My wife and I really enjoyed the 30-day South Pacific Cruise leaving San Diego January 4, 2012 and returning February 3. As you read this be sure to read the health concerns I raise down below.

We found the crew and staff excellent, the shore excursions expensive but worth the price and the itinerary excellent. Entertainment was uneven as on most ships except for outstanding Piano Bar performer Stryker who attracted Standing Room only for 30 days and was by far better than most Showroom acts. Lectures by Dan Ostler and his wife were absolutely superb and again filled the showroom every time. Without these lectures the large number of sea days would have been very boring. Hot food in the Lido is basically mainly cafeteria stuff. Clearly HAL is stressed trying to keep cruise prices low in this difficult economic era. The value for the price was excellent and cabins far larger than on most cruise ships.

This is an old tired ship overdue for an total overhaul. But it also has some real charm and wonderful features like the coffee bar and superb library. Movies shown in the theatre were mainly those still showing at theatres on shore--very good choices with a 1000 DVD library on board which was also excellent. Cabin stewards were great and room service was far better than food in the LIDO. It arrived hot and earlier than promised. Dining room food is good but service is remarkably slow. Read more