Husband and I are in our early 30s from New England. We couldn't decide which island(s) to visit, so we decided on the POA. Great decision! We got a great deal for a balcony stateroom on Travelocity, and off we went! We flew into Honolulu 3 days pre-cruise (Hawaiian Airlines direct flight from JFK) and stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We got a good deal through NCL.

Embarkation: Port transportation was included in the deal, so on Saturday a.m. we got our bags ready and the porter came to pick them up. We got on the bus at our assigned time and left a little early. Our baggage went separately, but was accounted for when we signed in for the bus. As soon as we got to the port, we got off the bus and went right into the terminal, bypassing the long luggage line. That was an added bonus. We filled out the health forms, showed our id, went through security, then we got our leis (orchids for me, shells for DH) and took embarkation pics. We then got in a long-ish line for our cruise cards, but it went by very quickly- maybe 20 mins. We had entertainment the whole time- hula dancing, music, palm weaving. After that, we went up the escalators, swiped our cards, and onto the boat! Very easy. My card had a problem, so I had to go to Guest Services immediately. Not a long wait, got my new card, and off to our room (ready upon arrival). Bags came about an hour later.

Comments: We got a Freestyle Daily when we got our cruise cards, but I wished they had given us a map of the boat. The first few days, we had no idea where we were going, but there are big maps next to every elevator. Read more