Background information: I lived in Oahu 20+ years ago while in the AF. Youngest son was born there and I have been planning and dreaming of this trip for years. My husband and I got a Penthouse Suite with Large Balcony and I got the boys (ages 24 & 21) their own Stateroom with window. It worked out really well lots of special family time, but enough privacy for us and the boys. I knew from previous island hoping how unfun and wasteful of limited vacation time it is to spend a large amount of time sitting around the airport gate, waiting for bags, waiting to get access to your hotel room, etc. I had read several reviews and agree if you look at it as a floating hotel with meals included it is definitely the best way to go.

Pre-cruise: Because we had lived in Oahu before, we chose to fly in Thursday to have some time there before the cruise. We rented a car and checked out our old house and stomping ground. I was originally planning to stay on the North Shore and go to the Polynesian Cultural Center and do the luau there rather than while on the cruise ship. I ended up changing our plans because my husband thought it would be too much to do PCC in one day and the boys wanted alcohol at the luau. They also wanted surf time. So, we stayed at Embassy Suites (great breakfast buffet) in Kapolei which worked out well. Boys took surf lessons on West Oahu and we attended the Chief’s Luau on Friday. It was only an $8 Uber from the hotel and was great – enough info about the different Polynesian cultures with an enjoyable show. We were able to have a relaxed check-out, stopped by the Arizona Memorial, and got to the pier about 2pm on Sat. Check-in was quick and easy. It may have been crazy earlier or later, but there were no long lines at baggage drop-off, security or for regular check-in. Suites have a specialized check-in process which makes it especially easy and nice.

Ship & Cabin information: We aren’t big cruisers having only been on one other cruise (Disney Magic 2003). But we found the ship great. The Penthouse suite (SG) was amazing – I’d say as big a regular hotel room suite. Enough room for the 4 of us to gather on the balcony or in the room. A previous review recommended a cabin on the Port-side if at all possible as the views are much nicer when in port. We would second that recommendation and we also had the better view of the Na’apali Coast on the last evening. The boys “Sail Away” stateroom with window (OX) room was actually better than I expected. It was small, but fine for two young adults who enjoyed being poolside or at a lounge rather than in their room. My husband and I chose the suite and large balcony because we prefer to hang out there enjoying our view and privacy. The room had a butler, but we didn’t utilize her or room service much. Our biggest thing was to have a lot of ice which our steward was right on. The Concierge on our trip, was superior and gave us all the tips and recommendations about what to do and most understanding and accommodating of us as a family. He even told me he thought this room arrangement was a better choice than the two bedroom family suite. Read more