Been on both. Prima gets generally a bad rap mostly around public venues. Depending on category, the ship rooms are nice and ship is pretty upscale.
Dawn had a major reno a few years back. Sounds like ports will decide.
We've sailed MSC like seven times. All YC. Last time on Mera food stunk in YC. Both variety and quality and service. MDR may have actually been better. We ate dinner in buffet three of ten nights.
That being said, I'd at least try it and most fares decent. Mera is a beautiful ship, not too congested, pizza good.
The Mexican place was $17 ayce and great, open for lunch and dinner. Heard price may have gone up.
They have been doing this since at least 2006. Then a break, then back, mostly on Epic.
Even Malta was an embarking port.
Barcelona is usually the main port. Can also affect what rooms are available.
It has mostly been Spirit but they've mixed in the others.
I'd seriously look at Paul Gauguin. They used to include air or credit, that may have changed.
Smaller ship, only high 300 folks. Two private islands. Many things included in fare.
Trying to get away with it, but Shxx, shower, shave, sxx. Four 'S's to get done in the morning.
Doesn't sound like two going to work well in an Epic balcony room with four. That being said, I swore off Epic when first came out, softened up to maybe, but prices too high to go.
OP, on the ship the buffet had a wood fired pizza oven port side forward that was pretty good. Note they also had a snack area on 12 forward of the pool at certain times.
Deck six port side has Cadillac Diner which is free. Service can be hit or miss.
Welcome to CC. We've done POA twice and just stayed a week at a house in Kona on the ocean. If of interest, I'd say maybe snorkeling.
Do you have plans for Hilo?
I'd agree this was on the tour operator from what I've read but the group certainly has the know how to get this wide coverage. It is everywhere. Saw several places yesterday, today it was on a main news outlet, on MSN main page, it was even talked about on a syndicated radio show focused on comedy with a special song written (although the song was geared about being stuck in Mexico). All the articles/coverage puts blame on NCL and none on people/operator.