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Note that we have a mini-guide to the road to Hana that allows you to see some awesome sights but doesn’t go to Hana and doesn’t take the entire day. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Each main-stage show on Pride of America is on for one night and one night only (two-time slots), so mark your cruise calendar!
NCL Pride of America Hawaii Cruise Review
Look closely at the above photo and spot the tiny red fish swimming in the wrong direction near where the carpet transitions to a different pattern. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. This is a bucket-list trip for many, and the star of the show -- onboard and ashore -- is Hawaii itself. Those looking for a late-night libation will have to head on over to Pink's Champagne Bar on Deck 6 (open until Midnight), or the bar within the Mardi Gras Lounge, which is open "until late". Enter Norwegian Cruise Line, which swooped in and bought up all materials related to the project in 2002 for its new Hawaiian venture.
Consider The Implications Of Such A Port Heavy Itinerary
When Pride of America cast off its lines on April 9, the ship carried just 50 percent of its total passenger capacity on its triumphant return to this slice of Paradise. Setting sail on Pride of America's first voyage back, Cruise Critic found a ship that has matured considerably since it first entered service -- one that can hold its own against the inherent charms of Hawaii itself. For more insight into the cruise experience, check out our Pride of America Hawaii cruise video. So, those were all kind of first-world problems, but still, when you’re paying for a good experience and not getting it, it’s disappointing. Sometimes we had issues flushing the toilet and once in the middle of the night, we didn’t have any water at all. Our balcony room sleeps two people comfortably and a third with the pull out sofa bed.
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When you want some "me" time, look no further than Mandara Spa®. Relax with a hot-stone massage, one of over 50 specialty treatments offered. At our onboard spas, treatments range from the classic to the luxurious. Let our pampering professionals soothe and rejuvenate you with facials, massages, acupuncture and a full menu of services. Modern, comfortable and stylish staterooms with nice appointments throughout, including a window with clear views of the ocean.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship that sails roundtrip solely within Hawaii. There are no days a sea on the Pride of America and every day is spent in Hawaii. Pride of America's wide variety of restaurant and entertainment offerings allows passengers with different interests to find the place that works for them. The Gold Rush Saloon, for example, is a nice spot for those looking for a casual evening of beer drinking and listening to karaoke. On the other side of the spectrum, those who want a fancier evening (with posher drinks) can go to the Napa Wine Bar and Pink's Champagne Bar.
This cruise makes a two-day port of call with the ship docked at the pier the whole time. Guests will have up to 35 hours to explore Maui, leaving at 5 PM the following day. On the second day, you can get up early and watch the sunrise on Haleakala or ride out to Molokini for a snorkeling tour and even see humpback whales from Jan to April. Beach towels will not be provided in your cabin or freely available on loungers like you may be used to on other lines and ships. We've been surprised at just how relaxing this experience has been.
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That means a lot more personal space for everyone onboard, though that will gradually change, too, as the weeks go on. Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is a ship with a rich history that began long before it even set sail. It was originally ordered by American Classic Voyages under the codename, "Project America". American Classic Voyages had operated two classic ex-ocean liners pressed into Hawaiian service thanks to their U.S.-registry and drew up replacement plans for the aging vessels in 2000. Pride of America is perfectly suited for families wanting to see Hawaii together, and on our cruise we saw infants, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens setting out for the Hawaiian Islands. A huge Shuffles Card Room proved popular with families, and board games are available there and in the adjacent S.S.
Pride of America (POA) is based in the Hawaiian Islands and cruises from Honolulu Harbor at 5 PM on Saturday and returns at 7 AM the following Saturday. Guests who come in the day before, or leave the day after have a full day to explore the island. Mandara Spa was the first place we visited after checking into our cabin, I wanted to make sure I secured a massage slot! The salon offers extensive treatments including massage rituals, pedicures and manicures and hair styling.
Pride Of America Shore Excursions
It’s a very efficient itinerary in that you travel from island to island while you’re having dinner, enjoying evening entertainment and sleeping. This diversity of venues, including restaurants, lends itself to a fairly spacious atmosphere while onboard. It doesn't often feel like there are more than 2,000 people on the ship at the same time.
With so many options and such little time in each port, it’s a daunting process to choose what you will see and do. The Hawaiian Islands tempt you to disembark the ship every single day! I highly recommend taking island adventures by booking Shore Excursions. The cruise departs most ports at dusk and arrives in most ports at dawn, with travel to the islands occurring at night. All of these suggestions are a very short walk from your tender boat. If you feel like venturing out a bit further, you can catch a $2 (cash only and the driver cannot make change) open-air trolley that will take you around town.
Please fill out this form to help organize your vacation to Hawaii. Airport transfers to and from the Honolulu Harbor as well as transfers from your island resort are available. You can book the popular Luau Kalamaku through the ship, but I suggest you to shop around to get a better price. We found a mistake on our final bill – we were charged for several drinks that should have been included in the Hawaii Beverage Package. No biggie, I called guest services and they refunded our credit card.
The Aloha Cafe (buffet) on the Pride of America was very crowded during breakfast hours as everyone was trying to grab a quick bite before heading out to port. For a more relaxing experience (and better food, in my opinion), eat breakfast in the Skyline dining room. The Hawaii Beverage Package includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including boxed water which is nice to have for port days) up to $15 (and you’ll just pay the difference for any drinks over $15). Note that you will pay tax on the retail price of each drink while at port in Hawaii. Most of the items on the bill I have posted above are tax charges on our drinks.
Technical Issue Onboard Norwegian’s Pride of America Leads to Itinerary Change - Cruise Industry News
Technical Issue Onboard Norwegian’s Pride of America Leads to Itinerary Change.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:51:00 GMT [source]
While it’s considered a non-obstructed room, we felt that the view of the lifeboat wasn’t exactly unobstructed. Several bars were completely overhauled, private cabanas were added to Deck 14, the suites were refurbished and the spa was upgraded. The results of this effort are impressive and immediately apparent upon boarding the ship. In addition to a fresh paint job in patriotic colors, the interior resembles that of a five-star resort. Follows the complete list of Pride of America restaurants and food bars. Entertainment onboard is more low-key than on other NCL ships, which are known for their Broadway musicals and high-gloss production shows.
What Happens When A Hawaii Cruise Ship Breaks Down - Beat of Hawaii
What Happens When A Hawaii Cruise Ship Breaks Down.
Posted: Mon, 22 Apr 2024 19:48:26 GMT [source]
You will have some time, probably a couple of hours, from when you leave the dock to when you can see the Na Pali Coast. Check with guest relations for their estimated timing for that day. Seeing sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level on a dormant volcano is quite a unique experience. If your ship stays overnight on Maui, day two would be your only option for seeing sunrise from Haleakala. Guests wish they had more time on this island, the two days will not feel like enough.
That said, there's definitely some strategy required to maximize your on-island experience. Having just returned in mid-May from my second Pride of America sailing (the first was in 2006 not long after the ship's debut), I'm happy to share advice that can help you enjoy your Hawaii experience. We hope you’ve allowed at least an extra day or two to explore Oahu either on the front end or the back end of the cruise. Here is our Oahu vacation itinerary that you can adjust to your available days. If you are on the Pride of America, the ship will make its way around Kauai to cruise by Kauai’s stunning Na Pali Coast.
Take that into consideration when deciding what to book – for example, we opted out of bidding to upgrade to a suite from our balcony cabin knowing we wouldn’t do much more than sleep in it. We elected to stick with a less expensive cabin and spend more on excursions. Unlike most cruise itineraries that include a mix of port and sea days, every day on the Pride of America is a port day. The ship even remains docked at port in Maui and Kaua’i overnight and travel between ports mostly takes place after dark. You may have heard the Pride of America described as a “floating hotel” for that reason.
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