We absolutely loved this cruise. You may read negative comments, but honestly, if you can't find something to do or something to eat while in Hawaii and on this cruise, you have much bigger problems. Yes, the entertainment might be limited when compared to other cruises(not non-existent), but remember, this is not your typical cruise. There are no "At Sea" days, so you are constantly going. We were exhausted by day's end and ready to retire to our cabin and sleep.
The embarkation process was a breeze. We arrived at 12:30, were on the ship eating lunch by 1:15 and explored the ship until our room was ready at 3. Disembarkation was much the same. We chose to walk off with our suitcases and were at the taxi line in just minutes.
We loved the Freestyle Cruising because you never had to be concerned about planning your day in order to get back to the ship in time for your assigned dinner session. There was always a restaurant open. We chose not to eat at the Specialty Restaurants and were quite pleased with the Aloha Cafe (we ate outside on the lanai almost every meal). There was something new at the carving station every night and enough alternate meats, made-to-order pasta, pizza, vegetables, salads and fruits to keep us happy. (Desserts too!)
The only complaint we had about the cruise involved our cabin. As non-smokers we were disappointed that smoking was allowed in individual rooms and balconies. The odor was noticeable as we walked down the hallways to our cabin and was totally overbearing as we tried to relax on our balcony. Is there any way to have a smoking section (forward or aft) so as to keep the pollution in just one area?