norwegian pride hawaii cruise

How To Best Enjoy Hawaii On A 7-Night Pride Of America Cruise

This norwegian ship provides an exceptional aloha state experience, but it can be even better with some expert advice..

The promise is indeed true: Passengers aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America —the only ship offering seven-night cruises year-round in Hawaii—can enjoy nearly 100 hours in port on four different islands. The ship resumed sailing on April 9, 2022, after a two-year COVID-19-imposed hiatus, with guests embarking in Honolulu every Saturday to spend two days each on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (aka The Big Island), overnighting in port on the first two and getting 10 hours each in Hilo and Kona on the third. The schedule allows for plenty of time to explore, whether you're a first-timer or a returnee looking to revisit favorite places.

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.

Know what you’re getting

First, a bit about Pride of America . The ship, which carries 2,186 passengers at full occupancy but is sailing at 50 percent capacity through at least November 2022, is 17 years old and unique to the NCL fleet. It features a distinctly Americana theme—the main reception area resembles something straight out of Jeffersonian Washington, D.C.—with décor that's kitschy and colorful rather than contemporary and neutral. 

There are bubblegum hues in Pink's Champagne Bar, for instance, and a riot of vivid bead-inspired colors in the Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub. There are two pools, multiple hot tubs and lots of appealing outside deck space—including the Aloha Lanai Bar aft on deck 11—ideal for sail-away cocktails at sunset.

Entertainment onboard is more low-key than on other NCL ships, which are known for their Broadway musicals and high-gloss production shows. Aboard Pride of America , performances are limited to vocalists, comedians, movie screenings, and game-show-like contests.

Cabins are on the snug side, especially bathrooms, but NCL did an extensive soft goods renovation (carpets, upholstery, wall coverings) during the COVID-19 hiatus, so cabins, hallways, and some (but not all) public spaces feel refreshed.

Unlike all other Norwegian ships, which are staffed by an international crew, Pride of America is required to have a 100 percent American crew; staffing up since the relaunch has been problematic and NCL has opted to keep five of the seven specialty dining venues and several bars closed. As of early June, only Cagney's Steakhouse and Jefferson Bistro are open, along with complimentary dining venues Skyline Main Dining Room, Aloha Café, and Cadillac Diner.

NCL expects to add crew members and open additional restaurants and bars in the coming month but doesn't anticipate being at full capacity with all venues open until late November or December. Demand is high for this itinerary—most sailings are already sold out through late 2022—and cruise fares are loftier than on many other NCL sailings, starting at around $1,500 per person for an Inside Cabin and $2,799 for a Balcony Cabin. For the best value, book when NCL is offering a Free at Sea promo that includes a complimentary beverage package, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining as well as discounts on shore excursions since this can save you a bundle.

Plan activities with the itinerary in mind

Having done this cruise twice, I highly recommend having a pre-planned strategy. Doing so will help you see more at your own pace—and it can even save you money since shore excursions are pricy—especially if traveling with a family. My suggestions:

Day 2 (Sunday)—Kahului, Maui : Since you'll overnight here, this is the day to rent a car and explore independently. An Enterprise location is just a 10-minute walk from port (at 40 Hana Highway) and it's open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are also multiple rental car options (several open until 11:00 p.m). 

Visit the summit of Haleakala National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle) first thing in the morning; the 10,023-foot dormant volcano is clearest in the early hours and the views are astounding. Then make your way back down amid the lush volcanic slopes of Upcountry, stopping at Ali'I Kula Lavender Farm and the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town of Makawao , home to artisan boutiques and the century-old T. Komodo Store, which has a bakery known for its cream puffs. 

Next head to historic beachside Paia. If you love seafood, reserve a table (at least three months in advance) at Mama's Fish House for some of the freshest catches imaginable—yes, it's pricy, but totally worth the splurge.

If you skip Paia and head toward the historic town of Lahaina and the Ka'anapali resort area, another terrific lunch option is Seascape at the Maui Ocean Center , where you can dine on unique island-inspired dishes such as Kalo Poke Nachos and Ulu' Ulua Pie (made with breadfruit, macadamia nuts, coconut, and honey). You don't have to pay admission to the Maui Ocean Center ($39.95 for adults/$26.95 for children) to dine, but if you love aquariums consider a visit; the new 3-D "Humpbacks of Hawaii" immersive experience in The Sphere is captivating. 

Further west, stop in historic Lahaina , which is home to a massive 149-year-old banyan tree along with galleries, shops, and restaurants. If you plan a late rental car return at the airport, which is open later than near the port, enjoy sunset on the western end of Kaanapali Beach by the Sheraton Maui Resort to witness the nightly cliff diving ceremony from Black Rock before returning to the ship in time for dinner.

Day 3 (Monday)—Kahului, Maui : You could keep your car for a second day (you'll need to scope out overnight parking options) and explore Maui's other resort area, Wailea, or the lush Io Valley. Or you can use the second day to book an excursion, either one offered by the ship or one booked independently, keeping in mind that all-aboard is 5:30 p.m. 

I did NCL's 9.5-hour Road to Hana excursion ($239 per person) on my 2006 cruise and it's super-scenic with access to black-lava coastline, waterfalls, the picturesque town of Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe'o Gulch. Best of all: You don't have to drive the 620 twisting hairpin curves and 59 narrow bridges of the Road to Hana yourself—just make sure to medicate if prone to motion sickness.

If you'd rather dive into a snorkel adventure, two top catamaran excursions are the six-hour Molokini Crater & Turtle Snorkel ($249 per person) or the 8.5-hour Lanai Sail & Snorkel ($229). I did Molokini—an offshore crescent-shaped crater that's home to more than 250 species of tropical fish—on my first visit to Hawaii and enjoyed it. Some fellow passengers I spoke with on the recent cruise did Lanai and encountered lots of sea turtles and spinner dolphins.

Day 4 (Tuesday)—Hilo, Hawaii : One of the island's top attractions, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (admission: $30 per vehicle), is an easy 40-minute drive from Hilo , so I recommend renting a car (Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz all operate here) and heading there first. Inside the park you can peer down into the smoldering caldera from various viewpoints (the one at Volcano House is panoramic and there's a misty ambience at the Steam Vents). You can even enjoy a short hike to see petroglyphs and/or the Thurston Lava Tube. 

But one of the most dramatic spots in the park is 18.8-mile Chain of Craters Road, where you can drive amid stark lava landscape created by thousands of years of Kilauea's eruptions. Note: NCL offers a Volcanoes National Park excursion ($129 per person), but it only visits several spots along the crater rim and not the lava tube or Chain of Craters Road, so to really experience the park, a car rental is the way to go. 

Return to Hilo and visit its other main attractions: the Japanese-style Liliuokalani Gardens along with 80-foot Rainbow Falls and/or 442-foot Akaka Falls before returning your car and re-boarding the ship before 5:30 p.m. 

Day 5 (Wednesday) — Kona, Hawaii : Kona, located on Hawaii's drier, lava-laden leeward side, can be a day to slow down. If you didn't snorkel in Maui, you can book the ship's Big Island Snorkel excursion ($199 per person) for a 4.5-hour morning sail along the coast to a reef near Red Hill, with breakfast and lunch included, and afterward stroll from the tender pier ( Pride of America anchors offshore and passengers need to be tendered to the pier in lifeboats) and hit Kailua-Kona's shops and bars. 

There's also a Hertz rental car nearby if you want to explore the scenic Kohala Coast and the cowboy town of Waimea —just remember that the last tender to the ship is at 5:00 p.m.

Day 6 (Thursday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : This might be my favorite port because this compact-yet-dramatic isle is easy to explore via rental car. Since Pride of America overnights here, I'd suggest renting a car (nearby Lihue airport has a half dozen options) and heading south to see the town of Koloa and the sunny beachside resort area of Poipu; stop by the Spouting Horn for picturesque black rocks and dramatic sea spray. 

Continue west to Waimea Canyon State Park (admission: $10 per vehicle and $5 per person), where a winding road leads to one of the island's most magnificent natural wonders: a 10-mile long, 3,000-foot-deep canyon awash in red and green and nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

From there, head back east and then north for stops at Wailua Falls and the charming town of Hanalei , where you can grab lunch and enjoy views of Hanalei Bay and the verdant green peaks of Kauai's legendary North Shore. There are several scenic beaches—including Secret Beach, Lumahai Beach, and Tunnels Beach—along the way, but parking is roadside, access can be tricky via steep trails and swimming isn't advised due to rough surf. The views, however, are incredible. 

Reservations are now required to drive to Ke'e Beach , where the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast starts, but no worries: Pride of America does a sunset sail along the spectacular cliffs on day 7.

Day 7 (Friday)—Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai : Today, the ship departs at 2 p.m. (all aboard is 1:30 p.m.), so if a bit of adventure is your thing, there are several morning hiking and kayaking excursions ($149 to $209 per person). Or you could book a relaxing massage in the onboard Mandara Spa. If you're heading directly to the airport from the ship on Saturday, you can also do some last-minute souvenir shopping by walking about 10 minutes from the port to some shops near Kalapaki Beach—or simply enjoy a dip in the bay's calm water.

As the ship sails from Nawiliwili Harbor, be sure to be on deck to enjoy amazing views of the lush Garden Isle—with the best still to come just before sunset as Pride of America cruises past the towering cliffs of the Napali Coast . Don't miss that!

Maximize your pre- and post-cruise time on Oahu

While this itinerary visits four islands, first-timers should plan for at least two nights on Oahu—home to Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Fly in early, book a hotel in Waikiki and try your hand at surfing or outrigger canoe paddling. If you feel energetic, reserve a time (early morning is best) to hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views. Or visit Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum to experience the royal Hawaii of old. 

NCL offers a convenient way to explore must-see Pearl Harbor with a six-hour post-cruise Pearl Harbor and Honolulu City Tour ($109 per person) that concludes at the airport (for passengers with flights departing after 4:00 pm). Other options: Grand Circle Island ($169) and Explore Oahu's Famous North Shore ($109) tours, which also include airport drop-offs. 

My top advice: Don't wing it, since tours sell out and rental car availability is limited. With some strategic pre-cruise planning, a Pride of America itinerary offers a convenient (unpack once) and enjoyable (plenty of time to sightsee) way to experience Hawaii.

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35 Tips For Your Cruise To Hawaii On NCL’s Pride Of America

by Prof. Cruise · Published February 28, 2020 · Updated March 16, 2022

Aloooooooha! Having just returned from my fourth visit to Hawaii, second cruise to Hawaii, and first cruise to Hawaii aboard the Pride of America (POA), I have compiled my 35 best tips to help you plan for your POA cruise, maximize your time onboard, and fully experience each Hawaiian port. Thirty-five because I just celebrated my 35th birthday (in the spirit of full disclosure, I stopped counting 7 years ago)!

Tips For Before Your Cruise On The Pride Of America

1. understand what makes the pride of america unique.

Sailing on the Pride of America will be an experience nearly as “unique” as sharing a table with Prof. Cruise (that’s me!) in the main dining room: wow, she’s weird (I am) and smells like she forgot deodorant (without fail).

So what makes the Pride of America so weird, I mean, “unique?” As the only American flagged ocean cruise ship, you’ll notice three major differences between the Pride of America and other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. First, the Passenger Vessel Services Act does not apply to American registered ships, so the Pride of America isn’t required to stop at a foreign port. All other cruises to/from Hawaii will call in a foreign port (usually Canada or Mexico), adding on many sea days and at least one non-Hawaiian stop to their itinerary (not a bad thing in my mind, but a significant difference). If you only have one week off work and want to cruise Hawaii or don’t like sea days, the Pride of America is your only option.

Second, because the Pride of America has to abide by all American labor laws, the majority of crew members will be Americans, unlike other cruise ships that employ mostly foreign workers.

And the third difference, directly related to the second, is cost. You’ll likely pay a much higher per night cruise fare on the Pride of America than other ships that sail to/from Hawaii. Pride of America crew members are paid more, enjoy labor protections foreign workers do not, and turnover is higher, leading to increased cruise fares. Our total 7-night fare on the Pride of America was nearly double what we paid for a 15-night sailing on the Grand Princess round-trip to Hawaii from San Fransisco. In fact, it was our most expensive vacation ever (factoring in the expense of getting to and from Honolulu by air).

2. Consider The Implications Of Such A Port Heavy Itinerary

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. Hawaii, not the ship or the sea, will be the main attraction for most.

As such, you won’t do much lounging around the ship in your robe with a cocktail in one hand and a soft serve cone in the other, turning the pages of your book with an elbow.

You also won’t have as much time to enjoy your stateroom, drink and dining packages, the spa, and other ship activities. 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.

3. Price Shop

My regular readers (hi mom and gigi!) may have been surprised to learn that we sprung for a balcony cabin on the Pride of America – we normally book the cheapest cabin category available, allowing us to cruise more often. However, the significant expense involved in getting to and from Honolulu makes booking the Pride of America unique.

At the time we booked, NCL offered free airfare (note that there are significant downsides to booking NCL EZ air, but that’s a topic for another time), gratuities, and transfers for those booked in a balcony category or higher. After pricing out an inside cabin and paying for flights, transportation, and gratuities on our own, it actually ended up being significantly cheaper to book the package, including the balcony cabin, through NCL. It may be for you too – price shop!

4. Book A Port Side Balcony

In the event that you end up booking a balcony cabin, be sure to choose one on the port (left) side of the ship. On the last day of your cruise, you’ll spend the early evening cruising along the spectacular Nāpali coast of Kaua’i. While the captain will turn the ship around so that those on the starboard side can see it too, that will happen well into dinner hours. To see it first and in full sunlight, book port side!

5. Avoid Deck 8 Balcony Cabins

While on many ships, lifeboats are tucked away under balcony cabins, on the Pride of America they jut out from the side of the ship on deck 7 and are visible below most balcony cabins and especially those located directly above them on deck 8. While this isn’t a huge deal and you’ll still be able to enjoy your balcony if you end up booked in one, you will be able to see them as you’re looking down at the water and they will appear in many of the photos taken from your balcony. Book a higher deck if you can or far forward or aft (double check deck plans before you book).

6. Read A Hawaii Travel Book

I checked this highly rated one out from my local library and found it very helpful:

You can also purchase it on Amazon here . It was written by locals and will help you understand the unique history, culture, and topography of Hawaii and maximize your time in each port with suggestions of “can’t miss” attractions that appeal to a wide variety of interests.

7. Learn A Bit Of Hawaiian

While you certainly won’t need them to successfully navigate the islands – nearly everyone speaks English – learning a few words and phrases in Hawaiian will add to your experience and you’ll notice crew members and locals using many of these:

Aloha (pronounced a-lo-ha): hello, goodbye, and love

Mahalo (pronounced mah-hah-loh): thank you

‘A’ ole palikir (pronounced ah-oh-leh pee-lee-kee-yah): you’re welcome or no problem

A hui hou (pronounced ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu): until we meet again

Howzit? (pronounced how-zit): how are you?

Waina (pronounced wy-nah): wine. Don’t confuse this one with the English slang word “wino” which is used in jest to describe my mother-in-law who will be embarking on her own Hawaiian cruise soon. This one’s for you, Gigi!

‘Ono grinds (pronounced oh-no grinds): delicious eats.

8. Pack Wisely

Don’t forget to pack these essentials for your cruise to Hawaii on the Pride of America:

Binoculars: you’ll appreciate having a good pair of binoculars for your shore excursions and for your scenic cruise along the Nāpali coast. I have these and love them – they’re compact and inexpensive. I got them for Alaska, but they worked great in Hawaii too.

A quality camera: gorgeous photo opportunities are everywhere in Hawaii! Invest in a good camera to use in addition to your phone. Here’s a great starter camera for travelers (I have it and love it):

Reef safe sunscreen: be sure your sunscreen is reef safe – it’s the law in Hawaii! Here’s a list of reef safe sunscreens available on Amazon .

Bug repellant: I forgot my bug repellant wipes and returned to Seattle with dozens of itchy bumps to prove it! I prefer the wipes to spray because they’re easy to pack and apply.

Extra outlets: the number of outlets in Pride of America cabins is extremely limited. If you have multiple devises you want to charge at once, consider bringing a cruise approved power strip like this one :

Cheese: I mean, matching Hawaiian outfits ! I promise, no one is laughing behind your back. Yes they are. But who cares, you look adorable!

9. Fly To Honolulu The Day Before

Do as I say, not as I do. My teaching/travel assistant and son, “H,” would point to “don’t eat so much sugar” and “brush your hair” as examples of this for which I am admittedly guilty. “Fly to Honolulu the day before your cruise” would be another. Due to work obligations, we couldn’t fly to Honolulu until the day of sail away and our flights, booked by NCL’s EZ air, didn’t have us arriving into Honolulu until 2:30 in the afternoon.

While I normally love planning a cruise almost as much as the cruise itself, my regular pre-cruise excitement was tainted with worry that we’d miss the boat. If you do elect to fly in the day of, be sure to buy travel insurance that will cover the cost of any possible delays. I always use this site to compare plans and rates. I’d advise against booking insurance through the cruise lines – it will be costlier and may not cover everything you need.

10. Don’t Purchase A Lei At The Airport, You’ll Receive One At The Cruise Terminal

While you might see people wearing beautiful leis at the airport in Honolulu and be tempted to purchase one, hold your horses (or your luggage in this case). You will receive a free fresh flower lei for women (pictured above) or a shell lei for men as you enter the cruise terminal. You’ll also have the opportunity to make additional leis later in the cruise (I’ll get to that shortly).

Pride Of America Ship Tips

11. fish on hallway carpets swim toward the front of the ship.

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. That would be me. Lost. Thankfully, the fish on the carpet on the Pride of America will point you in the right direction. They swim toward the front of the ship.

12. Relax On The Sun Decks

The photo above may cause introverts to run, hyperventilating, to the nearest paper bag (I’m breathing into one right now!). If you prefer a more private and serene place to relax, hit the sun decks above the Lido for comfortable and more secluded lounging options.

13. Pick Up A Beach Towel At The Beach Shop Or As You Exit The Ship

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. Instead, they must be borrowed (by providing your state room number to ensure you return them – your account will be charged if you don’t) at either the Beach Shop (located midship on deck 11, right next to Dolce Gelato) or as you exit the ship on port days.

14. Walk Or Jog On The Promenade Deck

One of my very favorite things to do on a cruise is to walk the promenade deck while listening to an audio book and stalking wildlife. And, if allowed, I’ll also jog out there early in the morning to justify the 45,000 calories I consume in an average cruise day. Like minded poʻe (people) will be thrilled with the expansive promenade deck wrapping all the way around deck 6 on the Pride of America. Just be sure to walk in the right direction. I didn’t notice the tiny arrows on the wall (I told you, I’m that red fish!) and got cussed out by an aggressive power walker for going the wrong way. E kala mai (sorry)!

15. Arrive 15 Minutes Early To Theater Shows To Score A Good Seat

This is important on nights at sea when the shows are more widely attended and prime seats fill up fast. When staying overnight at a port, shows and restaurants will be less crowded as many passengers will choose to eat and recreate off the ship.

16. Smoke At The Waikiki Bar

Or avoid the Waikiki bar on deck 13 aft if you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke or just think it smells worse than dog farts (I’m currently opening windows in my apartment thanks to Henry, my rescue mutt, and wishing I was at the Waikiki Bar even though I don’t smoke, but that’s just me). This is the only designated smoking area on the ship.

17. Don’t Look For The Casino

You’ll waste your whole vacation seeking something that doesn’t exist, like me on my never ending quest for a career that allows me to cruise for free. Because gambling is illegal in Hawaii, the Pride of America doesn’t have a casino. There’s always the claw machine in the arcade though or you can place bets among your friends on how many free hot dogs you can eat at the Key West Grill on deck 12. #loopholes

18. Attend Enrichment Programs Hosted By Your Hawaii Ambassador

A variety of enrichment lectures, activities, and crafts will be hosted by the ship’s Hawaii ambassador, a local resident of the islands. We particularly enjoyed the flower lei making class, offered for free, that included plentiful and beautiful fresh flowers. We each made one and used them to decorate our cabin for the remainder of our voyage. Their lovely smell almost masked the stench of my gym clothes. Almost.

19. Double Check Your Final Bill

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. But double check your own bill for errors. It actually pays to do this every few days (you can view it on the TV in your cabin) or even daily as lines and waits for guest services can be longer toward the end of the cruise.

Dining And Drinking Tips For The Pride Of America

20. consider the value of the hawaii beverage package.

As I mentioned earlier, due to the port heavy itinerary, it may not be worth paying the service charges to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as a perk and definitely wouldn’t be worth it for most people to purchase it outright. But depending on how much you plan on drinking, this is something to consider.

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.

You can take a look at the bar menus here to get an idea of the drink prices so you can weigh the package versus an à la carte approach. We did elect to receive the Hawaii Beverage Package as one of our “free” perks and believe we got our money’s worth. But not everyone will with so little time spent on the ship.

21. Understand How To Get Free Espresso Drinks With The Hawaii Beverage Package

The Hawaii Beverage Package generally does NOT include espresso coffee drinks, such as those on the menu at the John Adams Coffee Bar:

However, there are a few exceptions to this. First, you CAN order a from a limited selection of espresso drinks (espressos, double espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos) while dining in the restaurants and they WILL be covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. For breakfast, I’d recommend a double shot of espresso paired with a shot of Bailey’s. Start the day off right!

You can also order an Irish coffee (I like to add a shot of Bailey’s to mine) or an espresso martini – both of these ARE covered under the Hawaii Beverage Package. However, note that the espresso martini is currently priced at $18, so you will have to pay the $4 extra above the $15 covered by the package. Try at least one of these though, they’re amazing!

22. Try The Free Alternative Restaurants

In addition to the buffet and main dining rooms, there are three additional complimentary restaurants worth trying at least once: Key West Bar and Grill, Cadillac Diner, and East Meets West. Key West Bar and Grill is a small buffet style grill on deck 12 offering burgers, hot dogs, fries, and salads. Both the Cadillac Diner (American classics) and East Meets West (Asian) are small, sit down restaurants and can get crowded at popular times. I recommend going at off times, like in the afternoon on a port day for the Cadillac Diner and early evening on the first night of the cruise for East Meets West. The menus for both can be found here .

23. Eat Breakfast In The Dining Room To Avoid Buffet Crowds

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. There was never a wait to be seated and service was fast. You can preview the breakfast menu here .

24. Order The Pound Cake French Toast

I was happy to see three daily breakfast specials on the menu in the Skyline Dining Room on the Pride of America (this hasn’t been the case on some of the other smaller NCL ships I’ve sailed). And I was thrilled (and drooling) when I saw the pound cake french toast, my all-time favorite breakfast item on NCL, as a one of the specials. I’d dine at Skyline every day just so you don’t miss it. Trust me, it’s that good!

25. Book A Luau Instead Of A Specialty Restaurant

Because Hawaii is the main attraction on this cruise, I would encourage you to sample local Hawaiian ‘ono grinds (delicious food) by eating some of your meals in port, perhaps skipping the specialty restaurants on the ship if cost is a concern. And I especially recommend booking a luau. You can book the popular Luau Kalamaku through the ship, but I suggest you to shop around to get a better price. Here are some options available through Viator .

26. Reserve Specialty Restaurants Early

If you do decide to dine at a specialty restaurant, be sure to book your preferred time early as the popular times fill up fast. You can book certain restaurants before you sail by going to your reservation online or you can book via the reservations desk (right next to guest services on deck 5 midship), via the NCL app, or by placing a call to reservations from your stateroom after you board.

27. Don’t Miss The Puddings Behind The Dessert Station In The Buffet

While I’m the last person (or dog for that matter) you should come to for fashion advice (the average Fido strutting the streets of Seattle or riding in a designer purse is better dressed than I am), I’m the premier expert when it comes to dessert. And I consider the bread and rice puddings available in the buffet on the Pride of America some of the very best at sea. I particularly love the chocolate chip bread pudding (covered in caramel sauce and vanilla soft serve) and the honey rice pudding.

They’re easy to miss though, hidden on a counter behind the dessert station and next to one of the soft serve machines. You’re welcome – I was tempted to keep this one to myself.

28. Choose The Main Dining Room (MDR) For Dinner That Best Fits Your Style

The Pride of America has two main dining rooms open for dinner (both of these are included at no extra charge in your cruise fare): the Skyline restaurant (deck 5 aft) and the Liberty restaurant (deck 6 aft). While their menus are identical, the decor and dress code will be different. For cruise casual attire (where shorts and T-shirts are common and acceptable), dine at the Skyline Restaurant. If you prefer a more elegant dining experience, opt for the Liberty Restaurant which requires a collared shirt for men and does not allow shorts.

29. Make A Reservation For Dinner In Your Chosen Main Dining Room

While you can show up at either of the main dining rooms (Liberty or Skyline) for dinner at any time during operating hours without a reservation and wait in line to be seated, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation. The line for those without a reservation can be long and there’s a separate podium and hostess for those with a reservation. I always felt a little guilty bypassing the huge line as the reservations hostess walked us right in to be seated. But I overcompensated for my guilt by childishly taunting my fellow passengers: neener, neener, neener!

30. Order Multiple Items In The Main Dining Room

Portions in the main dining rooms can be small for Prof. Cruise, Mr. Cruise, and others with big appetites. Thankfully, you can order as many items as you want! On one night none of the entree selections appealed to Mr. Cruise, but he liked the sound of all the appetizers. So he ordered them all! Be sure to specify to wait staff if you want them brought out one at a time or all together. And consider offering them an extra tip for the effort it takes to bring out all those dishes!

I always bring along a pack of these cruise staff thank you cards and pass them out with cash inside to anyone who has made my vacation extra special (I gave out a lot of these in the Skyline Restaurant on the Pride of America – service was fast and excellent!).

31. Get A Nightly Crepe From The Buffet

Even if you’ve already eaten multiple desserts from the restaurant, there’s always room for a made-to-order crepe. Hit the buffet during dinner hours each night so you can try all the delicious combinations. Or just order the Nutella and fresh cream for seven consecutive days like I did.

Port And Excursion Tips For Your Hawaii Cruise On The Pride Of America

32. book private excursions.

Cruise line excursions are expensive and sometimes feel crowded and rushed. However, many cruise passengers are nervous about booking tours or exploring ports on their own for fear of missing the ship and becoming an unwilling youtube star as they desperately flail around on land, “wait, wait!,” before jumping into the sea as a last ditch attempt to rescue their vacation (the biggest incentive to book cruise line excursions is that they guarantee to either hold the ship for you or transport you on their dime to the next port in the event of a late return).

But if ever there were a time to skip the expensive ship excursions and book tours through private local companies or venture out and explore on your own, it’s this cruise! Why? Because you’ll be staying overnight at two ports – Maui and Kaua’i . So if you book tours or explore on your own via a rental car or public transportation, you don’t need to worry about what time you get back to the ship – the gangway will stay open all night and into the next day. Here are my top shore excursion picks for Maui and Kaua’i offered by Viator (owned by Trip Advisor).

33. Pick Up Tender Tickets For Kona Near Guest Services Beginning At 6:30am

Kona is a tender port, meaning the ship will anchor out in the open ocean and you’ll need to board a smaller boat to ferry you to shore. To avoid thousands of people lining up at once, you’ll need a tender ticket with an assigned time (unless your latitudes level is Gold or above in which case your ship card will serve as your tender ticket and you can line up whenever you want or if you’re booked on a ship excursion in which case your excursion ticket will serve as your tender ticket).

In order to get the time you want, you’ll want to pick up your tender ticket as soon as they start offering them at 6:30am at a table near the Guest Services desk. I’d even suggest arriving a bit before 6:30am as a line will begin to form between 6-6:15am.

34. Save Money In Kaua’i And Kona

If you have limited funds for port activities and are not comfortable renting a car, prioritize booking excursions and tours in Maui and Hilo as there is nothing to do near the cruise terminals at those ports. Go here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Maui and here for my top recommendations for shore excursions in Hilo.

In both Kaua’i and Kona there are free or inexpensive things to do within walking distance of the ship (or near Kailua Pier where your tender boat will deliver you, in the case of Kona).

Go here for my recommendations for things to do near the terminal in Kaua’i.

For Kona I recommend snorkeling (or just relaxing) at Kamakahonu Beach and checking out the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (both located right next to Kailua Pier where your tender boat will drop you), shopping or dining along Ali’i Dr, and visiting historical sights such as Hulihe‘e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. 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. View a printable schedule of stops here .

35. Look For Rainbows

I think I saw more rainbows on this trip than in all of my prior 35 (+7) years of life. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find the Pride of America at the end of one! Better than a pot of gold if you ask me – because I’d just use it to buy a cruise anyway!

And with that…

Mahalo for reading. A hui hou!

Class Dismissed.

Don’t forget to PIN this post so you can refer back to it later!

Optional Homework: Check out my Hawaii port posts , preview all the r estaurant, bar, and room service menus on the Pride of America , see my review and ship tour of the Pride of America , and read my Guide to the Hawaii Beverage Package.

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if using a computer or just keep scrolling down if you’re on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on social media:

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Hey, I can’t get the links to pull up your tour recommendations for the islands. It just links to the generic Viator site. Would love to see what your recommendations were! Thank you!

A great read as we are thinking of booking Hawaii for 2022 as we have 3 cruise coming up before that. Your article has so much good useful info.

The date you published this post we were actually ON the Pride. It was the most expensive vacation ever, but worth every penny for the once in a lifetime trip. Sure enjoyed reliving our trip thru your blog!!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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The Ultimate Guide To Norwegian’s Pride of America – 7-Day Hawaii round-trip cruise

The ultimate guide to norwegian's pride of america 7-day hawaii roundtrip cruise.

Norwegian's Pride of America, a cruise ship sailing to all major Hawaiian Islands, is one of the best ways to explore Hawaii!

Norwegian’s Pride of America, the only cruise ship sailing the Pacific Ocean taking passengers to all major Hawaiian Islands, including – Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai!

Norwegian’s Pride of America is the only cruise ship in the US that sails the Pacific Ocean seven days a week, offering an opportunity to visit Hawaii’s four major islands without having to worry about inter-island transfers, hotels, and food. Norwegian’s Pride of America departs from Honolulu,  Oahu , then sails to the islands of  Maui ,  The Big Island of Hawaii , and  Kauai , and then finally heads back to Honolulu in the island of Oahu. I highly recommend Norwegian’s Seven Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise to everyone visiting Hawaii, especially first-time visitors!

One of the most challenging tasks when planning a trip to Hawaii is to decide on which Hawaiian island to visit! Every island in Hawaii is unique and equally charming, but most people visit the four islands – Oahu, Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai. Though these islands are not very far, you would still need to take inter-island flights to each island and make your hotel arrangements in advance. This is where Norwegian’s Pride of America Seven Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise shines the most, as once you’re onboard the ship, you don’t need to worry about inter-island transfers, hotels, food, and onboard entertainment!

Norwegian’s Pride of America offers a fantastic well-paced itinerary, including overnight stays and, weather permitting, a tour of the Na Pali Coast!  

Norwegian’s Pride of America Seven Day Cruise makes it possible to visit all four major islands of Hawaii with ample amount of time for sightseeing on each island. The cruise itinerary is very well planned and designed, as you mostly sail at night and wake up on a different island in the morning! In the morning, you just have your breakfast, hop onto a rental car shuttle, rent a car, and go exploring the island. Once done, come back onboard to delicious food and entertainment. This is by far my favorite and most comfortable way to explore the islands of Hawaii while enjoying all the fun of a cruise ship! 

Here is my ultimate guide to Norwegian's Pride of America 7-Day Hawaii Roundtrip Cruise, featuring essential trip-planning information, major stops & attractions, and onboard dining & entertainment options!

Norwegian's Pride of America Highlights

Well-paced itinerary with excellent onboard amenities, including freestyle dining, shopping, live performances, and help desks to plan your island excursions! 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Itinerary : Norwegian’s Pride of America departs from Honolulu, Oahu, every Saturday, around 7 PM, then sails to Maui, giving you two days to explore the island of Maui – Sunday & Monday, Monday night it sails for Hilo, on the East side of the Big Island of Hawaii, after spending the entire Tuesday at Hilo, at night the cruise ship sails to Kona, the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii giving you the whole Wednesday in Kona. Wednesday night, it departs for Kauai and stays in Kauai and gives you two days at Kauai – Thursday & Friday, and then finally leaves Kauai on Friday night, reaching its final stop at Honolulu, Oahu on Saturday morning. 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Staterooms : Norwegian’s Pride of America offers several stateroom options, including Studio, small, well-designed rooms with all amenities perfect for solo travelers, Inside Rooms – standard rooms for two with comfortable bedding and amenities, just that there’s no window for an ocean view, Ocean View – the rooms are pretty similar to Inside Rooms just that you have a window overlooking the ocean, Balcony – absolutely my favorite, you get a private balcony, and Suite – luxurious apartment-style rooms with all modern amenities and a balcony. With rooms being cleaned and bed made twice a day and with dedicated friendly attendants, service on Norwegian’s Pride of America is exemplary! 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Dining Options : Norwegian’s Pride of America has several excellent dining options onboard and offers freestyle dining, which means you can eat whenever you want to eat in any of these complementary restaurants:

• Aloha Cafe (International Buffet)
• Cadillac Diner (American)
• East Meets West (Asian)
• Skyline and Liberty Restaurants (Main Dining)

However, reservations are needed for the specialty restaurants, and there is a cover charge or a la carte pricing in the following restaurants:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse (Steak & Seafood)
• Le Bistro (French)
• La Cucina (Italian)
• Modern Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese)

Norwegian’s Pride of America Onboard Entertainment : With so much to see on every island of Hawaii, you might not get any time to spend on the ship, but if you decide to stay back on the ship, you will have several things to do onboard – a very spacious and well-equipped gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, tennis, basketball, sundeck, shopping, library, and several activities, including origami, daily poolside games, karaoke, and a lot more.

Norwegian’s Pride of America Nightly Performances : To take onboard entertainment to the next level, Norwegian’s Pride of America features live performances every night in its Hollywood theater, including Vegas! The Show, Wonder! A Magical Experience, and several musicals & comedy shows.

Norwegian’s Pride of America Shore Excursions : Everything on the cruise is very well coordinated! Every night you will find a brochure in your stateroom with an itinerary for the next day. The booklet contains details about the upcoming island stop, things to do, and various shore excursion options, which you can book directly via the cruise line. There’s also a staffed help desk near the main reception area, where you will find all the information and help you need to plan your sightseeing tours and activities on the upcoming Hawaiian island. 

Norwegian’s Pride of America Wifi & Other Technologies : There is a cost, but you will still find wifi in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Depending on your need, you can select the wifi internet packages ranging from basic browsing to high-speed video streaming. Norwegian Pride of America also uses state-of-the-art technologies to make life simple onboard, including restaurant reservations using your television and the handy NCL mobile app.

Norwegian's Pride of America Cruise Itinerary

Norwegian’s Pride of America cruises the Pacific Ocean seven days a week, starting Saturday evening from Honolulu, Oahu, and then traveling to Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, Kauai, and finally making its way back to Oahu on Saturday morning. Per the itinerary, you get about two days on the island of Maui, Big Island of Hawaii, and Kauai, which is a very reasonable amount of time to explore the islands’ main attractions. Exploring Oahu, which unquestionably is a must-do, you can either arrive a couple of days early in Oahu before boarding the cruise or explore Oahu upon returning from your cruise.

Here’s the route and the Hawaiian islands covered on Norwegian’s Pride of America Cruise Seven Day Cruise, starting from Oahu and then sailing the Pacific in a clockwise direction!

Oahu (Embark & Disembark)

Oahu, Hawaii’s most populous island & home to the state capital, Honolulu, features unfathomably beautiful nature and an amalgam of Native Hawaiian traditions & modern western culture! You must plan on spending a couple of days before or after your cruise to explore Oahu’s golden beaches, historic sites, surf towns, rich history & culture –  Oahu Travel Guide .

Maui (Two Days)

Maui, renowned the world over for its idyllic beaches, coastal vistas, & the Road to Hana, the most scenic coastal drive on the planet, is a true Eden on earth! You get two days in Maui, of which I recommend spending one day exploring West, Central, and Upcountry Maui; you can find more details in my  Maui Travel Guide , and one day driving the iconic  Road to Hana .

The Big Island

The Big Island (Hilo & Kona – Two Days)

The Big Island of Hawaii, also called the “Island of Hawaii,” is the southernmost and the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s home to a world of unfathomably beautiful nature popularly known for its Kilauea volcano, hardened & steaming lava fields, lava tubes, black sandy beaches, coastal views, rainforests, and much more –  Island of Hawaii Travel Guide .

Kauai (Two Days)

Kauai, the last stop on the cruise, is often referred to as the “Garden Isle” and is blessed with unmatched natural beauty that has intrigued several filmmakers and has been featured in several movies, including the all-time favorite – “Jurassic Park!” Kauai, popularly known for its Na Pali Coast, has a lot more to offer, including gorgeous beaches, rainforests, rivers, waterfalls –  Kauai Travel Guide .

Other Hawaii Attractions & Related Posts

Island Of Hawaii

Road To Hana

Must Have Travel Gear Guide

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This is not a sponsored post, and I recommend products based on my experience. This may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my link at no extra cost to you. More Travel Accessories .

Hello! I am writing to you because I am going to take the Pride of America to see Hawaii in 7 days and I am a little nervous because I am not very good with boats, I get a little seasick, etc etc etc hahahah I wanted to ask you how is the sea between the islands, is the boat very rough, are there many waves? or the ride is smooth I want to know how to prepare, I’m going on February 24, Thank you!

Hi Maggie, I’m sorry for the late response. I guess by now, you have already returned from your Hawaii cruise. However, in my experience, you shouldn’t have any problem. The ship is enormous, almost like an entire city sailing on the sea, and the waters are not too rough either, so most of the time, you won’t even realize that the ship is sailing. The best part is that the ship sails only at night when you’re asleep, and you get up in the morning when the ship is anchored on a different island! I hope you had a blast on your Hawaii cruise!

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NCL Pride of America Hawaii Cruise Review

NCL Pride of America Cruise Review, The Hawaiian Islands.

I was chuffed to be asked by MyCruises (an Australian travel company) to experience their #1 selling cruise, the Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America.

MyCruises Packages have always amazed me, such good pricing considering all the inclusions! They take the hard work out of planning a Hawaii cruise holiday by including everything from airfares, pre- and post-accommodation, transfers, sightseeing, and the 7-night cruise, of course!

There are also BONUSES like free food and beverage inclusions, a discount tour and activity booklet and they even pre-pay your gratuities! It’s these extras that make the difference, so if you’re an Aussie looking to experience the ultimate Hawaiian Island adventure consider booking with MyCruises.com.au .

PRIDE OF AMERICA AT A GLANCE:

• Gross Tonnage 80,439
• Overall length 921ft (280m)
• Beam (width) 120ft (36.5m)
• Cruise Speed 22-knots (25 mph)
• Guests 2,186 (double occupancy)

10 THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THE PRIDE OF AMERICA HAWAII CRUISE:

• New Day, New Hawaiian Island
• Fine Dining in Specialty Restaurants
• 100’s of Things to Do
• Shore Excursions Galore
• Bars, Bar & More Bars
• Oceanview Balcony Life
• Magical Entertainment
• Sweet Spa Dreams
• Adults-Only Access
• Feelin’ the Aloha Vibes

1. New Day, New Hawaiian Island

Pride of America is the most convenient way to visit four Hawaiian Islands in eight days, no inter-flights required and you only unpack once!

The itinerary departs Oahu every Saturday and returns the following Saturday. Guests spend two days on Maui, two days on Hawaii Island (one in Hilo, one in Kona) and one and a half days on Kauai.

Itinerary current as at November 2019.

The cruise departs most ports at dusk and arrives in most ports at dawn, with travel to the islands occurring at night.

It’s incredible waking up on a different island every other day and seeing the isles from an out-at-sea vantage point.

TIP:   Port Talks  take place at 8am daily. They provide a great island briefing including a historical overview, local transport options including any free shuttles, nearby shopping, and attractions.

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2. Fine Dining in Specialty Restaurants

Pride of America has Freestyle Dining, meaning you can eat whenever and wherever you want in these complimentary restaurants:

• Aloha Cafe (International Buffet)
• Cadillac Diner (American)
• East Meets West (Asian)
• Skyline and Liberty Restaurants (Main Dining)

Bookings are recommended for the fancier specialty restaurants, these meals come with a cover charge or à la carte pricing:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse (Steak & Seafood)
• Le Bistro (French)
• La Cucina (Italian)
• Modern Churrascaria (Brazilian BBQ)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese)

Fine dining in the specialty restaurants was a real highlight! I’m still drooling over Le Bistro’s tasty French onion soup (above), Teppanyaki’s buttery-garlic grilled seafood, La Cucina’s freshly baked bread and mushroom risotto, and the perfectly cooked T-bone from Cagney’s Steakhouse.

TIP: Make reservations at the Specialty Dining Desk in-person as soon as you board. 

3. 100’s of Things to Do

There is so much happening every day on Pride of America, refer to the Freestyle Daily (newsletter) to keep up!

The hardest decision you’ll have to make is how much time to spend on the ship v.s on land exploring Hawaii.

What’s happening onboard Pride of America:

• Balloon Twisting Workshop
• Basketball Shootout
• Champagne Art Auction
• Giant Chess and Checkers
• Ice Carving Demonstration
• Not-So-Newlywed Game Show
• Ping Pong Tournaments
• Poolside Games
• Professional Portraits
• Putt-Putt Challenge
• Talks e.g. “How To Run A Floating Hotel”
• Trivia Games
• Watch NBA/NFL Games
• Water Aerobics
• Water Volleyball (Staff vs. Guests)

You can also dive into Native Hawaiian culture via a raft of free activities hosted by a Hawaiian Ambassador:

• This is Aloha Presentation
• Daily Hula Dance Classes
• Daily Hawaiian Music
• Hawaiian Language 101
• Lei Making Classes

There are also social events throughout the week where guests can meet and mingle with other cruise passengers who share common interests from LGBTQ meet and greets, to a solo traveller get-together, and even an Aussies only catch-up!

4. Shore Excursions Galore

The Hawaiian Islands tempt you to disembark the ship every single day! I highly recommend taking island adventures by booking Shore Excursions.

You can book Shore Excursions direct with Norwegian Cruise Line online (you’ll get a login for NCL.com once you’ve made your cruise reservation) or through the Shore Excursions desk on Pride of America.

I chose activities that I knew would get me out of my comfort zone…

Kahului, Maui: Waterfall Rappelling

Within an hour of being picked up, we were meandering the tropical road to Hana and into Maui’s Garden of Eden. This activity took place in a private area of an arboretum, accessible only to Rappel Maui guests. It was a pleasant change of scenery to be deep within a jungle immersed in natural beauty. This small-group tour incorporated hiking, abseiling and swimming and was great for beginners like me!

Nawiliwili, Kauai: Mokihana Helicopter

It’s no secret Hawaii helicopter tours are pricey but flying over the island of Kauai will take your breath away. 90% of Kauai is undeveloped with the majority of the island’s interior inaccessible by road, this makes this island a fantastic choice for an aerial adventure!

Highlights included Jurassic Park Falls, Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Napali Coast sea cliffs.

Alternatively, several other companies offer Shore Excursions . Shore Excursions are specific tours customized to pick-up and drop-off at (or near) the Ports and tour times match the cruise itinerary.

Once you’ve booked, you’ll be emailed a detailed confirmation and the tour operators’ contact information. Always re-confirm your tour arrangements with the company a few days beforehand.

Oahu Shore Excursions

Maui shore excursions, hilo (big island) shore excursions, kona (big island) shore excursions, kauai shore excursions.

TIP:  The biggest event of the cruise is Luau Kalamaku held at Kauai’s historic Kilohana Plantation. This special Hawaiian celebration and feast can be booked onboard at the Shore Excursions desk. It begins with a flower lei greeting and the opportunity to peruse local market stalls, followed by mai tai cocktails, a lavish buffet and a Cirque-de-Soleil-style Polynesian show. It’s a memorable way to end your cruise!

RELATED >> Hawaii Activities, Pre-Book or Wait?

5. Bars, Bars & More Bars

Easing into the holiday spirit is easy on Pride of America with nine bars and lounges. We bar-hopped them all! Keep your eyes out for Kona beer, margarita, mojito, wine and sake tastings hosted at various bars during the week, these events attract a small fee and are an affordable way to drink!

• Aloha Lanai Bar (views for days)
• Club Mardi Gras (nightclubby)
• Gold Rush Saloon (casual sports bar)
• John Adams Coffee Bar (cosy)
• Key West Bar (al fresco)
• Napa Wine Bar (sophisticated)
• Ocean Drive Bar (poolside lounge)
• Pink’s Champagne bar (the heart of the ship)
• Waikiki Bar (loud, only bar smokers allowed)

The winner? Gold Rush Saloon. I had an absolute ball sitting at the bar chatting to friendly bartenders, sipping on the “Cocktail of the Day” and munching on free buttered popcorn! This Wild-West themed sports bar has a great line-up of live music, hosts karaoke and plays the NBA/NFL Games.

TIP: Book Pride of America with MyCruises.com.au  and you’ll receive a BONUS Beverage Package.

6. Oceanview Balcony Life

There are lots of cruise accommodation options on Pride of America from stylish Studios perfect for solo travellers through to superior Suites, some of them spacious enough to sleep up to eight people!

We were impressed with our Oceanview Balcony stateroom complete with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony. It’s perfect for two, had a huge bed and bigger-than-expected bathroom.

We can’t recommend a balcony cabin enough! We spent mornings outside sipping on coffee and evenings gazing at the stars cheers-ing with our BYO champagne and rosé.

TIP: With MyCruises.com.au   you’ll always have the option to pay to upgrade your cabin type. You can BYO wine on Pride of America for a US$15 corkage fee per bottle. There’s an alcohol check-in desk on arrival to the Pier LOL. Ordering a bottle of wine to your cabin can set you back up to US$60, so it’s worth bringing on a few bottles to enjoy a bevvy on the balcony!

7. Magical Entertainment

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! We made it to four performances and thoroughly enjoyed them all.

Lights, Camera, Action: A tribute to celebrated Hollywood musicals featuring everything from Moulin Rouge high-kicks to Gene Kelly singing in the rain.

Comedy: This show was by Tony Daro, a regular on the New York comedy scene and while he was funny, some jokes did go over my non-American head!

Wonders! A Magical Experience: Magic by Charles Bach, a world-class magician. His grand illusion left the audience in a state of shock. He disappeared and reappeared at either end of the stage in a fraction of a second, he must be a twin otherwise that was some serious magic! It was incredible.

Vegas! The Show: Held on the final night, this performance got Guests into party mode with its Sin City flavour and iconic songs by Elvis, Tina Turner and more.

8. Sweet Spa Dreams

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. Passes can be bought to access the new Thermal Suite with heated chaise lounge chairs, huge showers, sauna and steam room.

I opted for a   Bamboo Massage. Warm bamboo stalks and essential oils kneaded my muscles into heavenly bliss. I was so relaxed and tension-free, I almost fell asleep on the way back to my cabin LOL.

TIP: On the day of embarkation there’s usually a Spa Raffle, if you make your way to the designated location outlined in the Freestyle Daily (newsletter) you’ll get a chance to win spa credits.

9. Adults-Only Access

Pride of America has three swimming pools, a kid’s pool and six hot tubs. There’s also an Entourage Teen Club, Splash Academy Youth Center and Video Arcade to keep the kids occupied.

My favourite area was the Oasis Pool, designated for adults-only. Boy, was it a lifesaver for escaping the crowds for a more serene dip. Believe it or not, it was especially calm around sunsets.

10. Feelin’ the Aloha Vibes

From the moment we arrived at the Pier we could feel the aloha vibes!

Pride of America staff are delightful and significantly contributed to our positive experience. We became fast friends with our Stateroom Steward Chris, he proved invaluable for answering our FAQs.

We talked to everyone we came in contact with, both staff and passengers, quizzing them on where they were from, how long they’d been in Hawaii and what they loved about it etc. Being social and making new friends was one of the most rewarding things about our journey!

TIP: Book Pride of America with MyCruises.com.au   and you’ll be given an awesome branded travel wallet, beach tote and lanyard. The cruise is cashless, so the lanyard comes in handy for carrying your cruise I.D./charge card/room key with you and has the added benefit of being able to spot and befriend fellow  MyCruises passengers! Don’t be shy when you see them, just say g’day just like I did 🙂

Cruise Review Disclaimer: The Hawaii Admirer was welcomed as a guest on the Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America hosted by MyCruises on 17 November 2018. All of the thoughts expressed in this article are my honest opinion.

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Pride of America

Cruise line NCL America (Norwegian Cruise Line)

• Honolulu (Oahu Island Hawaii)

Pride of America current position

Pride of America current location is at North Pacific Ocean (coordinates 21.95391 N / -159.35732 W) cruising en route to USNIJ. The AIS position was reported 34 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Pride of America

Pride of America current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Hawaii Inter-island , themed as "Easter". Prices start from USD 1099 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 30 Mar, 2024 and ends on 06 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Pride of America

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Pride of America Itineraries

Pride of america review, review of pride of america.

The 2005-built Pride of America cruise ship is operated via the brand NCL America as a unique Project America-class (one-vessel only).

The vessel (IMO number 9209221) is USA-flagged (MMSI 366994450) and registered in Honolulu Hawaii .

History - construction and ownership

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a subsidiary company of the shipping corporation Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH). NCL was founded in 1966, headquartered in Miami (Florida USA) and publicly traded (NASDAQ) company listed on NYSE ( NYC ). NCLH's major shareholders are the corporations Apollo Global Management (American), Genting Group (Malaysian) and TPG Capital (American). In 2017, the brand NCL had a worldwide cruise market share 8,7% (passengers) and 8,4% (revenue). NCLH (shipowner) owns the brands NCL , Oceania and RSSC-Regent .

The 2200-passenger ship Pride of America became operational in 2005 as the first USA- flagged cruise ship to be built in more than 50 years. The unique thing about the vessel is that its crew and officers are from America or US citizens. One main plus for this ship is that it has U.S. registration and doesn't have to embark or disembark in Vancouver or Ensenada (The Passenger Services Act orders foreign-flagged cruise vessels to go to a port when leaving or returning to US waters). Pride of America and her guests celebrate American culture and history, from the kitsch of the Cadillac Diner to the sober statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Liberty Dining Room.

The only mainstream cruise ship sailing regular round-trip voyages solely within the Hawaiian islands, Pride of America, returned to her Honolulu homeport at the end of March 2016, following an extensive refurbishment . The American-flagged, Honolulu -based ship underwent a 3 and a half week dry dock in San Francisco CA that included new venues, newly designed public spaces and refreshed decor in all cabins. The refurbishment is part of the line's $400 million investment program, The Norwegian Edge, in existing ships. The changes to Pride of America include:

• Updated flooring, smart HDTVs, new bedding and furniture in all cabins;
• New jacuzzis and loungers in the refurbished pool area;
• Expansion of Mandara Spa, with new Mexican décor and more treatment rooms;
• Addition of Dolce Gelato, Norwegian's signature gelateria;
• Addition of Perspectives Photo Studio and Soho Art Gallery;
• Six computer stations, new flooring and furniture in the card rooms and library;
• New decor, furniture and flooring in the Conservatory;
• A new location, furniture and flooring in the wedding chapel;
• Renovations in all dining venues, including Skyline Main Dining Room, East Meets West Asian restaurant, La Cucina, Cagney's Steakhouse, Jefferson's Bistro, and new menus, based on those found onboard the Norwegian Escape.

Decks and Cabins

Pride of America staterooms (1096 total, in 34 grades) include 69x Suites, 613x Balcony, 178x Oceanview and 230 Inside cabins, of which 740 are connecting (family-friendly). Most staterooms (63%) are sized 130-145 ft2 (13-14 m2). The largest accommodation is the 2-Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite (690 ft2 / 64 m2, with terrace 190 ft2 / 18 m2). There are 64 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers), 24 of which are ADA-compliant.

The boat has 14 decks , of which 11 are passenger-accessible and 8 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Pride of America has 9 restaurants, including 2 main dining rooms, the no-charge Cadillac Diner and the casual buffet Aloha Cafe. The 5 specialty restaurants levy a surcharge. Better make a reservation if you prefer dining at a specific time, at a certain venue. Wednesdays and Fridays are the busiest nights in all extra-fee restaurants; Sundays are the slowest. Have in mind that not all specialty restaurants are open on embarkation day. The two MDRs, Skyline and Liberty, are one above the other, both located at the aft. These carry through Americana themes, with Liberty paying homage to American patriotism and Skyline serving as a Deco-version of NYC. There are pianos in both main dining rooms, and occasionally a musician provides background music for dinner.

Follows the complete list of Pride of America restaurants and food bars.

• Liberty Restaurant (aft Dining Room, complimentary, with Your Time dining)
• East Meets West (Asian restaurant, dinner-only, complimentary since 2015)
• Sushi Bar (12-seat East Meets West restaurant, a la carte); Sake Bar (inside East Meets West)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese Hibachi specialty, reservations-only restaurant; US$25; open for Lunch and Dinner; features live cooking demonstrations)
• Skyline Restaurant (aft-location Dining Room; complimentary; Freestyle dining)
• Jefferson’s Bistro (French specialty restaurant, reservations-only; cover charge US$20 pp)
• Cadillac Diner (24-hour fast-food restaurant)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dinner restaurant for prime steaks and gourmet seafood; reservations-only, US$30 cover charge per person and free Kids Menu)
• Aloha Cafe (buffet restaurant, complimentary, with different food stations)
• Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse; reservations-only; US$20 per person cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• La Cucina (Italian speciality restaurant; reservations-only, US$15 cover charge; with outdoor seating waterfront area)
• Key West Bar & Grill (complimentary fast food restaurant)
• Dolce Gelato (gelateria).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The Hollywood Theatre, located on Deck 5 forward, is just one story and fairly small, with excellent sight lines. A bank of chairs has been set aside for mobility-impaired passengers. One deck above the theatre, Mardi Gras is the venue for funky-themed parties and smaller shows. By day, it shows movies, hosts lectures, dance classes and other events. Kids are allowed in Mardi Gras until 11 p.m., at which time it is 18 and older only. Entertainment options also include the NCL's FIREWORKS show (on each voyage), "Rock of Ages", "Cirque Dreams", "Illusionarium" (magicians show).

Additional amenities include: Complimentary 24-hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("NCL Kids"), Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry/Self-Serve Laundromats. Norwegian Pride tipping/gratuities (US$12 pp per day). For your Pride of America cruise ship weddings there's a small chapel on board.

Follows the complete list of Pride of America lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

• Hollywood Theatre (868-seat; features Broadway-style musical productions; two grand shows per night)
• Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge & Nightclub
• Pride of America Capitol Atrium (8-deck midship hub area with a big-size LED screen, dance area and live entertainment)
• John Adam’s Bar; Pink’s Champagne Bar; Napa Wine Bar; Ocean Drive Bar; Gold Rush Saloon; Mojito Bar; Waikiki Bar (cigar bar)
• SoHo Art Gallery; Photo Gallery & Shop; Kumu Cultural Center;
• Internet Centre; SS America Library;
• Shuffles Card Room; Wedding Chapel;
• Newbury Street Shops (tax and duty-free shops)
• South Beach Pools area (two swimming pools, five Whirlpools, served by Key West Bar & Grill); Oasis Pool
• The Conservatory (retreat room)
• Santa Fe Fitness Centre & Mandara Spa
• Rascals Lounge & Club (kids area); Connections Teen Club; Blast Off Video Games Arcade
• Jogging Track; Combined Sports Court; Sun Deck area, Deck Games, Outdoor Chess, outdoor NASA model replica gyroscope - Gyrosphere; Bungee Trampoline; Golf Nets.

Hawaii Itineraries

NCL Pride of America itinerary program is based on 7-day Hawaiian Islands voyages from Honolulu . The roundtrip itinerary calls at the most exotic islands in the popular travel destination – Hawaii, Kauai and Maui, with several optional shore excursions in the region. On her standard 7-night itinerary, Pride of America provides overnights on Kauai and Maui , as well as calls at Kona and Hilo , and an afternoon sailing of Napali Coast.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, NCL America paused its operation for 2+ years (March 2020 thru April 2022). Pride of America's schedule was changed several times, eventually restarting NCL's Hawaiian Islands voyages from Honolulu on April 9, 2022.

Pride of America - user reviews and comments

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Pride of America Wiki

The NCL Pride ship was initially planned as "Project America 1". Project America was to be a class name as plans included a second 70,000 ton vessel to be built by the USA shipbuilders Litton-Ingalls. This was a US Government lavishly funded program aiming to give USA-based companies experience in building passenger ships and to list the first US-flagged ship in 5 decades. American Classic Voyages Inc (the company behind the project) bankrupted and NCL bought the unfinished vessel (at hull stage). Its construction was completed in Germany (at the Lloyd Werft's Bremerhaven shipyard).

NCL changed the ship's name to "Pride of America", as well as its dimensions - tonnage (from 72,000 GT to 80,450 GT) and LOA length (from 850 ft / 260 m to 920 ft / 280 m). Delivery date was scheduled for 2004 but due to a storm damaging the vessel this happened in 2005. The US Government made an exclusive act giving a ship predominantly built in Germany a USA flag. Norwegian's Pride is the biggest cruise ship in the US register and the only USA-flagged ship home-ported in  Honolulu Hawaii .

Pride of America's class is unique as no other similar ships have been built. Her Inaugural cruise was down the US East Coast and lasted from the 18th of June to the 24th. During the voyage, the vessel was a background for the day time TV show "Live with Regis and Kelly". Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa awarded their viewers with 1,000 free NCL cruises in a campaign before the show. Starting from the 16th of May they were giving 20 cruises to winners every day until the 10th of June. Thus they filled almost half of the ship's capacity.

Liner's godmother is Elaine Chao - US Secretary of Labor at the time. The naming ceremony was held in  NYC New York  on June 17, 2005. Prior to ship's christening ceremony, Mrs Chao (born in 1953 in Taiwan) had held different positions in US administration. All positions were connected with transport and maritime matters, such as Deputy Secretary at US Department of Transportation, Chairman of Federal Maritime Commission, Deputy Maritime Administrator.

Pride of America refurbishments 2016-2018 review

The ship’s last drydocking was in June 2021, conducted at Vigor Industrial's shipyard in Portland (Oregon USA) .

The drydock refurbishments in 2016 (March, 3-weeks long) and 2018 (February) were done in San Francisco CA , and resulted in the following deckplan changes:

• All cruise cabins and the public areas were renovated. The renovations included new decors, furniture, lighting and flooring.
• New in the Skyline Main Dining Room is the entrance, carpet design, furniture upholstery, window drapes, columns. The La Cucina (Italian) was updated as well. All other restaurants were also redecorated, including East Meets West (Asian), Jefferson’s Bistro (French), Cagney’s Steakhouse.
• New dining room menus were introduced (based on the NCL Escape’s menus).
• Mandara Spa was expanded (with more treatment rooms) and re-decorated.
• The Conservatory received new decor, furniture, flooring.
• The wedding chapel was relocated and updated with new furniture and flooring.
• The card room and the library received new furniture and flooring. The library now has 6 Internet PC stations.
• New for the ship is Soho Art Gallery, Perspectives Photo Studio, Dolce Gelato (gelateria).
• The pool deck area was completely refurbished with a renovated swimming pool, new sun loungers, new Jacuzzi tubs, redesigned Ocean Drive Bar.
• All passenger rooms were upgraded with new furniture, bedding and flat TVs.
• During drydock 2016, Pride of America was retrofitted with new "scrubbers" (exhaust gas cleaning systems). The new scrubber technology reduces the equivalent of approx 1500 tons of the poisonous gas Sulfur Oxide. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise company retrofitting with a scrubber hybrid system vessels while in service. The new in-line scrubbers (5 units) are lightweight and able to operate in a dry mode, as well as in open and closed loops.

Both drydocks (2016 and 2018) were part of NCL's "Norwegian Edge" program for fleetwide upgrades (2-year project budgeted USD 400 million). Each drydock costs around USD 35-40 million.

Pride of America refurbishment 2013 review

The list of changes after ship’s 2013 drydock (in  Honolulu Hawaii ) included:

• (Deck 13) The old Lanai Lounge was transformed into 24 new suites. Here were added 24 “The Haven” luxury suites (sizes range 363-416 ft2 / 34-39 m2, balcony size 245 ft2 / 23 m2, max occupancy 6 pax), including 2 Deluxe Owners Suites (size 566 ft2 / 53 m2, balcony size 410 ft2 / 38 m2, max occupancy 4 pax, with connecting doors to the family suites for up to 10 pax if booked together) and 2 wheelchair accessible suites. The new 24 luxury cruise suites are with butler service, also featuring luxury mattresses, Lavazza coffee makers, Elemis bathroom products, speciality private dining, etc. Also, 4 new Studios (single-occupancy cabins) were added here (featuring full-size bed and separate bathroom) with the exclusive Studio Lounge. Another addition on deck 13 is the 4 new Interior rooms.
• (Deck 12) Fitness centre equipment was also upgraded
• (Deck 11) Interior decor renovations were done in the buffet restaurant “Aloha Cafe”. New Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant was added (named Moderno Churrascaria). The old “Little Italy” Italian restaurant was renamed “La Cucina”.
• (Deck 6) The old “Lazy J” steakhouse was renamed “Cagney’s”.
• (Deck 5) Photo Gallery and Art Gallery renovations.
• All cruise cabins (both passenger and crew rooms) were upgraded with new flat HD TVs.
• The list of other shipwide upgrades includes video-sound-light systems, new carpeting ((both in cabins and public spaces), Wi-Fi internet access (including in the crew/staff areas), and also to the digital signage system.
• The 2013 ship refurbishment project cost NCL over USD 30 million.

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Pride of America Deck Plans & Reviews

Pride of America

Activities & entertainment

• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Behind the Scenes Tour *
• Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge and Nightclub
• Cultural Immersion Activities
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Gaming Lessons *
• Golf Driving Net
• Hair Salon *
• Whirlpools (5)
• Internet Center *
• Jogging Track
• Late Night Dancing
• Poolside Games
• S_S America Library
• Spa and Salon *
• Sports Court
• Video Arcade *
• Wine Tasting *
• Splash Academy Youth Center
• Entourage Teen Club
• Hollywood Theater
• Comedy Performances
• Onboard Movie Screenings
• Live Nightly Music
• Sports Games Televised
• Liberty Main Dining Room - Main
• Skyline Main Dining Room - Main
• Cadillac Diner - Diner
• East Meets West Asian Restaurant - Asian *
• Moderno Churrascaria - Brazillian *
• Aloha Cafe - Buffet
• Pinks Champagne Bar - Champagne Bar *
• John Adams Coffee Bar - Coffee Bar *
• Key West Bar and Grill - Pool Bar and Grill
• Waikiki Bar - Hawaiian Bar *
• La Cucina Italian Restaurant - Italian *
• Teppanyaki - Japanese *
• Ocean Drive Bar - Pool Bar *
• Gold Rush Saloon - Pub *
• Cagneys Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• Jeffersons Bistro - French *
• Sushi Bar - Sushi *
• Napa Wine Bar - Wine Bar *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 57
• Very Good 58
• Terrible 45
• All languages ( 237 )
• English ( 232 )
• German ( 1 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

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No One Does Hawai`i Like Norwegian.

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Voted Best Hawai`i Cruises for 15 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine

Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You'll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavour of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Looking to make the most out of your time in the region? Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise . Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui.  We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round.  It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org .  In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, whilst also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations. As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai'i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Cruise to Hawaii Year-Round with Pride of America

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! It is no wonder that we were voted Porthole Magazine's "Best Hawaii Itinerary" for 12 years in a row! And since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, we offer convenient year-round Saturday departures, so you can holiday on your timetable .

NEW! Hawaii and French Polynesia Cruises

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world's most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia , in one holiday. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea . Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Leaving, on the other hand, takes a lot of convincing.

Cruise To Hawaii Year-Round

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. When it comes to cruising Hawai`i, it’s our thing. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.

Beauty of Volcanic Proportions

Your seven days of paradise begins from the moment you arrive. Lose yourself in the lush rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. Let the lush natural landscape take your breath away. Cruise by Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world. Adventure awaits you around every corner as we are the only cruise line to offer Cruisetours in Hawaii.

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Featured Hawaii CRUISE ITINERARIES

Best hawaii excursions.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes...

Historic Kona

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honauna...

Road to Hana

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. ...

The Land Of Frozen Fire

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions....

Hawaii HOTELS

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories.

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

• Distance/Airport: 10 miles Distance/Pier: 4 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Ala Moana, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, is just a five-minute drive away giving you easy access to over 340 shops, services and entertainment.

• Distance/Airport: 8 miles Distance/Pier: 3 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Resort Fees Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Maximum quad occupancy per room. Triples and quads will be accommodated in a room with 2 queen sized beds. Rollaway are subject to availability and must be requested. Surcharges will apply.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Hawaii Cruises

What to Wear in Hawaii

Bring these essential items on your tropical getaway.

Stay Longer in Paradise

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Cruise Hawaii Without a Passport

Learn more about cruising to Hawaii without a passport.

The Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Wondering when is the best time to cruise to these gorgeous islands?

Find Adventure

Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do.

Quite the Sight

Check out our top favourite photos of Hawaii, from sunrise to sunset.

Wake-Up Call

Believe it or not, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.

NCL Hawaii Cruise on Pride of America

We share details from our NCL Hawaii Cruise. We recently sailed the Hawaiian Islands on the NCL Pride of America. This was a fantastic way to see sample the islands and get a taste of the best of Hawaii.

NCL Hawaii Cruise Overview

For years, we talked about going to Hawaii. It was a literally on our bucket list and yet there was always a reason not to go. Finally one day we looked at each other and said ‘book the trip’. It was among the best travel adventures we have experienced.

As we started the cruise part of this Hawaiian Island Adventure, we had a few questions.

• Is a Hawaiian Cruise on the Pride of America worth it?
• Is an NCL Pride of America cruise the best way to get a sample of the Hawaiian Islands?
• Should we get a balcony stateroom?
• Should we explore on our own or book shore excursions through the NCL?
• If we book excursions, which ones would work best ones for us?
• Would a port-heavy itinerary be relaxing?

We hope to answer as many of these questions as possible. However, there is too much to include in just one video or post. We are creating a series of posts and videos to share what we learned and help you plan your adventure.

Since it is a long trip, we thought it might be good to have a little extra time to get used to the time difference before the cruise. So, we booked three nights at the Waikiki Beach Marriott (video review). Our stay in Waikiki was fantastic and we shared the highlights in our Waikiki Beach post .

NCL sails the Pride of America weekly departing each Saturday. The cruise starts in Honolulu. It is a port-heavy itinerary with no sea days. You’ll be in port every day which gives you more time to explore. When the ship does move, it does so at night.

First top is Maui where it stays overnight. Then, it visits two ports on the big island – Hilo and Kona – enabling you to more easily see things on both sides. The final destination is Kauai where it again stays overnight. After Kauai, the ship heads back to Honolulu. Every island is different and you get to see a good sample of what the Hawaiian Islands have to offer.

We’ll cover the excursions we took in a future post. However, we loved our adventure and saw some amazing things including:

• watching a sunset from above the clouds
• walking on an active volcano
• hiking along a canyon that is as amazing as the Grand Canyon
• waling on a back sand beach

To get the most out of your cruise, you’ll need to do some planning in advance. The ports are working ports. For most, you need to have a plan as you can’t just walk of the ship and find things to do. In that way, it is a bit different than a Caribbean cruise where you mind find shopping, dining, and fun activities just steps from your ship.

Check-in and Boarding

We did as much as possible before getting on the ship. We did on the online check in as soon as it was available. We watched the safety video at home before we departed. And, we were able to select a boarding time in advance.

Those steps led to a smooth boarding process. After taking a pre-arranged taxi from the hotel to the port, check in was fast and easy. We dropped our suitcases off, registered at the check-in station, and proceeded to board the ship.

Our muster station was on the way into the ship. They scanned our ship card and verified we had done the safety video. After just a few minutes, we were on our way.

Since our room wouldn’t be ready until 3 or 4, we had time to explore the ship. You might head to the pool, visit a bar, have lunch at one of the open restaurants, or find a quite place like the library to read. Don’t try to do it all – you’ll have all week to see and do everything. My recommendation is that you keep just the essentials with you in a small bag or backpack and pick just one thing to do until your room is available.

Pride of America – The Ship

NCL’s Pride of America is the only US flagged cruise ship in the world. She flies the American flag on her stern.

The American theme is carried throughout the ship, decorations, and venues. You’ll see Jefferson’s Bistro and the John Adams coffee bar. There are places like the Napa Wine Bar, Club Mardi Gras, and Gold Rush Saloon.

Pride of America launched in 2005 so it is a relatively old cruise ship. However, it has been refurbished several times including in 2022. The ship can accommodate up to 2,186 passengers and 950 crew. She is the only ship like her in the NCL fleet.

The Pride of America is a traditional cruise ship. It has all the essential amenities like a pool, hot tubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues. What you won’t find are things like go karts, water slides, ice rinks or the other things that are being added to newer ships. The experience is more about vising the islands than about cruise ship features. You also won’t find a casino aboard. While there is some shopping on board, it was fairly limited.

Balcony Stateroom on NCL Pride of America

We opted for a port-side balcony stateroom. This was a first for us as we usually get an inside room. However, for Hawaii, the splurge seemed worth it. And, we absolutely loved having the balcony. It was nice to wake up in the morning to the view of an island emerging as we pulled into port.

While cruise ship rooms are usually not large, the room was big enough for us. Everything was clean an comfortable. Our room steward did a good job keeping things nice.

Our stateroom had plenty of storage. We unpacked our bags at the start of the trip and stowed our luggage under the bed. There was plenty of room for everything.

We’ll have more on the room in an upcoming post and video.

Dining on Pride of America

One of the reasons people like to cruise is for the dining experience. How was the food on the Pride of America? Overall it was good.

There are two main dining rooms available; Skyline and Liberty. They are really just two floors of the same venue, each uniquely decorated. Skyline is themed to feel like New York.

We had several meals in the main dining rooms. Overall, the food and service were good.

For each meal, you can order an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Of course, you can actually order more if you are really hungry. Some menu items stay the same while there are some available only on select nights.

Another included option is the buffet which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We usually opted for the buffet for breakfast and there was a good variety of food. There are two sides that mirror each other so if one side feels busy, just try the other. Make sure you try the Bircher Muesli, which is a great start to the day.

We enjoyed having our breakfast outside and enjoying the view. Just head from the buffet toward the back of the ship.

There are several specialty dining restaurants available on Pride of America. We really enjoyed Cagney’s Steakhouse. Fantastic food and service. We also tried the Italian restaurant La Cucina which was pretty good.

One dining experience that was kind of a miss was the Cadillac Diner. We were really looking forward to a diner experience with burgers and milkshakes. Well, at least the rest of our dining on the Pride was great.

Bars on the Pride of America

There is a good bar selection on the Pride of America including pool bars, wine bars, and more. With the drink package included as part of Free at Sea, you’ll have the opportunity to try any drink you like, up to $15, which includes most beverages. We especially like the Mai Tai from the Aloha Lanai Bar.

Pride of America Entertainment

While many newer cruise ships have fantastic Broadway show quality entertainment, the offerings on the Pride of America were a bit more basic. Each night, you’ll find solo performers or duets at each of the bars.

The Hollywood Theater shows a variety of entertainment such as movies, bands, or a comedian. We enjoyed the comedian on our cruise.

Some of the best entertainment were the events put on by the cruise staff including shows such as the Not So Newlywed Game or the Perfect Couple. These were in the Mardi Gras Theater, a nice multipurpose venue.

Was the NCL Hawaiian Island Cruise Worth It?

We really enjoyed our visit to the Hawaiian Islands on NCL’s Pride of America.

• Was a cruise on the Pride of America worth it? Yes!
• Would we do another NCL Hawaiian Island cruise? Yes, absolutely.
• Was a balcony stateroom worth it? Yes. The views were fantastic.
• With a port-heavy itinerary, did you still have time to relax and enjoy the Pride of America? Yes.
• Was Free at Sea a good deal? Overall, yes. It’s nice to not have a surprise bill at the end.
• Did we get a good sample of the Hawaiian Island experience? Yes. We saw many of the must do Hawaiian Island attractions.
• What would you do differently next time? Our approach of using shore excursions worked well this time. Next time we might explore more on our own. And get fish tacos & pie in Kauai.

NCL Hawaii Cruise YouTube Video

Check out our NCL Hawaii Cruise YouTube video where we show the highlights of the Hawaiian Islands Cruise portion of our Hawaiian Islands adventure.

Leave a Comment

Have you sailed on NCL’s Pride of America? What was your experience like? Do you have tips to share? We’d love to hear all about it. Please leave us a comment.

If you like this, be sure to watch for our the rest of our Hawaiian Islands Adventure series.

Copyright 2024 Travel Trail Sail. All Rights Reserved.

Norwegian Adjusts Pride of America’s Itineraries in Hawaii

• August 11, 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line informed booked guests of itinerary changes for the upcoming cruises onboard the Pride of America.

Sailing inter-island cruises in Hawaii, the U.S.-flagged vessel will see its visits to Kahului replaced by overnight stays at Hilo.

The change is related to the wildfires that are currently affecting Maui and impacts all cruises set to depart through August 26, 2023.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a prepared statement.

“We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round. It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences,” Norwegian continued noting that the “safety and security of guests and crew” remains a top priority.

As a result, the company decided to replace the visit to Maui with an overnight call to Hilo. The decision aims to avoid stressing out local resources in the region, Norwegian added.

With the change, Pride of America’s revised itinerary will also include scenic cruising past the Napali Coast, as well as an additional overnight in Nawiliwili, Kauai.

The adjusted itinerary was created in hopes of “continuing to provide the best opportunity to explore the beauty and natural wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, Norwegian Cruise Line said.

The shore excursions booked through NCL for Kahului will be automatically cancelled, the company added, with a full monetary refund of the fare paid set to be returned to the original form of payment used at the time of the reservation.

Sailing roundtrip from Honolulu, Pride of America’s regular seven-night cruise in Hawaii also includes visits to Kona.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Passengers set to rejoin cruise after reportedly being left behind on African island

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. ( WMBF /Gray News) - A group of passengers who were reportedly left on an African island by their cruise liner is planning to return to the ship on Tuesday.

In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line said the group is set to rejoin the cruise in Dakar, Senegal.

The passengers were originally supposed to reboard on Monday in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship could not dock safely due to the weather.

Norwegian Cruise Line said its protocol means guests are typically responsible for any travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next port of call, but Norwegian will reimburse the group because of the weather issues.

The guests, which include a Garden City couple Jill and Jay Campbell, haven’t been back on the ship since March 27, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the guests were on a private tour and did not make it back in time.

“We were waiting for the tender boats to come back and get us because our boat was anchored off the harbor, but they didn’t come back to get us,” Jay Campbell previously shared.

According to the cruise line, all guests were told about an all-aboard 3 p.m. call time that day, but the guests missed it by more than an hour. It added that their passports were left with the local port agents for retrieval.

Norwegian Cruise Line explained that it works closely with local tour operators to ensure excursions are planned to the cruise line’s schedule to guarantee timely arrivals back to port. However, since the group was on a private tour, it was not in communication with the tour operator.

The Campbells were eight days into the 21-day cruise, which started in South Africa.

Norwegian Cruise Line claimed that once the guests did not make it back to the ship, it worked with them and the local port agent to help with obtaining the necessary visas for them.

Over the weekend, the passengers shared that they tried reaching out to Norwegian Cruise Line but they did not hear back from the company promptly regarding reembarking the ship.

“We paid a lot for this trip to Africa, so we hope to make it through the rest of this trip and end in Spain,” Jay Campbell previously shared.

Copyright 2024 WMBF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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