Hawaii Cruise Review Travel

NCL Pride of America Cruise Review - Hawaii Cruise Review  You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Reviews > South Pacific Reviews > NCL Pride of America Cruise Review - Hawaii Cruise Review Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Topics Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise East or West Caribbean What's Hot Cruise News - Three Passengers Hurt As 40 Foot Wave Hits Lin... Explorer of the Seas Review QM2 Cruises South America Queen Mary 2 (QM2) Overview QM2 Gangway Accident Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids NCL Pride of America Cruise Review from Kevin Cruise to Hawaii on the NCL Pride of America Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Cruise Ship: Pride of America Cruise Destination: Hawaii Cruise Dates: September 17 - September 24, 2005 Guest Contributor: Kevin kjsandoval@scottnkev.com One of the first things I learned when I started cruising is to never sail on a ship that is new because the crew hasn`t had enough time to figure everything out. After reading some negative reviews and newspaper articles about the ship, I was a little reluctant to book this cruise. This was our first voyage with NCL, and it will certainly not be the last. First of all, the ship is absolutely gorgeous. It's very new, but the designers chose to model if after the classic luxury liners of days gone by. Stunning. The pictures of it that I`ve seen on the Internet do not do it justice at all. Second, "Freestyle Cruising" is awesome. Not only can you eat when and where you please, but a table for two was easily accommodated every time we asked for one. The specialty restaurants are especially worth visiting. I will admit however that the room service menu is very limited. One of the other things we enjoyed about this cruise was that the room attendant was not in our face every time we were in our cabin (which by the way was lovely.) She was attentive, but respected our privacy more than our experiences with other cruise lines. As far as the crew is concerned, I would cautiously admit that some of them seem to enjoy their jobs more than others. However the latter was hardly the norm. This young, friendly, (sometimes sassy) American crew treated us better than any cruise we have been on, and we`ve been on a lot. I don`t think there was a single time we walked past a crew member who didn`t offer a genuine smile and say hello to us. It`s very clear that these folks are working hard to make this all come together, and it came together pretty darn well for us. Unfortunately we did witness a few passengers being extremely rude to crew members for the stupidest reasons. In those instances, the crew handled the situation very professionally. I really can`t say enough about my respect for these nice folks. Our cruise began 9/17/2005. As far as the bottom line goes, we have already booked another cruise on this beautiful ship in 6 months. That should tell you everything you need to know about our experience.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Cruise News - Three Passengers Hurt As 40 Foot Wave Hits Lin... Explorer of the Seas Review QM2 Cruises South America Queen Mary 2 (QM2) Overview QM2 Gangway Accident

HAWAIIAN ISLAND WEDDING PLANNERS

Hawaii - Big Island - Weddings Activities Big Island Printer Friendly Version Help us preserve the Islands. Tell our advertisers you found them on Alternative-Hawaii. WEDDINGS Coordinators | Photographers | Locations / Other Services COORDINATORS BEACH WEDDINGS HAWAII 82-5824D Napoopoo Road Captain Cook, HI 96704 (Big Island of Hawaii) Tel. (808) 328-9239 Email: beachweddingshi@aol.com Romantic ceremonies with Hawaiian touches performed by Revs. Dard & Penei Aller. Marriages, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, memorials, baptisms, house and business blessings. A FAIRY TALE WEDDING P. O. Box 4953 Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 (Big Island of Hawaii) Tel. (808) 331-1229 or 1-888-433-0880 Fax (808) 331-1229 Email: wed@getmarriedinhawaii.com Big Island vacation wedding coordination. Full custom services, unique romantic locations that enhance the enchantment of your special day. We take care of every detail, all you have to do is show up. You'll call it magical, we call it Hawaii! Members of Hawaii and Big Island Visitor Bureaus. Photo HAWAIIAN ISLAND WEDDING PLANNERS (Islands of Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai & Lanai) Tel. (805) 279-8474 Fax (805) 480-0873 Email: weddings@hawaiianweddings.net Dedicated to planning your romantic dream wedding or vow renewal in Paradise. Personalized service on the Hawaiian Islands by experienced professionals. Happily Ever After should begin in Hawaii! Photo HAWAIIAN ISLAND WEDDINGS, INC. P. O. Box 2098 Kihei, HI 96753 (Islands of Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Oahu) Tel. (808) 875-0350 or 1-800-368-5502 Fax (808) 874-9215 Email: weddings@maui.net Start your life together with a picture perfect Hawaiian Island Wedding. Serving all four major islands, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii and Oahu. "From the intimate to the ultimate." Photo ROMANTIC BEACH WEDDINGS 73-1140 Oluolu Street Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Big Island of Hawaii) Tel. (808) 896-6666 Fax (808) 325-6666 Email: lona@romanticbeachweddings.com Beautiful, romantic and original ceremonies with a soulful intent are performed on the Big Island by Rev. Lona Lyons, a licensed, non-denominational minister since 1993, and include Hawaiian traditions. Unique budget and luxury packages are tailored to your needs for weddings, renewal of vows, partners for life and rites of passage ceremonies. Photo VOLCANO WEDDINGS P. O. Box 6291 Hilo, HI 96720 (Islands of Kauai and Big Island of Hawaii) Tel. 1-866-567-7643 Fax (808) 982-9355 Email: balihai@hawaiian.net Providing stress free, creative, fun and affordable weddings. Lots of free site locations. Just show up and they take care of the rest. Photo Top PHOTOGRAPHERS VISIONARY VIDEO 81-901 Nape Street Kealakekua, HI 96750 (Island of Hawaii) Tel. (808) 322-3992 Fax (808) 324-0430 Email: Lynnb123@earthlink.net Visionary Video, a video production company located near Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, produces high quality, customized videos and DVDs of weddings and other special events. Visionary Video uses the latest digital cameras and wireless microphones to shoot your marriage ceremony, reception and wedding day festivities. Photo Top LOCATIONS / OTHER SERVICES TRAVEL TO PARADISE 305 Hahani Street, # 187 Kailua, HI 96734 (All Hawaiian Islands) Tel. 1-877-965-4358 (toll free) Fax 1-888-576-9650 (toll free) Email: aloha@traveltoparadise.com Let us share our Paradise with you. We have a feel for the islands that only comes from living here. All of the islands can fulfill your every wish, yet some offer special places to make your wedding or honeymoon even more memorable. Looking for a romantic hideaway? a location central for the whole family's fun? or the ultimate luxuries of a 5-star resort? Travel to Paradise can help you make the right decisions to turn your dreams into reality and ensure your travel is hassle-free. Photo WAIPIO WAYSIDE BED & BREAKFAST INN P. O. Box 840 Honokaa, HI 96727 (Hamakua District) Tel. (808) 775-0275 or 1-800-833-8849 Email: wayside@bigisland.net A 1932 plantation home that has been restored to reflect the style and hospitality of "Old Hawaii". A historic 5 bedroom bed and breakfast surrounded by sugar cane fields gently sloping to the sea 800 feet below. Large decks with double hammocks and swing plus a garden gazebo. Hawaiian library. Located minutes from Waipio Valley. Special Packages available for weddings, honeymoons, family reunions and retreats. Rates: Accommodation $95 to $170 per night (organic tropical breakfast served). Inquire about rates for Special Packages. Photo Top Weddings "Friends" Listings | Activities Index | Home Page Contact Us | Sponsor Join Us Form ©Ala Mua Hawaii 1997

Hawaiian issues, please visit

"Uncle Charlie" - HAWAIIAN STORYTELLER - Ha`i Mo`olelo IMINI I KA NA'AUAO E PAHU IA MAKOU IMUA Seeking the Knowledge to Push Us Forward Designed by Ipo Nihipali, the sail was first used as the logo for 'Aha Hookele at the ADB Conference in May 2001, and with her kind permission it is now used as the logo for CKM Cultural Resources. CKM Cultural Resources L.L.C 157 Alea Place, Pukalani, Maui 96768 Phone: 808-572-8038 e-mail: kale@moolelo.com KAHU (REV.) CHARLES KAULUWEHI MAXWELL SR. "Uncle Charlie" kale@moolelo.com H AWAIIAN S TORYTELLER Listen to Uncle Charlie live on KNUI Radio AM 900 on, every Aloha Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. -- TALK STORY WITH UNCLE CHARLIE Interactive Cultural Discussion Forum (Also see Talk Story 1997-2000 Archives ) NEWS, ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS Articles, viewpoints & letters to the editor featuring Uncle Charlie NA IWI - MOEPU - REPATRIATION News archive regarding bones, burials, artifacts and NAGPRA For regular news and events related to Hawaiian issues, please visit my webmaster Scott Crawford's weblog at HAWAIIANKINGDOM.INFO (A blog, short for weblog, is a regularly updated journal on the web with links to news articles and websites, along with commentary from the author and comments from readers.) NEW AUDIO DOWNLOAD: CLYDE NAMU'O AND MONA BERNADINO ON "TALK STORY" RADIO Discussing the Kau Inoa effort to register Native Hawaiians, and the Akaka bill AUDIO DOWNLOAD: KEANU SAI & THURSTON TWIGG-SMITH ON "TALK STORY" RADIO Special shows commemmorating the 111th anniversary of the overthrow ALOHA STORY VIDEO Ten minute video I co-wrote originally aired in 1973 BISHOP MUSEUM LEADERSHIP MUST CHANGE Commentary, The Honolulu Advertiser, Sunday, June 13, 2004 Beware the Red Wave! Story and Pictures from the March on Waikiki, Sept. 2003 TRAVELS WITH HOKULE'A Pictures, articles and accounts of Polynesian voyaging Dear Mr. President Song about the plight of the Hawaiian nation. PAUL HARVEY - THE REST OF THE STORY "Down in the shadowy realms where U.S. foreign policy shakes hands with the devil... the overthrow of a friendly monarch" WEDDING IN A GRAVEYARD Desecration of the Iwi Kupuna (Ancient Bones) of the Hawaiian People Saturday, June 24, 2003 HALEAKALA Sacred Summit Under Assault KAHO'OLAWE, A NEW AWAKENING An ongoing fight and struggle to regain the island of Kaho'olawe for the Hawaiian people. KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS Collection of articles, including on enrollment policy SOVEREIGNTY: OUT OF SIGHT, NOT OUT OF MIND Commentary by John Griffin, Honolulu Advertiser, June 9, 2002 KOHOLA Stories, comments and other items regarding whales HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES What Does the Sanctuary Mean to Me as a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) SPIRITUAL CONNECTION OF QUEEN LILIUOKALANI'S BOOK "HAWAII'S STORY" The entire book has been published on the Web! AKUA LELE & THE LOST ANCESTOR FROM EASTER ISLAND Two newly posted short stories (January 2002) PROTECTION OF THE IWI NA KUPUNA (Bones of our ancestors) Uncle Charlie's mana'o (thoughts) on ancient Hawaiian Burials KALAUPAPA, A LAND OF BEAUTY, PAIN AND SUFFERING Uncle Charlie does 8/17/01 radio show from Molokai (with pictures) SONGS OF ALOHA AINA Songs Uncle Charlie wrote about Honokahua Burials on Maui HAWAII ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Press Conference in Washington D.C., June 26, 2001 INSIDE THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Uncle Charlie shares his experiences at the ADB Meeting, May 7-9, 2001 INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLE Uncle Charlie's Australia Travels KU'E: AN ACT OF ALOHA Hawaiian Elders protest at Kahului Airport Feb. 2-4 THE PASSING OF THE TORCH "A Spiritual Awakening" NANA I KE KUMU Look to the Source THE KOHOLA IN HAWAI`I Humpback Whales and the Hawaiian I TOUCHED A GOD Meeting a Pigmy Whale PAPA'S OLD KOA GUITAR Music from the Past UNCLE CHARLIE'S BEDTIME STORIES Bedtime Stories for Uluwehi MANA`O I`O Thoughts - Beliefs COOKING WITH UNCLE CHARLIE Ono local recipes shared on cooking shows NATIVE HAWAIIAN CIVIL RIGHTS Five Years After the Passage of the Apology Bill IZ - HALI`A ALOHA Fond Recollections of Israel Kamakawiwo`ole HULA BOWL 2000 Pictures of Uncle Charlies and Na Halau ABOUT THE AUTHOR Uncle Charlie's Bio HUI `AI POHAKU A Cultural Organization for Upcountry Maui MAUI NUI CULTURE ONLINE Directory and Features sponsored by Maui's Visitors Bureau Uncle's E-mail: kale@moolelo.com Web Design Ho`okele Hawai`i HawaiiaNavigation

Hawaiian Bed Spread

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Hawaiian cruise industry The Omnibus

Norwegian Cruise Line Gains Interisland Cruise Rights to Hawaii  You are here: About > Travel > Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors > A Hawaii Vacation Planner > Cruise Lines > Norwegian Cruise Line Gains Interisland Cruise Rights to Hawaii Travel Go Hawaii Essentials Which Hawaiian Island Suits You Best? Clickable Map of the Hawaiian Islands Beach Guide Hawaii Pictures Clickable Map of Maui, Hawaii Topics A Hawaii Vacation Planner Big Island of Hawaii Kauai Maui / Molokai / Lanai Oahu / Honolulu / Waikiki South Pacific Culture, History & Language Hawaii Lodging Hula Luau Maps and Weather Pearl Harbor Photos, Video & Cams Recipes Shopping and Gifts Buyer's Guide Tastes of Paradise from Hilo Hattie HilHilo Hattie Dresses and Sarongs Multi-Day Guided Tours Top Hawaii Guidebooks Top Maui / Molokai / Lanai Guidebooks Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors Norwegian Star Promotional Photos - NCL Stay up to date! Norwegian Star Promotional Photos - NCL Email to a friend Print this page Recent Discussions My Favorite Restaurants are.... Hawaii Celebrities in the News Restaurants Most Popular Nudist Beaches in Hawaii Hawaii Photos Hawaii Pictures Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Our collection of photos of peopl... Hawaiian Island Scorecard What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999 Related Topics Air Travel Cruises Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Surfing / Bodyboarding Travel with Kids Norwegian Cruise Line Gains Interisland Cruise Rights From John Fischer , Your Guide to Hawaii / South Pacific for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! New law revives Hawaiian cruise industry The Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed by the U.S. Congress on February 13, 2003, includes a provision that will mark the rebirth of the Hawaiian cruise industry. Ever since the bankruptcy of American Classic Voyages following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, only cruise ships arriving from foreign ports, or arriving from mainland ports which also include a stop in non-U.S. territory, have been permitted to make port calls in Hawaii. These restrictions stem from a series of laws enacted in the 1920's commonly referred to as the Jones Act. Among other things the laws require that only American owned ships transport goods and people between American ports. These laws have continually been supported by Congress and U.S. Presidents. Unfortunately, however, gone are the days where there were cruise ships owned by American companies and sailing under U.S. flags. For primarily tax benefits and cost savings reasons such as crew salaries, even cruise lines headquartered in the United States elect to flag their ships in foreign countries, such as Panama and Liberia. The effect of the Jones Act and the lack of American flagged cruise ships has been that cruises totally within the Hawaiian Islands have been virtually non-existent. From 1980 until 2001, only three ships ships have cruised exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands, the S.S. Independence, the S.S. Constitution and, for a short time the M.S. Patriot, all owned by American Hawaiian Cruises, a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages. Cruises exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands ended with the aforementioned bankruptcy of American Classic Voyages. Since that time, several cruise lines have sailed intermittently in Hawaiian waters, all of which include calls of port in a foreign country. Many actually depart from Canada or Mexico. Norwegian Cruise Line, which is based in Miami, has been the leader in Hawaiian cruises since 2001. Their ship, the Norwegian Star, however, makes a trip to Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati on each of its inter-island cruises. The recently passed bill, will allow Norwegian to eliminate this extra stop and cruise exclusively within the waters of Hawaii. Under the terms of the bill, Norwegian Cruise Line will be permitted to sail foreign-built ships under a U.S. flag in Hawaii waters. Opponents to the bill, under pressure from rival cruise lines, required that the bill include a provision that these newly flagged ships will not transport passengers in revenue service to ports in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea. In addition, no federal money will be used in this project. Norwegian plans to finish building overseas two partly built cruise ships destined for Hawaii under American Classic Voyages' failed ship building initiative which was called "Project America," and then sail them exclusively in Hawaii. It also allows the cruise line to re-flag an additional cruise ship (the Norwegian Star) already in operation. In an additional boon to the Hawaiian economy and tourist industry, the bill requires Norwegian to employ American crews to man the ships. Norwegian has promised that a majority of the hiring will be with Hawaii residents. It is expected that as many as 3000 new jobs will be created for Hawaii residents once all three ships are in operation.   Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Tips to Losing Weight Guide to Distance Learning How to Travel for Less PHOTOS: Italy PHOTOS: Hybrid Cars What's Hot Top Picks in Hawaiian Coffee Kamehameha the Great Kalua Pig Waikiki Beach, Oahu - Life's a Beach in Hawaii - Hawaii Beac... Best Beaches 1999