New Year’s Eve Midnight Cruise

This sounded like a great way to spend New Year’s Eve for our first trip to Hawaii. Not so. The staff was great but there were way too many tables set up that no one, even the staff, could comfortably get around. We basically had to stay in our seats from the time we got on the boat until dinner was over. The tables were so squished together we could not even see the show that was put on. We had our salad at 9:30 when we boarded but didn’t get our main course until 11:15. The food was cold. We were served our dessert after midnight when we returned to our seats from watching the fireworks but our table was still full of all our dinner plates. It was really cool seeing the fireworks with the lights of Honolulu in the backdrop, but not worth the price we paid for the dinner cruise.

I took part in the Star Of Honolulu countdown cruise. It's the top-of-the-line seat, and we've added a selection of wines as an option, but to be honest, we recommend a good seat, but we don't need any other options. (The wind was very strong, so we couldn't eat calmly. The same is true before.)

Worst ever. I should have known by the over abundance of people this would be bad. This ship was way too crowded and majorly understaffed. The food was terrible cold and unappetizing. Also the service was terrible. I do not recommend this cruise.

This review is for the New Year Fireworks Cruise. My wife and I purchased the 3rd deck steak and lobster cruise. We even paid extra for a private table to make sure we had a view for the fireworks show at midnight. Originally they had us seated in the back corner with no view of the stage. My guess is because we paid the discounted kamaaina price which really shouldn’t matter imo. We asked to move which worked out for us because someone left a GoPro on a tripod recording next to our heads. Deck was crammed with tables which were no bigger than a night stand. SLOW service. Again, probably because of the cramming. Right before midnight, people gathered right behind us obstructing our view of the fireworks. So no, we can’t recommend the extra cost of the private night stand, I mean “table”. One of the other passengers, while trying to get an unrecognizable zoomed out video of Waikiki, knocked over and shattered a glass of champagne all over our table and on my pants then ran off as though this was normal where they’re from. The staff did clean up the shards of glass but didn’t do anything about the champagne soaked table cloth. They offered to give us a complimentary bottle of champagne and we said sure. They ended up settling for an opened bottle that another table ended up not drinking. Great start to 2025!

What a fun night we had! New Year's Eve cruise, with transportation, dinner, a show and fireworks off the coast of Honolulu. We felt spoilt by the staff. Admittedly my lobster was overcooked but it didn't matter. The chefs would of been under pressure with so many patrons to cater for. When the fireworks began, we all tried to find a viewing space. There was additional space upstairs, if you find you're unable to see on your allocated deck. Everyone was smiling and happy. We were entertained and had an opportunity to meet the performers. Thanks to everyone at STAR OF HONOLULU for a memorable evening to welcome in the New Year ✨️

+3

Captain Stefan guided us around the ship. I was very good at Japanese and liked it. I was so happy to be shown the outside of the 4th floor, to see the stars, and to be treated to juice. He was very kind and funny and had a good time. I was glad that he learned it by attending twice during his trip. The rice was very good, and the dancing, singing and music were wonderful.

The server Mia was excellent and the food was very good. The only regret is that the boat should have given us a glass of champagne to ring in the new year. The lack of music when the fireworks were going off was a bummer. Otherwise the boat was very nice