We have just returned from our Hawaiian cruise in the Statendam this morning, March 10, 2004. From departure in San Diego to our arrival in Hawaii and return to San Diego, we thoroughly enjoyed our second HAL experience in two years.

The terminal facilities in San Diego made boarding very easy. We arrived early at 11:00 a.m. using a local limo service from the South bay area of San Diego and were able to board within the half hour. During our very brief wait to board we were able to take a moment and sign up for the half price seating in the Pinnacle dinning room on the first evening. More about the Pinnacle further down the page. Also we both signed up for a facial the next day, getting an early appointment before the crowds came into the terminal.

Being one of the first to arrive on board we avoided the crowds and had a brief wait on the Lido deck before our veranda suite was ready. We were able to take advantage of the early lunch available in the Lido dinning room while waiting for other passengers to board. On the plus side, our luggage arrived within twenty minutes of going into the room. Read more