Pride of America Review
Despite rundown ship, subpar crew, and average food, good way to see Hawaii
Rating by category
Additional details
The NCL Pride of America is the only American based ship that stops on four Hawaiian islands, without a stop out of the country, ie, a Polynesian Island. This means the ship has different "rules". There is no casino, the drink packages are overpriced, everything has a service charge, it is an all American crew, and all American chefs. The cruise departs from Honolulu and stops in Maui for two days, Hilo, Kona, Kauai for two days and then back to Honolulu.
For reference, the cruise cost us $7,100 for two people. If you did what we did with a land only trip, you would spend close to $13,000 without airfare. If you go into the cruise being aware of its deficiencies, then it's easier to look past them and enjoy the trip.
The port in Honolulu is clean and was easy to navigate. Took an Uber to the port, dropped us off right at door. We used a porter to get our bags to security and waited in a small line to get on the ship. I think going later in the day, after 3pm helped with the lines and time for embarkation. Debarkation was a little less organized as a lines formed on the sixth deck to get off the trip. Took about 30-45 minutes.
Cabin Review
Aft-Facing Large Balcony
We stayed in an aft balcony cabin. The size of the balcony was amazing and the room was a normal size, but the bathroom was tiny, especially the shower. Our biggest issue with the room was the smell when the ship started and moved in a low tide area. Apparently it was problem throughout the ship.
Port Reviews
Honolulu
Use your own time in Honolulu to explore. Rent a car and drive around the island. Finding your own tour of Pearl Harbor, is desirable.
Hilo
We rented a car and drove around on our own for the day.
Kona (Kailua Bay)
We drove around on our own in a rental. Car. Lots of fun! Beautiful part of the big island.
Kauai
Again, rented a car and around on our own. Definitely our favorite spot on the trip.