After 9 months of preparation, reading countless cruise critic reviews, I was prepared for anything on this cruise. I cautioned my family to expect "Ryan's-type" food and we were pleasantly surprised by the good quality we received. Based on reviews, I was concerned about poor service from the staff and found the complete opposite. Maybe the key is going into it with low expectations and coming away pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed our vacation and got a LOT out of our week on the POA.

After a long flight from Charlotte, NC to Chicago O'Hare to Honolulu, we were met by Bob Alfred, the owner of Star Taxi at the airport. For a family of four, he was the best deal to get from the airport to Waikiki hotels ($28 each way) - expect low frills, but efficient and nice guy to talk to. He is from New York state and you can ask him Hawaii questions without worrying about offending him. He is mentioned in Frommer's guide and has a web site (search Star Discount Taxi Honolulu) - cheaper than catching a cab at the airport and don't have to make a bunch of other stops with Roberts shuttle.

Took Roberts shuttle ($6/per)from Waikiki hotel to pier 2 and boarded at 1:00 p.m.. Pretty crowded at that time, but not bad. Ate lunch at Aloha cafe and was busiest time to do so (next busiest was bkfst on last day in Aloha). Not much to do after muster drill. Access to cabin after 2:30-3:00. Read more