Did the helicopter ride over the volcano. It was worth every cent I paid HAL and as we were unable to see any volcanic activity from the ocean that night [scenic cruising was let down by the weather] I'm so glad I did it. The waterfall component was diappointing, especially after Iguazu last year!

Hilo

The highlight of this port, for me, was a manicure at a place with a wonderful view of the Zaandam at anchor. An onboard manicure was at least $45 ++ and I paid $15.I am really over the spa services on ships  with their constant hints about tipping and buying products.

I browsed along the waterfront at the various buildings and churches and then got the Walmart shuttle from the pier. Half the ship seemed to be at Walmart, stocking up on sodas etc. or the necessities for the ship building competition.

Kona (Kailua Bay)

If you live in Australia, got to Surfers or Byron Bay.Don't bother coming all the way to Hawaii. I did a lot of shopping at the Ala Moana centre, having first being subjected to the Diver Dan jewellery ordeal. Had I realised I would have skipped the free shuttle and taken a taxi.

The next day I followed some fellow cruisers and got "The Bus". $2.50, no change, but air conditioned and very, very good. Some people were going all the way to the other side of the island using this bus network.

HAL needs to improve the port information available. I realise they have a vested interest in pushing their shore excursions. I asked the cruise guide for directions to Sees Candies and ended up at a mall way out on the green trolley line!  Just as well I wanted to do the trolley ride out to Diamond Head via Waikiki or I would have been really cross when I found a Sees at Ala Moana.

There seemed to be a lack of local knowledge available.

Honolulu

This looked a pretty place but I made the mistake of doing the excursion to Waimea Canyon. Fantastic scenery once we got there, but it involved nearly 5 hours with a driver/guide who did not shut up for a minute and roared at some passengers who stood up to take a photo. I did get some little souvenirs at Mariko's, a half hour toilet stop. Very clean.

Kauai

Very basic tour conditions here! No aircon and very rough seating on the bus. Tour was a good oversight of the island, a pretty place. Our guide had a lovely voice, but I do not want to learn, or be force fed a Samoan song.I found the stop at the late governor's mansion bizarre.His widow came out to greet everyone and let the hordes rampage through her home. Very odd.

Pago Pago

This cabin was a big mistake. I chose it for the view out the front of the ship, and I certainly got that. Unfortunately it was right above the Mondrian lounge so I got all the noise. I figured I could cope with 2 shows a night but I did not factor in all the rehearsals. It should be sold with a warning. Also had to fight for decent curtains. The cabin next door had the same problems and ended up with a blackout cloth arrangement that the steward put up [tied to the window]and took down. I also had to fight for a makeup mirror. I think they bought me one in Hilo.
The cabin layout is ideal for one person. It would be very tight for any more.

This was a good way to get home and see some places I had never seen for less than a one way business airfare.Food and service was good, excellent most of the time.

Zaandam Review

sailing all the way home

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Large Ocean-View Stateroom

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