This was my first cruise ever. I travelled alone so my opinions are based upon myself only. This was also the Christmas cruise, 19 - 26 December which made it even more special. All through the cruise you were reminded that Christmas was close. Staff members with Santa hats and Christmas music being played throughout the ship are just two examples. Saturday Day One I was met at the airport by the transfer agent, taken to the cruise ship terminal and proceeded with the in clearance. Check in was fast and I was on board getting my bearings. My first meal choice was roast beef which was very good as were all meals during the trip. The ship was under way at 8:00 PM. My Hawaiian adventure begun. Sunday Day Two I chose to eat breakfast at The Skyline Restaurant, one of the main restaurants. The menu provided a vast selection. Service was prompt. I got there early and had no trouble getting a seat. In fact, I was lucky enough to get a window seat. I watched the ship pull into Maui. The ship anchors here for an overnight. Lots of opportunity to sight see as well as shore excursions. I did not book any shore excursion as I had an extra three days in Honolulu and booked various excursions there. I took one of the free shuttles into town. It drops you off at one of the shopping plazas. Lots of great video of the scenery to and from the ship. This is an excellent opportunity to buy any forgotten items. I make this point because some of the people who took the shuttle were going for this very reason. Service so far is great. The staff are pleasant and it does not feel they have to make an effort to be courteous. Time to relax. Monday Day Three A very relaxing day. Still in Maui. The weather was hot and sunny. I made my way off ship to test my internet connection as I brought my laptop with me. The ship offers internet for a fee for use in the internet cafe, or if you bring your own computer, you can access the world wide web from any public area on board. The ship got under way at 1800 hrs for Hilo. I checked out the Second City comedy act. A great show, however; it was toned down because there were children in the audience. There were two shows that evening, but I attended the first show so I can not comment on the second show. Tuesday Day Four Arrived in Hilo, the youngest of the islands. Again took a shuttle to see the sights which includes the shopping plazas. After awhile, along the way, we got to see the Kilauea Volcano. Narration is provided on the loud speakers so you know a little bit of the history of this most impressive sight. Wednesday Day Five Kona Hawaii. The ship tendered off the coast. You need to take tenders into shore. Kona has everything right from the pier so no need for shuttles however they are available. Some more strolling and then back to the ship. Thursday Day Six Christmas Eve on the island of Kauai. It rained that day but not a downpour. First time it rained since the start of the cruise. Booked the Lazy J Steakhouse for dinner that night. It's one of four speciality restaurants on ship. You have to pay a surcharge to eat there. It was well worth it. I booked early to take advantage of the ship's activities later in the evening. This included a visit by Santa Claus. He was very well received by the children who were on board. Incidentally there were approximately three hundred children travelling with their families. Lots of Christmas activities could be done such as carolling or decorating ornaments. Friday - Day Seven Last full day. Ship sails at 1400 hrs to Honolulu for an 0800 hrs arrival. I got a disembarkation lecture the day before. Pretty easy as you have the option to carry your own luggage off the ship. Or alternatively, you may choose a time convenient to disembark and have your luggage taken care of by the porters. Overcast again today and a light mist falling. Still quite warm. A farewell barbecue was served at the Aloha Cafe Lanai. Cruised past the Napali Coast, very scenic and got some great video. Last supper on board was, amongst a vast array of other choices, turkey. Saturday - Disembarkation Walked off with my own luggage. No lines, no fuss. Taxis waiting to take you to airport or hotels. Checked in right away at the Aqua Aloha Surf. Not much to write about. It's a place to stay. Two blocks to the beach. Loads of tourists here and walking around is tricky. I can not say enough to compliment the service from all staff on board. It was a full ship and the entire staff performed with the utmost of professionalism . I overheard some of the staff comment that there were two thousand five hundred passengers. I read previous reviews of this ship, but I can happily say I did not experience any of the negative things that were mentioned. This is a great way to see the Hawaiian Islands and either after or before the cruise you may have an opportunity to see Honolulu and the surrounding area. So ended my first cruise experience.