I was on the 10/31 sailing of the POA and had a wonderful time! I agree there were still some service problems - tables at the breakfast buffet not being cleared quickly, sometimes slow service in the dining rooms etc., but nothing that deterred me from having a terrific time. The key is knowing what to expect, so nothing catches you unaware. When small things happened (such as paper napkins at the breakfast buffet on the Saturday), I just smiled to myself and thought "I had been told this might happen". Should it have happened? No, of course not, but it was not going to spoil my cruise! I did hear veteran cruisers complain that they were used to better service etc., but sometimes the "fawning over" by waiters becomes too overbearing for me - but that is just me.

I arrived at 11.30 - left my suitcase and explored the Aloha Tower area - returned at 12.00 and they were letting people into the terminal. By 12.40 I was already on board with all documents processed. The cabins were not quite ready, so they took everyone to wait in the Stardust Lounge. Was that an ideal or maybe correct way to handle it? Perhaps not, but for me sitting in a comfortable chair, in a/c, was a lot preferable to standing in line, outside in the hot sun. I was in my cabin by 1.10 - everything clean and in order. Also surprised that there was a bottle of wine and bottle of champagne in the fridge, for which I was not charged. My cabin was always kept clean, fresh towels and the bed turned down at night. No problems at all. My cabin steward did not introduce himself, but I only saw him a couple of times anyway - it was not important to me, as long as he was doing his job.

The $10.00 resort fee was again waived this week, so I tipped when I wanted to. Read more