POA Review: 2/15 - 2/22/2014

[spurt]

In a word I would call it great! I could not find anything that would warrant a complaint. I'll just make notes on various aspects of the cruise but will be happy to answer your questions as best I can.

Pre-cruise: We arrived on Wednesday and used Roberts Hawaii for the airport shuttle. They meet you at your arrival gate, escort you to baggage claim where they have their own porter. The porter takes your bags to their van and off you go to your hotel. Very efficient and worth the $13 pp. (It costs extra if you want a lei greeting.) We stayed at the Shoreline Hotel. It's a very reasonably priced hotel, less than a block from the heart of Waikiki. (You'll have to catch my review on TripAdvisor.) I highly recommend that, if at all possible, arriving on Wednesday makes the transition to the ship's time zone much easier.

Embarkation: NCL makes all attempts to make this efficient and pleasant. However, the entire process took about 1.5 hours. We arrived at the pier sometime between 12:30 and 1 PM. Unfortunately it appeared that most of the 2,000 passengers decided on arriving at the same time. Just too overwhelming. We were notified at check-in (accompanied by a letter from the captain) that during the previous cruise there was a "spike" in passengers with flu-like symptons during the last 2 days of the cruise. Because of this extra precautions would be put in place during this cruise. We boarded the ship and went to the Aloha Cafe for a quick bite. We immediately noticed the increased sanitation procedures. Not only were there hand sanitizer dispensers at each entrance to the cafe but a crew member was stationed there with a hand sanitizer bottle in hand to make sure that every passenger entered to cafe with clean hands. We also saw that in addition to the sneeze shield used on buffets, clear plastic wrap covered the outside of all serving stations so that it was impossible for passengers to touch anything. Crew members were stationed within each station to hand you any food or beverage you wanted. It was comforting seeing these precautions in place. There was a good variety of food and it all tasted very good.

 

(More to follow including Stateroom, Restaurants, Excursions & Entertainment)

[Molokai-Chuck]

Spurt ... standing-by for more!

[lgerrish]

...impatiently for more:D

 

We're on the POA in April and have never been to Hawaii. I cannot wait to read your review!

[silvercrikhix]

Good start, Spurt!

Eager for more....thanks for posting!

[cmjfish]

We leave March 22nd, first time on NCL and first time to Hawaii. Looking forward to more of your review.

[spurt]

While munching in the Aloha Cafe it was announced that all cabins on our deck were ready for us. We went to the cabin to see our luggage outside the door waiting for us. We didn't have much time to stay because we had a Meet & Greet scheduled with our Roll Call mates. Although the M&G was scheduled on short notice, the ship sent its top officers (except for the captain) and staff. They were very friendly and informative. They stayed for the full hour allotted and answered all questions put towards them. Very good. Right after that was the muster drill. No problems with that especially since you do not have to wear a life jacket for the drill.

Stateroom: We stayed in cabin 9084. This is a category BA at midship on the starboard side. It was everything we wanted and the steward kept it shipshape throughout the voyage. The bed was very comfortable. There was enough storage for the 2 of us but I would question the amount of storage if there was a third person in the cabin. We loved having a balcony. We would relax there before dinner with great views whether we were at port or at sea. While at sea we would go out there late at night to view all the stars in the heaven. Wonderful.

Restaurants: We went to the following complimentary dining areas: Skyline, Liberty, Cadillac Diner and Aloha Cafe. We also went to each of them for breakfast. For the specialty restaurants we went to La Cuchina twice and East Meets West once. The food ranged from good to excellent. What dress code there was, was limited to the Liberty Restaurant and Jefferson's Bistro. And this was simply slacks or jeans with a collared shirt and closed toe shoes for men and slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops for women. The MDRs were Skyline & Liberty and they did tend to be crowded but we did not noticed anything detrimental to the service once you are seated. The waiting time for a table for dinner was sometimes as long as an hour. But they also gave you the choice of sitting with others if you didnot wantto wait that long. The menu gave a selection of entrees that, for the most part, were there every day with a group of specialties for that evening. There was something for everyone and the desserts were particularly delicious. The Cadillac, opened 24 hours, was more for a quick meal. Although its milk shake (for an extra charge) were as great as advertised. The 2 specialty restaurants we visited were obviously much more intimate than the MDRs. The servers were quick to answer our questions and make suggestions. We were also able to have smaller portions of items we simply wanted to taste. The service overall was very professional and friendly no matter what venue you chose to visit. As I mentioned previously, sanitation was a top priority. In addition to those steps I already mentioned, there were no sweetener packets on the tables. You would ask the server, who would bring it to the table and after you said which you wanted the server would hand it to you without leaving the bowl.

 

(To be continued with comments on Excursions and Entertainment)

[spurt]

One additional item about the stateroom. We enjoyed being on the starboard side of the ship since that was always the side facing the port. The scenery was great for all ports except for Kauai which was mainly industrial. It was especially scenic when we were in Kona because the ship is anchored in the bay with a view of the beaches and mountains. Really lovely. For the cruise past the Na Pali Coast, it starts on the port side. So we went to Deck 6 which had a lot of room by the rail for viewing and plenty of speakers to hear the narration. As the ship turned around to pass the coast on the starboard side, we returned to our room for a relaxing replay from our balcony.

Excursions: First a note regarding security and excursions. When your tour returns to the ship a security officer boards your van or bus before it enters the gate. He proceeds to check the passengers' ship I.D.s as well as a photo I.D. of everyone on board. After you leave the tour bus you head to the pier which has security set up similar to an airport in that they inspect and x-ray your bags and you walk through an x-ray machine. After that you proceed to the ship where your ship I.D. is scanned.

We took 5 shore excursions on this voyage. Two through NCL and 3 through Roberts Hawaii. For the first day in Maui we took the Road to Hana with Roberts. The trip began at 8:30 AM and we returned to the ship at about 6:00 PM. A long and exciting day. This tour was through Roberts and it was excellent. The tour guide/driver is so important on these excursions and each guide we had with Roberts was terrific. All were friendly, jovial and helpful with many great stories about their native island. The Road to Hana is exciting with more than 600 curves and 50 single lane bridges. The scenery is breathtaking with several stops along the way including a nice box lunch. During the second day in Maui we took the Whale Watching & Lahaina On Your Own tour with NCL. What a great time to be in Maui. The whales were abundant and they came right up to the boat. What an experience. We would have liked more time in Lahaina but the whale watching boat was late in returning to the dock. This was because there were so many whales close to the boat and it's prohibited from moving when that happens. In Hilo we went on the Volcanoes & Rainbow Falls tour with Roberts. Although there were off and on showers this day our guide made the best of it. We also stopped at a Moana Loa factory and gift shop. Yum. But no one should miss the Volcanoes. They take your breath away. In Kona we took the Atlantis Submarine via NCL. The boat that takes you to the sub is located at the same dock where the ship's tenders drop you off. So it's very convenient. The sub takes you down approximately 100 feet and the sights are marvelous. The tour isn't very long (maybe a little more than an hour) so you have much free time to explore Kona's many shops and restaurants. In Kauai we took the tour to Waimea Canyon with Roberts. Once again the tour guide was excellent with stories galore. I know I've said this for most places (of course you're in Hawaii) but the canyon is another sight that must not be missed.

 

(Next - Entertainment)

[maryr65]

Anxiously awaiting the next installment. Thank you for adding so much detail as it is giving good advice for people like me starting to plan our trip.

[spurt]

And now, last but not least:

 

Entertainment: Before I begin, let me just state I'm rating Entertainment by what I like not as compared to other cruise lines. Because, let's face it, Disney is #1 on land and on the sea for these type shows. In general, the entertainment on POA range from good cruise fare to very good shows. The entertainment staff, especially the dancers, are good and enthusiastic. They make it easy for the passengers to get involved. The comic on this voyage, Bud Andersen, was very funny and he had 3 different shows. He also added humor when participating in some of the contests held on board. Count yourself lucky if he is appearing on your cruise. The best show on the cruise was Oh, What a Night, a tribute group to the Four Seasons. These 4 guys are very talented without taking themselves too seriously. They gave 2 different shows and the audiences loved them. Hope they'll be on your cruise too. The other shows were all good featuring the entertainment staff. Don't expect Broadway type productions and you won't be disappointed. Most of the big shows are held in the Hollywood Theatre and it is a very comfortable venue. Drinks are sold there but the servers are not pushy about it. The other entertainment venue is the Club Mardi Gras. As its name suggests it is more like a night club with a more intimate setting. The highlight there is the White Hot Dance Party held late on Wednesday evening. You're encouraged to wear white and the entertainment staff has high octane energy. Other events in the Club, which were entertaining, included Dancing with the American Stars, Not-So-Newlywed Game Show to name a few. All were good to pass the time away. There are other places throughout the ship that offer entertainment including outdoor bars, a sports bar and a piano bar. So all-in-all you should have a good time especially with this particular comic and the Four Seasons tribute group.

I've read several posts which state that people are too tired from the many excursions on this cruise to go to any of the evening shows. Don't be one of those. You'll be missing some of the most fun this ship has to offer.

 

BTW, one last thing about this cruise...WE HAD CALM SEAS FOR ALL 7 DAYS!! How about that.

 

Have a great cruise!

[puddles99]

So glad to hear you had a great trip - brings back wonderful memories! Aloha :)

[1char]

we had a Meet & Greet scheduled with our Roll Call mates. Although the M&G was scheduled on short notice, the ship sent its top officers (except for the captain) and staff. They were very friendly and informative. They stayed for the full hour allotted and answered all questions put towards them. Very good.

 

Really enjoying your review. We leave on March 29th. We are in cabin #9074, so I was happy to hear you enjoyed your cabin # 9084.How many do you need to have a M&G? What time did it start and where did you meet?

 

Did you notice if there was any music for dancing? Thanks, Charlie

Edited March 3, 2014 by 1char

[silvercrikhix]

So happy for you in the weather department...lucky!

Thank you for sharing your observations of your POA cruise :D

[spurt]

1char -

 

I was not the one who organized the M&G but I can tell you we were somewhere between 15 and 20 people. The schedule was from 3:45 to 4:45 so as not to interfere with the lifeboat drill which began at 4:45.

 

Enjoy your March cruise.

[spurt]

Charlie -

 

I forgot to answer your question about dancing. In addition to the White Hot Dance Party, there was Country Line Dancing, Ballroom Dancing (including a dance class), Masquerade Ball and, of course, Hula Dancing. But in general there seemed to be dancing every night in the Club Mardi Gras.

[flgranny4]

And now, last but not least:

 

Entertainment: Before I begin, let me just state I'm rating Entertainment by what I like not as compared to other cruise lines. Because, let's face it, Disney is #1 on land and on the sea for these type shows. In general, the entertainment on POA range from good cruise fare to very good shows. The entertainment staff, especially the dancers, are good and enthusiastic. They make it easy for the passengers to get involved. The comic on this voyage, Bud Andersen, was very funny and he had 3 different shows. He also added humor when participating in some of the contests held on board. Count yourself lucky if he is appearing on your cruise. The best show on the cruise was Oh, What a Night, a tribute group to the Four Seasons. These 4 guys are very talented without taking themselves too seriously. They gave 2 different shows and the audiences loved them. Hope they'll be on your cruise too. The other shows were all good featuring the entertainment staff. Don't expect Broadway type productions and you won't be disappointed. Most of the big shows are held in the Hollywood Theatre and it is a very comfortable venue. Drinks are sold there but the servers are not pushy about it. The other entertainment venue is the Club Mardi Gras. As its name suggests it is more like a night club with a more intimate setting. The highlight there is the White Hot Dance Party held late on Wednesday evening. You're encouraged to wear white and the entertainment staff has high octane energy. Other events in the Club, which were entertaining, included Dancing with the American Stars, Not-So-Newlywed Game Show to name a few. All were good to pass the time away. There are other places throughout the ship that offer entertainment including outdoor bars, a sports bar and a piano bar. So all-in-all you should have a good time especially with this particular comic and the Four Seasons tribute group.

I've read several posts which state that people are too tired from the many excursions on this cruise to go to any of the evening shows. Don't be one of those. You'll be missing some of the most fun this ship has to offer.

 

BTW, one last thing about this cruise...WE HAD CALM SEAS FOR ALL 7 DAYS!! How about that.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Thanks for so much good information! I'm sure to use Roberts Hawaii for some of the tours and the airport ride to Waikiki.