Embarkation was a breeze, taking less than 20 min. to get through security, receive our room card, and up to the Lido deck for lunch!
We had arrived in Honolulu 3 days prior, and stayed at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber, a newly renovated hotel located above Macy's Dept Store. The room was cheery, comfortable and reasonably priced ($129 per night) considering it's location on Kalakaua Ave. across the street from the beach. We had purchased a Hawaii Entertainment book, and used the coupons for eats, which can be a bit pricey in Waikiki. Also there is a 25% off coupon for 2 different luaus, and well worth the price of the book.
Now for the Spirit! An absolutely beautiful ship. I thought it was very tastefully done with beautiful artwork and sculpturing at every turn. It is showing a little wear, but not so as to be distracting or unalluring, and is scheduled to go in for refurbishment in 2009. But it is kept up immaculately by a hard working crew who are always polishing & cleaning.
Fantastic handicapped cabin with an outstanding deck
(32 ft. long with 4 chairs & table) it backs to crew space,
thus the extra length.