Hawaii or Tahiti

[Joyce Sherratt]

Our family was looking at cruises to both of these groups of islands, and noticed that there is a Princess cruise goes to both in the same cruise, but it is a bit pricey. If anyone has experience of cruises to both or either of these places, could you give us your opinion please. We have only been on one cruise before about 4 years ago on AOS to the southern carribean, which we really enjoyed, so we have not had much cruising experience. This time there would be ourselves, an early 50's couple, our daughter and son-in-law, late 20's and our son, early 20's. We would like a ship that would cater to that broad age range. The kids are pretty active, while we would just take it easy most of the time, and would like to see what the various islands had to offer. Thanks for your input.

[Mermaid]

Wow, sounds perfect to me-Combining both Hawaii and Tahiti. For myself, the amount of time spent in port would be important. Princess is a good choice IMO for appealing to a broad range of ages. As for time in port, there will be choices for active and not so active activities.

[crusin' fool]

We have taken the HAL 30 day RT out of San Diego. It goes to the Hawai'ian Islands and also to French Polynesia. We covered Tahiti, Bora Bora, Nuka Hiva, Riatia, Moorea. It was amazing. We loved it so much we are booked to do it again next Jan.

The islands of French Polynesia will change your thinking about ocean water forever. It is the most amazing place. You can just about stick your face into any ocean water and you are looking at a wonderful variety of fish, in fact, you don't even have to put your face in the water you can see through to a truly awe inspiring depth.

[kryos]

I ditto everything cruisin' fool said. I was on the 2006 cruise with her and her DH, and we'll be doing it again together in 2008.

The color of the water in the South Pacific is amazing. You will never forget it.

Also, this particular cruise, while admittedly it is long and pricey, provides the perfect combination of sea and port days. It is also the only Holland America Hawaii cruise that combines both a day on Kauai with an overnight in Oahu. None of the other 15-day Hawaii only runs has both ... you either get Kauai, with one day in Oahu ... or you get the overnight in Oahu, but bypasses Kauai.

If you can possibly do it, I recommend this cruise. It is without a doubt the experience of a lifetime.

Blue skies ...

--rita