This cruise was, in a word, terrible. I hate to say it, but it's true. I really went in with an optimistic attitude despite the mixed reviews, and I was disappointed across the board.

First of all, this is the WORST way to see Hawaii in 7 days. Why? Because you're not really SEEING anything! In Maui the boat docks in an industrial area, not close to any decent beaches. You really have no choice but to rent a car. Even if you do excursions, you're back at the ship at 4PM or so. Then what? Sit on the boat by the pool? I'm in Hawaii, I want to be at the beach! I can sit at a pool in Illinois. I felt trapped on the boat, which is really not that great of a place to be.

Most of the excursions we did via NCL were fine, but they weren't really as good as the ones we booked separate from NCL (via adventuremaui.com). Except for Captain Zodiac in Kona - that was a blast. The Volcanoes/Akaka Falls excursion was WAY too long and you spend too much time in a cramped van. Just rent a car and drive it yourself. Plus the lunch was horrible. The Molokini Crater snorkel was okay but they made a pit stop for "shopping" on the way back, which irritated me. Read more