Like most cruise ships, there's a never-ending array of meals, snacks and buffets. But chefs on the Hawaiian cruise ships also offer Hawaiian and Pacific Rim dishes, in addition to more mainstream fare like steaks and pasta, using foods native to the islands such as cream of macadamia nut soup. Each dinner menu includes a choice of fresh seafood. Other choices offered American Hawaii Cruises also offers theme trips featuring big band music and Hawaiian culture and history. There are also popular whale watching cruises in January, February and March when North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to give birth.
Passengers can watch whales and learn more about the mammals in lectures and slide shows on board.
While the Patriot is a relatively young ship, the Independence first set sail in 1951 and started its ocean-going career traversing the Atlantic. The Constitution was sold by the cruise line and sank during a storm in 1997. The Independence, too, has seen its share of celebrities like Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne and Rita Hayworth. It was refurbished several years ago but is still relatively small compared to the huge cruise ships that are now splashing into the water from shipyards. She's a classic.