Cruise Review: Island Princess Hawaii

Island Princess to Hawaii
By Pete Larson

February 5-20, 2006,
Los Angeles to Hawaii to Los Angeles. (15 days)
Total distance traveled: 5,081 nautical miles.

This was our 4th cruise, and our second with Princess Cruise Lines. We are in our early 40s, and love each cruise for what it is. We flew in to LAX two nights prior, with family and friends. There were 8 adults, and 2 children in our group.

Los Angeles, California --
Arrived in LA two nights pre-cruise for some R&R and sightseeing. Took a pre-reserved SuperShuttle from LAX to Best Western Ocean View Hotel, Santa Monica. It overlooks Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Palisades Park. We had an ocean view with balcony. The hotel was nice, and in a really GREAT location. The beach and pier is right across the street, and the 3rd Street Promenade is only 2 blocks away. This is a great place to spend some time.

Island Princess leaves from Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, California. We arranged for SuperShuttle to drive us to the pier on sail date. We were told by Princess to arrive AFTER 1pm because there were 3 cruise ships in harbor. We arrived a little before noon, and the short line outside started moving into the terminal shortly thereafter. Porters grabbed our luggage quickly, and were very helpful. We processed through the EXPRESS check-in line quickly and were in our cabin before 1 pm. Getting to the port early was a great choice for us, as we missed standing in HUGE lines later. The people who bought Princess Transfers got there hours after we did, and waited in those long lines.

Ratings:

Best Western Ocean View Hotel: C+

Best Western Ocean View area: A Embarkation: A+

SuperShuttle Service: A+

Porters: A+

Sail Away Party -- I enjoy having a nice sail away party at each port, and the first night should be the biggest and the best. Princess put on the lamest party I have ever attended in 4 cruises. The band set up, then disappeared and never played any music. So basically, there wasn’t a party, dancing, or an explanation why. It was over before it started. Everyone went inside right away, as it became cool and breezy on deck as night fell. I later found out one band member didn’t show up onboard so they didn’t play.

Ratings: Sail Away Party: F

Sea Days -- I love sea days! I’d like a cruise that didn’t stop anywhere; so being on a cruise that begins and ends with 5 nights at sea was HEAVEN to me. Getting around the ship seems a little confusing at first. It gets easier as time goes by. The crossing was pretty rough at times. Seas were mostly mild to moderate. The ship does pitch up and down, side to side quite a bit. Sometimes, walking straight can be a challenge. There are many daily activities for those who like to participate. Check your Princess Patter daily.

TIP: If you are prone to sea sickness, I recommend taking a remedy each day. I would also recommend a cabin near the center of the ship, on a lower deck. The front of the ship seemed to have the most movement. (think of the ship as a teeter-totter) On one occasion, the dance show in the forward theatre was postponed because it was too dangerous for the dancers.

TIP: For those that like to carry a schedule, but like to save their Princess Patter as a keepsake: You can pick up a single page daily activity sheet at Guest Services each day. You can fold it up, and not miss a thing.

TIP: If you like to see the menu each day prior to dinner, you can simply look in the binder located on most bars. There is a Dining Room Menu posted there each day. This can save you a trip to the Dining Room to see it.

FYI: If you book a balcony on this trip, keep in mind it may be windy and cool. Water spray sometimes reaches the highest decks. We found the balcony to be almost useless most sea days coming and going to Hawaii because of this. Even so, I still would have booked the balcony room. Sailing between islands, and while in port are great times to use the area. It’s also nice to have daylight in the cabin.

TIP: There are some nice aft sun decks on Island Princess. There is plenty of sun, and very little wind back there. You can get to them easily through the upper deck public areas. There are also some hidden sun decks you can only access through the Port and Starboard stateroom hallways on Aloha and Baja decks. You can have them to yourself for a few days. Word usually gets out, and traffic out there picks up later in the cruise.

FYI: If you like wildlife, keep your eye out for porpoises on the first couple days. We saw large numbers of them near the ship from our balconies.

Hilo, Hawaii --
We rented a minivan from Thrifty, and drove up to the Kilauea Volcano. The drive takes around 45 minutes each way. Prepare for rain, and cool weather at the volcano. There are lots of trails and thermal features to see in the park. Thurston Lava Tube was interesting to walk through. This was the most crowded site in the park.

FYI: If you like wildlife, keep your eye out for whales in the morning before entering into Hilo’s harbor. We saw many humpbacks just before reaching the harbor.

FYI: The evening we left Hilo, around 9-10 pm we passed the lava flow where it enters the ocean. It was on the Port side of the ship. You could see the lava flowing down the mountain, and entering the sea. It will be dark, and you will need a really good camera to take a good picture. This spectacle is worth seeing, so try not to miss it!

TIP: If you have a starboard balcony, I suggest viewing the lava from your cabin. Deck rail space on deck 15 is tough to find. It’s crowded with people, and the majority of it has high windows, which limit your view. Get there early if you want your own space, or better yet, stand on the stairs leading to the forward Splash Pool.

FYI: This evening is also the ISLAND NIGHT deck party. Fun, music, games and dancing under the stars. Don’t forget to go in to Horizon Court and see the tropical buffet.

Ratings:

Thrifty Car Rental Hilo: B+

Island Night Party: B

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii --
This is a tender port. Excursion groups have priority getting on the tenders first. We went on the Capt. Zodiac Excursion. It was fun, but it was a rough ride. Snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay was second to none. Loads of fish, and coral. The area gets a lot of traffic when the Fairwind boat arrives dumping loads of people into the water with you.

Much that Kona has to offer is within walking distance of the tender port. Tender lines can get long near the end of the day. The lines move pretty quickly, however.

I had planned a trip to a coffee farm, and reserved a rental car from the Dollar Rental place at the King K. Hotel. There was a Chinese New Year celebration going on, streets were blocked, and traffic was a nightmare. I skipped picking up the car, checked out the town, and joined the celebration. I also paid a visit to Rainbow Falls Tattoo shop for a permanent souvenir. Very nice people, and great work.

Ratings:

Capt. Zodiac Excursion: B

Kealakekua Bay as a snorkeling spot: A+

Rainbow Falls Tattoo: A (great parrot tattoo!)

Nawiliwili, Kauai --
A lush tropical island, much of which is inaccessible by car. This is one of the best islands for a helicopter tour. We booked a helicopter tour ourselves with Island Helicopters. The flight was beautiful, and the pilot very skillful and friendly. Here is something upsetting which happened to us, with Island Helicopters: My wife and I were split up at the last possible minute, and put in different helicopters. We were not given an explanation, nor the opportunity to fly at a different time together. They split another couple up at the same time, and they were just as mad. My wife had to be talked into this excursion in the first place (pre-cruise, by me), because she sometimes has anxiety problems. This situation upset her a lot, and really created quite a problem for us. We were assured in the beginning that we’d fly together on the helicopter. They also changed our flight time without telling us until I called to confirm 48 hours prior. Then, after the flight, they told us that the free video offered on the website was no longer available. We complained, which made them very agitated with us. They said they’d mail them to us. The shuttle driver dropped us off at the Thrifty Car Rental, as requested. but acted like a jerk after the video snafu. Long story short, I would not recommend Island Helicopters as an excursion. Love the ride, the pilot, and the experience…hated the mismanagement.

We rented a convertible from Thrifty, and headed to Poipu Beach Park. Great snorkeling, nice sand, and a swimming area for small children.

TIP: When you rent a car at any of the islands, it’s best to reserve it far ahead, as they can sell out. When you pick up the car, ask for a map, and pay close attention to the location so you can find the return spot. It’s sometimes at a different location than where you pick up the car.

Ratings:

Island Helicopters flight and pilot: A

Island Helicopters management, and business practices: F

Kauai scenery from helicopter point of view: A+

Thrifty Kauai: A







Honolulu, Oahu --
The ship docks at Aloha Tower Marketplace. (ATM) It’s a fun place to eat, drink, and shop.

We took the Princess tour: USS Arizona & City Tour. The tour was good, but did not go where advertised. Because of long waiting times at USS AZ, we didn’t get to go all places, such as the Pali Lookout as they advertised. Shuttles, buses, and taxis can be had right at the front entrance to Aloha Tower Marketplace.







We took a taxi to Waikiki for $17 one way. We attended the Royal Hawaiian Luau, which was very good. You receive a lei greeting, a couple free Mai Tai’s, and a photographer will take your picture and offer it to you for $20. The hotel is very nice, the seating was great, and it can all take place indoors if the weather is less than nice. Walls are open to the beach, with a spectacular view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The show was good, the buffet food was good, and the price was ok. We caught a taxi at the front door, and headed back to Aloha Tower for $14. We even had time for pitchers of beers at Hooters Honolulu before boarding the ship at 10:30pm.

TIP: If you are attending the Royal Hawaiian Luau, check their website for a coupon. We received 20% off with the coupon offered on each admission. Reserve early, they sell out.

FYI: If you want to get from the ship to Waikiki area, a free shuttle can be caught at ATM going to Ala Moana Mall. You can then catch the free shuttle to the Waikiki area. This is the FREE method of getting from the ship to Waikiki. The free shuttles look like trolley cars. ~The next cheapest way to get to Waikiki area is by bus. The stop is right outside in front of ATM, and it costs a couple bucks.

Ratings:

Princess excursion; USS AZ & city tour: A-

USS AZ as a must do attraction: A+ (you have to go here!)

Royal Hawaiian Luau: A

Hooters: A

Lahaina, Maui --
This is a tender port.

We took the Whale Watch excursion, and saw many whales. We were lucky to see a couple of male humpbacks fighting over a female at pretty close range. The excursion boat is nice, with shade on the lower deck if needed. The boat rocks pretty good if the swells are big, so take your meds if you get seasick. There were a few sick people on our boat. The channel between Maui and Lanai can get pretty rough.

We had a rental car reserved with Enterprise after the excursion but never used it. We called for the shuttle, and it never came. I tried calling for an hour straight and the calls went unanswered. We took the shuttle to Hilo Hatties, and just walked the town shopping the rest of the day.

TIP: The old courthouse in front of the famous Banyan Tree has restrooms, and really cool free walking maps of Lahaina.

Ratings:

Princess excursion; Maui Whale Watch Tour: A-

Enterprise Rental, Kaanapali: F


Maui

Ensenada, Mexico --
Only a four hour stopover here. Shuttle buses line up outside the shopping center at the pier. They will take you to town for $2 each person, each way. There are loads of shops, restaurants, and bars in town. Downtown Ensenada is a fun place to shop. There are people lining the sidewalks selling things but they aren’t overly aggressive.

FYI: The Shopping Center at the pier is very small. You can buy souvenirs, liquor, and sundries there, but not much else. There is a little bar in there with a really nice, old bartender. Some of the ship’s crewmembers stop for drinks there, and are fun to talk with.

Los Angeles, California --
Disembarkation: Went pretty smoothly, even though there were 3 ships in harbor. You tag your luggage and set it out in the hall before 8pm the last night. You will be called to Customs by your luggage tag color, and process through. Then you go to a public place to relax until you are again called to leave the ship. We lounged on deck in the warm sun.

There is no luggage carousel; they just put the luggage out according to your tag colors. Getting a porter was difficult, but only because of the bad management of the Princess Transfer program! We dragged all our own bags out to the transfer bus waiting area.

FYI: The Princess Transfer program was all messed up at disembarkation. This REALLY needs improvement. We waited in line WAY too long to board a bus out of there. Many people missed flights, or were very rushed to make it. Our bus line was over 2 city blocks long to board 1 bus! You would think they would have it all together since they do it so often, but they don’t. My advice is; SKIP THE TRANSFERS and grab a shuttle or taxi to the airport.

FYI: LAX needs to get it together as well. The line for security to x-ray your bags gets way too long, and needs to be relocated. Then, after that long wait, you wait in another huge line to go through security. (ie…huge line, one security checkpoint out of 6 open)

FYI: The pier porters were much nicer, and more helpful here than the ones in Miami, FL. Not once was I given any grief, did they demand a specific amount dollar amount, or were my suitcases threatened, as porters do in Miami. Those thugs try to intimidate you into paying them way too much to toss a couple suitcases in a bin. (payment to ensure your luggage arrives safely on your ship)

Ratings:

Disembarkation: A

LAX Security Setup & Operation: D+

Porters: N/A

Princess Transfer Program Management: F

Conclusion: I knew when I booked this cruise that the majority of the people on this cruise would be in the ‘older range.’ It’s a long, pricey cruise, and who has more time and money than retired folks…right? (my attempt at humor) I don’t mind…I love older people…but we were clearly some of the youngest passengers onboard.

Dining & Food: Food is very subjective, but here is what I found: I liked each and every meal I had in the dining room, and our servers were outstanding. The Head Waiter came by each night, and was very nice Breakfast and lunch service is sometimes hit and miss, but the food was always good, and the company interesting. I’m still not a big fan of Princess dining rooms. They are very understated compared with Royal Caribbean ships. (if you compare)

I’m not a big fan of ANY buffet, and Horizon Court was no exception. It’s a place I only ate out of convenience a few times for breakfast mostly. Many people thought it was great, but I didn’t.

We had dinner in the Bayou Café ($15 each), and it was great. The Carpetbagger Filet was the best steak I’ve ever eaten! Worth every penny.

I loved the Pizza, and all the food at Princess Grill. I didn’t care much for the ice cream at the Lotus Pool area either. Ice cream was better in the dining room, and it was free there.

Ratings:

Provence Dining Room Food: A-

Provence Dining Staff: A-

Bayou Café Food & Staff: A+

Horizon Court Buffet: D+

Princess Grill & Pizzeria: B

Coffee Rating: I love coffee, and find that most cruise ship coffee is pretty bad. Princess coffee is pretty bad as well. I bring my own coffee maker, and make it in my stateroom. This is a good cruise to do it on, as you can buy some great coffee in the islands! (check the rules to see if your coffee maker is allowed)

The coffee is different at each location, so I rated it:

Dining Room: C-

La Patisserie: C+

Horizon Court: F (totally undrinkable, and I’m not kidding)

Bayou Café: C-

Entertainment: Bands were ok, and most shows too. I’m not big on most of them, but I liked the comedy stuff. I know this wasn’t a Caribbean cruise, but I sure missed the steel drum music!

Activities: I liked most of the Cruise Directors staff, and activities. I got involved in a few, such as Battle of the Sexes, (I was Captain, and Men won) and The Princess Survivor Challenge. ( I placed 2nd…got robbed in the end )







Ship: I have loved every ship I’ve been on, and Island Princess is no exception. She’s beautiful, and kept up well. I do think Royal Caribbean’s ships have much more of a WOW factor, and seem more elegant. Princess atriums all look the same, and are nowhere near as impressive as RCI ships.


Balcony partitions opened


Spa: A very nice spa package is available. We paid $150 for 2 people to use the Sanctuary as often as we liked. There are several aromatherapy steam rooms, showers, saunas, heated beds to use. Very relaxing. Overall: We liked this cruise very much. Hawaii is beautiful, and I loved all the sea days! The crossing is cool, rough, and windy, so pack and dress accordingly. Most everything met or exceeded our expectations. Princess is still one of my favorites!