We are a family of 5 - parents of 3 teenage children aged 19, 17 and 16 from Australia. This cruise was the first week of a 2 week holiday, followed by 6 nights in Waikiki. We had a great time on this cruise and loved the perks of being suite guests, which included breakfast and lunch at Cagneys plus a 3 meal specialty dining package. Other benefits included priority tender access into Kona and seamless quick disembarkation at the end of the cruise, thanks to Thomas, the Concierge. Our butler, Cesar, delivered canapes each evening and was always available to help with reservations. There was even a surprise delivery of bottle of sparkling wine and cheese plate to enjoy on our balcony for the Friday pm cruise past the Napali Coast. Super service above expectations, for which we tipped $5-10 per day. We think it is good to acknowledge excellent service.

We arrived at the cruise ship terminal straight from the airport at around noon. The queue was enormous, and it took us 45 minutes to drop our bags and get through security and to the Suite check-in. This and re-boarding at Kona were the only times we had to queue.

Activities and Day trips - The weather impacted our plans on 2 days. We hired cars through Hertz at all ports except Kona, so we could be flexible. Due to torrential rain on our second day in Maui, we changed our plans from a drive up to Haleakala Crater to a short drive along the Road to Hana, where the waterfalls were raging. In Kauai, the bridge to Hanalei was under water, so we changed plans again to explore Princeville and play a bit of mini golf. Driving is easy and parking is usually easy to find, except for near the port in Maui. This port could benefit from improving overnight parking options for cruise passengers. On board, my daughter and I attended a couple of lei making classes and the Hawaiian ambassadors are an absolute delight. Beware: The kikui (candle) nut leis are NOT allowed into Australia, even though the Hawaiian ambassador said that they are. Please declare these to Australian Customs on arrival if you want to try and bring them back and do your bit to protect Australia's environment. Read more