Need opinions on our possible HM choice:

OK, tonight we met with a very nice and helpful TA. Her name is Irene Scrofani (from Liberty Travel in Commack on Jerico Tpke). We just wanted to get an idea of prices on a nice, high end cruise to Hawaii.

She answered our MANY questions b/c I have never cruised before and neither of us have ever been to Hawaii. She told us that Norweigan (which we were going to do at first) had gotten some mixed reviews for their Hawaii line-- that they are good for others but some people didn't enjoy the Hawaii cruise. Once she said that we decided (couldn't choose at first) to go the other route: Royal Caribbean.

It's a 14 Night Cruise leaving from Los Angeles (I preferred this since I'm not a good flyer and don't want to have to fly all the way to Hawaii). It sails for 4 days and ports in Maui (for two full days). Then we sail for a few hours and wake up in Honolulu where we spend the whole day (12 hours). Then we hit Hilo, Mount Kiluaea and Kailua-Kona over the course of 2-3 days. Then we sail back to LA (which again, I requested b/c of my flying phobia). I just can't spend more than 5 or so hours in the air--it's too much for me. So we were willing to take quite a few nights at sea-- but the good thing is: the boat is huge, LOTS to do, ice rink, rock climbing wall, etc etc. This price includes airfare, transport to and from airport/ship, taxes and an oversized suite with balcony.

The price is $3200 per person so $6400 all together and that's the final number (b/c everything is added into that). (Mind you that this includes all meals, room service, etc b/c we eat on the ship and stay on the ship obviously). So we may have to spend a little extra on excursions but that's it. We are seeing a total of five ports (five cities, places) and three islands.

What do you guys think??

(she did say it might end up being $6,000 total b/c once she can find out airfare prices on her own, which is cheaper than booking it along w/ the cruise, it could save us $400).

Sorry this is long-- opinions/thoughts please ladies-- any advice from fellow Hawaii goers or people who have been. TIA!!

bump, anyone?

i've been on RC cruise line twice and loved it and it was one of the ships with everything you listed. absolutely amazing. I didnt do the hawaii one, but it sounds amazing.

The price you got for a 14 day cruise, in a suite with balcony and airfare isnt bad at all.

i wish i could help. i'm going with celebrity cruise line from seattle to canada for our honeymoon. i've never had any experience with any other cruise line.

but as far as the price goes... it sounds like a pretty good deal.

we're paying about 2000 for both of us, but it's a much shorter cruise.

I've never been on a cruise. However, check out tripadvisor.com and see what others have to say. I find that website really helpful. Also, if you want to price shop, post the itinerary on the vendors board. When I was planning my HM, I got a wide range of quotes from some LIW vendors.

Sounds like a great HM! Good luck!

It sounds like fun, but i would rather cruise out of hawaii. If you are flying all the way to LA what is a few more hours in the plane? I think you are wasting to much time at sea. In the end you may feel cheated. I took a cruse from ny to the carribbean and thought all of the time at sea was a waste. For a 2 week cruise 2 or 3 days spread out is nicer.

You have to do what you are more comfortable with.

PS don't forget to add your alcohol/beverages to the trip budget - that is usually not included.

Good Luck

It definitely sounds like a good price. We are paying $6K for 2 week in Hawaii. Not cruising.

Cruising is wonderful and I think Royal Caribbean is the best. So if that is the option you prefer than do that.

I was afraid we wouldn't get to see enough and relax enough on the beaches in Hawaii if we cruised so we decided against it.

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Posted by hmpena

I've never been on a cruise. However, check out tripadvisor.com and see what others have to say. I find that website really helpful. Also, if you want to price shop, post the itinerary on the vendors board. When I was planning my HM, I got a wide range of quotes from some LIW vendors.

Sounds like a great HM! Good luck!

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oooh, ok thanks-- great suggestions.

i guess the same trip could be cheaper depending on which TA you book it with? some charge more than others? i thought maybe b/c it's a cruise and it's a set rate through Royal Caribbean that it wouldn't matter but maybe not-- I'll check it out, thanks again!!!

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

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Posted by hmpena

I've never been on a cruise. However, check out tripadvisor.com and see what others have to say. I find that website really helpful. Also, if you want to price shop, post the itinerary on the vendors board. When I was planning my HM, I got a wide range of quotes from some LIW vendors.

Sounds like a great HM! Good luck!

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oooh, ok thanks-- great suggestions.

i guess the same trip could be cheaper depending on which TA you book it with? some charge more than others? i thought maybe b/c it's a cruise and it's a set rate through Royal Caribbean that it wouldn't matter but maybe not-- I'll check it out, thanks again!!!

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def. hunt around for prices, and keep checking for a few weeks after you book. we did that for our last cruise and the price dropped 400 dollars and we got credited.

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Posted by reenielady

It sounds like fun, but i would rather cruise out of hawaii. If you are flying all the way to LA what is a few more hours in the plane? I think you are wasting to much time at sea. In the end you may feel cheated. I took a cruse from ny to the carribbean and thought all of the time at sea was a waste. For a 2 week cruise 2 or 3 days spread out is nicer.

You have to do what you are more comfortable with.

PS don't forget to add your alcohol/beverages to the trip budget - that is usually not included.

Good Luck

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thanks for the help! well, for me the extra few hours is a major problem-- it's hard enough as it is to get me on a plane-- just booking it started to get me upset and i felt my heart racing (and it's a year away lol) it's really pretty bad, i need to take meds before i can even go to dull me and i'm still SO petrified... plus, we are looking at direct flights too b/c me having to take off and land more than once if i don't have to-- not good!!
i feel bad for FH b/c i don't think i'm ready to even think about doing trips longer than 5-6 hours right now so europe is going to have to wait at least a few more years
the only other problem even if i did want to fly into Hawaii is that only Norweigan Cruise Lines take off FROM Hawaii-- all others from either Canada, California or Mexico-- so we would have to do Norweigan if we did that and I heard that their cruises to Hawaii-- not so great and since it's our HM i want it to be really 'classy' and nice and I want the food to be GREAT
Yeah we did not include alcohol b/c we are not big drinkers-- I could see FH having one frozen drink during the day-- nothing for me during the day-- him, either a glass of wine at dinner or a beer and that's it and me only a glass of wine with dinner... that's the extent of us drinking lol i don't know why-- just not us for some reason.
thanks though for everything, i appreciate it!!!

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Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

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Posted by hmpena

I've never been on a cruise. However, check out tripadvisor.com and see what others have to say. I find that website really helpful. Also, if you want to price shop, post the itinerary on the vendors board. When I was planning my HM, I got a wide range of quotes from some LIW vendors.

Sounds like a great HM! Good luck!

---

oooh, ok thanks-- great suggestions.

i guess the same trip could be cheaper depending on which TA you book it with? some charge more than others? i thought maybe b/c it's a cruise and it's a set rate through Royal Caribbean that it wouldn't matter but maybe not-- I'll check it out, thanks again!!!

---

def. hunt around for prices, and keep checking for a few weeks after you book. we did that for our last cruise and the price dropped 400 dollars and we got credited.

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yes, i heard about that-- she told me that if they do decrease the price you get the money but if they increase it, if we book before, the price is locked- yay!

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Posted by LandsEnd06

It definitely sounds like a good price. We are paying $6K for 2 week in Hawaii. Not cruising.

Cruising is wonderful and I think Royal Caribbean is the best. So if that is the option you prefer than do that.

I was afraid we wouldn't get to see enough and relax enough on the beaches in Hawaii if we cruised so we decided against it.

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Do you happen to know what the rainy season is? We were told it's pretty consistent all year round...

We couldn't really afford to stay on the islands-- otherwise, to not cruise we would have to do the Caribbean or something less $$... b/c once you add in all the meals and anything else it's tuff. The other concern (kind of the opposite of yours) is that we would be bored. We are very energetic, love to dance, love night-life and having fun so we wanted the 'floating city' and to be able to do anything we want-- and I guess if we could find that on the islands it would get pricey and we are on a major budget...

thanks so much though-- and have fun-- wow, you are going so soon!!!

What islands are you doing and how much time in each? also, how do you get from each island to another? ferry?

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

yes, i heard about that-- she told me that if they do decrease the price you get the money but if they increase it, if we book before, the price is locked- yay!

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also even though the price is a lil high for a cruise, you did say its for the all decked out suite with balcony so thats actually not a bad price.
I do suggest though if you want to save some money you can always just get a regular balcony room. you won't be in the room other than to sleep, shower, and well you know

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Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

yes, i heard about that-- she told me that if they do decrease the price you get the money but if they increase it, if we book before, the price is locked- yay!

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also even though the price is a lil high for a cruise, you did say its for the all decked out suite with balcony so thats actually not a bad price.
I do suggest though if you want to save some money you can always just get a regular balcony room. you won't be in the room other than to sleep, shower, and well you know

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yeah i know what you mean but vinny came in with his one request-- a really nice room b/c it's our HM blah blah blah! lol so i was like fine!

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

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Posted by Soon2BeMrs2006

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

yes, i heard about that-- she told me that if they do decrease the price you get the money but if they increase it, if we book before, the price is locked- yay!

---

also even though the price is a lil high for a cruise, you did say its for the all decked out suite with balcony so thats actually not a bad price.
I do suggest though if you want to save some money you can always just get a regular balcony room. you won't be in the room other than to sleep, shower, and well you know

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yeah i know what you mean but vinny came in with his one request-- a really nice room b/c it's our HM blah blah blah! lol so i was like fine!

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

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Posted by LandsEnd06

It definitely sounds like a good price. We are paying $6K for 2 week in Hawaii. Not cruising.

Cruising is wonderful and I think Royal Caribbean is the best. So if that is the option you prefer than do that.

I was afraid we wouldn't get to see enough and relax enough on the beaches in Hawaii if we cruised so we decided against it.

---

Do you happen to know what the rainy season is? We were told it's pretty consistent all year round...

We couldn't really afford to stay on the islands-- otherwise, to not cruise we would have to do the Caribbean or something less $$... b/c once you add in all the meals and anything else it's tuff. The other concern (kind of the opposite of yours) is that we would be bored. We are very energetic, love to dance, love night-life and having fun so we wanted the 'floating city' and to be able to do anything we want-- and I guess if we could find that on the islands it would get pricey and we are on a major budget...

thanks so much though-- and have fun-- wow, you are going so soon!!!

What islands are you doing and how much time in each? also, how do you get from each island to another? ferry?

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As far as I know the rainy season is in Dec & Jan. We aren't going until the beginning of April because I am a teacher and don't have time off in Oct.

As for our package we are flying from JFK- LA then LA - Honolulu. We are staying 3 nights on Oahu (Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc). Then we take an inter-island flight to the Big Island (I am not sure if they have ferries). We are staying on the Big Island for 3 nights also. We really want to do the Volcano National Park. I hear that is a couple day thing. We are renting a Jeep on the Big Island. Then we are off to Maui on an inter island flight for 7 nights. There we plan to do the road to Hana, Haleakela, possibly a helicopter tour, snorkeling, Old Lahaina Luau and relaxing. We figured the beginning part of our trip will be busy and then end can be a little relaxing. We also hear that Lahaina is a fun town and has great night life. So we are staying in Kaanapali which is near there. We rented a convertible on Maui.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions. I would be happy to help!!!

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Posted by LandsEnd06

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Posted by STBMrsDaniRella

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Posted by LandsEnd06

It definitely sounds like a good price. We are paying $6K for 2 week in Hawaii. Not cruising.

Cruising is wonderful and I think Royal Caribbean is the best. So if that is the option you prefer than do that.

I was afraid we wouldn't get to see enough and relax enough on the beaches in Hawaii if we cruised so we decided against it.

---

Do you happen to know what the rainy season is? We were told it's pretty consistent all year round...

We couldn't really afford to stay on the islands-- otherwise, to not cruise we would have to do the Caribbean or something less $$... b/c once you add in all the meals and anything else it's tuff. The other concern (kind of the opposite of yours) is that we would be bored. We are very energetic, love to dance, love night-life and having fun so we wanted the 'floating city' and to be able to do anything we want-- and I guess if we could find that on the islands it would get pricey and we are on a major budget...

thanks so much though-- and have fun-- wow, you are going so soon!!!

What islands are you doing and how much time in each? also, how do you get from each island to another? ferry?

---

As far as I know the rainy season is in Dec & Jan. We aren't going until the beginning of April because I am a teacher and don't have time off in Oct.

As for our package we are flying from JFK- LA then LA - Honolulu. We are staying 3 nights on Oahu (Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, etc). Then we take an inter-island flight to the Big Island (I am not sure if they have ferries). We are staying on the Big Island for 3 nights also. We really want to do the Volcano National Park. I hear that is a couple day thing. We are renting a Jeep on the Big Island. Then we are off to Maui on an inter island flight for 7 nights. There we plan to do the road to Hana, Haleakela, possibly a helicopter tour, snorkeling, Old Lahaina Luau and relaxing. We figured the beginning part of our trip will be busy and then end can be a little relaxing. We also hear that Lahaina is a fun town and has great night life. So we are staying in Kaanapali which is near there. We rented a convertible on Maui.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have more questions. I would be happy to help!!!

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that helps A LOT-- thank you so much!!!!!!!

would you mind FMing me with an idea of prices-- i hate to ask something so personal but we are trying to compare cruising and staying on the island-- i'll have to suck up the flight

thanks-- fm me anytime!!! i appreciate it...

Anytime I travel I use Travelzoo.com. They absolutly rock. Check under cruises. I just went to the Bahamas for 7 days from NY and it cost me $250!!! Check this one out too http://cruisemates.com/. Then theres another one: http://cruisemates.com/. This one you might even be able to find the one your booking and see if theres a price change. Sometimes you can save 1/2. I should have been a TA.

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Posted by pixiechickie

Anytime I travel I use Travelzoo.com. They absolutly rock. Check under cruises. I just went to the Bahamas for 7 days from NY and it cost me $250!!! Check this one out too http://cruisemates.com/. Then theres another one: http://cruisemates.com/. This one you might even be able to find the one your booking and see if theres a price change. Sometimes you can save 1/2. I should have been a TA.

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lol wow thanks-- great deals!