We just returned from a wonderful 7 days on POA. AFter reading some of the reviews I must admit I was worried but we had a great time. The water was quite rough several nights during the week, we heard the staff was sick from it but I got the Ginger that CruiseCritic.com members suggested and did wonderful. Embarkment was very easy. Thank goodness since we were beat from a 12 hr flight from NY. We were not able to get there a day early due to work but that is a great suggestion. We were met easily at the airport, transported quickly and got on board fast. Everyone was so nice. Glad I took the suggestion of bringing a power strip. Very helpful. Hilo was the only place that was quite cloudy.Happened to rain quite a bit. We signed up for a bus excursion to the volcano and to Rainbow Falls, also went to the orchid farm. Our driver,Dean was informative and funny. We learned alot about Hawaii and enjoyed every minute. Maui was a 2 day overnight. We rented a car from Roberts Hawaii ahead. Took the shuttle from the pier and rented Hertz quick and easy. It was $35 a day and $10 more for a convertible. We realized we haven't been in a top down fun car in 30 years. SO we got a red mustang convertible. Loved it, what fun. Drove the Road to Hana. Wholly moley.....what a road and nothing much at the end. But sure couldn't turn around half way!! But the ride was fun. Ate lunch on the beach in the "bay at Hana". Nice! Actually went into the Catholic Church, this was holy week, and the janitors were there and were just so kind. Next day did Lahaina on your own. Took the excursion there and had a day to do as we pleased. Ate at one of the restaurants on the beach. Wonderful seafood, drank strawberry lava flow, and a waitress who knew lots about the area. Also got to Wal-Mart. Yep, got all our souvenirs there and as CruiseCritic.com said, unbelievable prices compared to the local shops.Also got our pictures developed. In Kona we walked off the ship and hit the local shops, did the Glass Bottom Boat and learned about the fish and coral. That was fun and the guide on the boat was interesting. Walked around town and went back and laid out on the ship and took it easy for a late afternoon. Spent an over night in Kauai and again rented a car from RobertsHawaii and drove up to Poipou Beach. Never saw a more beautiful beach in my life. Had a great lunch at a beach house, fresh seafood again. The second day we took the Blue Hawaii helicopter ride. Absolute frosting on the cake. It was wonderful. Saw Wiameia Canyon and Napalie Coast. Pictures don't come close to the beauty. The pilot was wonderful. The ship was very clean, food was fine. Actually ate at Lazy J's two different nights. Enjoyed it, had lobster night at Skyline. It was good, actually had 2 lobster each and enjoyed them. Had breakfast most mornings on ALoha outside deck...thank you CruiseCritic.com...loved it outside. Also ate at Cadillac diner for breakfast and lunch. The brownie sundae was very good, burger and onion rings OK... The balcony cabin was nice, except it was at the very end of the ship. Our travel agent said we'd love it,we could see more...nope.. saw all the old docks, and piers that we moored at, and when we were moving the waves were very high. Would never get a cabin at the back of a ship ever. our steward was Albert who was great. knew I liked the towel animals and had one 5 nights...one night made a monkey hanging from the ceiling.! The floor shows were great. Had a wonderful magician, funny comedian who did not have to swear everyother word to be funny. EVeryone loved him. The dancers on the ship were very talented and did a great show 3 different nights. The night of the Almost Newlywed Game was more than funny. We opted not to do the Luau. Several friends said plan on 1500 people joining you. People who came back said there were 15 bus loads of people, food was not good. Disembarkation was so easy. We signed up for EasyFly as suggested. Had some plane connection problems and delays but as promised, our luggage was waiting in Syracuse NY when we got off the plane. Nice thing was with easy fly no one weighted the suitcases, just took them. We lucked out!! I know they weighed more than 50 lbs. The weather maintained 84 degrees all week. Rained everyday for 10 minutes. The people were so friendly in Hawaii. Proud of their state as they rightly should. The only person who was a problem to us was the man in charge of the internet cafe. Rude, rude, rude. I would recommend this cruise to everyone. We had a great time.