My husband and I wanted to visit Hawaii for our honeymoon but weren't sure what island and he had never been on a cruise. This was the only cruise line going to Hawaii and the only ship I had found with departures in May so we booked it. I thought it would be a great way to see many islands and get him on a cruise ship that would stay docked for awhile in each port (since I wasn't sure how he'd handle being on a boat/motion sickness). In that regard, it was perfect. Only was rocky on the last leg back from Kaui to Oahu.

If you want to see the lava flowing at night as you sail to Kona from Hilo, request a room on the starboard side (if you plan to be on the upper decks to see it, it doesn't matter).

I strongly advocate staying in Oahu prior to the trip for a few days to get over the jet lag (we did not and struggled). Plus, if you don't, you don't get much time on that island. Read more