I saw a targeted ad on my Instagram feed for this cruise at a price that I could not resist with no solo traveler supplement (the bane of the solo travelers' existence) likely because it was three days before sail. I booked it, but not before checking that flights were available from SAN for a reasonable price.

The embarkation process was smooth and easy with easy access from Waikiki. The ship was clean and the layout was easy to memorize. My stateroom was ready when I boarded and I was only travelling with a carry-on bag so I went directly to my room, unpacked, introduced myself to my cabin attendant who was setting up a room in hallway, and then took a walk around the ship to familiarize myself with the offerings before muster. After muster I proceeded to the Aloha Lanai Bar on deck 11 fully aft to enjoy the weather and a beer and watch as we left port.

Here's where the cruise hit a sour note. Mandara Spa had a cruise special for the "Thermal Suite" for $100 so I went ahead and purchased it sight unseen. I visited after snacking(more on the food later) and discovered that it isn't a thermal suite at all. A shower, a steam room (that wasn't functional), a sauna, and a meditation room does not make a thermal suite. There was not a private pool, no jacuzzi, no sunroom. After getting chilled in the steam room and figuring out that it wasn't going to get any warmer, I entered the sauna which was working thankfully. I then did a quick rinse to enter the Meditation Room only to be able to take one step in before quickly backtracking out. The air was so thick with body odor that I could not enter it, despite it being empty. I was the only male in the thermal suite at the time and I was in there for 45 minutes to an hour so I wonder how often they check on the room and clean it? The odor was awful. I told the desk attendant of my concerns when I left. I don't know if they repaired the steam room or cleaned the meditation room because I did not return for the duration of the cruise. I want to feel cleaner and refreshed when I leave such a facility, not the opposite. I blame myself for being ripped off. Read more