I will probably have to figure out how to add Flickr (Sarah???) so that I don't overwhelm the post with photos. I will post a few for now. The update on the trip? I learned that I would probably cruise again, although I'd like to check out different cruise lines. While NCL was great for a first cruise - and if a bargain is found, it can definitely be a great value - the overwhelming consensus I found from fellow cruisers was the food was the worst cruise food they'd had.
PLEASE NOTE: The food was fine. Most of it was perfectly acceptable (notable exceptions would be the lunch / dinner buffet - very low standards) and the upscale restaurants (where you pay a small per person upcharge to dine) were anywhere from good to great in my opinion.
The Freestyle Cruising approach on NCL was a welcome intro to cruising, since we were free to dine whenever, where ever we chose, and with whomever. If we wanted to nap in the afternooon and eat late, we could. We mostly chose to eat lunch in port, and then have dinner on board. We did go to a Luau and to see a Hawaiian Cirque du Soleil type performance - called Ulalena - in Lahaina. Both were very entertaining.
Only spent time by the pool a couple of times - this particular ship we were on was not very well equipped with lots of extra-curricular features - small pools and a few hot tubs were present, but not a lot to entertain / challenge more active folks or kids.
We had a blast exploring the port cities as we docked - just walking around and finding cute little shops and places to enjoy lunch.
One of the nicest things for me was to be able to relax and read (lots!) and spend time with a great friend who also got to RELAX and enjoy the freedom of a true vacation.
Pics: The Ship - Pride of Aloha (christened 07/04/04 - how WEIRD is that???)
Susan & I at the luau on Kauai
A HUGE sea turtle lounging on a beach near North Shore on Oahu. There was a red velvet rope and signs posted everywhere for people to stay back. Must be nice to be a celebrity! ;)
