Pride of America Review

Solo Traveler Review of the POA Studio Experience

Review for Hawaii Cruise on Pride of America
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OhJinkies
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: May 2014

Aloha! It’s been nearly a month since I embarked on my POA Hawaii cruise, so I’ve forgotten some of the details. But my major impressions remain and that’s what I’ll share with you.

About me – I’m a single, middle-aged woman and a sometimes solo traveler. I’ve been on about a dozen cruises (mostly NCL, Carnival and Disney) and have sailed on the Gem and the Epic .(my first solo studio experience). I was itching to go to Hawaii, so when I learned that NCL was adding four (a whopping FOUR) solo studios to the POA, I didn’t hesitate to book. I contacted my long-time TA, who booked my room, facilitated my onboard credit, and offered trip insurance (yes, I buy trip insurance). I could book it on my own, but it’s just something I do to give her my loyal business. I booked the trip over a year out, and she set up a monthly payment plan as well.

The rest of the planning I did on my own: hotel, air, tours, excursions, etc. A big part of my enjoyment in traveling is the planning process. For me, anticipation is almost as good as the actual experience! I turned to Cruise Critic, Trip Advisor, and a slew of other sources (various websites, Anne Vipond’s “Hawaii by Cruise Ship” book, the “Hawaii Revealed” series, and some travel podcasts) to help me out with planning.

Cabin Review

My solo studio was pretty much what I expected, with a couple of exceptions. If you’ve stayed on the Epic, you’ve probably enjoyed the Studio Lounge gatherings and group dinners. Those don’t happen on this ship – there is a nightly Solo Traveler’s gathering in one of the lounges, but it’s very lightly attended. I couldn’t even locate the “Studio Lounge,” until I tried opening what appeared to be a connecting door in my stateroom – there was a small room, like a waiting room, with four chairs and a TV. I NEVER saw anyone in that room. It was just rather weird. The other differences between my solo studio and the one on the Epic are minor—the room lighting is either white or blue, the phone is now on the desk, and the TV is a bit smaller – except for one important detail. Those cool “windows” that open to the corridor are completely opaque from the hallway on the Epic. NOT so on the POA. If you open the window shade, someone can see right into your room from the hallway. This is a good thing to know. I wonder why they even put them in there!

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