Cruise to Hawaii

[DNS]

We are in the middle of planning a cruise to Hawaii. This will be our first cruise. We have been checking on Disney (of course), Carnival and Celebrity. Carnival seems the least expensive and Disney the most expensive. We are big Disney fans and so our first thought was a Disney cruise, but the price difference is substantial. It will just be my DH and myself. No kids. Other than the many kid friendly things to do on a Disney cruise, is there any other reason that any of you can think of for it to be worth the additional cost to go Disney?

Also, if any of you have been on a cruise to Hawaii, on any cruise line, I would love to hear what you thought. Not only of the ship, but the ports.

[Celakip]

We were on the Disney Wonder for Disney's inaugural cruise to Hawaii in May. Just my wife and I; we are big Disney fans and went to celebrate our 20th anniversary. The cruise was great, with the typical Disney service and only about 300 kids on board. We stopped at the four major islands (Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai), and did DIsney-arranged excursions on each, which were all very enjoyable and good buys for the money. The worst part of the cruise was that it was cold on the way over and back, and the sea was pretty rough most days. Overall, we had a great time, but next time I think we'll just fly over!

[MarkC]

I think only you can justify whether its worth the cost difference. We have been on the Disney Magic with no kids (we are 50ish) and it was awesome, but like you we're big Disney fans. I think it was worth the price difference. I'm sure Carnival is fine but its more of a party ship.

What's the old saying.....you get what you pay for? Again, your decision but if you can afford it go with Disney. You won't regret it. If you can't, I'm sure you'll still have a great time on Carnival.

[faline]

We did a cruise of Hawaii but it was a number of years ago and those ships have long since been retired. Since them, we've also gone to Hawaii twice - both times splitting our time between Oahu and Maui.

I haven't been to the island of Hawaii since the cruise but would highly recommend you spend some time touring the volcanic areas. On Kauai, I recall taking a boat cruise up a river to a fern grotto - probably would not do that again and a bus trip to Waimea Canyon - gorgeous scenery though the trip up and down the twisting road can be quite nervewracking.

On Oahu, definitely make time to visit Pearl Harbor. If you're history buffs, the USS Missouri, the submarine Bowfin and the air museum are also worthwhile stops. On Maui, there's quaint Lahaina with shops and restaurants, Iao Valley is interesting, the road to Hana is terrific but can be exhausting particularly if you drive yourself. If you go when the whales are visiting, I'd highly recommend a whale cruise.