Date: July 2017

Reviewed by: Tina Wheelock, Branch Manager

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Itinerary: 7-night Hawaiian Islands cruise

Size of ship and passenger capacity: 80,439 GRT. Carries 2,186 passengers

Year Built: 2005

Where the ship cruises: The Hawaiian Islands – Maui, Hilo, Kona, Kauaí every Saturday, year round 

Currency onboard: US Dollars

   

Embarkation/disembarkation: Our embarkation day was busy when we arrived approx 1pm, fortunately, we found the queue moved quickly and were onboard within 40 minutes. I would suggest bringing a backpack with essentials like sunscreen as cabins were not available to occupy until approx. 4pm. Disembarkation was very smooth. We decided to carry our luggage off & were in a taxi within 15 minutes.

Main features: Excellent live entertainment throughout the ship in several venues throughout the day. The gym was a great size as was the walking track. The main event shows in The Hollywood Theatre were very entertaining and appealed to all ages. Aloha Lanai – The adult’s area –  aft of the ship had a relaxed elegant feel with pool, spa, bar, live entertainment as well as plenty of deck chairs and pods to relax.

The main Highlight of this Cruise was the length of time given to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands as below:

• Day 1 Sunset departure approx 7pm from Honolulu – gave us the morning to do some shopping.
• Day 2 and 3  Maui, full days – Highlight – The Road to Hana , Laihana town and Rappel Waterfalls.
• Day 4  Hilo, full day – Highlight Volcanos National Park, Lava Tube, Helicopter Tours over the Crater.
• Day 5 Kona, full day (walk right off the ship & in the heart of all the shops and lovely beaches to relax for the say. Also a visit to a coffee plantation).
• Day 6 and 7 Full day and half day in Kauái – Highlight – convertible mustang navigating the Island, Waimea Canyon, Wailea Falls and the afternoon cruising the Napali coastline.

 

Most suited to: The Pride of America is suitable for clients of all ages. The demographic at the time of year was mostly American coinciding with their school holidays. We also had a large number of Australians on board and the kid’s club catered very well to the children on board.

Atmosphere: Refurbished in 2016, the ship has a relaxed and spacious atmosphere with the dress code being casual throughout. There is however a dress code for specialty restaurants. Be sure to pack something ‘white’ for the White Hot Evening.

Encounters with Service Staff: Overall impression of the staff on board was very positive. They were very friendly but at times a little slow. An all American crew is on the board this ship.

Staterooms: We stayed in a Twin Balcony cabin on Pride of America. All cabins offer conveniences expected: a flat-screen TV, robes, a spacious cupboard (and under the bed storage for luggage) safe, vanity, lounge, fridge with mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, a table and 2 chairs on the balcony.

Dining options: 
Complimentary:
Aloha Cafe – Buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with afternoon tea and all day ice-cream!
East Meet West – Asian Fusion (you will need to make a reservation as it has limited capacity and fills up quickly).
Liberty and Skyline – Different names but same A La Carte Menu. Skyline is upstairs and Liberty downstairs. No reservation required.

Speciality – charges apply:
Cagneys (Steak House)
La Cucina (Italian)
Bistro (French)
Moderno (Churrascaria)
Sushi Bar
Teppanyaki

 

Entertainment: Main stage shows were held in The Hollywood Theatre and very entertaining. Ranging from a welcome Aloha Polynesian Show, to magic, comedy and even a tribute to Frankie Valley, as well as a Las Vegas Tribute Show. The ship provides really wonderful roving entertainment at different times throughout the day. Other activities on board included: Hula classes, Hawaiian music, lei making classes and piano tributes.

Family facilities: South Beach pool mid-ship most afternoons was amazing with the staff very engaging. Passengers of all ages were entertained with dance parties, pie and hot dog eating contests along with Hula competitions, pool volleyball and more!!

Kids Club ages are as follows:
Guppies: Under 3
Splash Academy: 3-12 years
Entourage:  13-17 years

Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, afternoon tea, ice-cream, and entertainment.

Exclusions: Drinks on board, specialty coffee and teas, restaurants (as above).

 

Self-service laundry: No self-service laundry on board. Approximately $25 a bag for the ship to organise. (There is a clothesline in the shower for convenience).

Insider Tips: For wine lovers, Pride offers a new wine package. It is certainly worth purchasing once onboard as it is approximately 25% cheaper than buying by the bottle. Starboard Balcony Cabins were our preference – view the Kilauea Volcano in the evening leaving Hilo and also the spectacular Napali coastline on your last evening departing Kauai. We also recommend pre-booking shore tours and car hire prior to your departure.

Please visit us at Cruise Express for more information on this and many more cruises!