book a cruise on the behemoth Grand Princess with 2600 passengers 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 with over 6000 passengers...they're well designed to handle more passengers.

 

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

 

If your parents served in the military, Princess offers a veteran's OBC program which is greatly appreciated! :D After I posted I noticed that your dad is a Vietnam veteran like me...apply once & get it on all Princess cruises: http://www.princess.com/military_benefit_program/

Edited July 10, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[Flopthis25]

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 ;)

[partybarbie]

Another vote for the Star. Skywalker's is nicer than the One Five Lounge and the stateroom closets are bigger.

[Flopthis25]

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.

[Astro Flyer]

Another vote for the Star. Skywalker's is nicer than the One Five Lounge and the stateroom closets are bigger.

I think that the Grand still doesn't have midship stairs above the atrium (deck 7) although the Grand does have Alfredo's Pizzeria (the pizza only menu) but that's not enough for me to prefer the Grand over the Star. ;)

Edited July 10, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[Flopthis25]

Should I book Port or Starboard?

What is best in Hawaii?

[peety3]

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.

If you want it to be perfect, IMHO you're making a mistake booking a cruise on any ship with >250 passengers. These are mass market cruises...if their product is "right", it'll be the right cruise, but it won't be perfect.

[iluvcruzin]

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 have been on 2 Hawaii cruises on RCCL. The latest this past April. I can say Princess has a much better Hawaiian program on their RT ones out of CA. I went on the Sapphire when we did this route. But I have been on the Star and Grand ships. You can't go wrong with either.

 

Pre-cruise out of San Francisco is more interesting but out of Long Beach or San Pedro isn't bad.

 

There is very little time spent on the Islands so the ship makes up for it with lots of activities. Some people don't like the idea of 5 sea days each way. With Princess they will keep your parents entertained. RCCL we were a bit disappointed as it was boring during the transpacific portion.

 

If it is a first for your parents they would love it no matter what you choose.

[Astro Flyer]

Should I book Port or Starboard?

What is best in Hawaii?

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. ;)

Edited July 10, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[Flopthis25]

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.

[AtlantaCruiser72]

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.

 

I personally am a fan of the Caribe Deck balcony rooms and would book as midship as I could afford if doing the Star. On the Grand I would book nearer the forward stairs but stil torwards mid (if pricing allows) :D

 

Hawaii cruises are really special and I hope you all have a wonderful experience!