We really enjoyed our Hawaiian cruise experience (Oct. 24-31). Sailing with the Pride of Aloha was like having a floating hotel. The island ports were phenomenal, and for the most part, there was ample time to explore the places we wanted to see.
We, too, had read with trepidation the earlier cruise critiques which were less than favorable, but as they were beginning to become more positive, we decided to go with the flow. We had only one other cruise to compare it with--and incidentally, it was the same Hawaiian Island cruise 12 years ago with another ship and another company. That ship was much smaller and older--not nearly as beautifully appointed as this one.
Good: Embarkation process. Just like the security lines at an airport. Did not take longer than 30 minutes or so. We were greeted with leis and a photo as we boarded the ship. Good: Staff and crew. Everyone goes out of their way to greet you, smile, help in any way possible. Good: The ship is huge (2000 passengers we heard) and very nicely decorated. There were so many areas, bars, coffee areas, stores, etc. that we did not even come close to seeing all of it. Good: Our inside stateroom. It was very cozy, decorated appropriately, cleaned twice a day, and just a really cozy retreat after very active days. Our room had a tv (w/movies, CNN, and a few sitcoms running all the time). The ship records some of the more fun evening events by the pool or in the lounges and repeats these throughout the next day and evening). Our room had a very small refrigerator, a phone, a safe, and a hair dryer. Each bathroom has liquid shampoo and soap.