We chose this cruise as we'd always wanted to visit Hawaii and couldn't decide on one island. We got one night hotel pre-cruise compliments of NCL, and we added an extra two--which worked out great. Did tours via Viator, rather than NCL's package. Waikiki beach is lovely, the Waikiki Marriott was great--but Honolulu is VERY busy!! NCL organized the hotel pickup, and while it could have been explained better well before hand, it all ended up going smoothly. We had to wait quite awhile for our room but had a lovely lunch in the meantime. We found the ship to be clean and well maintained and the common areas to be very nice.
The room and balcony were a bit smaller than the equivalent on HAL, but all worked well and our room steward took very good care of us.
We'd ordered a water package, which is great, though smaller bottles would have been easier to carry on tours. My husband had a few drinks, which were good--pricey but as we knew there'd only be a few ordered, that isn't a problem for us.
Our agent helped us pick a room with rooms above and below--not the cabaret or such--and it was very quiet. We had no issues with any equipment and the steward kept our room spotless. A bit smaller than on HALs Zuiderdam, but just fine!!
Husband did the crater ride...loved it!!
All the sights: Wailua falls, Waimea canyon, including Kalalau lookout, spouting horn, Hanapepe, Kauai coffee company, Poi'pu beach resort, sea turtles, Menehune fish pond, last Russian outpost. Full day, guide John was very knowledgeable, and we were with friends and able to go places the big buses can't!!