This was my 6th NCL cruise, and I enjoyed it a great deal. There has been a recent merger with another cruise line, and the former CEO is gone, and somebody I liked, because I think he cared about his employees. Hopefully the merger will not result in much higher cabin rates. This is the only cruise line that does a cruise around the main islands, with stops in Maui, Hilo & Kona, Hawaii, and Kauai. There were 2 of us, and we had a nice balcony cabin.

We booked our shore excursions through NCL prior to the trip, and I was happy with all of the excursions, save one concern about the Luau, that happens on the Thursday night of the cruise, in Kauai. We had no idea that we were to book a table for that event PRIOR to the luau, and as a result we got put at the "overflow" table way in the back, with a limited view of the stage. The food for that event, on shore, was really more like a typical Chinese buffet, and the show was nice. But if you do book this excursion with NCL, be sure to book a specific table ahead of time, despite the ticket indicating that ONLY parties of 10+ need to do that. I was with several kids, who were hyped up on sugar, and the parents ignored their behavior. I would have preferred to have been with other adults.

So, that is my only concern, as the staff was super (and they have to hire at least 75% of the staff from US residents), and the ship is going out for renovation in Feb. It will get some work done on it and there is a return repositioning cruise in March of 2016. This is a super overview of the islands, and we did and saw a great deal in the space of a week. Hawaii is an expensive destination, so with the room, board, and transportation being included, for the most part (food) in the cabin price, this is a super way to see Hawaii. Then if you want, go back, and concentrate on the area you really liked. Read more