Our 10th anniversary. Our first cruise. A ridiculously great cabin upgrade offer. Hawaii. We could not have asked for more. This review is being written at this late date because over months of procrastination we have constantly been amazed at our inability to put this cruise behind us! We are also baffled at the number of less than glowing remarks we have seen about NCLA or PoAM. We arrived the day before our cruise and were greeted at the airport by a nice young man with a signboard for us. Having booked our entire package with NCL thru our travel agent, all transfers between airport, hotel and pier were provided for us. It doesn't get any simpler! Our precruise stay was at the Waikiki Marriott. Since we booked very late it wasn't our first choice but Having an NCL office on premises more than compensated for any second choice syndrome. All of our last minute questions as first timers were addressed and we were smilen'! Embarkation. We were transported to the pier around noon and after photos and security discovered we were to go to the VIP area to await boarding. VIP status was news to us and had us beaming!! The concierge came out, introduced himself, and called our names as the first to board the ship. What next, an audience with the queen? We had about an hour wait for our suite to be ready so we explored the ship. By the time we were done our room was ready and luggage was waiting. Our departure was delayed slightly by late flight arrivals of passengers who had booked thru NCL. I imagine they were very happy to find the ship waiting for them. Another reason to book everything thru the cruise line. The Pride of America. This ship was the perfect venue for our cruise. Kid count was manageable because our cruise was the week before most school vacations started. The ship never felt crowded probably due the fact that Hawaii is an excursion destination. We were to worn out by nightfall so the onboard entertainment was for others! We had supper in Liberty, Skyline, Lazy J's, Jefferson Bistro, Little Italy, and finally Teppanyaki (most entertaining!). We never expected five star cuisine and found the fare in all of the mentioned venues to be quite decent. Four star perhaps? The Aloha was absolutely great for breakfasts and the few lunches we were onboard for. Service was timely and courteous. We had the benefit of making our reservations for the entire week as a VIP perk and based on complaints we have read on this site recommend everyone make restaurant reservations as soon as able to prevent any issues with schedules. Our suite. What do people who have always done for themselves do with a concierge and a butler?? We didn't need the concierge and our butler, Juremar, demonstrated how wonderful butler service can be. He tended to all of our package perks such as champagne and canapes as well as just checking in with us two or three times a day. Swweeeet! As for our room steward, Danillo, again it was two or three checks a day beyond morning service. We must confess a slight apprehension about an all American crew after such great international service. Hopefully our next cruise with PoAM will be a mirror of the interaction with crew that we experienced with this cruise.We never went without a smile and hello as long as we offered one of our own!!! Due to the time that has elapsed, the length of this review, and the fact that we are primarily discussing NCL and their ability to create a highly enjoyable experience, I will attempt to be concise where excursions are concerned. Again, all of our excursions were booked with NCL. As first timers we wanted the security of knowing the ship would always be waiting for us. Hilo. Volcanoes and Rainbow Falls tour. Perfect tour for first time visitors to Hawaii. Two of the things Hawaii is famous for. Maui. Road to Hana w/picnic. Leave the driving of this road to people who drive it nearly everyday. There is to much to miss driving yourself. Ever wanted to relax on a black sand beach? This IS Hawaii. Maui day two. Haleakala crater at sunrise. Three AM wakeup call. Dress warm. Dress very warm. This wasn't the wife's favorite excursion but how many people get to watch such a wonder from 10 thousand feet at the top of a volcano? Must see. Kona. Light duty so to say. The missus went to see Magical seahorses and I went Deep sea fishing. We were both back on board by noon and as a midcruise break from tours we enjoyed the afternoon partaking of sun, drink and r&r. Nawiliwili. We arrived in port on the morning of our tenth wedding anniversary. Having renewed our vows the night before onboard with PoAM's Hawaiian ambassador officiating, we were in the PERFECT frame of mind for our day of celebration. With our romance/anniversary package we started the day with breakfast in bed. Then it was off to the spa for his and hers massages.Although not part of NCL, Sante Fe Spa is the real thing. Service, courtesy, and sheer quality of product required (lol) us to book 90 minute massages for ourselves the next day. Yummy!! The onboard portion of our great day was complete with afternoon tea replete with all the fixins. The evening was the ultimate anniversary dinner. Kalamaku Luau anyone? We did the deluxe luau with our dinner being served at Gaylord's prior to the show. As for the show? One of the most incredible productions and stories we have ever had the privilege to experience. On a scale of 1-10 we give it an 11! We will always remember exactly where we were and what we did on our 10th!!! Nawiliwili day two. We slept in and stayed on the ship today. It got rather busy as people were gathering on decks to enjoy the afternoon departure for the Napali Coast viewing. Just plain relaxing. Even with the crowds it was easy to get around, get served, and get the last eyefuls of Hawaiian cruising before returning to Honolulu. Disembarkation was very smooth as we had a transfer to our hotel for two nights before returning to the mainland. Uneventful flight home. THE END. hardly..... We can't get this vacation out of our minds. It happened yesterday didn't it?? We are pleased and proud to announce we are booked for this same cruise, same week, same suite#, same romance package. Will our expectations be met? We'll let you know. PS Our sole surviving parent is going this year and we got him the adjoining suite to ours. We must be convinced that NCL is the way to see Hawaii.