Everything about this trip was fantastic! I was a little worried reading some of the reviews on all the different cruise/travel websites about the Pride of America (especially the one about finding bed bugs...gross...and how unfriendly the crew is to the guests- NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!). I have no idea what cruise the disappointed cruisers were on but it certainly was not the same trip I just got back from! Super clean ship and super friendly crew/staff!

I booked through the NCL website and arranged the hotel (Marriott Waikiki Beach) through them as well. This was super convenient since the NCL headquarters for the islands is located in this hotel. By arranging the hotel through the cruise line, we were given travel vouchers from the hotel to the cruise ship on embarkation day and we did not have to worry about lugging our luggage anywhere as it went ahead of us to the ship. On other trips this could be a hassle with all the bags and people trying to fit into a van or taxi. Come in a few days early, get on Hawaiian time, and see Ouhu (Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, and Diamond Head).

I will say that the ship is smaller and is not going to have the same feel as the new huge ships jam packed with all the new toys and gadgets, but you will never have a dull moment on this boat! I needed a vacation from the vacation! Read more