We had a great time in Hawaii. The ports they stop in are great, except that some of them you have to walk a great distance thru an industrial area to get away from the boat. The food was ok, but with small portions and overdone meat. The Buffet offered the same food every day with no variety. The food service employees in the Buffet were often rude and acted like we were interrupting their day. The customer service at the reservations desk, shore excursions desk and customer relations desk were rude and not helpful at all. We asked questions about our account and she was short with us and then had us fill out a form which she snatched out of our hand when we were done. The reservations desk closed at 5pm one day and we went to the restaurant of choice. The hostess at that location old us she didn't have any available seats at our requested time and she could not offer any other times without manager approval. We asked her to get the manager and were told he was busy and we should come back. The beds in the cabins are the ones that split apart. Every day we had to push ours back together as they would not stay. The mattress was VERY uncomfortable. Small cabins with no seating except the bed. The disembarkation process was messy. Long lines waiting at the gangway to exit the boat and no clear pathways with passengers just milling around. Read Less

We went to Hawaii for Easter week. The cruise was excellent from the butler to the steward and wait staff. If you want to experience Hawaii this is the way to do it. Shore excursions were fairly expensive but worth the price. I would go on this cruise again in a heart beat..The pen house suite for a good size, reminded me of a suite at the Hilton. Bed was extremely comfortable. My 12 year old loved the children's programs. The cruise director Jamie was awesome. I asked to meet the captain and our concierge made it happen. The captain showed up one night when we were out to dinner and introduced himself to us. The ship was in good shape to be 13 years old. This was our favorite trip, our trip of a lifetime and I would recommend this trip to my friends and family.I have to say I was rather leary because most of the ship employees are American workers-(because we tend to have less of a work ethic than some other countries) that is just my opinion but I must say the American workers did just as well. Loved this trip,. Read Less

We choose this cruise for the itinerary and number of islands offered and the over night in Maui and Kauai. After booking the Canadian at par became available which made the cruise more affordable. We found the food and service in Liberty very good. Cagney's good but expensive, LaCucina service poor compared to Liberty, East Meets West one dinner was poor quality. Skyline was a good choice at lunch but slow at dinner twice. We had an aft balcony which would be fine for two but once you pull out the couch for the third person it was uncomfortable for sleep and we were forced to crawl over the person in the pull out to access the balcony once it was in place due to its position by the balcony. Entertainment and shows were well done. Tours expensive so we rented cars and explored on our own except for Pearl Harbour airport excursion. We would recommend this cruise to those wanting an overview of Hawaii. Read Less

The ship itself is fine - I don't really have any other experience to compare it to - but it served it's purpose of getting us from point A to point B. It's a wonderful way to see the islands without the hassle of packing and unpacking bags and factoring in travel time. We were only on the ship at night and made a point to get off and explore at each port. Even though the cabins are small, we were so tired by the time we got back to the cabin at night that we just crashed. The food is average but better than some of the negative reviews here would lead you to believe. I would recommend planning ahead and booking reservations for each night. The Aloha Cafe is convenient but really is just ok - you have to hunt for a table and seek out what you want from the buffet. We ate at the Skyline and the East Meets West, both are better options than the Aloha Cafe if you have time for a sit down meal. I'm sure the extra fee restaurants are better, but free is a very good price. I was very worried about having an inside cabin for 4 people - including 2 teenage boys - but it worked out fine. I'd never do that for a trip that didn't dock each day, but since we got off the boat everyday and just slept in the room, it wasn't too much of an issue. You will have to take turns using the bathroom and getting your clothes, etc since there is really only room for one person to be up at a time while the others sit/lay in bed, but it works out. We wanted to upgrade initially but in the end we are glad we weren't able to, because that money was better spent on fun. We booked several private tours and loved them all. We rented a car on Maui, Kauai and Oahu which was very easy. We golfed on Maui on day and body surfed another, took a private tour in Hilo, did the Fair Winds II tour in Kona (there was no issue with timing and getting there in time), and did a Princeville Ranch tour on Kauai. Each tour was awesome and highly recommended. Getting on and off the ship is very easy. Read Less

I promised my mother I would take her to Hawaii, and the price was right for me to do it. Helped me fulfill a promise. Because there were no foreign countries with this cruise, she did not have to have a passport. This was her first time on a cruise ship and my second. I loved watching her eyes as she took in all the new sights. We were on the pride of America. The ship was enjoyable. We had an inside cabin, it was big enough for the two of us. I liked that they had an Hawaiian who was knowledgeable about the islands on board to give us background in different areas. Embarkation went well. An area was provided for our carry on bags until our rooms were available, so we could look around the ship. Disembarkation went smooth. Smoother than the previous cruise I was on on another ship line. Handled very well. I liked the two dining rooms, and felt well taken care of there. I did feel like the excursions were expensive, but I did enjoy the two we went on. Their dining rooms are well done in my opinion. I would go on pride of America again if the opportunity came up. Read Less

Getting on ship was easy. Room was ready by 4pm. First night was rough night at sea. I have CPAP, be sure to bring extension cord. No cords plug ins by bed. Next morning took shower in smallest shower ever. Good luck on washing feet and legs. Went to buffet, it was great. Good selection. We rented a car for road to Hana. Great decision. Pay $6 download Gypsy guide to Hana, gave very detailed info on hole trip. We did drive backside of island, it is a white knuckler not for faint of heart, but very beautiful. When we got back to dock no place to park rental. Either park at the mall (no security) or the airport (10 mins). Next day we played golf at the dunes $95 great value (bring plenty of balls), really nice course and yes greens were good. Wife’s and kids were suppose to do a zip line way up mountain called Flying Hawaiin but it was cancelled when they couldn’t get 4 wheeler up sloop due to recent rains (A for effort they tried). After a day of shopping took rental back we ate at buffet again that evening. Once again food was good. However this is when we started noticing few problems. That had two ice cream machines for everyone only one worked entire trip. There was only 1 milk machine and no tea just coffee and juice. I did buy coke package for $55 and 24 500ml bottle water for 29.95. Our friend went for ice that night and could not find working ice machine. He went to a bar to get a bucket of ice and they told him it was for bar only. First sign of poor service. That night we went to Hilo had 9 mile hike scheduled we left ship at 8am got to tour guide and we were told lava was not flowing so they were changing the hike to a 15 person passenger van ride tour with lunch, no hike. Was able to get my son on zip line excursion with my wife. (They hated it, very unsafe, no railings on platforms and too many people on excursion). I went to town to explore. Hilo is very ugly. Looks like third world country. Homeless, just nasty. Don’t go downtown in Hilo. French restaurant night. This was the best. Had mushroom soup and steak. Soooo good. Apple tart was not good however (oh well). Everyone’s food was delicious. That night we went around island to Kona. On way around island our ship slowed so we could see lava flowing (see why my excursion was cancelled no lava flow). Bring binoculars to see lava. Worth it. Kona is next stop and is great. Went snorkeling. Can’t go wrong on this island. This night we ate at main dining. Service was horrible, rude and slow. Food was slow and not good. Heard same complaint from others on the cruise. We are going to shows each night. They are usually too crowded and not that good. Standing room only. Also tried pool and hot tubs on several occasions. The pool was extremely cold and the hot tubs were Luke warm, not hot. Next day we went to Kauai. This is so beautiful. Only 3 percent of island is inhabited. We did the Kayak and waterfall. What a fun and challenging excursion. 2 and1/2 mile kayak and 300 foot down trail to waterfall. Wear shoes and shirts that you toss. The mud is hard to get out. I wore flip flops with straps worked fine. That night there was a Hawaiin Luau that 700 people went. They said it was great presentation. Worth it if you have never been to a luau. Since ship was deserted until 930. We decided to eat at East West restaurant. It was awful. Worse food of entire trip. I like oriential food as does my family. We all hated it. We went to buffet to eat something else. Afterwards we went around ship to do something and everything was shut down. Couldn’t believe it. Even deck chairs around pool had been taken up. Next morning we ate at Cadillac diner and it is a plus. Left ship and went to beach half mile if you walk. Nice beach. Good waves. Lots to do. You have to be back on ship by 130. Ship goes around coast for best view of Kauai over next 3 hours. Well worth it on Port side. Then you head to Honolulu We left boat at 730. Got to airport to drop off luggage (American doesn’t open till 9). We rented a car to few island. Went to Dole Pineapple plantation (really good stop) and to north shore (overrated) but huge waves. We read that they had just redid Pride of America. They might have put in new carpet, TV and paint but not up to date. This is not a new boat. We thought in general service on this cruise was poor. We have cruised on NCL before and Royal Carribean. Prepaying for tips and service at $204 per room is not worth it. We had three rooms so $612 in prepaid tips. Don’t feel they earned it. Hey but it was Hawaii. Read Less

This is the third time we have cruised on the Grand Princess. The ship has been renovated since the last time. The new decor was very nice. The ship was sparkling clean and felt new. We enjoy sea days so this cruise is a nice break from others where we have more ports and excursions than rest. Those are a different type of vacation, seeing places we have heard so much about for the first time. Since we have been to Hawaii before, and cruised there too this isn't one of those once in a life time experiences. We will be doing it again in the near future. There are so many activities to chose from if you want to be out there doing things. The entertainment opportunities as well as enrichment lectures are available with some of the lectures being broadcast later on the ship's tv if you had a conflict and couldn't attend the live lecture. The food was very good. The traditional dining options rate in line with places like McCormick and Schmick's for sea food, though the steaks were almost always quite tough. Chicken and poultry dishes were great. The service was awesome. If our waiters Ronaldo and Bernardo notices you weren't eating they were quick to offer a remedy. The Buffet was better than your average buffet, except the english muffins in things like Eggs Benedict were almost always tough and difficult to eat. There was a great number of choices and a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. We used the ships excursions and were very happy with them. Our cabin was noisier than others we have had on ships which was due o neighbors slamming their door and yelling and loud music. It helps to carry earplugs for times like these. It would be nice if they had more recumbent bikes for people who have hip and knee problems. Read Less

15 day Hawaii Cruise from San Francisco. We are senior couple, cruise was easy and enjoable for us, in total 10 days at sea, in mostly bad weather, went fast, did not feel long or boring. Very clean, nice ship, in great condition, we did not see any sign of age at all. Crew was constantly cleaning, washing, painting in each port. Delicious cuisine, in main dining room and buffet, better than at our previous cruises. Healthy, small portions in the main dining rooms, various enough for any taste and culture. Overall good Service, friendly staff, talented, funny, very enjoable Cruise Director, sea days and evening activities for all ages, enjoable and various evening entertainment. Well organized, easy boarding and disembarcation. We took two island excursions with Princess, both were very good. Silcon Valley Tech Tour was not good, uninformative and boring. Internet, like at our previous cruises, had problems, though I purchased the most expansive all-time package, was able to connect most of the time. Texting was working only IOS to IOS, Apple to Android did not work. Would be nice to know it in advance. Despite those minor things, we definitely enjoyed the cruise, and recommend this cruise to others, especially to senior people. Read Less

This was our fourth Grand Princess Cruise r/t SF-Hawaii, and if it were just for the experience itself, I would rate it as very good. But the main dining area, Horizon Court, has slid tremendously. Here as nowhere else has the penny-pinching made itself evident. Ever hear of place settings without spoons, and only tablespoons upon request? Like stirring your coffee with a knife or a stick? Eating jello with a tablespoon? Welcome to the Grand Princess. Enjoy dripping-wet chicken or tuna rolls, soaked with bad dressing? Ditto. What ever happened to the selection of tasty sandwiches? Why unripe fresh fruit? Lousy breakfast pastry? Indifferent cakes? Unimaginative and/or mushy cooked vegetables? Tough beef? Cold pancakes or french toast for breakfast? If there is a corner to be cut, Princess cuts it. It's the staff that pays; lousy food and set-ups engender rude customers who feel they should have their money's worth. You won't find it here. Reminds me of the old joke about the Catskills. "Lousy food." "Yes, and so much of it!" On the other hand, the pay-to-play dining is lovely (Crown Grill, Sabatini's) and dinner in DaVinci and Michelangelo remain very good almost all the time. Also the wonderful pizza restaurant still makes fabulous pies. I still strongly object to the strictures of so-called open dining. I should not have to sit on the phone nightly to make a reservation for that, nor should I be assigned dining at 5:30 only to be told upon boarding, sorry, you have to eat at 5. Love the 'free' soft-serve ice cream and the drinks, for the most part, are nicely prepared. Again, the servers are willing, kind and outstanding; the staff deserves a management that understands the limits of customer patience and kicks the budget up a notch. No quibbles (oh, the art-sale pushing is obnoxious but I've become almost deaf to it) about the entertainment. My husband misses all the televised daily stats on the ship course, weather, time, and so on. There's something for everyone, and wonderful cultural stuff on Hawaii, particularly from Brian and Rowena, a very special couple who teach ukelele and hula respectively. The music has improved as far as the small groups go at night in the clubs, though I miss that classical string quartet. A little more longhair would be much appreciated. Zumba would be much better in the sunshine, to complement Catalina's sunny personality. Vista lounge is gloomy and the dance area too hot under the stage lights. The musical by Jonathan Schwartz was absolutely fantastic to this dance lover or, I expect, anyone who loves Broadway. Our steward was terrific, and he kept the cabin spotless; the beds are extremely comfy, but I need more hypoallergenic pillows. It's an old ship, but still a good one. Someday someone will build an olympic-length lap pool on one of the decks. It will be heaven. Read Less

We were in the middle of January, it was a typical Canadian winter day. That night we stumbled upon the old Elvis Presley "Blue Hawaii" playing on TV. Next morning, both of us had the same idea; to book a Princess Cruise to Hawaii. We were on the Star Princess, for 2 weeks, last summer, B2B between Vancouver BC and Whitier, Alaska. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, the ship and especially the staff. Again, on this cruise, our feelings for the ship, the itinerary and the Staff, several of whom had not changed. It was like a reunion at the front desk, the boutiques and the Dining room. Room Stewards are consistently superb. The ship itself underwent a significant refit, in December, which also involved upgrading beds (great), larger TV's much of the carpeting which is still being refreshed as an ongoing maintenance item. The ship looks very good, although the grey-tones carpet chosen for the Horizon cafe would not be our choice. The cruise, itself was fantastic.The US Coast Guard boarded the ship on the morning of Embarkation (reason still unknown) which caused a 3 hour delay in starting the embarkation, but the ship still sailed, on time. They do these periodically and are a surprise to all, but the Princess crew seemed to take it all in stride. Shortly after departure, a Medical Emergency caused us to stop in mid channel, while a fire boat came alongside to remove an ailing passenger. On the first SeaDay we started to weather the heavy rain storm that was approaching the LA area, so the first 2 sea days were quite rough, but after that everything calmed down and the rest of the voyage went extremely well. We had a day of drizzle and rain in Hilo, bit that only impacted a few higher level shore excursions. Oahu, Kauii and Lahaina were perfect days for , tours, helicopters and Whale watching. Great tours!!! Highly recommend the North Shore Oahu bus tour, Kauii Helicopter and Lahaina Whale Watching shore excursions. Hop-on Hop-off bus in Hilo was good for the wet weather we had. After 4 days in Hawaii, it was time to sail home on calm waters all the way to Ensenada and LA. Food aboard was wonderful, as we have come to expect on our previous 9 Princess Cruises. Perhaps the demographics of the passengers was different, but we have never seen so many people using the Dining Rooms for Breakfast and Lunch, but the staff handled it as if it was no different. Well Done, folks. Read Less