After reading so many of the member reviews. I was very worried. My parents had done the NCL Hawaii cruise several years ago on a smaller ship, and they were happy with it, so we booked regardless of the concerns. I was traveling with my husband and two sons, ages 12 and 16, from NJ. Definitely arrive a day or two early and explore Oahu. We also got a hotel room for a day after the cruise which was a nice way to relax before our LONG trip home. Check out some good deals at Robert's Hawaii. We got a great rate on hotel and rental car, and booked cars in other ports through them as well. They also offer lots of excursions for way less than the ship. We also booked excursions through AndventureMaui.com. Also used another on-line site for discount rentals so check around for good deals.
The cruise: I had low expectations and I am happy to say they were surpassed. Big negative was the cabins- smallest I have ever seen on a cruise. We had two connecting, but boy was it tight quarters. Also a negative was the food. You won't starve, but nothing is "great". We had no issues with the wait for anytime dining or getting tables at Aloha for breakfast. Little secret most people did not discover- there is an area at the back of the ship outside of the Aloha for eating and they also serve food there. Never tried the upgraded restaurants, but did eat at the Cadillac Diner. However, never in all my years of cruising had I eaten off ship so much.
Never had any issues with service or attitude as some have reported. They were not the best in the Skyline Restaurants, but everyone was VERY friendly. It was unique and nice to have a mostly American crew. The two shows we saw were very good as well, especially Murray the Magician. Older son enjoyed meeting kids at the Teen Club but then they usually left as a group to find stuff to do. Younger son only went to the club one night. We were off ship so much and still tired from our time change so it was not a huge issue.
Smallest cabins I have ever seen! 8th floor was a good location for us for access to dining and activities. We could take the stairs to things.