American Hawaii Independence

Pros: Beautiful water, flowers and wonderful food.
Cons: Rough water and tours that rush you around.

If you don't get sea sick and like smaller, quaint ships with a lot of history of famous passengers, you will love the S.S. Independence. This is her last year to sail though. She is being replaced this fall with a new ship. Hopefully it will have a...

Pros: You see lots of Hawaii and it is beautiful.
Cons: Older ship,

My wife, my 11-year-old daughter and myself embarked on the Independence on July 4, 1998. The cruise company provided a fireworks show that evening and the next morning we were able to sail into Pearl Harbor because of the holiday. Being the patriotic...

Pros: A vacation of a lifetime!
Cons: None what so ever!

We booked our cruise on the internet about 3 months before our trip and got a fantastic two for one deal for the week before Christmas (2000).
We had a large state room with a queen size bed and a separate sitting area, that included and sette that...

Pros: Excellent value, outstanding service, incomparable destinations.
Cons: As of October 2001, American Hawaii has ceased operations.

The SS Independence is a vintage ocean liner turned cruise ship. As such, she may not have many of the amenities designed to keep certain passengers on board (like casinos and discos), but for those looking to explore Hawaii she represents comfortable...

Pros: The experiences; the sights
Cons: The costs

I had never been to Hawaii before, and wanted to see as much as possible. I figured a “cruise tour” of the major islands would give me the best overview of all that Hawaii had to offer. I purchased a 9 day cruise/land package aboard the SS...

Pros: fun,scenery,food
Cons: pricey

American Hawaii Cruises is America's only cruise line. My family has enjoyed two wonderful trips on the Independence.We have been on over fifteen cruises, and these rank with my favorites. The ship is Classic, it has charm and history all its own. It was...

Pros: Beautiful scenery, romantic, convenient, warm weather, great sites
Cons: fairly expensive, far away

In October of 1998, my family an I decided to go on a vacation. We wanted someplace exotic, warm, friendly, fun, and not too far away. Hawaii was the perfect place for us to visit.
We started our trip in the Philadelphia airport, we...

Pros: Ship size and passenger count. Hawaii
Cons: The food service and the winter weather.

My wife and I took her parents on this cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary. We enjoyed the cruise. We sailed the first week of December 1999. We had adjoining rooms on the sun deck. The cost for all four of us was about $10,000.
When we...

Pros: We went through Pearl Harbor on July 5th. Saw most of the Islands. Easy Access.
Cons: After 9/11 these guys had it tough and closed up. Very Sad.

We took our first cruise on our first trip to Hawai'i.
Paid $625 each for the Cruise. Got an inside cabin on deck two. I was advised to get the cheapest inside cabin since you spend little time in it. We did. We slept and showered there and spent...

Pros: Excellent views and friendly staff
Cons: Disappointing vessel, cramped quarters, socially dull

The Lure: The U.S.S. Independence is the only ship to visit all the islands of Hawaii in one 9 day trip. However, think twice before signing up for this one.
When I went to Hawaii last summer I expected something much different than what I...

Pros: Good food, wonderful scenery
Cons: Not very interesting onboard entertainment

My wife and I took our honeymoon on this cruise a few months ago, and of course, we had a wonderful time. The food was plentiful and well-made (but be careful of how much weight you'll gain, no matter how much it seems calories eaten on vacation don't...

Pros: 2 days on each island, great service, friendly staff
Cons: Geared toward older audience; can be pricey

Our American Hawaii cruise took place in November/December of 1997. Although this cruise can cost upwards of $4000 a person, we got a bargain deal for only $800 a person! These specials don't come up often, so check with your travel agent and have them...

Pros: Incredible natural beauty
Cons: Small cabins

I have just returned from my 5th cruise with the Indy..Yes, she is old but there are many more positives than negatives. She was built in 1951 so don't expect a modern ship like the newer ones. The cabins are small but the ones on the upper decks with...

Pros: good value for the money
Cons: the ship's tours were expensive and sometimes difficult to book

I had always wanted to visit Hawaii - my husband promised me we could. So, to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, he agreed we could go to Hawaii. Good friends said the very best way to see the Hawaiian islands was to take a cruise. So I went to...

Pros: A unique and educational experience
Cons: It's not a luxury cruise liner

I took the American Hawaii Cruise in September. It was my first trip to Hawaii and I loved every minute of it. The American Hawaii Cruise completely emerges you in the culture of the Hawaiian Islands through educational talks, food, music and...