Pride of America Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our first cruise and we could not be happier! We arrived in Oahu a few days before the cruise started so we could explore Oahu. Embarkation and disembarkation went so smoothly - at every stop. The crew was great - from the restaurant staff to the cabin staff to the activity staff! Our cabin was small, but cozy and efficient. We thoroughly enjoyed the nightly entertainment. And the food was EXCELLENT! We dined mostly in the buffet restaurant, but also enjoyed the other restaurants. We didn't take advantage of the excursions as I thought they were a bit pricey. Instead, I researched and made other arrangements for excursions on my own. You just have to make sure to allow plenty of time to return to the ship on time because if you are late, the ship does not wait and you have to pay fees and meet the ship at the next stop.
It was a fantastic way to visit the Hawaiian Islands! I would go on this same cruise in a second!!!!!
Cabin Review
Studio Inside
Cabin was small but efficient. The cleaning crew were always on top of things to make sure it was clean and provided new towels every day. I thought I would be claustrophobic because of no windows, but that was not the case at all. And the bed was very comfortable!
Port Reviews
Honolulu
Embarkation went so smoothly. There was plenty enough time before the ship left for all 2500 passengers to embark. Truly, it never felt busy or crowded.
Maui
Maui was awesome! I downloaded an audio driving tour from Shaka Guide. They have several aps for the Hawaiian Islands. I downloaded The Road to Hana and it was FANTASTIC! It is a GPS ap so as you drive, the ap tells you what is around you and where to go next. We also got up VERY early and drove to Mt. Haleakala to watch the sun rise. So beautiful!
Hilo
We rented a car at each port. In Hilo, we spent most of the day in Hawaii Volcano's National Park. Got to see Mt. Kilauea's cauldron with quite a bit of lava action. Drove over many recent lava flows and could see where lava is hitting the ocean. In the evening we were able to see the same spot from the ship as it went by the lava flow!
Kona (Kailua Bay)
In Kona, we did not rent a car. We took advantage of the "Hop on - Hop off" bus that was available for cruise members for a fee. We toured the town and then went snorkeling at one of the many beaches.
Kauai
Kauai is my VERY favorite place on earth! It is heaven on earth! After the cruise was over, we flew back to Kauai and stayed an extra week! There is so much to do in Kauai besides just taking in the natural beauty! We drove to Waimea Canyon and hiked one of the many trails there. We also sent on a 8 mile (7 hour) hike on the Napoli Coast of Kauai. Climbed mountains, crossed streams, and swam under 300 foot waterfall. SO BEAUTIFUL! Also went for a 100 mile catamaran ride today. Started with breakfast on the boat. We then explored the Napoli Coast (beaches, caves, waterfalls, spinner dolphins, and sea turtles). We then went over to Nihue (the forbidden island). We anchored there and went snorkeling for an hour (saw lots of fish, a monk seal, and even a shark). We had a great lunch on the boat and then had an exciting ride back to port. And last, but definitely not least, we took a helicopter tour of the island. If you can only do one thing, I recommend taking the helicopter tour. It is a FANTASTIC way to see the entire island!