Pride of america (hawaii)

[scooterj]

My family is about 38 days out from this cruise. I have two sons ages 22 and 18. We arrive in Honolulu 3 days before the cruise departs to do some things on our own. I have a few questions from those of you who have cruised before on the POA regarding excursions:

 

1. Did you find it cheaper to book directly thru NCL or did you book on your own and if so with whom?

 

2. Are there any excursions you highly recommend that should not be missed?

 

3. I really would like to do a helicopter tour but they are so outrageously expensive for a family of four. Are there any other tour companies you can recommend and if so which island is the best to do this on?

 

Thanks for any other help and guidance you can give us!

[Dakota Traveler]

My family is about 38 days out from this cruise. I have two sons ages 22 and 18. We arrive in Honolulu 3 days before the cruise departs to do some things on our own. I have a few questions from those of you who have cruised before on the POA regarding excursions:

 

1. Did you find it cheaper to book directly thru NCL or did you book on your own and if so with whom?

 

2. Are there any excursions you highly recommend that should not be missed?

 

3. I really would like to do a helicopter tour but they are so outrageously expensive for a family of four. Are there any other tour companies you can recommend and if so which island is the best to do this on?

 

Thanks for any other help and guidance you can give us!

 

For your pre-cruise in Honolulu, here is a few sites I would recommend. First go to Peal Harbor, you can do this on your own or arrange something with a tour group. If you are up to the climb, check out Diamond Head. The view is great!

 

 

As far as ship excurisions, We have used both NCL and Roberts. Both were very good, however, Roberts is much less in cost.

 

In Maui, We enjoyed whale watching and Haleakaka.

 

In the Big Island check out the Volcanoes National Park.

 

In Kauai, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast is a must see.

 

 

Whatever you chose Hawaii is a great place to visit and doing so on the POA is the way to see it.

 

 

DT

[phillygirl63]

You might want to check into doing a plane ride in Kauai instead of the helicopter. The price is a little less expensive. We did this with AirVentures on the morning of Day 2 since it was such a short day. They also included a free video with the online booking.

[jack300s]

My family is about 38 days out from this cruise. I have two sons ages 22 and 18. We arrive in Honolulu 3 days before the cruise departs to do some things on our own. I have a few questions from those of you who have cruised before on the POA regarding excursions:

 

1. Did you find it cheaper to book directly thru NCL or did you book on your own and if so with whom?

 

2. Are there any excursions you highly recommend that should not be missed?

 

3. I really would like to do a helicopter tour but they are so outrageously expensive for a family of four. Are there any other tour companies you can recommend and if so which island is the best to do this on?

 

Thanks for any other help and guidance you can give us!

 

Check out Costco for helicopter tour. Currently $149 per person ($40 off)Members gave great reviews.

 

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11642992&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-TopRatedProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|TopRatedProductsInCategory

[dagtoking1]

I loved, loved, loved this ship. You should read my review but I went in 2006. Most of the things I had fun doing were on my own. Rent a car for the two overnight ports; the rent-a-car vans pick you up at the port and they are only minutes away. Definitely plan what you want to see ahead of time. Had a great time at the Old Lahaina Luau and going off on our own to see watefalls and such. Again, read my review, I remember I took a lot of time to make it complete. You are in for a great time. The only excursion I took through the cruise line was in Hilo; Volcanoes National Park and you don't want to miss seeing that.