Hawaii....YES!
Written: Mar 24 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: You see lots of Hawaii and it is beautiful.
Cons: Older ship,
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| donaldgray's Full Review: American Hawaii Independence |
My wife, my 11-year-old daughter and myself embarked on the Independence on July 4, 1998. The cruise company provided a fireworks show that evening and the next morning we were able to sail into Pearl Harbor because of the holiday. Being the patriotic sort we really appreciated this addition to our cruise.
The good stuff:
(1) All of the different ports, It is a great way to see a lot of a beautiful state. Hawaii is America; there is no uncertainty about laws, traffic, drinking water or any of the things that cause concern on Caribbean cruises.
(2) The people, extremely friendly, very helpful, they make the islands even more enjoyable.
(3) The early mornings on deck, there is usually a rainbow in the area and the breakfast buffet has the best fruit and melons you have ever tasted.
(4) The casual atmosphere, there is no formal night. Leave the Tux at home!
(5) The laid back atmosphere. You don't have to worry about pushy waiters or photographers constantly in your face.
Some people may not like:
(1) The ship is old. We were very comfortable but if you really love the newer megaships the Independence may not be for you.
(2) The dining room, Food quality was merely OK but service was very good.
(3) There is no casino, no shows except the first night--Hawaiian dancers (they were excellent) and there is not much of a party atmosphere. On the other hand, it was very laid back and relaxing.
The least enjoyable:
(1) The post-cruise stay in Honolulu. We would have enjoyed one of the other islands more than Oahu but do tour the Pearl Harbor monument.
Excursions:
We purchased a few excursions. We took a tour of Maui on a bus (not my favorite.) The horseback ride on Maui with the Mendez ranch people was terrific. The snorkel sail excursion on Hawaii was good. The post-cruise excursion, a luau at Paradise Bay, was pricey but very good.
Other activities:
We really enjoyed Kauai, Maui and Hawaii where we rented cars and did our own tours. We visited beaches, a rain forest, waterfalls, volcanoes, parks, and some shops where local craftsmen sold their wood products. It would have been better if the ship had departed those islands at later times to allow more time to return the rental cars and get back to the boat (usually had to rent cars from an airport.)
I would recommend this cruise for:
People who want to see a broad swatch of Hawaiian culture. And particularly for families, the cruise had a wholesome family-friendly atmosphere.
I would not recommend this cruise for:
People who expect the following; a party atmosphere, formal nights, photographers around every corner, big shows every night, a casino, and a lot of other cruise ships in every port.
When we return to Hawaii:
We will take the same cruise and see some of the other places that we missed the first trip. We will probably rent a car every day on every island. It is easy to arrange trips similar to the ship's excursions upon arrival to the islands.
The next time for us:
The prices are very competitive with other cruises because children cruise free (except holidays - $285 I think). I noticed that the cruise line moved some cabins to higher priced classifications since we cruised in '98. We were in a C class cabin that is now classified as B. It was comfortable but not lavish. The next time we will book an AA or higher cabin. They are not much more expensive than class B and are up on a beautiful deck with a great view.
Also, we will do a precruise or postcruise stay on Hawaii or Kauai or both instead of Oahu
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Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
donaldgray
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Member: Donald Gray
Location: Dalton, GA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 3 members
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