We chose this cruise for the itinerary.
Cabin (138 sq ft) was way too small; balcony was big, but the dividers were solid right to the rail, so had to lean out for a view ... which was less than ideal.
Dining - Food was outstanding in the free dining rooms! Great selection. Delicious. Also went to the Japanese restaurant and it was very good too ... but not better than the free dining rooms.
Great balcony (2/3 the size of the cabin!), but the room was just bigger than a closet.
No storage in the bathroom at all. Only four drawers in the cabin. Had to use suitcases under the bed for storage space. Closet had lots of hangars and three shelves.
Bed was really comfortable; good pillows.
The small couch, think it could pull out into a single bed, was like concrete.
Two chaise longes on the balcony plus two chairs, two tables. Outside temps were cool, so unable to use the balcony to its fullest extent.
Great couple of days on the island. Tried to go snorkelling on the first day, but Mother Nature did not cooperate. Got in a little bit in a protected bay, but surf was pretty high elsewhere. Day 2, hiked to the Weihe'e Trail - 1500 ft, 4.5 miles - tough but oh so rewarding at the top!
Would not plan to spend more time on the island unless you just want to spend time on a beach.
We spent a week on the Big Island before going on the cruise. Enjoyed most of the island, but not impressed with Hilo. Did not focus a lot of time there because knew we would be there on the ship.
Walked into town from the ship. Narrow roadway. Lots of traffic. NO sidewalk. NO free shuttles. NO indication they want tourist bucks! Would not bother getting off the ship again (keeping in mind we'd already seen the botanical gardens - they would be worth seeing if you hadn't done so already).
The ship bypassed Kona ... but rated the port anyway, because we were there during our week on the Big Island. Lots to do. Great snorkelling.
Really enjoyed our time there.
Free shuttles to town, to shopping, etc.
Good walkways from the ship.
Nice beaches.
Not too many people.
Loved it!