Advice needed for parent's Hawaii cruise next fall

Hi all,

My parents are relatively inexperienced cruisers but are very interested in dojgn the next one "right". They are in their early 70s and in excellent health and very active. They would like to cruise to Hawaii and explore the islands via the cruise ship, preferably a one-way cruise to or from Hawaii and a flight back the other way. Money is not a major concern, but getting a great cruise experience and good value is. They especially don't like being nickel-and-domed to death for each little thing onboard the ship, and while their culinary tastes are not cutting edge, they do appreciate good food. The timeframe they are looking at is next fall when the weather starts turning in Chicago...Oct-Dec or so.

Any advice, recommendations and information is most appreciated!

Bob in RSM, CA...made my maiden cruise Voyage June/July '03 on the Crystal Harmony to Canada/Alaska!

[PapaBill]

At that time of year any number of ships are repositioning from Alaska, and a whole bunch do so via Hawaii. I would imagine that Princess would have several ships doing this kind of trip and I'm sure there are others as well. Generally they are 11 day cruises with a 4 day crossing from Vancouver and 7 days spent in Hawaii.

Have they looked into doing a Holland America ship round trip from San Diego? It's another option that might be attractive.

[Cruznut2]

Hi
I am doing Carnival Spirit in September. A little earlier than you specified. Vancouver to Honolulu, 12 days. I have sailed on this ship before and I think it is a wonderful experience.

[cruisecrazy]

With the age range u specify I also recommend either first choice Holland America or second is Princess - Carnival isn't for that age group...Haven't checked it out myself yet but try Celebrity also - good food & service - great also for this age range. Hope this helps & happy cruisin'!!

We are going on the Princess Island on Nov, 20th from LA to the Islands and back. We are also older and really enjoy the Princess ships. They is a lot of retired people on them AND there is a lot of thing to do. Its five ddays over five days on the islands and five days back. We love to cruise so do not mine the cruise days like some people. We fine it very relaxing and can always find something to do. Hope this helps!!!

[pnorth]

October and November are great times of the year to visit Hawaii. I was there last year in November and year before in October. October was the pick to go back this year too. Not too humid or too hot, just nice cool breezes.

What abt late Sept into Oct?