Warning this is long but very complete/detailed. This was our second POA cruise in Hawaii, the last in 2010. The difference between the two cruises is substantial and that is what I want to concentrate on as well as provide some tips on things to do on this port intensive itinerary where managing your port visit time is important..

All the cruise lines have embarkation down to a science (debarkation not always so much!) but one thing worth commenting on here regarding POA: NCL has added a Hawaiian Ambassador. It's a nice touch. Aside from greeting us as a group in the Embarkation Lounge, I saw her many times throughout the cruise and her role is to enhance your Hawaiian experience with respect to the state's culture and history. She did a great job both aboard and on shore during embarkation. The entire embarkation process was very well organized.

While you can get on the ship really early, like around 11a, don't expect your staterooms to be ready until after 1p and more likely after 2p. Send what you can with the baggage porters and board with as little as possible to enhance your ability to wander about the ship. If you arrive around 11a, there won’t be many there, it’s a breeze checking in, you get a card for your boarding group (we had group A, the first), guided to seats and listen to a nice Hawaiian band between explanations about the boarding process and cruise from the Hawaiian Ambassador. Boarded after sitting about 10—15 minutes. That was nice. Go to the Aloha Cafe (buffet) on deck 11 aft and enjoy its splendor before the crowds show up. Find a seat and eat outside on the expansive aft deck adjacent to the Aloha Café. Next walk around this beautiful ship and get to know her. Read more